In Russia, Drones Are Hunting Poachers
Russia is deploying AI‑enabled drones to track down poachers in remote forests—a high‑tech breakthrough that shows how digital monitoring can strengthen wildlife protection and environmental oversight.
High‑Tech Patrols from Above
Operators from Digital Primorye have successfully tested unmanned aerial systems designed to detect illegal hunting in hard‑to‑reach forest regions. Working jointly with the Wildlife Protection Directorate of Primorsky Krai, specialists conducted aerial reconnaissance over the Ussuri urban district. They practiced real‑time coordination between drone crews in the air and ground inspectors, allowing rapid response to unlawful activity.
Two types of UAVs were used during the tests: the IRBIS‑538 VTOL fixed‑wing aircraft and the DJI Matrice 300RTK multirotor drone. Both systems are equipped with advanced optical zoom cameras and thermal imaging sensors capable of detecting targets at night or beneath tree cover.
Crimes Caught on Camera
The trial confirmed the effectiveness of the technology. From the air, operators clearly documented serious violations: the shooting of wildlife from a moving vehicle and the transport of an unholstered firearm. The captured photo and video materials may serve as evidence for initiating administrative or criminal proceedings.
A Model for Global Environmental Monitoring
Digital Primorye is unique in its integrated use of drone technology for public needs. Established under a concession agreement with the Primorsky Krai government, the company also deploys UAVs to detect forest fires, monitor flood conditions, support search‑and‑rescue operations, and control land use.
This project demonstrates a ready‑to‑deploy technical solution capable of strengthening environmental protection and ecological control in any region of the world.
