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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- @hyodopenguin
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I am currently a rising junior at UC Berkeley studying data science. I hope to apply data with biodiversity, especially by utilizing camera traps for species classification. People in conservation tech are truly living my dream careers, and I can't wait to get even more inspired!
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- @Slater
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I am the Conservation Science Director at HawkWatch International, where I've worked since 2006. My work focuses mainly on conservation and research of Golden Eagles, including nesting, tracking, and winter ecology.
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Systems Engineer at Edge Impulse, experiencce with hands-on edge machine learning for wildlife conservation
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I work as in-house ecologist for a renewable energy developer in Ireland. Nature inclusive design, emerging tech and doing it better for biodiversity.
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- @rays45693
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PhD Student in Computer Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, working on wildlife conservation using deep learning
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MS seabird biology student
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Careers
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WILDLABS and Fauna & Flora International are seeking an early career Vietnamese conservationist for 12-month paid internship position to grow and support the Southeast Asia regional community in our global...
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Authors examine occurrence patterns of 7 primate species in agroforests in Guinea-Bissau. Arboreal camera traps detected all 7 species, terrestrial cameras detected 5. Heterogeneous spatial responses amongst primates...
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The device could help scientists explore unknown regions of the ocean, track pollution, or monitor the effects of climate change.
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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| I've been wondering about rangefinding/size-measuring technologies that could be incorporated into camera traps for a long time, and am following this thread and the work of @... |
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Camera Traps | 3 years 10 months ago | |
| Thank you Stephanie, |
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Camera Traps | 3 years 10 months ago | |
| Hi Doug. It's actually an interesting application, however it might actually be cheaper to try and put together an off-the-shelf solution rather than go custom. There... |
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Camera Traps | 3 years 10 months ago | |
| That's such a cool list. Thanks for posting it! Akiba |
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Camera Traps | 3 years 10 months ago | |
| Sharing this for COS4Cloud project. I am not part of the project. if you have questions, there are emails at the end for Alex and Angela... |
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Camera Traps | 3 years 11 months ago | |
| Hi, Maybe try sourcing from Aliexpress? I an't speak to the quality, but at some price point it becomes worth looking into this option. -harold |
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Camera Traps | 3 years 11 months ago | |
| Hi Michelle, I've worked on a few arboreal camera trap surveys so I might be able to share some information. With other researchers we've been working on a paper that... |
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Camera Traps | 3 years 11 months ago | |
| I just did a quick search and it doesn't look like there's a place where you can ship them in Mexico. However, at least in Mexico City, there are a bunch of collection... |
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Camera Traps, Latin America Community | 4 years ago | |
| Hello I understand how frustating that can be....I would try with the camera closer. 2.5m seem too far away for rat...specially that it must have some vegetation between. Also... |
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Camera Traps | 4 years ago | |
| Hi. Apparently it's a common problem with Spypoint cameras. I recommend checking out this thread and testing out the reboot procedure. Akiba |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 1 month ago | |
| 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 1 month 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 1 month ago |
