Thursday, August 24, 2017

Using Drones to Track Dangerous Invasive Species




A very interesting article in NextGov Newsletter about tracking down wild pigs, a “dangerous, destructive, invasive species wreaking havoc on the nation's crops, pets and outdoor historical sites" using drones. Feral or wild pigs also cause damage to wetlands which often contain rare or endangered plants and other species. Pigs are omnivores which means they will eat animals as well as plants. They also pose a danger to humans who encounter them. 

Damage caused by wild hogs in a pine stand in south Georgia
Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
They often do not fear humans and have damaged yards in this neighborhood.
The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org

Wild pigs digging for roots or tubers can severely danmage a wetland.
Billy Higginbotham, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org