Exploring the use of thermal in aerial culling in northern Queensland

Abstract

Aerial culling can be a highly effective method for reducing populations of medium-large sized-herbivores such as feral pigs and deer. When populations are at high densities and habitats permit high detection probability (e.g. open habitats with sparse canopy cover), harvest rates (i.e. animals shot/hr) from aerial shooting are typically high. However, particularly in habitats with dense or complex canopy cover, or where there are fewer animals, detecting and dispatching animal groups becomes increasingly difficult and more time-consuming. Tools or technologies to increase the detection of animals may improve the efficiency of aerial culling programs (e.g. animals detected and removed per hour of flying) but require consideration to ensure that they remain cost-effective against more conventional approaches.
In southern Australia, the use of thermal-assisted aerial culling can dramatically increase the efficiency and improve program outcomes. This technique uses a thermal camera operator to help locate groups of animals that can be then dispatched by the aerial marksman. A modified approach using a thermal camera operator may assist aerial culling in deer and pig- affected areas in northern Queensland but remains largely untested under such contrasting landscapes and (typically warmer) climatic conditions.
Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) are collaborating with a Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) control program to examine the potential of thermal to assist aerial control operations for feral deer (and pigs) near Collinsville, northern Queensland. An experienced contractor provides guidance to the marksman (i.e. shooter) via a thermal camera. Collinsville is an appropriate test site with deer and pigs sheltering in heavy vegetation cover (rubber vine, tall grass, tree canopy) along river courses - as well as in the more open areas. This assessment will help to determine whether the use of a thermal camera is suitable in these areas, can be incorporated into existing programs, and the benefits compared to conventional aerial culling methods. This will assist to optimise control practices to better inform end-users.
This presentation discusses the importance of the information sought, the approach and the results of this initial assessment to date. This work is supported through funding for deer control through the National Feral Deer Management Coordination Program, WRC and BQ.