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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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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| Hi Karen,Yeah the discharge curves of lithium cells tend to be very stable for a long time and then drop sharply at the end. Akiba and Brett's advice below re: condensation... |
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Camera Traps, AI for Conservation | 8 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Hej Vasilios, thank you so much for this list with notes! Much appreciated. Thank you also for sharing your experiences with the Mitsubishi corporation, your non-profit and other... |
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Camera Traps, Funding and Finance | 8 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Hi Rob,Thank you so much for these suggestions, I'll do a little more research around these and get back to you if I have any other questions! :)Best,Chelsea |
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Camera Traps | 8 months 4 weeks ago | |
| Hi Patrick,FYI - I've modified a couple hundred GardePros at this point with a new lens for wider angles and closer focus. Their cameras are pretty simple so easy to take apart... |
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Camera Traps | 9 months ago | |
| Very interesting please update us once experiment is successful |
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Camera Traps, Conservation Tech Training and Education | 9 months 3 weeks ago | |
| Really interesting, I will take a look |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech | 9 months 3 weeks ago | |
| great project !! |
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Camera Traps | 9 months 4 weeks ago | |
| great idea!! |
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Camera Traps | 9 months 4 weeks ago | |
| Keep digging girll!! |
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Camera Traps | 9 months 4 weeks ago | |
| @cmwainaina please take a look |
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Animal Movement, AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Connectivity, Data management and processing tools, East Africa Community, Emerging Tech, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Geospatial, Sensors, Software Development | 10 months 1 week ago | |
| I'm being quite daring by making statements on a forum that is frequented by Dan Morris (obviously in deference to his extensive knowledge on the subject :-) ), but here goes.... |
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Camera Traps | 10 months 2 weeks ago | |
| We evaluated background subtraction as part of our pipeline for Zamba Cloud a few years ago. It's going to depend a lot on your backgrounds, but we found that for jungle/forest... |
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Camera Traps | 10 months 2 weeks ago |
