Camera traps have been a key part of the conservation toolkit for decades. Remotely triggered video or still cameras allow researchers and managers to monitor cryptic species, survey populations, and support enforcement responses by documenting illegal activities. Increasingly, machine learning is being implemented to automate the processing of data generated by camera traps.
A recent study published showed that, despite being well-established and widely used tools in conservation, progress in the development of camera traps has plateaued since the emergence of the modern model in the mid-2000s, leaving users struggling with many of the same issues they faced a decade ago. That manufacturer ratings have not improved over time, despite technological advancements, demonstrates the need for a new generation of innovative conservation camera traps. Join this group and explore existing efforts, established needs, and what next-generation camera traps might look like - including the integration of AI for data processing through initiatives like Wildlife Insights and Wild Me.
Group Highlights:
Our past Tech Tutors seasons featured multiple episodes for experienced and new camera trappers. How Do I Repair My Camera Traps? featured WILDLABS members Laure Joanny, Alistair Stewart, and Rob Appleby and featured many troubleshooting and DIY resources for common issues.
For camera trap users looking to incorporate machine learning into the data analysis process, Sara Beery's How do I get started using machine learning for my camera traps? is an incredible resource discussing the user-friendly tool MegaDetector.
And for those who are new to camera trapping, Marcella Kelly's How do I choose the right camera trap(s) based on interests, goals, and species? will help you make important decisions based on factors like species, environment, power, durability, and more.
Finally, for an in-depth conversation on camera trap hardware and software, check out the Camera Traps Virtual Meetup featuring Sara Beery, Roland Kays, and Sam Seccombe.
And while you're here, be sure to stop by the camera trap community's collaborative troubleshooting data bank, where we're compiling common problems with the goal of creating a consistent place to exchange tips and tricks!
Header photo: Stephanie O'Donnell
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"Founder of Worker Bees Africa, advancing bee conservation through innovation."
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University of Zurich
PhD student at the University of Zürich (CH) in PopEcol group, working with camera traps and mammals
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Have a look at @tessa_rhinehart 's TechTutors on scaling up acoustic surveys. This is addressed at 11 min: The "hexadecapus" is the hardware, but transfer is automated by... |
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Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools | 2 years 10 months ago | |
| My most prized camera trap image - a hummingbird caught on camera! |
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Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Camera Traps | 2 years 10 months ago | |
| I would agree that primates probably aren't your biggest concern, animal-destroyer wise. At least in the Malagasy rainforests, lemurs are highly arboreal so if you have trail cams... |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 10 months ago | |
| Thanks so much!! |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Animal Movement, Camera Traps, Community Base, Data management and processing tools, Drones, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Geospatial, Software Development | 2 years 10 months ago | |
| There is this other WILDLABS discussion thread where tons of people provided input on their experiences with lots of different brands & models which may help. You might... |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 10 months ago | |
| Done lots of this over the years and it depends on the species really. If you want incubation behaviour and hence success or otherwise using temperature then the Thermocron... |
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Animal Movement, Sensors, Build Your Own Data Logger Community, Camera Traps | 2 years 10 months ago | |
| Might be good to add this to the 'Automated Camera Traps for Insects' group |
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Camera Traps, Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects | 2 years 10 months ago | |
| Good information, Thank you! |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 11 months ago | |
| Wifi SD cards exist https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=wifi+sd+card&crid=3HDWHASJGRU8X&sprefix=wifi+sd%2Caps%2C148&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_7Never tried them personally... |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 11 months ago | |
| Hi Kim,Thanks for the response. I think they can hear our cameras clicking when they are set off and they come to see what is happening so I would totally agree with the... |
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Camera Traps | 3 years ago | |
| Hi Yvan,If you find something which reaches your expectation and especially the ability to identify individual with plumage patterns I will be intereted.In the same idea that... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps | 3 years ago | |
| I'm interested in your findings for the same utilization, so what did you decide to do ? |
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Camera Traps | 3 years ago |
