Randomized trial assesses bait drift, availability, and structural integrity in canid control, indicating effective aerial deployment methods.
Key Points
This research investigates the distribution accuracy and integrity of aerially deployed manufactured baits for controlling invasive canids in Australia.
Helicopter deployed 100 Doggone baits fitted with VHF transmitters and 50 controls in open/forested land.
Measured bait drift from release point and assessed bait availability to wild dogs.
Evaluated structural integrity of baits upon impact.
Baits with transmitters traveled farther (89.83 ± 15.26 m) than controls (61.61 ± 16.83 m).
97% of baits remained accessible to wild dogs, ensuring targeted effectiveness.
Bait matrix was stable, with only 1 bait fracturing and 4 disintegrating.