Drone bait pod ready for predator-free action

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

The latest Predator Free 2050 tool is a bio-degradable bait pod that can be distributed by a drone pilot with incredible accuracy.

When the pods are released from the drone, they break open on impact releasing bait pellets for rats and possums to eat.

This is an exciting new method for controlling introduced predators along sensitive boundaries or in remote areas that can’t be safely reached on foot.

Precision deployment drone with a bait pod dispenser used during successful predator control trials in Hawke’s Bay.

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Precision deployment drone with a bait pod dispenser used during successful predator control trials in Hawke’s Bay.

The Aerospread drone with a bait pod dispenser which is operated by a drone pilot. It was put to the test in predator control trials in Hawke’s Bay.

It’s called the Precision Deployment System (PDS) and it was designed and tested by experienced engineers and pilots at New Zealand robotics company, X-craft, in collaboration with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and Aerospread Technologies.

It can be used to target residual predator populations with approved toxins following large-scale aerial operations. It can also deal with predators along boundaries or in sensitive areas that require bait to be placed with greater accuracy than can be achieved by helicopter.

With help from funding from DOC’s Predator Free 2050 Tools to Market programme, the system is now ready to be shared with conservation projects across the country, says Aerospread managing director and chief pilot, Bruce Peterson.

“We have designed the bait pods to be as aerodynamic neutral as possible, minimising drift or deviation. From a height of 100 metres, our pilots can place the pods with about 0.5 m accuracy in an open area. When deploying bait pods through a forest canopy, the accuracy changes to an average of 1.91 m due to branches and obstacles in the fall path. This is incredibly precise given the height from which they are released.”

The bio-degradable bait pod breaks open when it hits the ground, releasing bait pellets for rats and possums to eat.

Successful field trials in Hawke’s Bay

In extensive field trials in Hawke’s Bay using 1080 bait pellets, they achieved a 95%+ rat control rate across areas up to 40 hectares.

Each pod can carry about 40 standard bait pellets. New developments are underway to increase the number of bait pods per load and the distance the drone can distribute them.

“We are upgrading our bait pod dispensing system and we will soon be able to cover up to 24 hectares per hour with two drones,” Bruce says.

“We’re also importing a new heavy lift drone, and we’ve calculated we’ll be able to deploy between 300 to 400 bait pods per load on the new system, which represents a considerable jump in operational capacity.”

The PDS is offered as a specialised service through Aerospread Technologies. In addition to aerially approved toxins, pods can also be used to distribute seeds for re-forestation projects.

The PDS is subject to the same strict legal, environmental, and operational requirements for aerial predator control operations in New Zealand.

Opportunities to protect nature through tech industries

There are growing opportunities in drone aviation, engineering and other high-tech industries for those who want to help protect native wildlife and landscapes, Bruce says.

“If people are interested, they can explore roles such as drone pilots, field technicians, GIS and mapping specialists, and data analysts. These are crucial roles for pest control efforts across New Zealand.

“To build the necessary skills, look for training programmes, apprenticeships, and tertiary courses in fields such as environmental management, robotics, aviation, or geospatial technology.”

DOC is investing in the development of a wide range of predator control tools and technology designed by scientists, inventors and engineers across New Zealand. The aim is to make smarter, safer and more effective tools and technology available to the Predator Free 2050 community.

Learn more about other predator-free tools in development.

Drone bait pod ready for predator-free action

Successful field trials in Hawke’s Bay

Opportunities to protect nature through tech industries

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