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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| Thanks, Steph. The camera trap ML nerds among us will have seen drafts of this kicking around in pre-print for a while now. Very cool to see it out finally. I'... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 10 months ago | |
| Check our CamoCamPics.com for a full line Browning Trail Cameras and Accessories! |
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Camera Traps | 7 years ago | |
| Looking for infra‐red CCTV monitoring cameras to install at perimeter fence to aid remote assessment and evidence capture of suspected... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years ago | |
| We want to understand how or if time-lapse imagery is used to monitor wildlife and landscapes in real-time and... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years ago | |
| Just signposting this group to the Camera trapping workshop event to be held at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Thursday... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years ago | |
| Hi Damien, Lora technology enables a range of very efficient solutions that you can deploy over a large area. We provide consultancy and field support for deploying such... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years ago | |
| Dear All Our group in Australia has developed a device for monitoring wild dogs/dingoes in remote areas and have a fully authomated system using Iridium and or 3-4G... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years 1 month ago | |
| Sounds great! I am doing the almost same thing, since here we have a problem between elephant and human living in the same area and conflict a lot. We would like to warn people... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years 1 month ago | |
| My preference is to use Adobe Lightroom, allowing me to move forwards or backwards one frame at a time. I can also adjust the exposure. This is an example from one of my videos.... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years 1 month ago | |
| I'm honored to be part of this WILDLABS group and specifically this Camera Trap forum. I hope that what I've learned weekly over... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years 1 month ago | |
| Consultancy opportunity with WWF-UK Collation and cleaning of global camera-trapping data Interested in getting hands-on experience... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years 1 month ago | |
| The sequence of images in the attached brief report shows why camera traps must be tested with real animal targets, and not with humans. The camera easily detects a human, but... |
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Camera Traps | 7 years 3 months ago |
