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Home > Weeds, Pests & Diseases > Animal Diseases > Devil Facial Tumour Disease - Remote Sensor Camera Units

Devil Facial Tumour Disease - Remote Sensor Camera Units

The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program has developed new monitoring technologies – remote sensor camera units - which have been trialled in the field with promising results.

Night-time photo of a Tasmanian devil

The new 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 also useful for detecting diseased animals that are shy of traps.

Tasmanian Devil photo taken with remote sensor camera.

Tasmanian Devil photo taken with remote sensor camera.

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. This 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.

See also:
Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil - Frequently Asked Questions
Tasmanian Devil Movie

Disease Affecting Tasmanian Devils

Tasmania Online | Service Tasmania

This page - http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/JCOK-63GAZN?open - was last published on 10 December 2008 by the Department of Primary Industries and Water. Questions concerning its content can be sent to NatureConservation Enquiries by using the feedback form, by mail to GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001, or by telephone to 03 6233 6556.

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