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
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Tech Tutors: How do I repair my camera traps?
22 July 2020 8:20pm
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Hi all,
This camera trap repair video about sulfated batteries was shared with us on Twitter and I thought it might be interesting and helpful for this Tech Tutors group! Check it out here and let us know if you find this useful!
-Ellie
3 November 2020 7:03pm
Hi all,
Just saw this on Twitter - a database of all kinds of camera trap user manuals across brands and models. Thought it might be a helpful resource if you're struggling with an old or used camera that you don't have the manual for.
------
Did you buy your #cameratrap years ago and you have lost the user manual?
— cameratraps (@cameratraps1) November 3, 2020
that's my case, but I've the solution!
find here thousand of #cameratrap user manual. Different brands, models...https://t.co/c9FchfINzR
Camera trap repairs
5 August 2020 4:47pm
19 October 2020 5:53pm
Apologies for the super late reply and thank you for all your comments and help. WE had wifi problems at the research station. I managed to fix a few by removing the rust from connectors, leaving them in a sealed container with silica gel. I am not back at home so will look at the different documents and order some equipment before I go back out to be ready for more repairing. Is there a list of other suggested items I should invest in to help with repairs?
25 October 2020 11:28pm
That is great to hear, Mark. I'm interested as to which repair related to each of the symptoms you intially listed, but for now, knowing that more of your cameras work is excellent. I think your use of silica gel to properly dry out the cameras is underrated - this might have to top suggestion for malfunctioning cameras in the future.
A list of basic tools is a good idea. Maybe we should start a separate thread for this, but I'll throw a few in here to start.
Screwdriver set - small electronics screwdrivers, Phillips and flat head. Some cameras are using "torx" heads, so check your equipment and what you may need.
Multimeter - most problems can be checked using a volt meter only, but checking resistance of leads and continuity is very useful.
Pliers and snips - small needle nosed pliers are great for hard to reach pieces, side cutters help a lot for accurately trimming wires. If you start rewiring and soldering then wire strippers are very useful, but the job can be done carefully with a sharp knife if needed.
Soldering iron, solder and flux - if parts are coming loose, cables are getting torn off by animals or you just need to secure old wires better, then soldering is usually needed. A cheap soldering iron will do the job on wires for batteries and general hookup, but fine temperature control and a small tip is better for circuitboards. Do you have mains power - 240V/110V? A battery powered or 12V iron might be needed for a remote field/station. Fine electronics solder is most useful. Flux help clean surfaces for soldering but should be rinsed off to avoid corrosion - I have a "flux pen" that is small, portable. Practice is the key to soldering. There are lots of tutorials online about soldering but give it a go on something sacrificial first to get a feel for temperatures and how molten solder works.
Spare wire - size the wire accoring to the amperage that is needed. Passing too many amps through a fine wire may cause a fire (trust me). Multiple colours are avaialble so you can colour code your +/- and data lines.
Insulation - this should be higher up the list! Electrical tape wrapped around wires and terminals will get the job done, but heat shrink tube in various sizes is more robust (just remember to put it over the wire before you connect it). Kapton tape is good for covering flat, internal electronics like circuitboards.
I hope that helps. Any other suggestions?
Cheers, Al
1 November 2020 3:11am
I also just found this similar summary of equipment on youtube - https://youtu.be/pNBkfE8UPDI. The breadboard and components are a good addition for building and testing circuits.
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Hi Wildlabbers,
Just popping in to share this very cool primer for beginners to embedded machine learning from our tutor Daniel Situnayake! If you're interested in learning more about the basics of TinyML, this is a great resource.
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Model Question: Bushnell Trophy Cam HD Low-Glow 119719CW
27 August 2020 5:18am
31 August 2020 12:43am
Hi
I don´t know about that specific model number, but all "modern" Bushnell's I've seen had that option. But have in mind that after the picture the camera needs some time to start the video, sometimes up to 9 seconds, which for many animals might be excesive. In my case working with carnivores in the high Andes, we missed most of the videos.
