Fawns and agriculture
Deers give birth to their young (fawns) in grasslands, pastures and agricultural fields. During the first three to four weeks of its birth, the fawn is vulnerable and hidden among the tall grass. The birth period is from May to the end of July, which coincides with the first mowing of grasses for forage.
With a variable size between 20 and 50 cm, the fawns are often invisible in the tall grass and impossible to spot. Moreover, by survival instinct, they remain motionless until the danger has passed.
Mowing is often done by large agricultural machines for efficiency and money. These machines mow the grass in lines of 3 to 10 meters. With the noise and the speed of the cutting/moving, it is impossible to spot the fawn before the accident.
Every year, thoursands of fawns die while mowing the fields.
We must act!
Spot and Rescue
SOS Faons is an association of volunteers in Neuchâtel, active in addition to their main activity. The association has been active for several years now, but is limited in effectiveness. With 3 drones and only a handful of volunteers, it is difficult to meet the growing demand for interventions. Although the number of volunteers is increasing, the equipment available is lacking because it is expensive.
We are all professionally active and take our time in the morning to perform our missions.
For my part, I am an engineer and animal photographer. Every year I notice a drop in the population of deer and other animals in our regions. The causes are multiple, but all related to one point: our human activities. I remain convinced that a cohabitation is possible if we make an effort and leave a little space for our fauna. That’s why we get up in the morning and go to work with our hearts full of emotions and a sense of accomplishment. Each fawn saved is a moment that cannot be described - just experienced.
How a mission unfolds: The farmer calls us the day before and tells us the plot that will be mowed. Our work starts at 3am, before the mowing. This schedule is critical, to ensure that the field is relatively cool and that hot springs can be easily spotted. Equipped with drones with thermal imaging cameras, each field is thoroughly reviewed. If one or more fawns are present, the hard work begins. The drone flies over the fawn to keep it in sight. Once on the spot, we secure it. The field is mowed in the morning and the fawn is safely released!
faon sécurisé lors de la fauche 
This is what I need backing for.
The funds collected will allow to support the association and to acquire an additional drone as well as the necessary equipment to secure the fawns.
1 drone and complete kit allows to have 1 pilot and 1 additional assistant, which represents 3 to 4 additional plots per day.
The idea of this crowdfunding is to be able to ensure the operation of the rescues of the year 2022 and 2023. The surplus collected will be invested as capital in the association for the maintenance of the equipment and the training of new pilots.
Help us save the fawns and other residents of the high grass!