Researchers are working on developing a new way of targeting one of New Zealand’s most destructive pests. TBFree NZ and Landcare Research are working on a designing a UAS that can specifically identify possums.The UAS, which is equipped with thermal imaging cameras, uses a special computer programme to tell the difference between the pest and other animals, such as sheep and birds.
TBFree NZ hopes they will also help farmers identify where they have clusters of possums, meaning they can better position poison drops and traps.
“What we’ve come up with is something that’s looking at two rapidly evolving technologies and combining them into an application that’s going to help us determine where possums are in a more cost efficient manner than what we currently do,” said TB Free NZ’s Simon Andrew.
However, UAS operators will be required to have a special licence and adhere to strict controls.
TB Free NZ anticipates that the use of the technology will eventually help control the spread of disease.
Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is contagious disease carried by possums that can kill cattle and deer, posing an economic risk to the country’s billion dollar agriculture industry.
The Department of Conservation also has high hopes for the UAS.
“If control operations also target rats, native wildlife should benefit,” the department said.
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Source: TV NZ One News