California-based heavy-lift UAV startup, Parallel Flight Technologies, has formed a partnership with Island Conservation, an environmental NGO, to safeguard endangered native flora and fauna from invasive predators. Parallel Flight, known for its development of the hybrid heavy-lift Firefly drone, has a track record of utilizing drone technology for humanitarian, medical, firefighting, and conservation missions.
According to CEO Joshua Resnick, the partnership with Island Conservation allows Parallel Flight to expand its positive impact on global biodiversity initiatives. Resnick stated,
"Welcoming Island Conservation, an extremely reputable and respected organization, as a partner is a multi-fold value add for Parallel Flight. This synergistic partnership will provide us access to directly impact global biodiversity initiatives by replacing helicopters and implementing our scalable technology for use across remote islands around the world. These types of use cases are a part of our DNA, and we are thrilled that this partnership will allow us to further act on our mission to save lives and protect the environment for future generations."
The collaboration between Parallel Flight and Island Conservation was prompted by Parallel Flight's participation in the USDA Wildlife Services' project, where the heavy-lift Firefly drones were deployed to eradicate invasive rats on Wake Island. The drones, equipped with internal combustion engines and 60V, 5000 mAh batteries, offered enhanced efficiency, accuracy, safety, and cost savings compared to traditional methods involving low-hovering helicopters.
David Will, Head of Innovation at Island Conservation, explained the significance of the partnership, stating,
"Frequently, conducting invasive species eradications in order to protect these ecosystems involves huge logistical and resource challenges. Because of this, we have pioneered the use of drones in invasive rodent eradications to overcome the cost and skill barriers to conventional ground and helicopter-based approaches. However, we've reached the limits of what current all-electric drone technology can achieve."
Island Conservation has previously demonstrated the effectiveness of its aerial approach to protect native wildlife. In 2021, they successfully eliminated invasive rats that posed a threat to two bird species on the Galápagos Islands. With the support of Parallel Flight's heavy-lift Firefly drones, Island Conservation aims to undertake future projects in various locations, including Savana Island in the Virgin Islands and the Palau Republic's archipelago.
The collaboration between Parallel Flight and Island Conservation signifies the combined effort to overcome the challenges of invasive species. By leveraging advanced drone technology, the partnership aims to safeguard ecosystems and prevent the further decline of endangered species
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