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
May 2024
event
October 2024
Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
---|---|---|---|---|
This is super cool! Me and @Hubertszcz and @briannajohns and several others are all working towards some big biodiversity monitoring projects for a large conservation project here... |
|
AI for Conservation, Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Camera Traps | 7 months ago | |
A few months ago, the Wildlife Insights team conducted a survey to learn more about camera trap data management practices, the use of AI... |
|
Camera Traps | 7 months ago | |
Hello Community,I am currently working on specifying some camera trap projects and am particularly interested in gathering statistics on... |
|
Camera Traps | 7 months 1 week ago | |
Just a heads up that GBIF has released a new technical document for community peer review. The guide, Best Practices for Managing and... |
|
Camera Traps | 7 months 1 week ago | |
Thanks folks. Will go check and let you know what I learn.Mike |
|
Camera Traps | 8 months 2 weeks ago | |
Graeme, Maybe speak to a web IT expert. You may be able to have an interface on the webpage which provides the login credentials to the camera, but then passes the image (and... |
|
Camera Traps, Sensors | 8 months 2 weeks ago | |
I agree, this would be great for canopy work! |
|
Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Camera Traps, Emerging Tech, Marine Conservation | 8 months 3 weeks ago | |
Does anyone know of a network camera that can stream live video direct to a browser page without requiring a password? Our Nest Outdoor... |
|
Camera Traps, Sensors | 8 months 3 weeks ago | |
Hello everyone,With my original background in ecology/conservation, I'm working on an open science project to give motion-sensing... |
|
Camera Traps | 9 months ago | |
Hi Ross, Where exactly did you put the UV paint? Was it on the petals or the actual middle of the flowers? I would recommend switching from sugar paste to sugar water... |
+8
|
Camera Traps, Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects | 9 months ago | |
During Andrew's talk, @dmorris put out a call in the chat that might be relevant to folks catching up on the video, so I'll drop it here too: Re: Andrew's fish work... part... |
|
AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Drones, Marine Conservation | 9 months 1 week ago | |
I like your hypothesis. I'm going with that until someone demonstrates otherwise. It's less fun than finding out that Elsa Kramer's birthday was January 13th (or... |
|
Camera Traps | 9 months 2 weeks ago |