These drones are helping fight poachers (VIDEO)

All over Africa, precious wildlife is being wiped out by poachers looking to cash in on some quick money. In just two years, more than 100,000 elephants were killed by poachers seeking nothing more than their tusks for ivory. Similarly, rhinos are illegally hunted for their horns, which can fetch a hefty $500,000 on the black market.

The black rhino is now extinct and the very small white rhino population hangs on to life by a tiny thread. In fact, the world’s last male white rhino is under 24-hour armed guard.

But the Rangers protecting the precious wildlife have limitations, so the Air Shepherd program has stepped in to give the Rangers – and the wildlife – a helping hand with the use of drones.

By using drones equipped with infrared technology, a greater area can be covered in a shorter time and in a safer manner. Using the technology, Rangers can pinpoint the exact location of poachers, giving both authorities and the animals they protect a fighting chance.

[ Air Shepherd ]

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