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Smart plant learns to detect wildlife on site before it’s too late
Prof Ali Lo
Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon, has launched the XwatchMole system designed to detect and protect animal habitats on construction sites.
Xwatch has collaborated with Plant & Vehicle Services and leading wildlife conservation organisations to develop the technology that integrates 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 alerts the operator and reports to conservation teams, who can:
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identify protected species that require legal safeguards; and
temporarily halt works if relocation isn’t possible.
XwatchMole includes a so-called Burrow Cam,a tiny underground camera that 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.
The technology also features Sonic Repellent Mode, which emits a gentle sonic pulse to encourage non-protected species, such as rabbits or rodents, to relocate before work starts. Adjustable settings range from ‘polite relocation’ to ‘immediate evacuation’.
XwatchMole isn’t just for 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 November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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