“To our surprise, we detected six …”
High in the treetops of the tropical rainforests of Australia and New Guinea, a rare and elusive species—the tree kangaroo—spends its days leaping through dense foliage and nibbling on leaves. For years, these mysterious creatures largely escaped the notice of researchers, thanks to the rugged and inaccessible terrain they call home. But now, a new approach is changing everything.
Australian scientists recently began using thermal drones—devices equipped with infrared cameras that detect animals by their body heat—to locate tree kangaroos from above the canopy. The results have been remarkable.
“Thermal drones may help to unravel the mysteries of tree kangaroos and guide efforts to protect them,” wrote researcher Emmeline Norris in a piece for The Conversation.
Flying high over the forest, these drones can identify the warm-bodied marsupials even when they’re hidden beneath thick layers of leaves. It’s a major breakthrough for scientists, who have previously struggled to observe the animals from the forest floor.
“Our new findings mark a significant step forward, offering hope for improved conservation of these elusive, near-mythical creatures,” Norris added.
The study focused on Bennett’s tree kangaroos, agile brown marsupials known for their long tails and incredible leaping skills. These animals are especially vulnerable to threats like deforestation and climate change, making conservation efforts even more urgent.
During the study—published in the Journal of the Australian Mammal Society—scientists flew thermal drones over the forest three times. Traditionally, researchers might spend days in the field just to glimpse one kangaroo. This time was different.
“To our surprise, we detected six Bennett’s tree kangaroos in under an hour of flight time — an unprecedented result,” Norris reported.
The discovery offers tentative hope. “Our findings suggest Bennett’s tree kangaroos are thriving in Cape Tribulation’s lowland rainforest,” she wrote. “While this is encouraging, further systematic surveys are needed to assess how population density varies with forest type, elevation, and other factors.”
With this innovative method, researchers are excited to continue exploring the secret lives of these remarkable creatures.
“For the rare and remarkable Bennett’s tree kangaroo, this technology could make the difference between obscurity and security,” Norris concluded.