The objective of this project is to develop an autonomous, remotely controlled smart trapping system for the efficient capture of brown tree snakes (BTS; Boiga irregularis) and other invasive species. Rapid BTS population growth on military bases in the Indo-Pacific causes costly power outages, medical issues, and increased inspection expenses. The proposed system will improve targeted population control to reduce financial and logistical impacts. 

This project will investigate the applicability of smart trapping for BTS in the Indo-Pacific with key research tasks, including leveraging artificial intelligence inferencing and computer vision on low-power microcontrollers in combination with cameras, sensors, and electromechanical components to selectively capture target animals. Coupled with a mobile app and a real-time, event-based data framework, smart traps can respond to commands, gather data for further analysis, and give users real-time insights into trapping activities. The first-generation prototypes have shown promising results, effectively capturing Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merinae) lizards in Florida and this effort looks to explore other applications where smart traps could have an important impact. Successful deployment of smart traps will be the first fully selective and scalable approach to control for BTS.

This project’s success will build on the Department of Defense’s mission to strategically advance software and technology capabilities to protect installation security, particularly critical in Guam, where BTS pose a leading operational threat. Smart traps will control BTS while saving money on labor needed to monitor traditional traps. Smart trapping offers significant benefits for military operations in the Indo-Pacific by improving the early detection and control of invasive species. This reduces the need for costly methods like aerial toxic bait drops and minimizes habitat disruption. By preventing the accidental spread of invasive species on military cargo, smart trapping enhances biosecurity, lowers operational delays, and supports overall mission readiness. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2026)