CRAGS – testing adaptation options in response to climate change

In partnership with managers working for the Tasmanian conservation agency (DPIPWE), we are developing and testing adaptation options to help the vulnerable Shy Albatross cope with climate change. This species breeds only on three Tasmanian islands and is projected to decline under climate change.

We are evaluating the use of a CRAGS camera system for monitoring the success of several interventions, including disease treatment and provision of artificial nests to boost breeding success.

The CSIRO Remote Autonomous Gigapixel System (CRAGS) is a cutting-edge remote monitoring technology designed for capturing high-resolution images over large marine and coastal areas. This self-waking camera system is particularly valuable in harsh and remote environments, as it can be deployed for extended periods without needing constant human intervention.

The key features of CRAGS:

• Zoomable High-Resolution Imagery: The gigapixel camera produces ultra-high-resolution images that allow users to zoom in and study specific details within the monitored area, providing detailed surveillance of large-scale environments.
• Timelapse Video Capabilities: The camera captures a continuous series of images over time, creating a timelapse video. This is useful for tracking changes in species and their environment.
• Self-Waking System: The camera can activate itself on a schedule, which makes it highly efficient for monitoring areas with limited accessibility. This function is essential for locations where regular maintenance is challenging.
• Adaptation to Harsh Environments: It’s designed to endure extreme conditions, from harsh weather to remote locations with little infrastructure. This makes it ideal for long-term ecological and environmental monitoring in places like deserts, coastal regions, or polar areas.

The CSIRO Remote Autonomous Gigapixel System (CRAGS) plays a significant role in environmental research, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation efforts, helping scientists and environmental managers gather vital data with minimal environmental disruption.

For more information, contact Alistair Hobday.

 

 

Other interventions

These scientists flew eggs across the ocean to save seabirds from climate change