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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National Geographic Society
Experience utilizing technology to inspire, educate, and create solutions to some of our biggest challenges. Currently, head of the National Geographic Society Exploration Technology Lab, overseeing the development and deployment of research and storytelling technologies.
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Are you looking to use camera traps in your conservation project? Check out this starter tutorial from Ol Pejeta's Kennedy Muriithi - he'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with camera...
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| The facts are simple. If you violate the assumption of independence of sampling events you will bias the result. In the event of multiple observations by overestimating occupancy... |
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Camera Traps | 8 years 6 months ago | |
| What species monitoring protcols do you know of that explicitly focus on one species? -John |
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Camera Traps | 8 years 6 months ago | |
| Hi Heidi, You might also consider becoming involved in the eMammal project (emammal.si.edu) that the Smithsonian has recently developed. It has tools for both uploading... |
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Camera Traps | 8 years 8 months ago | |
| Hi folks, for Site - in our camera trap data base we use the mountain or National/Nature park Survey - is connected to the time scale - i.e. This mountain2015 or 2016... |
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Camera Traps | 8 years 9 months ago | |
| Bringing over some of the comments we're getting on Twitter: @WILDLABSNET Our @UAlberta lab deploys ARUs at 1000s of sites in Alberta each year in... |
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Camera Traps | 8 years 9 months ago | |
| We have a set of three Bushnells covering an African wild dog scent-marking site. They are at the apices of a triangle, with each camera just at the edge of the field of view of... |
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Camera Traps | 8 years 9 months ago | |
| Hi Steph - just to follow up on your post: @MarcusRowcliffe , James Durrant and I have been working on a bit of software to implement the "computer vision"... |
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Camera Traps | 9 years ago | |
| Hi Louise, Welcome! Unfortunately, an uncomfortably busy calendar meant I ended up missing this gathering. However, I'm sure that @SteffenOppel @... |
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Camera Traps | 9 years ago | |
| We recently spoke with @andy_manu_peru about arboreal camera trapping. For anyone, for anyone who hasn't read it yet, I... |
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Camera Traps | 9 years ago | |
| Some camera trap manufacturers offer solar power as an add-on or option off the shelf. I agree that using the image seems like a solution looking for a problem. |
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Camera Traps | 9 years 1 month ago | |
| Hi Sorry been away, I'll list more about parts etc.. In the mean time the Pi Zero has just had an upgrade.. http://petapixel.com/2016/05/19/5-raspberry-pi-zero-... |
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Camera Traps | 9 years 2 months ago | |
| This Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation course offering looks really valuable: Camera Trapping Study Design and Data... |
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Camera Traps | 9 years 6 months ago |