Maybe they improve on this, the experience I'm mentioning was with a model bought two years ago named Bushnell Trophy Cam Aggressor (Low-Glow), 36 LEDs 14MP (I don't know the model number).
I hope it helps.
Bests
2 September 2020 3:17am
Hi Juan,
Thank you for your reply. Finger cross that the model we are buying can operate in hybrid mode. We currently use Trophy Cam Agressor 119776 and 119774, and both can shoot in hybrid mode. I can actually find a manual for these two models to confirm this functionality.
And good to know about the delay. We've been quite lucky thus far with the two models above. Typically, I notice the lag hovers around 1 sec only.
Have a nice day!
Best wishes,
22 September 2020 12:06pm
Just in case anyone out there who's wondering the same as I did. I finally have this specific model in hand, and no it doesn't record in hybrid mode.
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Should have posted this up first, but here's an earlier case prototype that I quickly put together to test its durability outside in the elements. It worked quite well, even when raining. Always save your old compost bags, very useful for waterproofing things (unless they have those tiny holes in!)
28 August 2020 3:43pm
This is awesome, Tom! I think it would definitely be really helpful for individual identification of animals, as the 3D would give you a better perspective on distinctive markings, coloration, size, etc.
29 August 2020 12:25am
Thanks Carly! I was thinking similar things, you can identify shape a lot better when you see an object with depth rather than without.
The two cameras can be configured to be a long distance apart or closer together too which means animals right up close or really far away can be identified easier. It also means that you can have the vision of a mouse or an elephant .. or a lemur!
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Model Question: CT Detection angle and Field of View
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31 July 2020 10:49am
Hi Hana,
https://www.trailcampro.com/pages/trail-camera-detection-field-of-view-angle
https://www.trailcampro.com/pages/how-why-we-test-trail-cameras
Trailcamerpro.com have the above details. They measure field of view with a ruler at a set distance and some maths. Detection angle is harder and one way is to do a slow walk test, a foot every 20 seconds, across the cameras view and work out where the camera first captures images and then map this back to the field of view.
Hope this helps,
Sam
31 July 2020 5:17pm
Hi Hana, I know for Bushnell the manual has the FOV, it should be 50 degrees for yours. All the manuals are online so you just have to find your model. https://www.bushnell.com/bu-manuals.html
As for the detection radius I agree with looking at trailcampro, to see if they've tested your model.
4 August 2020 9:55am
Fig 2 here; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aje.12573 might help for the Bushnell. I haven't tested Stealthcams.
There is more here; https://www.researchgate.net/project/A-realistic-reproducible-and-rigorous-test-for-wildlife-camera-trap-performance
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26 June 2020 2:32pm
Hi everyone!
We've now posted Sara's session to our youtube channel, and I've also popped it up the top of this thread.
The collaborative notes worked really well! I've now updated them to capture what happened in the chat - it should be a helpful companion to go alongside the recording. The notes have links, projects, and key discussions we saw in the chat, and summarise the questions Sara coverd in the discussion as well as the Qs we weren't able to get to (40mins overtime was our limit!). If your question was one of the outstanding ones and you'd like to have it answered, please drop it in the discussion below.
The notes now also have the participant check ins (such an awesome range of places, projects and interests!) - I'm sharing these as seeing what other people are doing might help you connect with each other. If you see someone you want to connect with, try and find them using our member direcyour people tab. If you can't, email Ellie and she will see if that person is happy to hear from you before connecting you.
Reminder, registration is open for Carlos' tutorial next week: How do I perform automated recordings of bird assemblages? Register here.
Thanks everyone!
Steph
2 July 2020 8:58pm
Great talk! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Some high schoolers have done small AI projects(s) and have interest in the wildlife.
What resources would you all suggest to further develop high schooler’s interest in AI?
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10 September 2020 4:25pm
Hi all,
I know we mentioned this in the episode and collaborative doc for this episode, but I just wanted to make sure everyone knows about the camera trap troubleshooting spreadsheet our presenters created! The goal is to build up a bank of common problems so we can help each other and have an ongoing resource to use.
Please consider adding your problems into the spreadsheet as well as here in the forum!
-Ellie