Thermal drones, in conjunction with emerging artificial intelligence systems, are demonstrating effectiveness in bolstering Alberta’s defenses against invasive and destructive wild boars. Hannah McKenzie, an Alberta government specialist on wild boars, highlighted the significance of utilizing various tools to address the issue, with drones being a key component in the effort. A recent report outlined a collaboration between Alberta Agriculture and the University of Calgary to evaluate a novel aerial surveillance approach for monitoring wild boars, which pose a growing threat to agriculture and ecosystems in the Prairies.
The report, released on the Alberta government website in late March, emphasized the use of automated drones equipped with infrared cameras as an innovative and non-intrusive alternative to conventional detection methods. In the spring of 2024, researchers deployed thermal drones with heat radiation sensors to detect boars, particularly effective during nighttime when the animals’ heat signatures stand out against the cooler background. Artificial intelligence programs were trained to analyze drone footage, accurately identify wild boars, and track their numbers.
Traditional tracking methods such as ground tracking and helicopter surveys have limitations due to the nocturnal and elusive nature of wild boars, making aerial surveillance crucial. Ryan Brook, a lead researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, explained that the ability to observe wild boars from the air is invaluable as these animals tend to disappear into dense cover upon sensing human presence. Thermal drones have shown promise in combatting wild boar infestations in other regions like Canada and the United States.
The feral pig population in Alberta comprises a mix of Eurasian wild boars and hybrids with domestic pigs, known for their destructive behavior. These hybrids, often referred to as “super pigs,” pose a significant threat to the environment and agriculture. They are highly adaptable, weigh between 55 and 115 kilograms, reproduce rapidly, and wreak havoc on natural habitats, crops, and livestock. Additionally, they can spread diseases like African swine fever, endangering the pork industry in Alberta.
The current focus of Alberta’s wild boar eradication efforts includes monitoring, trapping, stringent regulations on wild boar farms, and a prohibition on wild boar sport hunting. The drone project marks a potential shift towards proactive measures in tackling the issue. The project aimed to train AI programs to detect wild boars effectively, establish a standardized database for sightings, and create a digital habitat map predicting areas with high feral herd presence.
The project conducted fieldwork at two boar operations in Alberta, covering over 3,000 kilometers with thermal drones. The drones collected thermal images for AI model training at one farm and tested the models in a more natural setting at another. Researchers also utilized a GPS-equipped wild sow to track active ranges in the wild and collaborated with partners to enhance the AI programs’ accuracy. Despite the promising results, challenges remain, such as accurately detecting small piglets and differentiating wild boars from other wildlife.
The project also developed a habitat suitability map to predict wild boar habitats in Alberta, aiding in targeted mitigation efforts. Mathieu Pruvot, a veterinary epidemiology expert at the University of Calgary, emphasized the importance of collaborative long-term monitoring programs to combat the cryptic nature of wild pigs effectively. While progress has been made, true eradication of wild boars requires a science-based national strategy to overcome the species’ resilience and cross-boundary movements.
In conclusion, the integration of thermal drones and AI technologies offers a promising approach to manage wild boar populations and mitigate their impact on Alberta’s environment and economy.
