Drones are becoming increasingly valuable tools in wildlife studies due to their ability to access remote areas and offer high-resolution information with minimal human interference. Their application is, however, causing concern regarding wildlife disturbance. This review synthesizes the existing literature on how animals within terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic environments are impacted by drone disturbance in relation to operational variables, sensory stimulation, species-specific sensitivity, and physiological and behavioral responses. We found that drone altitude, speed, approach distance, and noise levels significantly influence wildlife responses, with some species exhibiting increased vigilance, flight responses, or physiological stress. Environmental context and visual cues are also involved in species detection of drones and disturbance thresholds. Although the short-term response to behavior change has been well documented, long-term consequences of repeated drone exposure remain poorly known. This paper identifies the necessity for continued research into drone–wildlife interactions, with an emphasis on the requirement to minimize disturbance by means of improved flight parameters and technology.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Impact of Drone Disturbances on Wildlife: A Review




    Publication date :

    2025




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    Unknown




    Drone Applications in Wildlife Research—A Synoptic Review

    Mazumdar, Subhendu | Springer Verlag | 2022


    Drone-enabled wildlife monitoring system

    FOX ANDREW JOHN / CARUANA MICHELLE | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    Unveiling the Impact of Drone Noise on Wildlife: A Crucial Research Imperative

    Afridi, Saadia / Hlebowicz, Kasper / Cawthorne, Dylan et al. | IEEE | 2024


    Drone Observations of Marine Life and Human–Wildlife Interactions off Sydney, Australia

    Vanessa Pirotta / David P. Hocking / Jason Iggleden et al. | DOAJ | 2022

    Free access

    Estimating Wildlife Tag Location Errors from a VHF Receiver Mounted on a Drone

    André Desrochers / Junior A. Tremblay / Yves Aubry et al. | DOAJ | 2018

    Free access