Germany Funds Nearly 500 Drones to Protect Wildlife During Harvests

The federal government has allocated €1.84 million to support drone-based wildlife rescue efforts, focusing on saving young deer from agricultural machinery.

The German Federal Ministry of Agriculture funded the purchase of nearly 500 drones equipped with thermal imaging technology to aid in wildlife rescue efforts.
The initiative aims to locate and save young deer, particularly fawns, that seek shelter in tall grass before fields are harvested with heavy machinery.
A total of €1.84 million in funding was distributed to wildlife rescue organizations across the country in 2024.
Bavaria received the largest share of drones (162), followed by Niedersachsen (67), Schleswig-Holstein (54), and Nordrhein-Westfalen (53).
Out of 501 funding applications submitted nationwide, 483 were approved, with some rejections due to applicants not meeting eligibility criteria.