Preliminary Proof of the Concept of Wild (Feral) Horses Following Light Aircraft into a Trap.

The research article explores the possibility of using light aircraft like drones to lead feral horses into traps for population control, instead of the traditional helicopter chasing method. The study found that this new, less stressful method was successful in capturing horses multiple times with minimal risk to human life and maintained horse family integrity.

Introduction

• The study starts by acknowledging the need for population control among feral horses, which usually involves capturing these animals for either permanent removal or repeated fertility control treatments.
• Traditionally, helicopters are used to chase and drive these horses into traps, a method that is based on fear. The challenge with this method is that it becomes increasingly difficult to capture entire groups and safety risks for pilots and ground staff rise with every recapture attempt.

Methodology

• In order to find a less stressful method of capturing horses, the researchers decided to use a consumer-grade quadcopter drone to lead a herd of 123 semi-feral ponies into simulated traps.
• This method was tried out over a period of four weeks. The researchers noted the pace of the following horses, which was mostly a fast walk, and occasionally a slow trot. They attempted this method repeatedly, to the same and different destinations.

Findings

• The new light-aircraft-triggered method was successful on the first attempt and proved successful for seven out of nine additional attempts.
• Importantly, the method allowed for the family integrity of horses to be maintained. This feature is often lost in the chaos that ensues with the traditional helicopter chasing method.

Implications and Conclusion

• These findings provide a preliminary proof of concept that it is possible to capture horses through a leading method, rather than chasing.
• If demonstrated successfully in more extensive rangeland conditions, this method could theoretically provide a safer, more repeatable option for capturing feral horses, with improved outcomes for both animal welfare and human safety.