Queensland strawberry growers are trialling a drone that mimics a peregrine falcon to scare rainbow lorikeets away from their crops [1].

The technology addresses a significant financial threat to the region's agriculture. Rainbow lorikeets cause crop damage totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars [1], [2].

The drone is designed with flapping wings to realistically simulate a bird of prey in flight. By mimicking the appearance and movement of a peregrine falcon, the device aims to trigger the natural fear response of the smaller birds that feed on the strawberries [1].

Adrian Schultz, president of the Queensland Strawberries Association, said the technology provides a new method for crop protection. He said the drone is "another tool in the toolbox" [1].

Farmers have historically struggled to keep rainbow lorikeets away from the fruit without causing one-time deterrents to become ineffective. The use of a mobile, realistic predator simulation is intended to prevent the birds from adapting to the scare tactics [2].

The trial focuses on reducing the financial losses associated with these avian pests. Because the birds consume and damage the fruit before it can be harvested, the impact is felt directly in the bottom line of the farms [1].

Growers are monitoring the effectiveness of the flapping-wing design compared to traditional stationary deterrents. The success of the trial could lead to wider adoption of biomimetic drones across other fruit-growing regions in Australia [2].

“"It's another tool in the toolbox."”

This trial represents a shift toward biomimetic technology in precision agriculture. By utilizing the biological instincts of pests rather than chemical or lethal deterrents, farmers can potentially reduce crop loss while maintaining ecological balance. If successful, this approach may serve as a blueprint for protecting other high-value crops from avian interference globally.