Use of infrared digital cameras to investigate the behaviour of cryptic species

Abstract

In this paper we report on the application of infrared digital cameras to investigate aspects of the breeding biology of the spotted-tailed quoll, an endangered marsupial carnivore. Technical details are provided about the cameras, which were deployed remotely at two ‘latrine’ sites used by the target species within Kosciuszko National Park in southern New South Wales, Australia. Examples of images captured by the cameras are presented, with notes on possible application of the same technology to better understand the social behaviour of rare and cryptic species.