Sky patrol: Agriculturists deploy drones for protecting Aussie wildlife
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Australia is a land renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, but not all creatures roaming the bush are welcome.
In recent times, drones have taken to the skies, not for the usual breathtaking aerial photography but for environmental surveillance missions.
These unmanned aerial vehicles confirmed the presence of an invasive species threatening Australia's ecosystem.
Fallow deer, one of the most widespread deer species in the country, have been a protected hunting resource in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania for years.
This protection has unintentionally fueled their spread. The confirmation of their existence in Ginninderry was anticipated, leading to a new project led by the Department of Agriculture (DAFF).
‘We actually chose an invasive species that we knew was definitely in the area,’ DAFF’s Director of Innovation, Jessica May, explained.
The project's aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using drones to collect water samples from rivers using hydrasleeves and returning them for human testing.
These samples are then analysed for environmental DNA, employing methods similar to those used in tracking COVID-19 in sewage systems.
The benefits of employing this advanced technological method are evident.
What would typically require an hour of laborious trekking and wading into water can now be accomplished in a mere 15 minutes.
May also hoped this trial will soon enable scientists to access rugged, hazardous areas that are difficult for humans to traverse, allowing them to test for emerging threats that are not yet widespread.
Additionally, researchers are optimistic that their technology will soon aid in tackling two problematic insect species.
‘We can look potentially for red imported fire ants or yellow crazy ants; the runoff from their nests would go into the water, and we could confirm they’re in the area," May said.
The implications of this technology extend beyond invasive fauna.
It could play a crucial role in monitoring the spread of agricultural diseases like foot and mouth disease and African swine fever among feral pig populations, particularly in the remote, far north.
Another pressing concern is avian influenza, which has decimated millions of domestic and wild birds globally.
‘Birds shed DNA through their faeces. It goes into the water, and we can pick that up and confirm avian influenza is in the area.’
‘It’s about confirming, detecting, and monitoring things in the area to see if they've spread or moved,’ she said.
In a similar news, Australia declared the first human ‘bird flu’ case signifying the importance of innovative use of our modern technologies.
What do you think about the DAFF's new initiative? We’d love to hear about your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
In recent times, drones have taken to the skies, not for the usual breathtaking aerial photography but for environmental surveillance missions.
These unmanned aerial vehicles confirmed the presence of an invasive species threatening Australia's ecosystem.
Fallow deer, one of the most widespread deer species in the country, have been a protected hunting resource in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania for years.
This protection has unintentionally fueled their spread. The confirmation of their existence in Ginninderry was anticipated, leading to a new project led by the Department of Agriculture (DAFF).
‘We actually chose an invasive species that we knew was definitely in the area,’ DAFF’s Director of Innovation, Jessica May, explained.
The deployment of drones for the efficient collection of water samples from the rivers in Ginninderry. Credit: The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The project's aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using drones to collect water samples from rivers using hydrasleeves and returning them for human testing.
These samples are then analysed for environmental DNA, employing methods similar to those used in tracking COVID-19 in sewage systems.
The benefits of employing this advanced technological method are evident.
What would typically require an hour of laborious trekking and wading into water can now be accomplished in a mere 15 minutes.
May also hoped this trial will soon enable scientists to access rugged, hazardous areas that are difficult for humans to traverse, allowing them to test for emerging threats that are not yet widespread.
Additionally, researchers are optimistic that their technology will soon aid in tackling two problematic insect species.
‘We can look potentially for red imported fire ants or yellow crazy ants; the runoff from their nests would go into the water, and we could confirm they’re in the area," May said.
The implications of this technology extend beyond invasive fauna.
It could play a crucial role in monitoring the spread of agricultural diseases like foot and mouth disease and African swine fever among feral pig populations, particularly in the remote, far north.
Another pressing concern is avian influenza, which has decimated millions of domestic and wild birds globally.
‘Birds shed DNA through their faeces. It goes into the water, and we can pick that up and confirm avian influenza is in the area.’
‘It’s about confirming, detecting, and monitoring things in the area to see if they've spread or moved,’ she said.
In a similar news, Australia declared the first human ‘bird flu’ case signifying the importance of innovative use of our modern technologies.
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