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 Wings4Wildlife was founded on the principle that aviation is an important contributor to the study and preservation of wildlife. Although the accompanying photo (the picture has been circulating over the internet but its actual origin is unknown) humorously depicts one way of using an airplane to protect wildlife. We have much loftier goals!
We are a service organization and our activities are focused on providing an airplane and pilot directly to field research teams.
Airplane
Presently we operate a 1967 Cessna 206 - a single engine, high wing, six seat airplane - the ultimate “bush plane”. The aircraft carries the U. S. registration number N620AB, and is operated under the rules outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration. In accordance with the international aviation treaty (“ICAO”) it is also operated under the rules defined by the civil aviation authority of each country.
N620AB was purchased in the U.S. with the express purpose of tranporting it to Africa to conduct our mission. It was flown from its former home in Iowa to California where is was disassembled and packed into a shipping container (with two other airplanes) then shipped from the port of Oakland to Durbin, South Africa with a stop over in Singapore. From Durbin it was trucked to the Johannesburg area where it was reassembled. With all its essential parts in place it flew flawlessly on its initial test flight, and is about to begin its fourth year of service in 2007.
Our chief pilot, Alan Parnass, has over 27 years of flying experience and logged in excess of 2500 hours. All pilot services are provided on a volunteer basis; pilots also supply their own aircraft. These noncommercial operations are provided without compensation except for the reimbursement of actual fuel costs, airport and navigation fees.
Flying Activities
Listed below is a brief description of the various activities that the organization will conduct on behalf of the sponsoring groups. A summary of past projects is included in the associated pages.
Animal Tracking
In order to locate animals in the wild, radio tracking transmitters are attached to selected animals using neck collars or other body attachments. These transmitters emit a continuous signal that can be detected by specialized radio receivers. Using directional antennas the position of a signal, and hence the animal can be located. While land based tracking is possible, aerial tracking is more effective and expeditious. Often the animal has wandered outside of its protected habitat and beyond the range of a land based receiver. Only the use of an airplane can find these missing animals.
Animal Census or Survey
For certain species a census must be conducted on a periodic basis to determine the number of animals in a study area. The process utilizes one or more airplanes that fly over an established grid or transect, where skilled observers count the number and species of each animal observed. Aerial photographs are also used to validate the populations.
Aerial Photography & Surveys
In order to conduct land based research and animal observations, it is imperative that key landmarks are properly identified and calibrated using GPS provided Latitude/Longitude coordinates. Providing an airplane to fly over these areas allows researchers to photograph and become familiar with their region of study.
Anti-Poaching Surveillance
In order to protect the wildlife population, local governments maintain policing units to deter and apprehend individuals suspected of illegally poaching animals in public parks and reserves. Our organization assists with government efforts by conducting routine flights over these areas to identify signs of possible poaching activities.
Animal Transportation
Occasionally animals will wander outside of their protected areas and pose a threat to the local population or domestic animals. Likewise, an injured animal may require immediate medical attention. Our organization provides an aircraft to conduct emergency evacuations or relocations.
Staff and Supply Transportation
Many research activities are conducted in remote locations where land transportation is impractical or impossible. Our organization provides an aircraft and pilot to transport staff or supplies to these remote locations.
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