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
- | she/they
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
- | Her/she
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
- | he/him
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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- 5 Groups
Arribada Initiative
Director at Arribada, a UK-based conservation technology research & development organisation
- 2 Resources
- 101 Discussions
- 12 Groups
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- 4 Groups
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- 13 Groups
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This is such a cool idea! We need an aussie/international version!Best of luck with this year's survey!Rob |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 1 month ago | |
| I just wanted to see if anyone else was having an issue with Cuddelink cameras sometimes emailing you super old images. Like for example,... |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi Donya! You might check out the Conservation Tech Directory to see what projects/organizations/tools best align with your interests and skills. |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Drones | 2 years 2 months ago | |
| Hey everyone, I am super excited to share two announcements with the Community!🏆🌍 Our flagship Data4Good project - Mbaza AI... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps | 2 years 2 months ago | |
| I took photos and videos about a lovely couple who has got a new family at Ducks Lock along Oxford Canal. Can anyone tell me the name of... |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 3 months ago | |
| The Wildlife Insights team is running a survey to learn more about camera trap data management practices, and in particular to understand... |
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Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools | 2 years 3 months ago | |
| greetings! i sent you a PM regarding this, feel free to contact me however is most convenient for you - regards,chris |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Climate Change, East Africa Community, Wildlife Crime | 2 years 3 months ago | |
| Great, thank you both! I'll follow up for introductions/ contact info |
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Camera Traps, Latin America Community | 2 years 3 months ago | |
| Hi Adrián, Bracis et al. {recurse} package in R allow those time between visits comparisons. I had problems running the package with my data, though. |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 4 months ago | |
| Ah yes, these must have broken when we moved over to our new site. They should work now - thanks for flagging! |
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Camera Traps | 2 years 4 months ago | |
| Indeed, I'll be there too! I like to meet new conservation friends with morning runs, so I will likely organize a couple of runs, maybe one right near the conference, and... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Camera Traps, Geospatial | 2 years 4 months ago | |
| Hi everyone! The Fine Grained Visual Categorization Workshop (FGVC) is hosting its 10th rendition at CVPR this June in Vancouver. A huge... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Marine Conservation | 2 years 4 months ago |
