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
Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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Hi Wildlabs,I am Sebastian the project manager for FishID. We are currently in the last stretch of DevOps for the FishID platform. I am... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools , Marine Conservation | 15 hours 35 minutes ago | |
A thread for people to upload the most interesting or unusual sightings recorded by their traps. To get the ball rolling here's a coy... |
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Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Camera Traps | 4 days ago | |
Hi Kim,Thanks for the response. I think they can hear our cameras clicking when they are set off and they come to see what is happening so I would totally agree with the... |
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Camera Traps | 6 days 23 hours ago | |
For info, I found this "IA cloud software" running on phone but don't know how to integrate it for the work I'm looking for: |
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Camera Traps | 1 week ago | |
Hi Yvan,If you find something which reaches your expectation and especially the ability to identify individual with plumage patterns I will be intereted.In the same idea that... |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps | 1 week 1 day ago | |
Hi Shawn,I am looking into camera traps to use for an arboreal project in Panama, I am really interested in your experience of mounting camera traps up trees. The photo shows an... |
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Camera Traps | 1 week 4 days ago | |
I'm interested in your findings for the same utilization, so what did you decide to do ? |
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Camera Traps | 1 week 6 days ago | |
Have you considered creating a Kaggle competition? If you already have lots of images, and some that have been labelled, then this could be a good way to get people working on a... |
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AI for Conservation, Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Camera Traps | 2 weeks ago | |
More info, the exact protocols & instructions to sign up here: https://app.wildlifeinsights.org/initiatives/2000166/Snapshot-Europe... |
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Camera Traps | 3 weeks 5 days ago | |
Cool thread!I will be testing Reolink Wi-Fi cameras in combination with solar powered TP-Link long range Wi-Fi antennas/repeaters later this field season for monitoring arctic fox... |
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Camera Traps | 4 weeks 2 days ago | |
(Not sure how I missed this thread earlier). I think different usage models lead to different security box enclosures. E.g:1. High Risk Locations: You need the... |
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Camera Traps | 1 month ago | |
Hi Kate,I highly appreciate your feedback. I love your idea of using wild ID .I have registered for the wild ID and am looking forward to using it in future. I wont hesitate to... |
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Camera Traps, East Africa Community | 1 month 2 weeks ago |
Underwater Fish Datasets from the Mediterranean
15 August 2022 at 11:45pm
Most interesting images / sightings 'caught on camera'
12 August 2022 at 02:50pm
Lead Software Engineer, Wildlife Insights
10 August 2022 at 11:06pm
Tiger, Tiger, in the Night... Now Visible in Real Time
5 August 2022 at 04:07pm
Dealing with Cows whilst camera trapping
5 August 2022 at 11:17am
9 August 2022 at 03:22pm
I like the idea of supplying them with a scratching post solution, I will look into that. Thorns/gorse is also a great idea.
Thanks very much for the suggestions! I will let you know what works!
9 August 2022 at 03:24pm
Hi Kim,
Thanks for the response. I think they can hear our cameras clicking when they are set off and they come to see what is happening so I would totally agree with the inquisitive cows!
I will try the flag idea as building cages is just not going to be practical with soil depth.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Cheers
Dave
Identify animal from Image
2 August 2022 at 01:37am
2 August 2022 at 02:54am
Hi Jitendra.
If they are still images, many people are using Megadetector to analyze their images. I'm not sure how it will do in species classification, but it can tell you if there are images of interest in the shots. Others here can probably give you more detailed instructions on how to use it to batch process camera trap images.
2 August 2022 at 10:24am
Have you considered creating a Kaggle competition? If you already have lots of images, and some that have been labelled, then this could be a good way to get people working on a solution
Wolverine Data Technician

29 July 2022 at 01:59pm
Snapshot Europe 2022 sign-up is open!
20 July 2022 at 06:17pm
Opportunity: Postdocs on mammal species distributions

11 July 2022 at 08:46pm
New Conservation Tech Directory update
27 June 2022 at 04:45pm
9 August 2022 at 12:02am
Hi David,
Harold is correct. Cattle do like to use anything to scratch against. They are also pretty inquisitive.
Cattle don't like shadows or flowing rubbish/ material. So attach a flag post near the camera or build a cage around it. Yet with a cage, cattle will most likely rub up against it.
Never ending cycle of the scratching vs what you don't want moved