Drones have transformed wildlife monitoring, offering non-invasive survey methods across vast and inaccessible terrain. But drone disturbance to wildlife is a real welfare concern that requires careful protocols.
Drone monitoring represents a genuine advance in conservation technology — replacing more disturbing boat or helicopter approaches in many contexts. But the assumption that drones are inherently non-invasive is wrong. Careful protocol development, species-specific approach guidelines and ongoing monitoring of behavioural responses are required. Researchers and wildlife managers using drones have a welfare responsibility to assess disturbance impacts and adjust protocols accordingly. When drone use causes documented disturbance, alternative survey methods should be considered.