Spatially assisted aerial shooting (SAAS) - translating feral pig habitat preferences into improved on ground outcomes

Abstract

Several key barriers hinder effective feral pig management across Australia. To overcome these obstacles, it’s essential to turn scientific insights into practical, effective management strategies. Despite the urgent need for control measures, challenges such as lack of motivation, inadequate strategy and limited local data continue to impede efforts to reduce feral pig numbers on a landscape scale. This field trial, led by Western Downs Regional Council, aims to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of aerial shooting of feral pigs using spatial insights. The trial uses feature revisitation modelling developed by Cameron Wilson (QDPI) to identify habitats favoured by feral pigs, drawing on data from feral pig collaring projects led by Darren Marshall (CISS). This modelling offers insights into feral pigs' landscape use patterns and home ranges. Through geographic information system (GIS) analysis, specific areas with preferred habitat characteristics were mapped and targeted for aerial shooting by pest groups led by landholders. The efficiency of shooting within these key areas will be measured and compared to the default approach. Historically, the success of aerial shoots has relied on contractors’ understanding of the landscape and feral pig behaviour. However, incorporating Spatially Assisted Aerial Shooting (SAAS) seeks to even the playing field, reducing reliance on contractor experience. The trial is being implemented in three distinct landscape-use regions within the Western Downs: areas dominated by cropping, mixed cropping and grazing, and grazing systems. By evaluating the efficacy of control measures across these varied landscapes, the project aims to demonstrate that this new approach can be scaled and replicated in similar landscapes across Australia. Ultimately, this initiative exemplifies the translation of scientific research into actionable management practices, with the potential to improve feral pig control and reduce impacts on the Western Downs and the wider continent.