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: ACEAA-Conservacion Amazonica
- @AnnaB
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Veterinarian with special interest in Albert's Lyrebird
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Am a conservation biologist/primatologist passionate about conservation of endangered species, biodiversity monitoring, climate change studies and local livelihoods
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- @Julienpeters
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PhD at the University of Liège (Belgium)
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- @crillahan
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I am a research associate at the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology. My research focuses on developing technology to study fish behavior. I work closely with state/federal management agencies, commercial fishing and offshore wind industries.
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Pepperwood Preserve
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- @Biologyfan123
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I am an amateur biologist working as a volunteer for a project looking at the populations of North American river Otters in Utah.
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- @skcjones
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Australian National University (ANU)
I have a background in applied conservation with over fifteen years of experience in NGOs, government and academia. This experience has involved conducting research for ecological monitoring and species conservation.
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- @DustinVanOverbeke
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I am a researcher at a small liberal arts college in California, working in native bee species monitoring. One current project aims to prototype and test a pollinator camera trap and eventually create affordable, deployable traps that can be used by citizen scientists.
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Iranian wildlife conservationist Interested in Human dimensions of large mammals specifically carnivores.
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São Paulo State University (UNESP)
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World Wide Fund for Nature/ World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
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Wildlife conservationist currently working on biodiversity monitoring and community development for AFOLU VCS & CCB projects.
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