The drones are equipped with infrared cameras, zoom lenses and spotlights to make it easy to spot animals in the wild.

HSI worked closely with drone pilot Douglas Thorne to make drone technology an essential part of animal SAR.

During the recent bushfires in eastern Australia, drones have been used throughout the recovery process. The Ripper Rescue Alliance has been completing SAR missions on mainland Australia for over a month now, saving injured and starving animals.

Researchers are also is looking at using drones as a system to detect early signs of bushfires by using sensors to check for conditions that are perfect for a bushfire to start.

Thorne said: “I recommend infrared drones with spotlights become an essential part of the animal rescue tool kit. Uptake of this technology can shave off countless hours of searching on the ground. Time is precious for these animals as they frequently die before they can be reached.”