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
No showcases have been added to this group yet.
Botswana Predator Conservation Trust
- 0 Resources
- 85 Discussions
- 10 Groups
- @Tysmucker
- | He/Him
Wildlife Biologist/Conflict Specialist and drone enthusiast in Montana
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 5 Groups
Independent Researcher (Conservation Biologist)
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- @iska1818
- | iska
nature nerd, leopard and eagle lover
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 6 Groups
- 0 Resources
- 1 Discussions
- 3 Groups
- @adanger24
- | She/Her
Arribada Initiative
Senior Project Manager and Field Specialist
- 2 Resources
- 16 Discussions
- 10 Groups
- @Blessing
- | She
I'm a wildife conservationist currently working in conservation Technology as a Data Technician. I'm very passionate about conserving wildlife and exploring more in the conservation world.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 2 Groups
- @NatsaniDube
- | Mr
I am a skilled ecologist, animal scientist, conservationist, and environmentalist with experience in wildlife, ecological modelling, statistics, agriculture, and natural resource management. I aim to make a positive contribution to these fields through research and conservation.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 2 Groups
- @SareachChea
- | Sareach
Conservation International
I graduated in Ms of Entomology, and currently I work with Conservation International Cambodia as Biodiversity and Science Senior Coordinator.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 6 Groups
Passionate about wildlife and impact investment with an academic, research and practitioner background in environmental science, environmental law and green criminology pursued in Central America, China, Tanzania and the United Kingdom I am driven to decolonise the research on c
- 1 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 9 Groups
Dedicated wildlife conservationist with over three years of hands-on experience in field research and conservation. Through extensive fieldwork i developed a strong foundation in various conservation techniques, including camera trap deployment, plant inventory methods.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 9 Groups
- @Venance
- | Mr
As a wildlife conservationist, I am deeply committed to the Ecology and Community Development. I help communities balance conservation with livelihoods, promoting beekeeping with the motto “Shusha Shoka, Pandisha Mzinga (Drop the Axe, Raise the Hive).
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 8 Groups
Article
Machine learning, meet the ocean
Kate Wing
There is a revolution coming in conservation. Advances in conservation technology are generating more data than ever before on what lives where, who eats who, and what’s disappearing and how fast, but it still requires...
10 May 2017
Article
In this From the Field interview, we speak to Dr. Raman Sukumar, a world renowned expert on Asian elephant conservation. He shares his thoughts on how technology could be used for mitigating elephant-human conflict, and...
5 April 2017
The Camera Traps group is one the most active in our community, with members keen to discuss approaches to data management and processing, study design, and new software and hardware developments. Indeed, the top entry...
23 March 2017
Article
#Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge: Our favourites from 2016
WILDLABS Admin
Are you ready for this year's #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge? In anticipation, we're counting down our ten favourite entries from last year. Do you think you can top these?
1 March 2017
Funding
Conservation Leadership Programme 2017 Award
WILDLABS Admin
The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is a training and capacity building programme that targets individuals from developing countries who are early in their conservation career and demonstrate leadership...
21 November 2016
Funding
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act grants via USFWS
WILDLABS Admin
Do you work on conserving Neotropical migratory birds? Do you need funding? Why not apply for a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act's grant program? The...
8 November 2016
Article
Internet Cats Just Got Bigger
WILDLABS Admin
The internet has a long love affair with cat pictures, but these aren’t your mom’s internet cats. Now internet cats are getting even bigger and wilder. In this article, Dr. Lisa Feldkamp talks about the work Panthera is...
26 October 2016
Article
Caves don't tend to be well-liked ecosystems, being extremely dark, often quite cramped, and slippery. And the creepy-crawlies that live within them can be the stuff of nightmares. Nevertheless, one's attitude towards...
25 July 2016
Article
Camera traps reveal mysteries of nature
Roland Kays
Sharing personal 'best of' animal pictures is a favorite pastime of many camera trappers. A prolific camera trapper himself, Roland Kays has pulled together more than 600 images collected by 152 researchers from 54...
18 July 2016
Article
Can camera traps placed in trees offer a way to rapidly inventory secretive arboreal mammals? How does this approach compare with traditional survey techniques? Dr Andy Whitworth and his colleagues set out to answer...
4 July 2016
Article
TEAM Network and Wildlife Insights
Eric Fegraus
Operating the largest tropical forest camera trap network globally, TEAM Network has accumulated over 2.6 million images. How can large datasets coupled with new techniques for data management and analysis provide...
28 April 2016
Article
Camera traps have revolutionised wildlife research and conservation, enabling scientists to collect photographic evidence of rarely seen and often globally endangered species, with low expense, relative ease, and...
20 April 2016
August 2025
event
Riley Knoedler
event
Louisa Richmond-Coggan
September 2025
event
Louisa Richmond-Coggan
July 2021
event
Marcella Kelly
June 2020
58 Products
Recently updated products
4 Products
Recently updated products
| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just in case anyone out there who's wondering the same as I did. I finally have this specific model in hand, and no it doesn't record in hybrid mode. |
|
Camera Traps | 4 years 10 months ago | |
| Thanks Carly! I was thinking similar things, you can identify shape a lot better when you see an object with depth rather than without. The two cameras can be configured... |
|
Camera Traps | 4 years 11 months ago | |
| Fig 2 here; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aje.12573 might help for the Bushnell. I haven't tested Stealthcams. There is more here; https... |
|
Camera Traps | 5 years ago | |
| Great talk! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Some high schoolers have done small AI projects(s) and have interest in the wildlife. What resources would you all suggest to further... |
|
AI for Conservation, Camera Traps | 5 years 1 month ago | |
| Hi all, There is a conversation underway in the "Ethics of conservation tech" group on best practices for responsible ue of... |
|
Camera Traps | 5 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi everyone, I am resurrecting this thread as WILDLABS is currently planning an online tutorial on camera trap repairs in the field on 23rd July at 11 AM ET on which I... |
+23
|
Camera Traps | 5 years 2 months ago | |
| Is this offer still open |
|
Camera Traps, Marine Conservation | 5 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi Naomi, I'm not aware of any guidelines published, but we've got the smooth coated otter in our camera traps before, and I suggest you follow a stratified sampling... |
|
Camera Traps | 5 years 3 months ago | |
| Hi Tim, Your diagramme shows a USB connection between the camera and the RPi. What kind of camera is it? Also, does this mean the RPi lives with the camera in the... |
|
Camera Traps | 5 years 4 months ago | |
| Hi everyone! We are happy to announce our third annual iWildCam camera trap challenge, focused on helping to automate species... |
|
Camera Traps | 5 years 5 months ago | |
| I'm working on developing an average speed camera system using a Raspberry Pi and an Arduino that will be used in Zimbabwe on a road... |
|
Camera Traps | 5 years 5 months ago | |
| Hi Gregory, That is quite shocking to hear that a road could be so detrimental to wildlife. If you were able to place a speed hump or rumble strip where you place the camera... |
|
Camera Traps | 5 years 7 months ago |
