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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Careers
Lisanne Petracca is hiring TWO technicians within the SPEC Lab Ocelot Research Program to start January 17, 2024.
16 November 2023
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A secure platform designed for those working to monitor & protect natural resources. Insight facilitates sharing experience, knowledge & tools to increase efficiency & effectiveness in conservation. By...
7 November 2023
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Researchers in Nepal are using vertical cameras and AI technology to track and profile individual spotted deer (Axis axis), similar to the methods used for tigers.
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25 October 2023
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Do you or someone you love study nocturnal animals? Do you want to film behavior in infrared, but NOT spend $1k on a camera (that will die in the field anyways)? Is short battery life a constant battle? Here, this...
20 October 2023
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When considering MPA groundfish monitoring methods: the more, the merrier! New paper out in Journal of Applied Ecology compared three MPA monitoring techniques commonly utilised to survey groundfish populations. They...
20 October 2023
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Have you ever wanted to continuously film underwater species and their behaviours for up to 2 days at a low cost? Well now you can with this new open-source design guide published in @MethodsEcolEvol! https://...
5 September 2023
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An interesting new paper from a camera trap surveying species' responses and resilience to megafires in the western United States. A great example of how conservation tech can help us understand regional climate change...
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Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
WCS is seeking a Conservation Technology Specialist to join their work in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
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#Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge: Judges' Panel Honorees
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Join us as we count down the WILDLABS community's honorees in the first-ever #Tech4Wildlife Community Choice Awards!
3 August 2023
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Senior Technical Specialist, Monitoring & Technology, ZSL
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18 July 2023
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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| While the manufacturer might claim that the camera requires 8xAA at 1.5v each, most likely it will work just fine with NiMH batteries that have nominal voltage of 1.2V. I have... |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 4 months ago | |
| Hi I just tried and works great, I will include it in my workflow. Thanks for your work! Juan |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 4 months ago | |
| In the TrailCamPro link above (comparing FOV and Detection Angle), I see a few "panorama" camera models. For example, the Moultrie 150i or Moultrie 180 (https://... |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 4 months ago | |
| I have a raspberry pi3 setup now as a video streaming server so I can keep a eye on my home while I am at work |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 5 months ago | |
| Thanks Ryan would like to hear more about this, the project look awesome what distance are you getting from your wifi router |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 6 months ago | |
| Hi. Just watched the Youtube version (I'm in the unable to watch live hemisphere) and wanted to say that was a great talk. I wish it could have gone for another hour. I liked... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps | 4 years 6 months ago | |
| The IUCN Otter Specialist Group is hosting a Virtual Eurasian Otter Workshop on 26-28.February.2021. There will be invited talks and... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, eDNA & Genomics | 4 years 6 months ago | |
| Hi Wildlabbers, After a holiday break, Tech Tutors Season 2 continues with our forth episode, featuring Doug Clark, Joseph... |
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Camera Traps, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Community Base | 4 years 7 months ago | |
| Hi all, Just saw this on Twitter - a database of all kinds of camera trap user manuals across brands and models. Thought it might be a helpful resource if you're... |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 9 months ago | |
| I also just found this similar summary of equipment on youtube - https://youtu.be/pNBkfE8UPDI. The breadboard and components are a good addition for building and testing... |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 9 months ago | |
| Hi Wildlabbers, Just popping in to share this very cool primer for beginners to embedded machine learning from our tutor Daniel Situnayake! If you're interested in... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps | 4 years 10 months ago | |
| Hi everyone, Alongside the earlier request for tracking datasets (here), there is now a similar initiative looking at the impacts... |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 10 months ago |
