Infrared thermography for evaluating healt status of wild animals: preliminary study

AIM OF THE STUDY: Infrared thermography was used to measure and visualize the surface temperature of wild animals by detecting the thermal radiation that they emit. The aim of the work was a preliminary study on infrared thermography to show some potential future applications of this technique in particular on ungulates for evaluating their health status. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this study an infrared thermal camera (ITC) (manufacturer: Flir Systems, Model: ThermaCam P25) and related software (Thermacam Reporter 7.0) to analyze images were used. The images were gathered in Val Rhêmes and Valsavarenche of Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso in Valle d’Aosta (Italy) and they pictured mainly ibexes and Alpine camoises. During the studymore than 300 thermographic images were taken. RESULTS: Factors such as the presence of wool, intraspecific social behaviour and fear of humans might limit its objectivity. However, qualities and limits of the technique have been analyzed suggesting possible solutions to the problems related to it. With the close-up images it was possible to measure the temperature of the eye region and at the base of the horn. Same thermal information detected by the instrument were the expression of tissue metabolism and blood circulation of wild animals linked to pathological or physiological variations. CONCLUSIONS:Infrared thermography could be used to calculate density of animal population during night surveys or to detect animals hidden in the vegetation. The ability to detect animals in the darkness could be useful to study the behaviour of nocturnal species. The potential uses of this technique include monitoring the state of health to control the spread of transmissible diseases like foot and mouth disease and mange, studying the activity of the rumen, valuating the level of hair insulation and diagnosing pregnancy.