Thermal Drone Workshop

TESS / TerrainNRM Biodiversity Monitoring and Thermal Drones Workshop at the DRO

11-12 May 2026: Bringing together research, technology, and Indigenous knowledge systems was at the heart of the “Biodiversity Monitoring and Thermal Drones” workshop held at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory - James Cook University 11-12 May.

Hosted in partnership with Terrain NRM, the workshop saw 12 Indigenous Ranger groups from across the Wet Tropics come together with researchers from James Cook University’s Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS) to explore how thermal drone technology can strengthen wildlife monitoring and support caring for Country.

Over two days participants engaged in collaborative discussions, hands-on field training, and knowledge sharing focused on survey design, thermal imaging, and detecting elusive rainforest species. Rangers engaged in the Spectacled Flying-fox monitoring program reflected on the strengths and weaknesses of the program and on how emerging technologies can work alongside Traditional Ecological Knowledge to support long-term conservation outcomes.

For TESS, supporting initiatives like this is about more than technology alone. It is about building meaningful partnerships between researchers, Indigenous Ranger groups, government agencies, and regional organisations to co-develop practical conservation solutions grounded in both science and lived experience.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop was seeing the exchange of ideas between participants — from technical drone applications through to aspirations for reconnecting with species that hold deep cultural significance on Country.

A sincere thank you to all Indigenous Ranger groups, collaborators, and project partners who contributed to such an engaging and inspiring event, to PhD Candidate Emmeline Norris and DRO Manager Johan Larson for sharing their skills, to Dr Andrew Dennis and his team at Terrain NRM for their organisation and delivery of the workshop, and finally to the Australian Government-funded programs from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub supporting this work.

The future of conservation depends on collaboration, and workshops like this demonstrate what is possible when knowledge, innovation, and community come together.