In spring, fawns take refuge in tall grass. When threatened, they tend to remain still rather than flee. As a result, hundreds of fawns are fatally struck by mowing machines annually during the mowing of meadows.
To prevent this, drones with thermal imaging cameras can be used to inspect fields prior to mowing. The drones can also be employed to locate carcasses of wild boars that died from African Swine Fever (ASF).
BMEL started this subsidy scheme last year and is continuing it now. An increasing number of rural municipalities are making use of this service, deploying volunteers to operate the drones and check fields.
The subsidy covers up to 60% of the acquisition costs of a drone, with a maximum of 4,000 euros per association. Applications can be submitted to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) until June 17, 2025.
Besides protecting fawns, this measure also helps maintain livestock health. When fawns are killed by mowing machines in tall grass, their remains can end up in hay, which can lead to diseases in animals that consume this hay.
The use of drones with thermal imaging cameras is considered the most effective and time-saving method to protect fawns. Traditional methods, such as walking through fields or placing deterrents, are less efficient and more labor-intensive.