by Richard Cosgrove | Mon 31 Mar 2025
A new frontier in wildlife conservation
Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon, in collaboration with Plant & Vehicle Services (PVS) and leading wildlife conservation organisations, has unveiled the XwatchMole™—an innovative system designed to detect and protect animal habitats on construction sites. This cutting-edge technology integrates advanced telematics and thermal detection to survey the ground in real-time, identifying live dens and nests of protected species such as badgers, foxes, rabbits, and birds.
When the XwatchMole™ detects a habitat, it immediately reports to conservation teams, who can relocate nests or dens safely before work begins, identify protected species that require legal safeguards & temporarily halt works if relocation isn’t possible
Burrow Cam™ A tiny underground camera provides live footage from inside detected dens, allowing conservationists to assess the situation in real-time. Operators can tune in to see if their site is home to fox cubs, badger families, or other wildlife before excavation begins.
Sonic Repellent Mode For non-protected species such as rabbits or rodents, the XwatchMole™ can emit a gentle sonic pulse to encourage them to relocate before work starts. Adjustable settings range from ‘polite relocation’ to ‘immediate evacuation.’
Eco Alert for Rare Plants & Fungi The XwatchMole™ doesn’t just focus on wildlife—it can also scan for underground root systems of rare orchids or truffle-rich soil, ensuring plant life is protected during construction. This feature helps teams preserve biodiversity and avoid disrupting delicate ecosystems.
The XwatchMole™ provides instant alerts to operators, ensuring all excavation work remains compliant with environmental regulations while minimising disruption to local wildlife and plant life. With its advanced MoleSense™ AI, this system demonstrates that construction and conservation can work in harmony, making sites safer for both workers and nature.
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