University of Cape Coast

Centre for Coastal Management

To enhance conservation efforts at the Avu lagoon landscape in the Volta region of Ghana, the Centre Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast conducted a thermal drone survey at the Avu lagoon catchment area. This survey aimed to monitor, track, and protect wildlife and their habitats to inform decision-making.

The utilization of thermal imaging technology allowed for the identification of animals based on their heat signatures, enabling observations in darkness and dense vegetation without causing disturbance to the animals in their natural environment.

The first deployment was done in the Agbeve core zone together with the staff of Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in Canada. The drone survey successfully captured images of a sitatunga, monkeys, and various bird species. Subsequent surveys are scheduled for the Kleve and Bolome core areas.

We hope that the valuable data gathered will contribute to informed decision-making, ultimately enhancing wildlife conservation efforts in the landscape.