A group of researchers have utilised drones to monitor the pregnancy status of dolphins.

According to an article on BBC News, the University of Aberdeen have been keeping an eye on the bottlenose dolphin population at the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation in Scotland for over 30 years.

This study involving drones is said to be the first non-invasive method of observing the pregnancy rates of this particular species. In the past, pregnancies were first known when the dolphins were eventually observed with their new born.

The drones provide photos of the dolphins which are then examined, with the size of their body width being a telltale sign as to whether they are expecting or not.

“We only knew about successful pregnancies, and didn’t know how many pregnancies failed or how many calves died before we saw them,” said Dr Barbara Cheney of The University of Aberdeen.

“The main aim of the study was to explore whether we could remotely determine pregnancy status from aerial photographs taken using an unoccupied aerial system or drone. Similar studies have been carried out for larger whales but as far as we know this is the first time it has been done for small cetaceans.”

To see these drones in action, check out this video: