Camera trap: Difference between revisions
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==Application== |
==Application== |
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The great advantage of camera trapping is that they can record very accurate data without the animal being captured. These data are superior to human observations, because they can be reviewed by other researchers |
The great advantage of camera trapping is that they can record very accurate data without the animal being captured. These data are superior to human observations, because they can be reviewed by other researchers.<ref name="swann10"/> |
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They minimally disturb wildlife and can replace the use of more invasive survey and monitoring techniques such as live trap and release. They operate continually and silently, provide proof of species presence in an area, can teach what prints and scats go with which species, can provide evidence for management and policy decisions and policies, and are a cost effective monitoring tool. Infrared flash cameras have low disturbance and visibility.<ref name=Cronin>{{cite journal |year=2010 |author=Cronin, S. |title=Camera trap talk |url=http://www.lps.org.au/camera%20traps.pdf |publisher=Photographic Society, April 2010}}</ref> Besides [[olfactory]] and acoustic cues, camera [[Flash (photography)|flash]] may scare animals so that they avoid or destroy camera traps. The major alternative light source is infrared, which is usually not detectable by [[mammal]]s or [[bird]]s.<ref name="swann10"/> |
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There are a variety of different uses for these devices; one major use is in observing the physical aspects of a research subject, such as height of specific animals.<ref name=CMT7>{{cite web|last=Cronin, Steve|title=Camera Traps|url=http://www.lps.org.au/camera%20traps.pdf|work=Camera Trap Talk|publisher=Photographic Society|accessdate=4 October 2011}}</ref> |
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Camera traps are also helpful in quantifying the number of different species in an area; this is a more effective method than attempting to count by hand every individual organism in a field. It can also be useful in identifying new or rare species that have yet to be well documented. By using camera traps, the well-being and survival rate of animals can be observed over time.<ref name=CMT4>{{cite web|title=A-Z Animal Index|url=http://siwild.si.edu/index.cfm?species=155|work=Smithsonian Wild|publisher=Smithsonian|accessdate=29 November 2011}}</ref> |
Camera traps are also helpful in quantifying the number of different species in an area; this is a more effective method than attempting to count by hand every individual organism in a field. It can also be useful in identifying new or rare species that have yet to be well documented. By using camera traps, the well-being and survival rate of animals can be observed over time.<ref name=CMT4>{{cite web|title=A-Z Animal Index|url=http://siwild.si.edu/index.cfm?species=155|work=Smithsonian Wild|publisher=Smithsonian|accessdate=29 November 2011}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 15:40, 2 December 2011
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 | This article currently links to a large number of disambiguation pages (or back to itself). (December 2011) |
A camera trap is a remotely activated
Camera traps, also known as
Application
The great advantage of camera trapping is that they can record very accurate data without the animal being captured. These data are superior to human observations, because they can be reviewed by other researchers.[1] They minimally disturb wildlife and can replace the use of more invasive survey and monitoring techniques such as live trap and release. They operate continually and silently, provide proof of species presence in an area, can teach what prints and scats go with which species, can provide evidence for management and policy decisions and policies, and are a cost effective monitoring tool. Infrared flash cameras have low disturbance and visibility.
Camera traps are also helpful in quantifying the number of different species in an area; this is a more effective method than attempting to count by hand every individual organism in a field. It can also be useful in identifying new or rare species that have yet to be well documented. By using camera traps, the well-being and survival rate of animals can be observed over time.[5]
Camera traps are helpful in determining behavioral and activity patterns of animals, such as which time of day they visit mineral licks.[6]
Camera types
The earliest models used traditional film and a one-shot trigger function. These traditional cameras contained film that needed to be collected and developed like any other standard camera. Today, more advanced cameras utilize digital photography, sending photos directly to a computer, even though this method is uncommon it is still highly useful and could be the future of this research method. Some cameras are even programed to take multiple pictures after a triggering event.[7]
There are non-triggered cameras that either run continuously or take pictures at specific time intervals. The more common ones, however, are the more advanced triggered cameras that go off only after sensing movement and/or a heat signature to increase the chances of capturing a useful image, infrared beams can also be used to trigger the camera. Video is also an emerging option in type of camera traps, allowing researchers to record running streams of video, to document animal behavior.
