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Drone boost for fawn rescue: More funding in Saarland!
Increases in funding for drones for fawn rescue in Saarland: financing, challenges and successes of the associations.
Drone boost for fawn rescue: More funding in Saarland!
The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has decided to increase the funding for the use of drones to rescue fawns from 1.5 million euros to 2.5 million euros. This decision aims to support the rescue efforts of fawns, which are particularly at risk during the frequent mowing operations in May. District hunting clubs, hunters' associations and fawn rescue clubs that are actively committed to protecting animals are supported. Applications to purchase drones can be submitted until June 17, 2025, with a maximum grant of 4,000 euros available.
The Saarland associations Rehkitzrettung Saarland and Kitzrettung Saarland have received funding for a total of seven drones since they were founded in 2021 and have also submitted applications for this year. However, they see the funding as insufficient. Only one drone is funded per year, while clubs state that at least three new drones would be needed to maintain optimal operations. The demand is high due to technical problems such as crashes due to failure and the replacement of defective devices. A drone from the Rehkitzrettung Saarland association can no longer be used this season, and the Kitzrettung Saarland association had to replace two drones because no new batteries were available.
Challenge and need
The problem of insufficient funding is being addressed at both clubs. This is currently 60 percent of the total eligible expenditure. Those responsible are calling for an adjustment to both the funding rate and the maximum funding amount of 4,000 euros. The goal is to make purchasing modern drones easier, as newer models offer longer flight times per battery and can search larger areas. The purchase costs of drones still prevent many clubs from using the technology widely, even though it is considered the most effective method for locating and rescuing fawns. It is estimated that thousands of fawns are injured or killed during mowing every year, which is why their ability to remain motionless when threatened can become a source of grief for their survival.
In total, several hundred fawns are rescued in Saarland every year; in 2024 there were around 445 in 225 missions. The use of thermal imaging drones is the only reliable method to prevent fawns from being mowed to death. The clubs also rely on donations and private sponsors to continue their valuable work and fight for the well-being of the fawns.
The BMEL's funding is seen as a positive step in the right direction, but a fundamental revision of the funding structure remains necessary in order to meet the required standards. SR.de reports on the shortcomings while the BMEL informed about the framework conditions and the success story of drone funding.