Drones banned in South Australian national parks to protect animals

Drones have been banned from South Australia's national parks in an effort to curb their impact upon animal behaviour.

At the end of last week, South Australia Environment Department Regional Programs Director Grant Pelton said anyone operating a drone without a permit would be fined $75.

Pelton told the ABC “we've seen an increasing trend in use particularly in places like the Eyre Peninsula and over on Kangaroo Island.

"As a result of that, we've received a number of complaints and therefore made the decision to amend our regulations to actually better regulate the use of drones."

Pelton said drones had the potential to impact birds, including endangered species such as the White Bellied Sea Eagle.

He added “they're highly sensitive to disturbance, particularly during their nesting and breeding period, so obviously we want to regulate the use of any kind of aircraft in those areas, including drones.”

University of Adelaide researcher Jarrod Hodgson earlier this year called for a code of practice to protect animals and wildlife from research drones as well.

He said the increased use of drones for research, commerce and recreations, had the potential to impact animal breeding patterns and behaviour.

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