Conservation charities and organisations believe they finally have the technological edge in the long-term fight against poachers across southern Africa. Drones originally developed for warfare in the Middle East and elsewhere are now becoming smaller, more affordable, and flexible in their uses. Conservationists across the continent are now deciding whether they can be fully utilised to protect big game such as elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and others. The Benefits of the DroneAble to fly for long periods of time, far from the point of control, with a high degree of stability, stealth, and also the ability to film single or multiple angles close by and far away, the drone has a range of abilities for conservationists to exploit. These can most ably be divided into protecting wildlife from poachers and monitoring their behaviours. Combating Poachers: An eye in the sky, allows conservationists to see not only where the animals are, but also the poachers too. When a territory covers hundreds of square miles, it’s next to impossible to guess where the poachers are. However, if a drone can spot them from a distance, then conservationists and government forces can better deploy their troops to protect the nearest animals in danger.…