Tracking Wombats and Rabbits from Space

On the Nullarbor Plain, a battle plays out beneath the surface. Southern hairy-nosed wombats, slow-moving nocturnal diggers, construct intricate underground warrens that serve as shelter from extreme temperatures. But they’re not alone. European rabbits, an invasive species, have spread across the landscape, competing for space and resources while contributing to soil erosion and habitat degradation.

New research investigated by PhD candidate Natarsha McPherson, Environment Institute Member, has found that high-resolution satellite imagery can detect wombat and rabbit burrows from space. By analysing Google Earth and Bing Maps images, researchers identified the telltale signs of burrow entrances, such as disturbed soil and visible trails.

The results were promising: 82% of wombat warrens could be accurately detected from space. Rabbit warrens, however, were much harder to pinpoint, with only 49% accuracy. This is partly because wombat burrows are larger and often have clear pathways, while rabbit warrens blend more easily into the landscape. Adding to the challenge, wombats and rabbits sometimes share burrows, making it even more difficult to determine which species is using a warren just from satellite images.

Wombats are a native species that require protection, while rabbits, introduced by European settlers, are a major environmental threat. By mapping their burrows, scientists and land managers can:

• Better protect wombat populations by understanding their habitat range.
• Improve pest control strategies to manage invasive rabbit populations without harming native species.
• Use a non-invasive, cost-effective method to monitor burrowing animals without disrupting fragile ecosystems.

This research marks a step forward in how wildlife is monitored and managed from space. With advancements in higher-resolution imaging and artificial intelligence, scientists could one day automate burrow detection, making it even easier to track native species and invasive pests.

For now, this study proves that satellites are a powerful tool for conservation, helping us see the hidden world beneath our feet, all from hundreds of kilometers above.

More Information:

Conversation article click here

The report "Detection of rabbit and wombat warrens in broad-scale satellite imagery" read here