use of remote cameras in wildlife ecology shawn l. locke, israel d. parker, and roel r. lopez...
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USE OF REMOTE CAMERAS IN USE OF REMOTE CAMERAS IN WILDLIFE ECOLOGYWILDLIFE ECOLOGY
Shawn L. Locke, Israel D. Parker, and Shawn L. Locke, Israel D. Parker, and Roel R. LopezRoel R. Lopez
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University College Station, TX Texas A&M University College Station, TX
77843, USA77843, USA
Battery LongevityBattery Longevity
Battery longevity is a product of:Battery longevity is a product of:• temperature• age• number of pictures taken • flash configuration or presence • battery quality
Battery life has advanced significantly Battery life has advanced significantly and many models can run up to 150 and many models can run up to 150 days or take ≥1,000 photos.days or take ≥1,000 photos.
Data StorageData Storage
Data storage capacityData storage capacity• Continues to improve with relatively
inexpensive storage units (e.g., SD cards) holding thousands of pictures and videos.
• This is a vast improvement over film-based cameras that are generally limited to a maximum of 36 images before film replacement.
Picture QualityPicture Quality
Picture qualityPicture quality• Images recorded by cameras can vary in
quality and size depending on equipment specifications.
• Researchers must balance resolution requirements with storage capabilities.
• Researchers should determine storage and resolution requirements prior to beginning research or management activities.
DATA MANAGEMENTDATA MANAGEMENT
Data managementData management• A data management plan is important
prior to the initiation of a camera project.• Studies involving cameras can generate
thousands of images therefore, organization and data storage are critical.
• It is helpful to have photo editing software to enhance photo quality and clarity for interpretation.
REMOTE CAMERASREMOTE CAMERAS
Two types of remote cameras:Two types of remote cameras:• Active infrared or beam-break sensors use
an infrared emitter and receiver creating a beam of infrared light or trip line.
• Passive infrared sensors detect movement and radiation emitted by animals within a field of view.
Remote Camera FeaturesRemote Camera FeaturesFeature Active infrared Passive infrared
Size Two larger units One smaller unit
(separate from camera) (housed with camera)
Models One company Many companies
Price Higher Lower
Ease of use More complicated Simpler
Sensitivity High (flexible) Medium (flexible)
Detection beam width Narrow Narrow or wide
False triggers Usually fewer Usually more
Sensitivity in tropical climates Not affected by temperature May be lower
Damage by wildlife Highly susceptible Lower risk
Active Infrared CamerasActive Infrared Cameras
Active infrared camera (TrailmasterActive infrared camera (Trailmaster®®))
Passive Infrared CamerasPassive Infrared Cameras
Passive infrared camera (Moultrie D40)
Types of Data GatheredTypes of Data Gathered
Remote cameras can assist in Remote cameras can assist in determining:determining:• Occupancy and distribution• Population estimation• Nest predation• Animal behavior and activity• Diet
Thermal Infrared CamerasThermal Infrared Cameras
A limiting factor in studying mammals is observing them.
Mammals often can be cryptic or nocturnal thereby making them difficult to see using only human vision.
The use of thermal infrared imagery devices can aid researchers by converting the nonvisible, infrared spectrum (0.8–14.0 µm) into a visible spectrum.
Pros and Cons of Thermal CamerasPros and Cons of Thermal Cameras
ProsPros• Works well in
optimal conditions
• Declining costs• Detects spectrum
outside of human vision
• Increasing utility in wildlife disease
ConsCons• Cost• Detection varies
among vegetation structure
• Animal size impacts detectability
• Poikilothermic organisms are problematic
• Seasonally dependent
Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) CamerasCameras
Rio Grande wild turkeys foraging
Innovative Camera TechniquesInnovative Camera Techniques
Improvements in component miniaturization and capability, storage capacity, build quality, and price have spurred the use of cameras (both still and video) in ecology in a variety of new directions.
Companies are now designing camera (both still and video) systems to answer specific research questions.
Examples of Camera TechniquesExamples of Camera Techniques
ExamplesExamples• Peep cameras for monitoring nest activity• Live streaming video broadcast on the
internet of nesting/denning activities (e.g., bald eagles, bears)
• Cameras on small remote controlled aircraft
• Telescoping or flexible tubing cameras for snaking into dens or burrows
Peep CamerasPeep Cameras
► Peep camera Peep camera monitoring red-monitoring red-cockaded cockaded woodpecker nest woodpecker nest cavitycavity
SUMMARYSUMMARY► Cameras are a useful tool in wildlife ecology, but
their usefulness depends upon the quality of the study design and capabilities of the operator.
► Cameras are appropriate in research where: humans would cause disturbance to wildlife behavior, extended observational periods are required, observation must take place in dangerous, inclement,
or remote areas, permanent and verifiable data is needed, or different capabilities from the human eye are
required.