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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Article
Apply Now: AI for Conservation Office Hours
WILDLABS Team
Are you stuck on an AI or ML challenge in your conservation work? Apply now for the chance to receive tailored expert advice from data scientists! Applications due 27th January 2023
18 January 2023
Link
The British Ecological Society's journals always have topics that will interest our conservation tech community - in this particular issue, you'll find research on a large-scale camera trapping effort to monitor mammals...
13 January 2023
Link
We review key characteristics of four AI platforms—Conservation AI, MegaDetector, MLWIC2: Machine Learning for Wildlife Image Classification and Wildlife Insights—and two auxiliary platforms—Camelot and Timelapse—that...
13 January 2023
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Sending real-time alerts from ecological sensors such as camera traps in areas with poor data connectivity is complex and involves integrating a large number of potentially complex hardware and software components. Our...
13 January 2023
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Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
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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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This position focuses on the ecology aspect of the project, while a second PhD in Ilmenau will be dealing with programming/AI development. Because of the high temporal resolution of our data, we can investigate how land...
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Job: Conservation Technology Specialist (PT)
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To assist with creative research project in the DC/VA/MD region
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7 December 2022
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Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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| Dear Anthony and Michal, Many thanks for the suggestions! Anthony, I have sent you a message through the site you linked to. I'd be interested to know more about the... |
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Camera Traps | 4 years ago | |
| Hi all, We're excited to welcome Siyu Yang to Tech Tutors to chat about getting started with Megadetector! For all you AI... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools | 4 years ago | |
| 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 | 4 years ago | |
| Thank you Stephanie, |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 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 | 4 years 1 month ago | |
| That's such a cool list. Thanks for posting it! Akiba |
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Camera Traps | 4 years 1 month 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 | 4 years 1 month 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 | 4 years 1 month 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 | 4 years 2 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 2 months 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 3 months 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 3 months ago |
