Project summary:
The project utilised innovative technologies-(thermal imaging; Normalised Difference Veriation Index) to identify locations of cacti, leading to a more targeted approach of eradication. By managing this invasive weed, through identification then eradication, the region will be able to continue to build long term sustainability plans both on private land and public. This will have benefits for current and future pastoralists, tourists and government. Findings from the project will also be able to be extended to other regions.
Four locations of 80ha each were selected and mapped using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-mounted Near-Infrared camera for mapping large infestations and ground-based thermal imaging technology to identify infestations that are obscured by low to medium shrub and woodland canopies. Some training of people in the area to use the technology was included to enable the work to be continued in the future.
The project was managed by the Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association.