Another first for world-leading yellow crazy ant eradication program!

The Wet Tropics Management Authority has achieved another program first with the deployment of a purpose-built drone to treat yellow crazy ants.

The drone treatment of yellow crazy ants across 10 hectares occurred at a newly discovered infestation site near Wright’s Creek.

This recent success comes on the back of the largest eradication of yellow crazy ants from 365 hectares of rainforest, farmland and suburban areas south of Cairns - the largest single eradication of yellow crazy ants in the world.

Wet Tropics Management Authority Project Manager Lucy Karger said the use of a drone to successfully treat these ants was a valuable tool.

“With recent advances in drone technology, we first explored the use of drones to treat for yellow crazy ants a few years ago and the trials indicated a drone would improve our treatment flexibility, speed, efficiency and precision,” Ms Karger said.

“Our staff have invested time and effort to ensure the drone is fit for purpose and can achieve the desired results.

“A lot of work behind the scenes had to occur first such as training and testing, as well as 3D mapping and flight planning, before we could confidently and safely deploy the drone in the field.”

Ms Karger said the use of drone technology in treating yellow crazy ants had also allowed for staff members to be upskilled and trained in its use.

“One important aspect that had to occur before we did anything was to ensure our staff undertook the official training to become certified drone pilots,” she said.

“These skills will be crucial moving forward and further enhances our ability to eradicate yellow crazy ants from the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounds.”

Ms Karger said historically large infestations had been treated by helicopter, but drones could certainly change the way treatments are conducted moving forward.

“Using drones to treat yellow crazy ants in areas unsuitable for either helicopters or field staff is fast becoming a reality,” she said.

“It certainly has the potential to change the way we treat yellow crazy ant infestations.

“However, more importantly, we will also share our data with other organisations across the state and nation to allow for capacity building and to establish best practices for the aerial treatment via drones of invasive species.”

The Wet Tropics Management Authority administers a $24 million Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments to combat the spread of the highly invasive species.

Another first for world-leading yellow crazy ant eradication program!

Published: 31st Jul 2024

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