Comparing infrared imagery to traditional methods for estimating ringed seal density

When conducting aerial surveys of wildlife populations, a number of animals go undetected by observers. The use of infrared imagery may offer a solution to improve detection rates and reduce visibility bias. Our objective was to compare the use of an infrared camera system with traditional methods using direct visual observations for estimating density of ringed seals ( Pusa hispida ) on ice. We conducted aerial surveys of ringed seals in the...