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

Researchers at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have validated a less invasive way to estimate the body temperature of hatchling Mojave desert tortoises using a handheld infrared thermal camera. The study addresses a gap in turtle research by evaluating infrared thermography for estimating internal body temperature and could help scientists collect critical physiological data while reducing handling stress on threatened animals. The findings may also support future research in additional turtle species and other ectothermic wildlife as scientists study how animals respond to a changing climate.

Raccontata daeurekalert.org