Tens of thousands of animals saved: High demand for drones for fawn rescue

In 2024, at least 22,400 fawns were rescued thanks to the use of drones. More than 4,000 young hares, hedgehogs and similar animals have also been rescued.

(Image: slowmotiongli/Shutterstock.com)

May 14, 2025 at 3:35 pm CEST

2 min. read

By

Marie-Claire Koch

Rescued fawn — The fawn was lucky.

(Image: Wir retten Rehkitze e.V.)

Drones equipped with thermal imaging technology can help to rescue wild animals, especially fawns and other animals that could die while mowing agricultural land. As the demand for the technology from hunters or wildlife rescue associations is high, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs (BMLEH) is increasing funding for "the purchase of drones for fawn rescue from 1.5 million to a total of 2.5 million due to the high demand", according to the BMLEH.

Last year alone, more than 22,400 fawns were rescued on around 250,500 hectares of grassland. A spokeswoman for the BMLEH told heise online. "This corresponds to around 9 fawns per 100 hectares of grassland searched", said the BMLEH spokesperson.

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According to the spokesperson, more than "4,000 young hares, bird clutches, deer calves, hedgehogs and similar animals" have also been rescued, although "not all associations report their data back to us and therefore the figures cannot be seen in absolute terms".

Deer in the grass — Deer in the tall grass.

(Image: Wir retten Rehkitze e.V.)

Especially in spring, fawns and other animals seek shelter in the tall grass. If the grass is mown, the animals are difficult to spot in the tall grass as they lack the flight reflex in the first two weeks after birth. Instead, they have a shirking instinct and crouch flat on the ground as soon as a combine harvester approaches.

2446 drones funded

The BMLEH has been funding the purchase of drones with thermal imaging cameras for fawn rescue since 2021. Drone rescue is currently the best alternative to previous methods such as stalking or looking for the respective areas. Drones are significantly more effective and save time. The corresponding funding program was launched for the first time in 2021 and has been continued and adapted annually since then to support associations in acquiring this technology. "In the years 2021 to 2024, the BMLEH has already funded 2446 drones," says the BMLEH spokesperson. The program will continue in 2025, and applications can be submitted until 17 June 2025, according to the BMLEH.