The growing use of drones in wildlife research is reshaping how scientists observe animals in remote landscapes. While drones offer a safer and more efficient method for monitoring large mammals, new evidence suggests that these devices can still influence animal behavior.
A recently published study titled “Elephant habituation to drones as a behavioural observation tool”, led by Jessica Granweiler from the Elephants and Bees Research Center, Save the Elephants, examines how African savannah elephants respond to drone exposure—and how those responses shift over time. The research appeared in Scientific Reports for January 2025 and provides new insight into the balance between technological convenience and animal welfare.
The study was conducted in two major elephant conservation areas in Kenya, Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve. These reserves have long been monitored, allowing researchers to recognize individual elephants based on unique physical traits. In total, the research team carried out 35 drone flights over 14 identified elephant groups. The drone used for the study, a DJI Matrice 30T, was flown at an altitude of about 120 meters—high enough to reduce noise disturbance, yet low enough for the onboard camera to capture detailed behavioral footage.
Difference Behavior of Elephant Under Drone Monitoring
Each flight consisted of several phases, beginning before takeoff and continuing through the drone’s approach, the period when the drone hovered directly above the group, the retreat phase, and the period after landing. Throughout these stages, researchers recorded both normal elephant activities—such as feeding, walking, and resting—and behaviors that indicated alertness or disturbance. The data revealed that drone presence did affect baseline behavior. Approximately 51.4 percent of all flights triggered at least one noticeable disturbance response, including elephants raising their heads, swinging their trunks, stopping feeding, or momentarily repositioning themselves to observe the unfamiliar sound coming from above.
Behavioral shifts were most pronounced while the drone was in the air. Elephants tended to feed less, walk more, and reduce resting time during drone exposure. After the drone moved away or landed, some groups exhibited longer resting periods than before the flight began, suggesting that the animals compensated for the interrupted behavior. These findings highlight the importance of considering baseline behavior when using drones for research; changes induced by drone exposure could otherwise introduce bias into behavioral studies.
Evidence of Habituation
However, the study also found encouraging evidence of habituation. Among groups that were exposed to multiple drone flights, disturbance responses declined significantly over time. Elephants appeared calmer during subsequent flights, resumed feeding more quickly, and displayed fewer signs of alertness. This suggests that although drones may initially disrupt behavior, elephants can learn to tolerate them once they perceive the threat level to be minimal.
Lead author Jessica Granweiler emphasized the broader implications of the findings. “Drones have enormous potential as a tool for wildlife monitoring, particularly in environments where human presence could pose risks or lead to greater disturbance than a drone”, she wrote on her journal.
Yet, she warned that their use must be carefully managed. In her view, while elephants can indeed become accustomed to drone noise and movement, the behavioral changes recorded during early exposures cannot be ignored. “These early disturbances highlight the importance of designing drone protocols that minimize stress, avoid unnecessary flights, and incorporate careful documentation of pre-flight behavior!, she wrote.
Granweiler stressed that the goal of the research is not simply to measure disturbance but to build a scientific foundation for ethical and reliable drone use in wildlife studies.
Implication for Conservationist
The findings of this study carry significant implications for conservationists and wildlife researchers. Drones offer unique advantages, enabling aerial perspectives of large animals while reducing the need for close human contact. This makes them particularly valuable in dangerous or inaccessible terrains. Yet, as the study demonstrates, drone use is not entirely impact-free. Researchers must approach drone deployment with sensitivity to elephant behavior and awareness of how animals may react to unfamiliar technology.
Ultimately, this research deepens our understanding of the interaction between modern technology and wildlife. Drones have the potential to become essential tools for long-term monitoring and conservation, but their application must be guided by thoughtful protocols and ethical considerations. When used responsibly, drone technology can support conservation goals while minimizing disturbance—helping ensure that elephants and other wildlife can continue to be observed in ways that respect their natural behavior and ecological needs. (Wage Erlangga)
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