Remote sensor cameras
Published: 22/02/2010
Remote
sensor camera technology consists of photo-trapping units with twin cameras
triggered by a passive infra-red system. Tasmanian devils are lured into the
area by either a chemical or natural attractant. When an animal interrupts the
infra-red beams a signal is sent to trigger the camera.
The remote sensor
camera units can be left in position for about 10 days at a time. The data is
then extracted from the devices before they are moved to another
location.
The advantage of the new technology is that it can be installed
in remote areas around the State where more traditional trap and release
investigative methods are extremely difficult to undertake. It is an important
tool for detecting diseased animals that are shy of traps, considering research
indicates that there is a cryptic devil population of around 25% that is never
trapped.
This
method of information gathering has the significant benefit of being
non-invasive. Officers can determine if the disease is present simply by
analysing the photo data captured on the cameras. The technology has exciting
applications for wildlife monitoring worldwide.
Images captured by the
cameras are providing very high quality photographs of Tasmanian devils. These
high resolution images can allow for the identification of individual animals
through body markings and scarring.
