Heat-seeking drones are being used to count pup numbers at one of England's largest grey seal colonies.
The drones get above the action to record the protected Atlantic grey seals in a manner that is far less intrusive than human counting by close-quarters observation.
The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, is an important haven for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of adult seals, and are looked after by the National Trust.
“We are using a drone … which as well as filming the pups is fitted with thermal imaging technology to help make the count more accurate and less stressful for the seals,” said ranger Thomas Hendry.
“The drone gives us an excellent view of the islands and from the clear images we can count the total numbers of seal pups born on each island.
“It also allows us to see on to the smaller islands more frequently which can be more challenging to visit at this time of year due to difficult sea conditions.”
The drone aerial images will be analysed to properly survey the new population.
One drone films the seals from above in the normal way and a second uses thermal imaging to give analysts more accurate results.
Drones are increasingly used to count wildlife because they are less intrusive and stressful for animals than having a human up close.
“The increase in numbers in recent years is thought to be down to the lack of predators or disturbance and the fact that the grey seals are generalist rather than specialist feeders,” said Mr Hendry.
“Once born, they're sprayed with a harmless vegetable dye to indicate the week they are born. Using a rotation of three or four colours allows the rangers to keep track of the numbers.”
The last survey was completed in 2019 with a record number of 2,823 pups born, an increase of 62 per cent since 2014. Numbers are thought to have continued upwards since.
Labour dispute
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Tales of Yusuf Tadros
Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)
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We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
