Kyle Renshaw of UCF has demonstrated that the use of near-infrared spectrum cameras could detect pythons 20 percent farther away. This could lead to the development of a snake detection system that would help protect native species from the threat of python snakes.

“These small, inexpensive cameras could be mounted on trucks or drones to help catch the hard-to-find pythons. Using cameras also opens the possibility for automated detection using computer algorithms to search the imagery faster and more comprehensively than the hunters can do on their own,” said Renshaw.

• Kyle Renshaw