Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is developing a highly sensitive back-country detection camera to detect and identify possums, rats and stoats to help protect remote predator-free landscapes. The device is based on a thermal camera, coupled with on-board Artificial Intelligence software and remote reporting functionality, to identify predators and provide real-time notification of detections. This camera is expected to significantly reduce the costs associated with camera-based detection; from $60/ha/year to $10/ha/year.
Funding from Predator Free 2050 Limited, along with the NEXT Foundation, Department of Conservation and Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, will enable completion of the entire development cycle from prototyping and field-testing through to supply.