Thermal imaging (TI) is another effective tool for wildlife surveys and is used by the Treetec team for a variety of applications. As with other remote camera methodologies and spotlighting, TI is a relatively non-invasive wildlife monitoring technique. 

Thermal imaging uses infra-red light wavelengths and is highly useful for surveying nocturnal wildlife that would otherwise be easily missed in dense forests; such as bats and small marsupials. The heat contrast between the dark of night and the warmth of live animals provides a clear contrast. 

It is particularly useful in detecting small and/or cryptic species that might be missed by other survey types. Often the heat patches are so clear that species with distinct outline shapes can even be identified such as Leadbeater’s Possum which otherwise can easily hide amongst the vegetation.

The Treetec staff are also experienced in utilising the TI camera to monitor nest box occupation, and hollow/artificial hollow occupation. It is a completely non-invasive technique and also far quicker and safer than climbing trees or ladders.