Help Build an Autonomous Drone to Protect Australian Wildlife and Ecosystems
Join us in the fight against the cane toad invasion in Australia and help protect our native wildlife, ecosystems and farms! We're building a minimum viable product for an autonomous drone that will identify cane toads, drop tadpole traps and prevent their further spread across the country.
The cane toad invasion is a real and pressing problem in Australia, with no effective broad-scale method to reduce their numbers without harming native species. By stopping cane toads from reproducing, we can make a significant impact in reducing their numbers and preserving our unique Australian wildlife.
We are a team of passionate and dedicated volunteers working on this project. With your support, we can build this vital technology and make a real difference. Visit our website to learn more about the project and how you can help.
Current cane toad distribution and 2030 projection using climate predictions
Mission
By supporting our mission, you'll be directly helping:
- Struggling Australian farmers who are impacted by cane toad infestations
- Preventing more native species from extinction by reducing the number of cane toads
- Supporting cane toad-devastated ecosystems to recover and thrive
- Keeping your four-legged friends safe from cane toad toxins
Together, we can make a real difference and protect our precious wildlife, ecosystems, and communities.
The Cane Toad problem
Cane Toads remain one of Australia's biggest wildlife problems (Image: Jake Courage)
Cane toads were introduced to north Queensland in 1935 to control the cane beetle. However, they have since become one of Australia's biggest biological threats, claiming entire ecosystems in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. They are incredibly robust, can survive in a variety of habitats, and breed quickly, allowing them to dominate any terrain. Cane toads are toxic at all life stages, and their toxins have deadly effects on Australian native species. Additionally, they compete with native animals for food and habitat.
One lick and death ensues. Cane toads are especially dangerous to our furry friends (Image: Jodie O'Brien)
- There are an estimated 200 million cane toads in Australia
- They lay 60,000 eggs a year, hatching within 1-3 days with a 5% survival rate. This means around 3000 toads spawn every year per gravid female
- They are expanding across northern Australia at a rate of 50km every year. (140m per day)
- They are on track to reach Western Australia's coast within two years
- They devastate 90% of local native predators within a few months of arrival
Unfortunately, we still don't have a reliable way to reduce cane toad populations without causing harm to our beloved native species. But don't lose hope! With your support, we can work towards developing an effective and widespread control system. Together, we can protect our unique and precious Australian wildlife.
The Toad Tracker Mission
Our mission? To save Australia's wildlife, one drone at a time! With our revolutionary autonomous drone technology, we're taking the fight to the invasive cane toad. Our drones are equipped to identify these toxic pests, drop tadpole traps, and help prevent the further spread of cane toads across the continent. By stopping them from reproducing, we can reduce their numbers and safeguard our precious ecosystems. With your support, we can make a real difference in protecting Australia's unique and wonderful wildlife!.
This flying solution allows large, remote regions to be covered autonomously - faster than current methods on foot or by four-wheel-drive. Basic proof of concepts for each aspect of the technology can be explored on our website. Help us provide these new capabilities to the cane toad control effort!
Preliminary Drone Design
Our hybrid drone is more than just a flying machine - it's a game-changer in the fight against cane toads. With a fixed-wing design and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology, this drone can efficiently cover long remote distances before transitioning into VTOL mode to hover, release, and recover traps.
Our preliminary drone design is an impressive 20kg (+5kg of payload) with a 4.5-meter wingspan. It's a sight to behold, and we like to think that its sheer presence is enough to deter the spread of cane toads!
But this drone is more than just a pretty face. With its long-range capabilities and high carrying capacity, we can deploy humane toad and tadpole traps over vast distances with ease. And because it's autonomous, it can cover even the most remote regions, providing a strong defense against the cane toad invasion.
Shaded impression of Toad Tracker carrier drone with localisation pod mounted (Designed in: OpenVSP)
Budget
Our project is non-profit, and we are volunteering our time and energy out of pure passion and a desire to use our skills to help solve a serious problem. We are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the communities affected by the cane toad invasion.
The cost breakdown of the different drone subsections
Curious about the details behind the carrier drone? We've got you covered! Shoot us an email at [email redacted].au, and we'll provide you with a full breakdown of the drone's specifications and associated costs.
Our Team
We're on a mission to make a difference. With the support and guidance of our professors at Monash University, along with leading cane toad experts and ground-based control teams at the invasion front, we're developing cutting-edge technology to combat the cane toad invasion.
But we can't do it alone. Community support is vital to our mission, and we're honored to have the opportunity to work with passionate individuals and organizations across the country who share our passion for protecting Australia's unique wildlife and ecosystems.
Aymeric Perfrement
"I'm thrilled to be working on a project that harnesses advanced technology to solve a pressing environmental issue in Australia. As a passionate nature enthusiast and avid camper, I understand the importance of protecting our wildlife and ecosystems. Though this project is challenging, I'm eager to see the positive impact it will have on our communities and environment. Collaborating with cane toad control groups has been incredibly enlightening, and their support has further motivated me to give my all to this cause."
- Monash University - Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (First Class Honours)
- Minor in Artificial Intelligence & Chinese Studies
- Monash Uncrewed Aerial Systems (MUAS) – Aerostructures Team member
Jerome Piahana
'Having grown up in Queensland, I’ve seen how widespread and dense cane toad populations are - you couldn’t take the wheelie bins out in Summer without fear of stepping on one. One time, I was attempting to walk past a massive cane toad, and it squared up to me like I was trespassing on its turf. Needless to say, I got involved in this project without hesitation.'
- Monash University - Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Honours year)
- Minor in Computational Science
- Monash Uncrewed Aerial Systems (MUAS) – Aerostructures Leader
Dr Hoam Chung (Academic Supervisor - Monash University)
- Professor - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy,(Ph.D), Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley.
Disclaimer
As a volunteer team, we are committed to using our skills and passion to make a positive impact on Australian wildlife and ecosystems. This project is not-for-profit, and we will be transparent with all financial matters, including the use of funds and expenses. We have set up a Commbank society checking bank account for donations, and any remaining funds at the end of the project will be donated to cane toad control associations. Thank you for your support and trust in our mission.
Contact us
We are collaborating with cane toad control teams in NSW to gather data and test our innovative technology. If you or your organization is interested in our project, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email redacted].au.
You can also stay updated on our progress by visiting our website here, where we regularly post project updates.
Thank you so much for your generous donation and for sharing our project with others. With your support, we are one step closer to building the carrier drone and protecting Australian wildlife from the invasive cane toad species. Your donation will go directly towards purchasing the required components for the minimum viable product and testing our technology in the field. We will keep you updated on our progress and the impact your contribution is making. Thank you again for your support in this critical mission.