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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Wildlife Protection Solutions (WPS)
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Conservation International
I graduated in Ms of Entomology, and currently I work with Conservation International Cambodia as Biodiversity and Science Senior Coordinator.
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Asst. Prof @ MIT with research at the intersection of computer vision, biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and sustainability.
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi, I'm collecting screenshots (and explanation if needed) of visualisations that you found useful. It could be charts, maps, tables... |
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Data management and processing tools, Animal Movement, Camera Traps | 3 months 1 week ago | |
| I’ll reply with further commercial details direct to you. I think you are not supposed to discuss to that level in these discussions. This is managed product at this stage, not... |
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Camera Traps | 3 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Hello, I am new to camera trapping and I have been researching trail cameras for a project to photograph the city. I need a trail cam... |
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Camera Traps | 3 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Do the short videos happen mostly at night? If so, this is likely a problem with low batteries. The higher power required to power the IR flash can cause the camera to... |
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Camera Traps | 3 months 4 weeks ago | |
| Hi, I am using these for my current project: They seem to be of good quality and support offline SD card storage. These run on 5V/1A. You should be able to run them for... |
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Camera Traps, Animal Movement | 3 months 4 weeks ago | |
| Hi Simon,We (Reneco International Wildlife Consultants) have an ongoing collaboration with a local University (Abu Dhabi, UAE) for developing AI tools (cameratrap/drone... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Animal Movement, Camera Traps, Citizen Science, Connectivity, Drones, Early Career, eDNA & Genomics, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Sensors | 4 months 1 week ago | |
| @HeinrichS there’s still time for you or anyone else to make a funding submission to the wildlabs 2025 grants ❤️❤️❤️I haven't applied for wildlabs funding, but I would love for... |
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Human-Wildlife Conflict, AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Emerging Tech | 4 months 1 week ago | |
| A video speak a thousand words. I thought I’d share some fun observing the local wildlife in the back yard in thermal. |
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Camera Traps | 4 months 1 week ago | |
| Hi Mark, thanks for responding. I think you've identified one of the most difficult parts of research climbing: maintaining your climbing skills and knowledge between field... |
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Community Base, Camera Traps, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Early Career | 4 months 1 week ago | |
| And I see now they can walk vertically up walls like Spider-Man. |
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Camera Traps, AI for Conservation | 4 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Hello Carly, Congratulations for this project!I am studying right now a second MA in Environment Management. I would like to do my MA thesis project about these technologies... |
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Acoustics, Camera Traps | 4 months 2 weeks ago | |
| I added plain old motion detection because megadetector v5 was not working well with the smaller rat images and in thermal.This works really well: Also, I can see... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps | 4 months 3 weeks ago |
