Unveiling the Impact of Drone Noise on Wildlife: A Crucial Research Imperative
Saadia Afridi, Kasper Hlebowicz, Dylan Cawthorne, Ulrik Pagh Schultz
Abstract
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly known as drones, have become integral across various industries, ranging from photography and surveillance to scientific research. While their applications offer numerous benefits, the noise generated by drones poses a potential threat to the well-being of wildlife. Using a systematic literature review, we examine a wide range of sources to gain insights into the current state of knowledge on the impacts of drones on wildlife, with a particular focus on noise. The literature review reveals a significant research gap and highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of drone-induced noise on animal and ecosystem behavior. This paper advocates for concerted efforts to address the issue of drone noise on animals. It raises a fundamental question: Can we design drones to minimize noise and responsibly incorporate them into wildlife research?