Introduction:
At Cape Sanctuary, our mission is clear: to preserve and protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of this pristine landscape for future generations to enjoy. Achieving this goal is no small feat, and we rely on the support of dedicated partners who share our passion for conservation. One such partner, Ferret Tools, has played a crucial role in helping us realize our mission. In this article, we'd like to share how Ferret Tools has made a significant impact on the Cape Sanctuary's efforts and how you can join us in celebrating this partnership.
Ferret Tools: The Unsung Heroes of Conservation
Ferret Tools is not a name synonymous with wildlife sanctuaries – usually you want to keep the Ferrets out, not invite them in!
Ferret Tools are an innovative company that specializes in developing cutting-edge technology solutions for use in the building and inspection trade services and have found a unique use in wildlife conservation and research. They have been at the forefront of creating and implementing tools and systems that have greatly improved our ability to monitor, protect, and rehabilitate the Cape Sanctuary's unique ecosystem.
- Click the YouTube link to see the Ferret camera in action at Cape Sanctuary: https://youtu.be/6na82F6ux2U
The Role of Ferret Tools:
Advanced Surveillance:
One of the most critical aspects of safeguarding the Cape Sanctuary's flora and fauna is monitoring. Ferret Tools has provided us with state-of-the-art surveillance technology, allowing us to keep a close eye on the movements of the sanctuary's native species. With their support, we can better understand animal behaviour and migration patterns, which, in turn, helps us make informed decisions to protect their habitat.
“A ferret camera would allow real time evaluation of den sites so that control can occur immediately”. Aimee Pitcher | Predator Control Manager
Here's some pictures from some investigating den work I did with the ferret. The first image is around a place where we had confirmation of a rat via a monitoring device called a tracking tunnel. Pictured is chewed karaka berries, which is a good indicator that this den is in use. Knowing where exactly the den is means I can target that individual area.
The second image is of what I suspected was a rat den, it was completely clear - phew no rats there!
Third image is of a rat poo I found inside a den. It looks very fresh so likely an active den- again this allows me to quickly identify and fix the problem.
The Ferret Pro camera we used for this investigation’s live feed cut out about 1m deep into the den, depending on the depth underground. Which is fine as by that point I have a good gauge of what is happening inside the tunnel.
- The Ferret Plus model comes with on-board storage and a record to device function that we would use for deeper and harder to access investigations as this will continue recording footage to the camera while out of direct WiFi range.
- https://ferrettools.com/products/ferret-plus
Data Analytics:
In today's world, data is king. Ferret Tools has provided us with tools and an easy to use App that allows us to collect, analyse, and interpret video and still images gathered from our sanctuary. This invaluable information informs our conservation strategies and enables us to adapt our approaches for maximum effectiveness.
Remote Field Operations:
The remote location of the Cape Sanctuary can pose logistical challenges. Ferret Tools has stepped in with innovative solutions for remote field operations, making it possible for our teams to reach even the most inaccessible areas with ease due to the small size and easy to operate nature of the Ferret cameras. This has been a game-changer, as it allows us to maintain our conservation efforts without disruption.
Celebrating the Partnership:
Our Facebook post highlights just one example of the positive impact that Ferret Tools has had on the Cape Sanctuary. We invite you to explore the post and learn more about the specific projects and successes that have resulted from this incredible partnership.
Click here for the FB post link: https://www.facebook.com/CapeSanctuary/posts/pfbid0UraQiqaaEPtZ8QEt7c4ZBcRAXKPZsjYyFXk7k9xxt4jarTYuQxdsRkkvuQ6vw5Ezl
Support the Cause:
At Cape Sanctuary, we are immensely grateful for the support of dedicated partners like Ferret Tools. We encourage you to join us in celebrating this collaboration and consider supporting the Cape Sanctuary. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue our important work in protecting this beautiful corner of the world.
Conclusion:
Ferret Tools has been a dedicated and invaluable partner in our mission to preserve the Cape Sanctuary's unique ecosystem. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has significantly enhanced our efforts, and we are excited about the future possibilities that our collaboration will bring. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the world of conservation, and with your support, we can continue to protect and preserve this beautiful natural treasure for generations to come.
