Introduction: Animal Espionage (01:39)

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Researchers track vulnerable animal populations around the world. New technologies allow experts to better understand behaviors.

Bowhead Whales (07:15)

Advanced technologies allow researchers to spy on animals. Bowheads are the world's longest living mammal, but climate change threatens their future; their primary food source is declining. Scientists monitor a group of 80 whales using a drone.

Whale Hunting and Behavior (04:40)

The commercial whaling industry nearly decimated populations near Baffin Island, but Inuits can now sustainably hunt bowhead whales. Scientists share research information with the Hunters and Trappers Association and seek to understand why whales congregate at large rocks near the shore.

Giant Armadillo (07:25)

In the 19th century, George Shiras III uses trip wires and flashbulbs to capture animals on camera. Today, Arnaud Desbiez uses camera traps to capture footage of armadillos, including a baby he and his team name Alex.

Species Ambassador (03:18)

Desbiez introduces Alex's story to the public. Camera traps indicate a problem and experts learn Alex died of a wound inflicted by a puma. The giant armadillo population is on the decline. Desbiez and his team monitor animals and provide information to state authorities.

Boreal Woodland Caribou (05:57)

Industrial development threatens the caribou population. Art Rodgers and his team use GPS camera collars to monitor caribou feeding habits and determine which habitats need protection; they see newborn calves.

Conserving African Ecosystems (06:19)

Research indicates wildlife populations are rapidly declining. Craig Packer uses camera trap grids to conduct a census of all the reserves and wildlife parks in Africa. Citizen scientists help Packer and his team classify data.

Fear Response (06:26)

Biologists use camera traps equipped with predatory sounds to better understand how fear affects animals in South Africa. The removal of large carnivores from an area results in ecological problems.

Wild Tigers (05:52)

Most tigers live in India; adults must consume one large prey animal per week. Poaching and development threaten populations. Ullas Karanth and his team use camera traps and a computer program to audit tiger numbers.

Advanced Camera Technologies (03:02)

Unmanned cameras, high-speed thermal cameras, time-lapse cameras, and remote cameras capture animal behaviors and environmental changes around the world.

Credits: Animal Espionage (01:07)

Credits: Animal Espionage