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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PhD student at the University of Zürich (CH) in PopEcol group, working with camera traps and mammals
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Article
Machine learning is widely recognized as the solution to camera trap data processing, but a user-friendly and broadly-accessible system for putting this tech to use has not yet been developed. In this case study,...
1 October 2018
Article
Motion-sensing wildlife-tracking cameras in South Sudan have captured 425,000 photos, documenting species not previously known to be found in this richly forested area. The team is now asking for your help to identify ...
22 August 2018
Article
In this case study, Sam Seccombe documents his efforts to track down an off-the-shelf remote camera setup with the capability to stream quality, reliable video from the field. As he explains, it was a slighlty more...
25 July 2018
Article
This latest chapter in the Conservation Technology Series from WWF-UK looks at the opportunities, challenges and state-of-the-art of satellite remote sensing for conservation applications. This issue reviews available...
23 April 2018
Funding
The Plant-Powered Camera Trap Challenge
Alasdair Davies
Are you an architect, engineer, designer or a scientist? Can you design and manufacture a prototype open source plant-BES (bio electrochemical system) to power a camera trap and environmental sensors in tropical forests...
3 April 2018
Article
#Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge 2018: Our Top 10
WILDLABS Team
Hundreds of people joined our #Tech4Wildlife photo challenge this year, showcasing all the incredible ways tech is being used to support wildlife conservation. We've seen proximity loggers on Tasmanian Devils in...
3 March 2018
Article
‘The Field’… Say the words ‘The Field’ to a group of conservationists and it will immediately conjure up vivid memories of everything from sticky wet rainforests to burning dusty deserts. What’s more, it’s almost...
17 January 2018
Article
FIT Cheetahs
Larissa Slaney
A new research project is looking to investigate whether technology combined with the ancient skills and knowledge of Namibian trackers can help save cheetahs from extinction. Called FIT Cheetahs, the research project...
4 December 2017
Article
HWC Tech Challenge Update: Meet the Judges
WILDLABS Team
Our panel of international experts has been hard at work reviewing the 47 proposals we recieved for innovative technological tools to address human wildlife conflict. The panelists have systematically been assessing the...
20 October 2017
Article
Download New Conservation Tech Guidelines: Camera Traps, Acoustics and LiDAR
Paul Glover-Kapfer
The inherent complexity of not only deploying technologies in the field but also doing so in a scientifically rigorous manner can prove a substantial barrier for the effective use of conservation technologies, and clear...
11 October 2017
Article
How to lose a BRUV in 10 days
Dr. Ivy Baremore
As pressure on marine resources increases, fishers have to explore deeper and deeper waters to make a living. What does this mean for Belize’s deep-sea sharks? In an effort to understand the threats to these animals,...
26 September 2017
Article
Frustrated by the limitations of the tools that were available for managing large camera trap data sets, Heidi Hendry and Chris Mann set out to develop something that met their needs, and thus, Camelot was born. In...
7 July 2017
August 2025
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Riley Knoedler
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Louisa Richmond-Coggan
September 2025
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Louisa Richmond-Coggan
April 2023
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Stephanie O'Donnell
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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| A cheaper alternative to Pelis is MAX cases. They are just as strong: https://www.trifibre.co.uk/product-category/products-by-type/waterproof-cases/max-cases/?utm_source=google... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 1 month ago | |
| Hello Sam, We've had good luck with these: https://www.covertscoutingcameras.com/shop/covert-accessories/booster-antenna-for-wireless-cameras/ In high baboon areas we... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 1 month ago | |
| Adding my 2 cents here... and I'm being generous with the value of my comment, maybe just 1 cent... AI should be able to help a lot with the recognition tasks. Edge... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 1 month ago | |
| Hi camera trappers, I just wanted to signpost to the Camera Trap C.V. Web Conference hosted by Rutgers Ecological Data... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 2 months ago | |
| Thanks for sharing. This is going to be very helpful with my on-going design project! |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi Greg, Indeed, the German solution you identified might be a better solution than what I had found on Amazon, which were mostly Doppler solutions, and thinking more about it... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 2 months ago | |
| My friend Charbax of ARMDevices.net posted a video about STM's 60GHz Short Range RF system. This module was announced... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 3 months ago | |
| Thanks Andy, I didn't realize the potenial of such solution in aversion measures. |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 3 months ago | |
| Hi Andy, yep you've got that exactly right. False positives. Glad you found it interesting. Thanks, Ollie |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 3 months ago | |
| Hi Peter, Ok cool, I'll ask him. I know Lucy is heading back over in a couple of months for sure though, so happy to give it to her for you. Cheers, Rob |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 6 months ago | |
| Hi Marisa, It sounds like the Iris on the lens may be stuck open or its been drifting into an open position (hence why you could see images for a while, but now the... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 8 months ago | |
| Hi Sibusiso, Are you looking for huge data sets or would vacation pictures (mostly Uganda) of elephants be of any help to you? Cheers, Nigel |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 9 months ago |
