GCA Forestry UK Limited
Transforming wildlife surveys with drone technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at gcaforestryuk@outlook.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
A wildlife census is a systematic survey used to estimate the size, distribution, and composition of a wildlife population within a defined area. In the case of wild deer, a census aims to provide an accurate assessment of deer numbers while recording important information such as species, sex, age class, location, and group size.
- Increased survey accuracy and detection rates.
- Reduced risk of double counting through georeferenced data collection.
- Minimal disturbance to wildlife.
- Access to challenging, remote, or densely wooded terrain.
- Greater cost-effectiveness than manned aerial surveys.
- Permanent evidence-based records through thermal imagery, video, and mapping outputs.
Thermal drone surveys provide a reliable, evidence-based method for estimating minimum wildlife populations within a defined area, while also identifying the species present and their locations.
The resulting data can support informed culling decisions, future woodland management planning, impact assessments, and applications for grants and specific licences.