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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World Wide Fund for Nature/ World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
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- @ldbraunholtz
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(Tropical) forest ecologist w interest: biodiversity, camera traps, community led conservation & more. Passionate about inclusive nature for all.
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- @Riley
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I'm a Data Scientist at Western EcoSystems Technology. I am interested in AI processing and statistical modeling of acoustic data and camera trap and drone imagery.
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- @Gathoni
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PhD Candidate at Nottingham Trent University, UK. Ecologist with a passion for wildlife conservation and conservation technology with foundational training in BSc and MSc Rangeland Management (Ecology option). Current project: Use of acoustics to monitor ecosystem restoration.
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- @parlaynu
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software engineer
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- @moorerp
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Oregon State University
Avian/Conservation ecologist at Oregon State University and Wildlife Corridors (in Patagonia, Arizona, USA)
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World Wide Fund for Nature/ World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
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- @AlexBats
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Wildlife Protection Solutions (WPS)
Director of Technology at Wildlife Protection Solutions. Primarily focuses on leveraging machine learning and advanced data analytics to combat poaching, monitor biodiversity, and predict environmental threats.
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Arribada Initiative
Director at Arribada, a UK-based conservation technology research & development organisation
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Article
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31 May 2019
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In this blog, Laure Joanny adds her perspectives to an ongoing discussion that we've been seeing in the community about conservation tech and it's relationship to e-waste. How do we tackle the challenge of battery waste...
3 May 2019
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#Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge: Our Favourites from 2019
WILDLABS Team
Happy World Wildlife Day! To celebrate, this week we've asked our community to share photos showing how they are using tech in the field or the lab, using the #Tech4Wildlife hashtag.
3 March 2019
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Arribada recently returned from field sites in Assam, India where they tested the image quality and detection abilities of low-cost thermal sensors for detecting elephants in conflict areas. Arribada is working on these...
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22 November 2018
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Camera traps designed for animals are now invading human privacy
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Although invaluable for conservation and ecological research, camera traps frequently take pictures of people as well as wildlife. This has important implications for privacy and human rights and may ultimately...
22 November 2018
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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 | |
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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 |
