Hot on the Trail: Can Thermal Cameras Detect Animals?

Thermal imaging cameras are proving to be invaluable tools for wildlife monitoring and research.

In this article, we will explore how thermal imaging technology is being utilised to unlock the hidden world of wildlife. We also consider some of the challenges that come with using this technology and how to overcome them.

The Advantages of Thermal Imaging in Wildlife Conservation

There are several major advantages to using thermal imaging in wildlife conservation, some of which are unique to this technology.

 

1. Revealing Nocturnal Secrets

Thermal imaging cameras utilise heat signatures emitted by living organisms to create images. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, thermal cameras can capture images in complete darkness or low light conditions.

Many wildlife species are primarily active during the night, making it challenging to study their presence and behaviours. Thermal imaging cameras excel in detecting nocturnal animals such as bats, hedgehogs and elusive predators like wildcats, leopards and jaguars. By capturing their heat signatures, we can reveal their presence, behaviours, habitat preferences and more.

 

Thermal image of a hedgehog

2. Detection of Hidden and Elusive Species

Many wildlife species have excellent camouflage and keep a distance from potential threats, making them challenging to detect with the naked eye or traditional cameras. Thermal imaging cameras are highly effective at spotting concealed animals by differentiating their heat signatures from the surrounding environment. Although this technology cannot see through objects, it can be used to detect wildlife within complex habitats such as dense vegetation, as it can clearly differentiate between cold and warm objects and animals.

 

3. Non-Invasive Monitoring

Thermal imaging cameras offer a non-intrusive approach to observe wildlife from a distance without causing disturbances. This non-invasive method minimises stress on the animals and allows data to be collected while maintaining natural behaviours of the species in their environment.

 

4. Monitoring Dens, Roosts and Nests

Thermal imaging cameras can detect the heat that permeates through a den or nest due to the warmth of the animal inside. This means that dens, roosts and nests can be observed from a distance to detect the presence of an animal and observe when it enters and exits. This approach minimises disturbance to animals by replacing invasive approaches such as physically checking a den for the presence of a species. Thermal imaging has transformed the way we monitor pine marten den boxes for the Yorkshire Pine Marten Project.

 

Thermal image of a pine marten den box with a pine marten inside

 

5. Detecting Poaching Activities

Poaching remains a significant threat to wildlife populations worldwide. Thermal imaging cameras can be deployed to detect illegal activities such as night hunting or trespassing in protected areas. The cameras can identify human heat signatures in restricted zones, enabling responses to potential poaching incidents and facilitating timely intervention.

 

6. Pairing with Other Monitoring Methods

Pairing monitoring methods such as thermal imaging cameras and trail cameras is a powerful way to reveal more information. For example, a thermal imaging camera can be used to detect wildlife initially, then trail cameras can be setup and left to record any further activity. This also means that resources can be used more efficiently, targeting trail cameras to areas of known activity of the species being monitored.

 

NatureSpy Ursus trail camera

 

The Challenges of Thermal Imaging in Wildlife Conservation

No wildlife monitoring method is perfect! Thermal imaging comes with its challenges in wildlife conservation, but there are ways to overcome them.

 

1. Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions can affect the performance of thermal imaging cameras, reducing the clarity of images and the effective detection range of a camera. Factors such as rain, fog, and high humidity can reduce visibility and the quality of thermal images. Vegetation density, water bodies, and landscape features may also impact the accuracy of heat signature detection. To mitigate these challenges, it is important to carefully select appropriate weather conditions and take environmental factors into account when planning thermal imaging surveys.

 

2. Species Differentiation

While thermal imaging cameras excel in detecting the presence of wildlife, they may face limitations when it comes to species differentiation. Heat signatures alone may not provide sufficient visual information to distinguish between closely related species or animals with similar body temperatures. Integration of other monitoring methods, such as binoculars (during daylight), camera traps or DNA analysis, can complement thermal imaging data, enabling more accurate species identification and individual recognition.

 

A thermal image shows the locations of waterfowl on a lake, but not enough detail to identify species.

 

3. Distance and Resolution Limitations

The effectiveness of thermal imaging cameras depends on the camera model and environmental conditions. At longer ranges, thermal cameras may struggle to capture sufficient detail, especially when observing distant wildlife. Additionally, the resolution of thermal images may be lower compared to traditional cameras, which can affect the ability to discern fine details or smaller animals. Thermal imaging cameras with a sensitive and large thermal sensor tend to be more effective at retaining detail at longer ranges. During daylight, pairing thermal imaging with binoculars can help overcome this challenge, where a thermal imager is used to locate an animal initially and binoculars are then used to see the animal in more detail. Learn more about thermal imaging camera specifications here.

