Conservation

Bats are a UK- and European-protected species. As such, all UK bat species, roosts, and breeding sites are protected by both UK and European law. Therefore, it is illegal to disturb bats or damage, destroy, or obstruct bat resting, sheltering, and breeding locations. Committing any of these crimes can result in up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.[1] Consequently, bat surveys have become a critical aspect of building and renovation projects. However, bats’ preference for roosting in difficult-to-access crevices, voids, and hollows combined with their nocturnal activities makes conducting meaningful surveys challenging. Thankfully, Guide has developed a TK612 Thermal Imaging Monocular specifically for ecological and conservation applications, such as bat surveys. Continue reading →

Sadly, news reports detailing the devastating effects of extreme weather are becoming more frequent. This year is no different. So far in 2023, Europe has experienced severe flooding in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, followed by intense heat across the Mediterranean. Predictably, extreme heat turned into devastating wildfires which led to evacuation missions across Greece, Portugal, and Italy (to name just a few countries). With experts assuring us that extreme weather will become more frequent due to climate change[1], finding methods to address or prevent its consequences, such as forest fires, is critical. For years, domestic fires have been tackled using thermal imaging technology; now, thermal cameras are preventing and stopping wildfires. Continue reading →