Deep within the remote rainforests of Australia and New Guinea, a secretive species has long eluded scientists — the tree kangaroo.
Perched high among the branches and cloaked by dense foliage, these elusive marsupials have remained frustratingly out of reach for researchers.
But now, thanks to cutting-edge drone technology, scientists are finally getting a better look at these “near-mythical” creatures.
Using thermal drones equipped with infrared cameras, researchers can now detect the warm-blooded animals by their body heat, even through thick leaves and branches.
“Thermal drones… may help to unravel the mysteries of tree kangaroos and guide efforts to protect them,” wrote researcher Emmeline Norris in The Conversation.
The new approach has already yielded astonishing results. In a recent study, researchers flew drones over the rainforest canopy and spotted six Bennett’s tree kangaroos — all in under an hour.
That’s a massive breakthrough compared to traditional ground surveys, which often require days of effort for just one sighting.
These agile brown marsupials, with their long tails and ability to leap between trees, are particularly sensitive to threats like deforestation and climate change.
Spotting them more efficiently gives scientists hope for better conservation strategies.
“Our new findings mark a significant step forward,” Norris noted. “Offering hope for improved conservation of these elusive, near-mythical creatures.”
The team’s work in Cape Tribulation’s rainforest suggests that at least some populations of Bennett’s tree kangaroos may be thriving, but broader studies are needed to understand how these animals are faring across different habitats.
Still, the success of this drone-based technique is a thrilling leap forward in wildlife research.
“For the rare and remarkable Bennett’s tree kangaroo,” Norris wrote, “this technology could make the difference between obscurity and security.”
