VICTORIA, Seychelles — Drones are playing a growing role in monitoring and preserving Seychelles’ wetland ecosystems, allowing conservationists to survey and assess the health of key sites and respond to environmental threats more effectively. The LEAP Project, in partnership with Nature Seychelles, is at the forefront of the initiative, working with two specialists from the University of Würzburg in Germany.
The two researchers, Marlene Bauer and Anna Bischof, said the DJI Mavic 3 Pro currently in use by Nature Seychelles has proven a valuable asset. According to Ms Bauer and Ms Bischof, the primary advantage of drones lies in their ability to capture high-resolution aerial imagery, which is then used to generate detailed maps of wetland areas. The drone also plays a crucial role in anti-poaching patrols, helping to protect endangered species from illegal activities.
Mahé alone is home to approximately 444 hectares of mangrove forests, and continuous monitoring is essential to preserving these delicate ecosystems. As part of their work with Nature Seychelles, the researchers have conducted specialised drone training sessions for conservation personnel from Cousin Island and the Ministry of Environment. The training included both theoretical and practical aspects, covering remote sensing, legal regulations, flight planning and photogrammetry. While drones are not a complete replacement for ground-based fieldwork, they provide detailed aerial data that is transforming how Seychelles monitors its wetlands.
