Conclusion
The use of thermal-imaging technology in the thermal aerial culling configuration increases the detection of animals in aerial culling programs and can substantially increase the culling rate of such programs when compared to visual aerial culling. The crew configuration we used maximised target acquisition and re-acquisition opportunity, reduced the percentage of animals seen and lost, and resulted in no loss of wounded animals, thereby improving the animal welfare outcomes normally associated with aerial culling. The ability to detect animals in difficult habitat, that are at low densities, or that exhibit avoidance behaviour, coupled with the ability of the thermal operator to track and monitor additional members of a group will improve the success of control and eradication programs and ensure the best possible animal welfare outcomes.