 

4. Data Interpretation Complexity

Interpreting thermal imaging data can require specialised knowledge and expertise. Heat signatures captured by thermal cameras need careful analysis to extract meaningful information. For example, in more advanced use, researchers must understand temperature gradients, distinguish between different animal species based on heat patterns, and interpret behavioural cues accurately. Proper training and collaboration with experts in thermal imaging analysis can help overcome this challenge and ensure accurate data interpretation.

 

Thermal image of a beaver swimming in a pond

 

5. Cost Considerations

The initial cost of acquiring thermal cameras and related equipment can be a significant challenge. However, as technology advances and becomes more accessible, costs are gradually decreasing. Collaborative efforts between researchers, funding agencies, and manufacturers can help make thermal imaging equipment more affordable, expanding its reach and impact in wildlife monitoring programs.

 

Conclusion

Thermal imaging technology holds immense potential for wildlife monitoring, offering opportunities to study nocturnal activities, track elusive species and conduct non-intrusive observations. Although challenges such as species differentiation, data interpretation and environmental factors exist, continuous advancements in technology and collaboration among experts is paving the way for overcoming these obstacles. By harnessing the power of thermal imaging, researchers and conservationists can gain valuable insights into the world of wildlife like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do thermal imaging cameras work?

Thermal imaging cameras work by capturing the infrared radiation emitted by objects and converting it into a visible image. The cameras use a special sensor called a microbolometer, which can detect the heat emitted by animals and convert it into an electronic signal. The signal is then processed to create a thermal image that displays the temperature variations in the scene.

 

Can thermal imaging cameras be used during the day?

Yes, thermal imaging cameras can be used during the day. While thermal cameras are commonly associated with night-time observations, they are not limited to nocturnal use. During the day, thermal cameras can still detect temperature variations, enabling the identification of warm-blooded animals against cooler backgrounds. However, the contrast and visibility may be reduced compared to night-time use.

 

Can thermal imaging cameras replace traditional wildlife monitoring methods entirely?

Thermal imaging cameras provide unique capabilities but should not replace traditional monitoring methods entirely. Integrating thermal imaging data with other techniques and ecological knowledge enhances the overall understanding of wildlife populations and their habitats.

 

How can thermal imaging cameras assist in anti-poaching efforts?

Thermal imaging cameras can detect human heat signatures, allowing authorities to identify and respond to potential poaching activities in protected areas. This technology acts as an additional tool to enhance anti-poaching measures and protect wildlife from illegal activities.

 

How far can thermal imaging cameras detect wildlife?

The range at which thermal imaging cameras can detect wildlife depends on several factors, including the size of the animal, environmental conditions, and camera specifications. Under good environmental conditions, a good quality entry level thermal imager can detect medium-large sized animals, such as deer and bears, at distances of several hundred meters. Thermal imagers with greater thermal sensitivity and larger thermal sensors can detect medium-large animals at distances exceeding a thousand meters.

 

Can thermal imaging cameras be deployed in harsh environments?

Thermal imaging cameras are designed to withstand various environmental conditions, including harsh climates. They are often built with weather-resistant features that enable their deployment in high temperatures, high humidity, and other challenging environments. These cameras are regularly used in research expeditions and conservation projects in remote and rugged locations. The ruggedness of a thermal imager is described in its IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

 

Are thermal imaging cameras harmful to wildlife?

No, thermal imaging cameras are not harmful to wildlife. They operate by passively detecting the heat emitted by animals, making them an effective choice when minimising disturbance to wildlife is paramount.

 

Where is the best place to buy a thermal imaging camera?

At NatureSpy, we stock a curated range of thermal imaging cameras in our NatureSpy Shop that we’ve put to the test in the field. We think these thermal imagers are excellent for a variety of wildlife conservation needs, from monitoring tiny bats to tracking down elusive big cats.

 

Bat box showing bats inside from 'hot white' glow

 

Learn more about NatureSpy's wildlife conservation partners

NatureSpy is a conservation social enterprise. We use the profits generated by our online shop to support a diverse range of wildlife conservation projects, from lions in Zambia, to pine martens in Yorkshire and spectacled bears in Peru. Learn more about our conservation project partners here.