The battery life of some of these cameras are another important factor in which cameras are used; large batteries offer a longer running time for the camera but can be cumbersome in set up or when lugging the equipment to the field site . [5]
Extra Features
Weather proofing for cameras has helped to protect the film from damage and even the cameras themselves. The cameras are often put into waterproof housing; these casings can also help in disguising the equipment from animals.[8]
Noise-reduction housing is helpful in limiting the possibility that animals will be disturbed by the camera and possibly relocate. Sound recording is also another feature that can be added to the camera. This is useful in recording animal calls and in noting the times when specific animals are the most vocal.[2]
Effects of Weather and the Environment
Humidity has a highly negative effect on camera traps and can result in camera malfunction. This can be problematic since the malfunction is often not immediately discovered, so a large portion of research time can be lost.[9] Often a researcher expecting the experiment to be complete will trek back to the site, only to discover far less data than expected – or even none at all.[7]
There is also the possibility, if it is a motion activated camera, that any movement within the sensitivity range of the camera’s sensor will trigger a picture, so the camera might end up with numerous pictures of anything the wind moves, such as plants.
The best type of weather for it to work in is any place with low humidity and stable moderate temperatures.
As far as problems with camera traps, it cannot be overlooked that sometimes the subjects themselves negatively affect the research. One of the most common things is that animals unknowingly topple a camera or splatter it with mud or water ruining the film or
One other method of animal tampering involves the animals themselves taking the cameras for their own uses. There are example of some animals actually taking the cameras and snapping pictures of themselves.[7]
An interesting side note is that locals in the area of a camera trap who sometimes use the same game trails as the animals to move through the forest can be caught on camera. This adds to the human dynamic of the research and can make camera’s a useful tool for anti-poaching or other law enforcement effort.
Placement Techniques
One of the most important things to consider when setting up camera traps is choosing the location in order to get the best results. Camera traps near mineral licks or along game trails, where it is more likely that animals will visit frequently, are normally seen. Animals congregate around mineral licks to consume water and soil, which can be useful in reducing toxin levels or supplement mineral intake in their
However it must be remembered that camera traps are often used in sites that are harder to get to, hence the need for a camera trap in the first place. Often, a long hike is required to place the camera in the best position.[10]
Another major factor in whether this is the best technique to use in the specific research is which type of species one is attempting to observe with the camera. Species such as small-bodied birds and insects may be too small to trigger the camera. Reptiles and amphibians will not be able to trip the infrared or heat differential-based sensors, however, methods have been developed to detect these species such (e.g., by utilizing a reflector based sensor system). However, for most medium and large-bodied
References
- ^ a b c Swann, D. E., Kawanishi, K., Palmer, J. (2010) Evaluating Types and Features of Camera Traps in Ecological Studies: A Guide for Researchers. In: O'Connell, A. F., Nichols, J. D., Karanth, U. K. (Eds.) 2010. Camera Traps in Animal Ecology: Methods and Analyses. Springer, Tokyo, Dordrecht, London, Heidelberg, New York. ISBN 4431994947. Pages 27–43.
- ^ a b "WWF - Camera Traps - More on Camera Traps". World Wildlife Fund - Wildlife Conservation, Endangered Species Conservation. World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 04 October 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) Cite error: The named reference "CT1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ "Camera Traps for Researchers, Camera Trap Reviews and Tests". Trail Cameras, Game Cameras Tests and Unbiased Reviews of Camera Traps. Retrieved 04 October 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Cronin, S. (2010). "Camera trap talk" (PDF). Photographic Society, April 2010.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ a b c "A-Z Animal Index". Smithsonian Wild. Smithsonian. Retrieved 29 November 2011. Cite error: The named reference "CMT4" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Blake, J. G., Guerra, J., Mosquera, D., Torres, R., Loiselle, B. A., Romo, D. (2010). "Use of Mineral Licks by White-Bellied Spider Monkeys (Ateles belzebuth) and Red Howler Monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in Eastern Ecuador" (PDF) (31). Internal Journal of Primatology: 471–483.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e O'Connell, A. F., Nichols, J. D., Karanth, U. K. (Eds.) (2010). Camera Traps in Ecology: Methods and Analyses. Tokyo, Dordrecht, London, Heidelberg, New York: Springer.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Griffiths, M., van Schaik, C. P. (1993). "Camera-trapping: a new tool for the study of elusive rain forest animals". Tropical Biodiversity. 1: 131–135.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Cronin, Steve. "Camera Traps" (PDF). Camera Trap Talk. Photographic Society. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
- ^ "Trail Cameras and Camera Traps | Knowledge and Advice". Bird Box Camera | Nest Box Cameras. Retrieved 04 October 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Text "Inspection Cameras." ignored (help); Text "Wildlife Cameras" ignored (help)
External links
