New drone to boost rhino poaching fight

South African scientists have designed a hi-tech drone that could catch rhino poachers in the act and provide indisputable evidence of their crimes.

It is then set to become a blueprint for other purpose-built drones that would be used to assist in missions such as firefighting.

In February, the drone designed by Oscar Philander and his team at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology took flight at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal.

After a successful maiden voyage, it is now being perfected ahead of July 1, when, according to new legislation, permit applications can be made.

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"It was specifically designed as a surveillance aircraft," said Philander. "We designed wings that were large and long to give it more stability and a slower speed. It is a cross between a glider and a conventional aircraft and can stay up for longer than other drones."

The footage showed that no poachers were operating in the area on the day. "But the quality of what we captured would have made it impossible for a poacher to go by unnoticed."

South Africa National Parks spokesman Reynold Thakhuli said: "SANParks is testing the viability of the use of drones. We are supported and funded by the Peace Parks Foundation and will carry out the tests over 12 months because it is rough terrain and we need to see if the drones will cope."

On whether the drones from the university would be purchased, Thakhuli said: "Once we have made a decision, we will go the governmental route and put out a call to tender for all manufacturers. "

Drone regulations were announced by the South African Civil Aviation Authority on May 17. Subash Devkaran, the authority's certification senior manager, said South Africa was one of the first countries to develop comprehensive laws pertaining to drones - it was a "highly complex area of regulation" and many countries were still in flux.