Drone Surveillance in Protecting Endangered Species: Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in India

The use of drone technology is a turning point for novel and improved methods of wildlife conservation in India. This article examines the multi-faceted roles that drones play in wildlife monitoring and conservation, and the potential for adoption of drones in augmenting current efforts. The article begins by providing an overview of the legal regime surrounding drone use in India by examining the Civil Aviation Requirements for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, 2021 and other Acts protecting wild animals. It then confronts the legal and operational barriers to their use. Further, the article casts a glance back, by explaining how and why drones have been used in conservation. Case studies, illustrating the use of drone technology for Project Tiger and for conservation of elephants (examining cases of poaching using drones and use of drones for real-time monitoring and surveillance) set the pace for technological advancement. The article also considers how predictive analytics and artificial intelligence can aid in aligning conservation efforts with the real world and in engaging local communities who share their territory with rare and protected wildlife. Finally, through case studies, the article envisions public-private partnerships for wildlife conservation and leading strategies for the effective organisation of elected representatives. The article concludes by providing concrete policy recommendations to improve legal frameworks and to create standard operating procedures necessary for wildlife conservation through technologies like drones.