SYDNEY, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Drones will be used to track and report the movements of crocodiles, authorities in the Australian State of Queensland announced on Friday.
Lifeguards in North Queensland will soon be utilizing the technology to monitor crocodiles near where members of the public swim, a method they say has been effective in the past against sharks.
Specially designated drones currently use an artificially intelligent system to identify and report sharks. Lifeguards intend to work with scientists to develop to be capable of identifying and reporting crocodiles based on their movement.
"We're hoping it will help our surf lifesavers and lifeguards increase protection for beachgoers across North Queensland and minimize the risks of a crocodile attack or incident from occurring," Surf Life Saving Queensland chief executive John Brennan said.
Another step towards reducing the risk of crocodile attack is a three year survey of animal numbers in the state, the first year of which has concluded with a preliminary report released today.
"We've done a lot of work over the last 12 months undertaking one of the most extensive monitoring programs of estuary crocodiles in the last decade," Northern Wildlife Operations acting manager from the Department of Environment and Science, Matt Brien said.
Preliminary numbers suggest that Queensland has, with variation throughout the state, less than one crocodile per kilometre, compared to the bordering Northern Territory which has around five to ten crocodiles per kilometre.
"The surveys have involved helicopters off the east coast and even more extensive surveys done via vessel, using spotlights at night to pick up red eye shine of the crocodiles," Brien said.
Wildlife officials in Queensland removed 84 problem crocodiles in 2017, including animals that were deemed of significant risk to human safety and were shot; an approach authorities say they take only when necessary.
"Our focus is to reduce risk of crocodile attack to humans," Brien said.
"If an animal poses a threat to humans it will be targeted for removal."
In the past decade there have been six crocodile related deaths in the State of Queensland.
