What does this research mean for the field?

UAV-based thermal sensors can detect over 90% of roe deer fawns in grasslands prior to mowing, and short-distance relocation of these fawns results in high short-term survival. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Evaluate the detection efficacy of thermal-sensor-equipped unmanned aerial vehicles for roe deer fawns in grasslands and assess post-relocation survival.

August 22, 2026Wildlife BiologyOpen Access

Thermal‐UAV assisted detection and relocation of roe deer fawns in managed grasslands

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Evaluate the detection efficacy of thermal-sensor-equipped unmanned aerial vehicles for roe deer fawns in grasslands and assess post-relocation survival.
Marked 40 roe deer fawns (Capreolus capreolus), primarily with VHF radio collars, prior to scheduled mowing.
Conducted early-morning blind aerial surveys using a thermal-sensor-equipped UAV operated by an independent pilot unaware of fawn positions.
Relocated detected fawns under 300 m to safe areas and monitored survival for at least 4 days post-relocation.
Thermal UAV surveys detected 22 of 24 radio-marked fawns present in fields scheduled for mowing, yielding a detection rate exceeding 90%.
All detected and relocated fawns survived for at least 4 days post-relocation, confirming successful mother-offspring reunions.

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Implication

Field trial demonstrates over 90% detection and high short-term survival following thermal-drone relocation in roe deer fawns, indicating effective protection against mowing mortality.

Cite This Study

Kjellander et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a895e6bca7ade938187c8f9 https://doi.org/10.1002/wlb3.01701

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Implication

Field trial demonstrates over 90% detection and high short-term survival following thermal-drone relocation in roe deer fawns, indicating effective protection against mowing mortality.

Thermal‐UAV assisted detection and relocation of roe deer fawns in managed grasslands

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Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Thermal‐UAV assisted detection and relocation of roe deer fawns in managed grasslands

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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