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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The University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking a research Post Doctoral Fellow to work in collaboration with the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The position will focus on using Machine...
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Underwater Camera Trap Video Confirms 1,100-Mile (1800-km) Swim of Tagged Great White Shark
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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| A cheaper alternative to Pelis is MAX cases. They are just as strong: https://www.trifibre.co.uk/product-category/products-by-type/waterproof-cases/max-cases/?utm_source=google... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 1 month ago | |
| Hello Sam, We've had good luck with these: https://www.covertscoutingcameras.com/shop/covert-accessories/booster-antenna-for-wireless-cameras/ In high baboon areas we... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 1 month ago | |
| Adding my 2 cents here... and I'm being generous with the value of my comment, maybe just 1 cent... AI should be able to help a lot with the recognition tasks. Edge... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 1 month ago | |
| Hi camera trappers, I just wanted to signpost to the Camera Trap C.V. Web Conference hosted by Rutgers Ecological Data... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 2 months ago | |
| Thanks for sharing. This is going to be very helpful with my on-going design project! |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi Greg, Indeed, the German solution you identified might be a better solution than what I had found on Amazon, which were mostly Doppler solutions, and thinking more about it... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 2 months ago | |
| My friend Charbax of ARMDevices.net posted a video about STM's 60GHz Short Range RF system. This module was announced... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 3 months ago | |
| Thanks Andy, I didn't realize the potenial of such solution in aversion measures. |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 3 months ago | |
| Hi Andy, yep you've got that exactly right. False positives. Glad you found it interesting. Thanks, Ollie |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 3 months ago | |
| Hi Peter, Ok cool, I'll ask him. I know Lucy is heading back over in a couple of months for sure though, so happy to give it to her for you. Cheers, Rob |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 6 months ago | |
| Hi Marisa, It sounds like the Iris on the lens may be stuck open or its been drifting into an open position (hence why you could see images for a while, but now the... |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 8 months ago | |
| Hi Sibusiso, Are you looking for huge data sets or would vacation pictures (mostly Uganda) of elephants be of any help to you? Cheers, Nigel |
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Camera Traps | 6 years 9 months ago |
