Interest in observing and documenting our natural world is not a new past-time. However, the way in which we do so is benefiting from advances in technology and equipment, such as InfraRed and LIDAR sensors, digital photography, computing capabilities and motion detectors. Camera Traps are one component of how we document terrestrial (+/- arboreal) fauna. These heat and motion sensing devices were originally developed for hunting purposes, but have become increasingly popular with ecologists in the documentation of both native and invasive animal species. For the nature enthusiast, or landowner interested in wildlife conservation, these devices can be used to gather information that can help inform your land management decisions.
When compared to traditional fauna monitoring techniques, such as Catch, Mark and Release programs, camera traps provide researchers, and nature enthusiasts, with a cost effective, reliable tool that requires little effort and low skill level. These devices are also comparatively safe to both user and target species, with minimal impact on the environment in which they are deployed. Furthermore, there are no licensing requirements in NSW. Apart from acquiring landholder permission prior to use, camera traps are an easy option for landowners to identify some of the fauna that occurs on their property. There is also, of course, the question of animal ethics, which is at this stage, left up to the individual to decide upon.
As with most things in life, the devil is in the detail, and poorly planned use of camera traps will lead to low quality data and potentially misleading information. The other consideration when toying with the idea of purchasing a camera trap is cost. Prices range from cheap ($100-$200) to expensive (around $1000) per camera. And you usually get what you pay for. Reliable and more expensive brands, like Reconyx, have faster shutter speeds, better quality cameras (and therefore images) and are manually programmable giving users more control and flexibility with their use.
Perhaps the most important consideration when deciding whether to embark on the camera trapping journey, is purpose. What are you trying to achieve with the camera trap? Carefully planned research programs using camera traps are designed with a clear question in mind, and have a systematic approach to the number and placement of the camera traps. Most landholders will not need to go these lengths, and camera traps may be used to simply determine faunal assemblages in a given area. It is good to understand the capabilities of the technology, and what is involved in rigorous scientific research in this regard.
There is also the question of data management. Camera traps generate a LOT of data. 100’s of images can be captured, depending on the duration of the deployment. The length of time the trap is out will positively correlate with the number of species recorded, increasing exponentially to a point (at around 500 days), with diminishing returns thereafter.
It is essential to understand how the device works and how to deploy it properly. Incorrectly deployed camera traps can result in poor quality data, excessive false or ‘blank’ photos due to vegetation motion, and waste of time and energy. It is worthwhile investing time into setting up the device correctly for your purpose, and in the proper deployment of the equipment so as to maximise your chances of capturing good clear imagery.
It is also important to process and record the data accurately, and upload your information to the correct scientific databases. The Atlas of Living Australia is one such platform. By doing so, you will be positively contributing to the knowledge base available to scientists, which may influence how we move forward in the protection and management of our unique and wonderful wildlife.
Camera trapping is a fun and interesting hobby that can yield wonderful surprises.
In amongst the hundreds of images of brush-tailed possums, antechinus, pademelons, forest birds and wallabies I record with each deployment, I recently had a truly wonderful record of a big healthy male koala on my camera trap – a species we have not seen or heard on our property for over 10 years!
