New study: Less invasive thermal imaging could improve research on endangered hatchling tortoises

A new study from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance researchers has identified a less invasive way to estimate the body temperature of hatchling Mojave desert tortoises, offering scientists a promising new tool for studying endangered reptiles while reducing disturbance and handling stress.

Published in Conservation Physiology, the research found that a handheld infrared thermal camera can provide a reliable estimate of internal body temperature in hatchling Mojave desert tortoises under many conditions. The findings offer researchers a practical alternative to traditional temperature measurements, which require physically handling animals and taking cloacal temperatures.

Body temperature plays a critical role in understanding how reptiles regulate their activity, use habitat, and respond to environmental change. By reducing handling, thermal imaging may allow researchers to collect important physiological data while minimizing stress and the potential for altered behavior, an important consideration when studying threatened species.

The findings may help guide future validation studies in additional turtle species and other ectothermic wildlife, particularly as scientists work to better understand how species are responding to a warming climate. With this study, hatchling turtles can now join the growing ranks of animals for which infrared thermal imaging opens new opportunities for research and care.

The full manuscript and interviews are available. Visuals can be found here.