In order to assist ecologists in monitoring and compiling a database of biodiversity, a group of researchers has developed a specialized research drone that can collect genetic material from trees.

The team has high hopes that they will be able to collect important data on biodiversity with the assistance of the drone.

Video of the research drone collecting samples

Researchers at ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL are the ones behind the drone project.

They are using the research drone to collect samples of genetic material that organisms in various natural landscapes have left behind.

Collecting data from the treetops is quite a challenge for human workers, in contrast to the ease with which samples of soil and water can be obtained. This is where the drone can be of assistance.

The autonomously flying unmanned aircraft is equipped with adhesive…

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Source: dronexl.co