Thermal imagers have revolutionised the field of ecology, particuclarly in bat surveying and wildlife observation. As ecological studies demand more precise and less invasive methods, handheld thermal imaging cameras stand out as an invaluable tool to professionals.
What is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging is a technology which captures the head emitted by animals and objects during daylight and nighttime hours. Every living creature emits heat in the form of infrared radiation, which is invisible to the naked eye. Thermal cameras detect this radiation and translate it into a visible image through a highly sensitive thermal sensor allowing you to detect even the smallest heat signatures.
Advantages of Thermal Imaging in Bat Surveying
1. Non-Invasive and Minimally Disruptive
Bats are sensitive creatures which can be easily disturbed by human presence and artificial lighting. Traditional surveying methods often involved the use of bright lights which could disturb their natural behaviours. Thermal imaging however allows researchers to monitor bats without causing any disturbances. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of their natural habitat and ensuring accurate behavioural observations.
2. Accurate and Detailed Observation
Bats are nocturnal and often reside in dark, hard-to-reach places such as barns, churches and attics. Thermal imaging can easily penetrate these dark areas and provide detailed images of bat colonies, flight paths and roosting behaviours. The accuracy thermal offers aids in gathering reliable data on population sizes, species identification and their movement patterns.
3. Data Collection and Analysis
Modern thermal imagers are equipped with advanced recording software allowing for real-time data collection and analysis. Researchers can record video and sound through many thermal imaging devices allowing for easy analysis tracking changes in bat populations over time. This long-term data is crucial for conservation efforts and to help better understand the impact of environmental changes on bat populations, etc.
Benefits of Thermal Imaging in Wildlife Observation
1. Enhanced Detection and Monitoring
Thermal imaging allows for the detection of wildlife even in the most challenging conditions, such as dense forests, grasslands or during adverse weather. Thermal technology can easily detect the heat signature of animals hidden by foliage or undergrowth, which is often impossible with trational methods. This capability is often used in birding as an essential tool for monitoring elusive or endangered species.
2. 24/7 Observation Capability
Unlike visible observation methods that rely on daylight or torch-light, thermal imaging can be used 24/7. This is particularly useful for studying nocturnal animals or those active during twilight and nighttime hours. Constant monitoring during all hours of the day helps obtain comprehensive behavioural data and understanding species interactions within their ecosystems.
3. Minimal Disturbance to Wildlife
Conventional observational methods can often involve close proximity, which can stress animals and alter their natural behaviours. Thermal imaging allowsfor remove observation, significantly reducing our human impact on wildlife. This is especially important for stuying rare and endangered species where disturbance must be minimised.
Thermal Imaging is a Game Changer
Thermal imaging is a game changer in the field of ecology, providing a non-invasive, accurate, and safe method for observing bats and other wildlife. The ability to offer detailed insights into animal behaviour and population dynamics makes thermal an indispensable tool for researchers and conservationists. As technology continues to advance, we can expect thermal imaging to play an even more significant role in the preservation and understanding of wildlife.
Which Thermal Camera?
We understand that choosing the right thermal imager for you isn't always quick and easy. To help we have put together a group of thermal imaging devices for wildlife observation featuring high quality thermal monoculars and thermal binoculars by brands such as Pixfra and Pulsar which all offer important features such as 50Hz refresh rate, video recording, Wi-Fi connection and being tripod mountable.
Working closely with feedback from bat surveyors and ecologists we have found that the most popular device for the industry is the compact Pixfra Arc A613. The A613 features a sensitive 640×512, 12µm, <30mK NETD thermal sensor with 50Hz refresh rate and a powerful 13mm f1.0 objective lens. Alongside the high quality thermal detection capabilities the A613 offers a large 32.3º FOV, 6.5 hour battery life and continous video recording up to 2 hours.
