Modern trail cameras and custom camera traps are very capabale platforms, but getting the most from them, while avoiding ethical pitfalls requires more work. This is especially true as users expect not just good photos, showing animal presence/absence, but, increasingly video documenting animal behavior.
The first step to “upping the game” with trail cameras is to understand the technology itself. The often mis-understood “PIR Sensor” is an example where understanding how these devices work can greatly improve trigger efficiency. Similarly, choice of batteries or other power sources can lead to tradeoffs in cost, and deployment reliability and duration.
The next step is provisioning cameras in the field. Trail cameras typically come with a number of automatic capabailies for adjusting image quality for photos and videos. Custom Camera traps, based on DSLR or mirrorless cameras can produce even higher quality images, but at the cost of more complex sets, and more human intervention in choosing camera and lighting settings. Multiple cameras can add new information to a single set, as well as lead to opportunities for improved lighting and engagement by human viewers.
Trail cameras do represent an intrusion into the environment, both in their physical presence, and in their operation. Noise and light produced by the camera, and visits by humans to check the cameras, can lead to changes in behavior in target animals. “By catch” of human subjects, can raise legal issues. Techniques such as the use of bait or lures may or may not constitute ethical use, depending on the details.
The crucial question of exactly where to put trail cameras for the best opportunities for great wildlife images can be addressed at 3 levels:
At the macroscopic level, using mapping tools and landscape features lead to general areas where animals are more likely to travel, breed, or court. Following topological features, like saddles, notches, and passe can lead to areas of vastly higher animal concentration.
At the general, mesoscopic, level, basic trail pattern knowledge, and recognition of track and sign can suggest “hot spots” for predators and prey of different sizes.
Finally, different species use landscape resources differently, and therefor require species-specific strategies for camera placement.
In our new book, “Trail Cameras and Custom Camera Traps: Technology, Ethics & Strategies for Success” we cover these and other topics for getting the most out of camera traps. Our book focuses on practical advice and features high quality color diagrams and photographs. It is extensively referenced. Our target audience is researchers, conservationists, and anyone committed to using camera traps to responsibly photograph wildlife. It is available in print and as an e-book.
This is the first in a series of three books. The next two books in the series will provide species-specific tracking and behavior information, as well as practical camera trapping tips for approximately 30 animals species and groups in western North America.
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