Lindbergh Foundation’s Air Shepherd Announces Partnership With DJI
The Lindbergh Foundation’s Air Shepherd program, developed to protect elephants and rhinos from poaching by using drones, today announced its partnership with world leading drone manufacturer DJI.
Berkeley Springs, WV--The Lindbergh Foundation's Air Shepherd program, developed to protect elephants and rhinos from poaching by using drones, today announced its partnership with world leading drone manufacturer DJI. The operations are a collaborated effort with African Parks, the non-profit conservation organization that is jointly operating the drone project on the ground in Liwonde National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve; two of three parks it manages in partnership with Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).
Along with Phantom 4 drones, the Air Shepherd team is using the standard Phantom camera for day flights and a thermal camera at night to address the following poaching issues: Meat poaching - monitor for poachers who kill and dismember an animal and remove it from the park. Human elephant conflict (HEC) - prevent elephants from breaking down fences surrounding villages in order to protect them from being shot and/or killed by villagers.
- Elephant herding - elephants are herded back to the park after breaking through fences
- Fence patrol - detect broken or breached fences
- Illegal fishing - identify fish poachers who travel by boat and by foot
"Drones add value to a countless number of applications from farming to search-and-rescue," said Caroline Briggert, head of stakeholder relations, DJI. "We are very proud to be partnering with Air Shepherd, an organization that is leading the way in how drones are being integrated into conservation, making park rangers and researchers work smarter, safer, and more efficient. Drones give a better situational awareness of where the animals are and how they are doing--all in a non-intrusive manner to minimize stress levels." The Lindbergh Foundation's Air Shepherd program is proving to be highly effective with drone teams flying in South Africa, Malawi and Zimbabwe. UAV and Drone Solutions, Lindbergh Foundation's principal partner, operates Air Shepherd drones at night when poachers are active--making it one of the most successful operations to combat poaching.
"We are thrilled to have the support from DJI," said Otto Werdmuller Von Elgg, head of drone operations for Air Shepherd. "The drones they manufacture allow us to target varying issues involving animal poaching and human elephant conflict. Their ease-of-use and high quality make them best in class." Anyone wanting to help fund Air Shepherd's effort should visit the current Indiegogo campaign at https://www.indiegogo.com/at/as16 which is now "In Demand."
About DJI
DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative drone and camera technology for commercial and recreational use. DJI was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI's global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, emergency response, agriculture, conservation and many other industries.
About Lindbergh Foundation's Air Shepherd Program
Developed by the Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation, the Air Shepherd program is using drones to protect rhinos and elephants in Africa. Using sophisticated three-aircraft operating teams that work with rangers on the ground, drones are flown over high probable poaching areas, allowing rangers to intercept suspects before a poaching incident can take place. A 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, the Lindbergh Foundation has dedicated 39 years to sustaining the Lindbergh legacy--using technology to help balance the effects of human development on the environment. For more information and to donate, please visit www.AirShepherd.org.
About African Parks
African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on direct responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. We currently manage ten parks in seven countries: Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia - covering an expansive six million hectares. For more information, please visit www.african-parks.org
