Drones Used To Save Elephants In Kenya

In a happy merging of technology and compassion, drones, Google Earth and iPads are now being utilized to keep poachers from ravaging the wildlife population in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Initially used to monitor the elephant populations, conservationists now find that drones can be used to herd the animals away from poachers to safer parts of the African savanna. The use of this technology to protect endangered animals seems to be just beginning.

Drones are basically the future of conservation; a drone can do what 50 rangers can do,” said James Hardy, a fourth-generation Kenyan and manager of the Mara North Conservancy. “It’s going to reach a point where drones are on the forefront of poaching. At night time we could use it to pick up heat signatures of poachers, maybe a dead elephant if we’re quick enough.

Elephant ivory can sell for as much as $1,000 a kilogram and the problem of poaching is widespread in Africa.  In addition to the utilization of first world technology, increased jail terms for those convicted have been introduced in an effort to stem this brutal practice.

Throughout history advances in military techniques have eventually lead to benefits for peaceful endeavors. So while the use of drones in the “War on Terror” continues to be controversial, other uses for the pilot-less aircraft are being discovered and welcomed in some unexpected places.

By: Mark Quincy Adams

A proud 'pragmatic progressive' Mark Quincy Adams has been a political
talk show host and prolific pontificator since 1992. Find him on Facebook and Twitter @politicalglutton