Gippsland pig surveys
Embark on a nocturnal aerial expedition with FMS as they deploy advanced thermal camera-equipped drones in Gippsland, assisting DEECA in monitoring and controlling elusive feral pig populations with unprecedented efficiency.
Customer
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
Location
Bushfire affected Gippsland
Equipment Used
- DJI Matrice 300
- DJI Matrice 30
Licences and approvals
- Night operation
- Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)
Problem
Feral pigs are a growing problem in regional Australia. They breed quickly, are elusive and cause huge damage to native areas, agriculture and biodiversity. DEECA is responsible for monitoring and controlling feral pigs within Victoria, with trail cameras being the traditional survey method for estimating feral pig populations in a given area. This data is then used to inform baiting programs.
Solution
FMS worked closely with DEECA to develop a robust drone survey methodology for finding pigs using thermal camera equipped drones. Using these drones, FMS could survey thousands of acres a night, negating the need for costly time consuming camera trapping programs. Pig locations were accurately mapped and reported on, with the results being used to gauge the effectiveness of existing baiting programs and plan for future programs.
