Talk:Camera trap

We want photos of (1) A camera trap and (2) Photo(s) taken by a camera trap. Richard001 (talk) 02:35, 1 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Fixed it Hustvedt (talk) 03:40, 12 December 2008 (UTC)

I plan to redo this article here is my plan
ANY COMMENTS QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED

Rough Draft Camera Traps

Introduction Camera traps, also known as trail cameras, are used to capture images of animals in the wild or other setting with as little human interference as possible. [1] In recent decades with advancements in quality of camera equipment and development, this method of field observation has become more popular among researchers.[2] Observing animals without interfering with there activities gives us a window into there world that can be immensely helpful for researchers.The major benefits of this technique of field research is it is a non invasive way to observe animals in there natural environment and has lead to its growing use in the fields of ecology and wildlife research. [4]

Uses of Camera Traps Camera traps are extremely useful in that they allow the animals to be observed without disturbing them. There is still a possibility that the flash or noise of the camera trap might disturb the subject but any disturbance will be much less than if the actual researcher where present in the environment. Where the sight or smell of humans can impact there behavior. [4] 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 weight of specific animals. [7] Camera traps are also helpful in quantifying the number of different species in an area; this is a more effective method than attempting to hand count every individual organism in a field. It can also be useful in identifying new or rare species that have yet to be fully documented by mankind as the photos can serve as indisputable proof towards the findings. By using camera traps, the state of wellbeing of animals in the area can be observed over time: whether individuals in a species group appear healthy, observing the growth rate of young in the area and there survival rate over time. [10] Camera traps are also helpful in determining behavioral patterns in animals, such as what time of day certain types of taxa go to a certain location. [8] It can not be stressed enough that one of the biggest advantages of camera traps over traditional research methods such as trapping or tracking is that it poses significantly less stress on the animal. [4]

Types of Camera Traps 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. Todays more advanced cameras utilize digital photography, sending photos directly to a computer source. Some are even programed to take multiple pictures after a triggering event. Whether using a digital or film camera, you can mount the camera with a variety of different techniques and receive a variety of different quality from you shots. [4] 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 or a heat signature to increase the chances of capturing a useful image. 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. [10] 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.[12] Noise-reducing 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. [1]

Effects of Weather and environment Humidity has a highly negative effect on camera traps and results 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. [7] 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.[4] There is also the possibility, if it is a motion activated camera, that any movement at all will set off the camera, so you might end up with numerous pictures of anything the wind moves, such as plants that you are not trying to study that have been moved in the wind The best type of weather for it to work in is any place with low humidity and stable moderate temperatures. As far as a problems with the camera traps it can not be overlooked that sometimes the subjects themselves negatively effect 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 lens. [4]  One other method of animal tampering involves the animals themselves taking the cameras for their own uses. There are many examples of animals actually taking the cameras and snapping pictures of themselves. [4]  An interesting side not is that locals in the area of a camera trap, that sometimes use the same game trails as the animals to move through the forrest can be caught on camera. This adds to the human dynamic of the research.

Techniques One of the most important things to consider when setting up camera traps is choosing your location in order to get the results you’re looking for. Camera traps near mineral licks or along game trails, where it is more certain you will have animals visiting often, are normally seen. [7]Animals congregate around mineral licks to consume some of the supplements they might not normally receive in there diet. These locations for camera traps also allow for a revolving door of animals who show up at different times and use the licks in different ways. So behavioral habits can be observed by the cameras as well as the types of animals that are in the area. [9]    However it also must be remembered that camera traps are often used in sights 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.[3] Another major factor in whether this is the best technique to use in your specific research is which type of species you are hoping to observe with your camera. Species such as smaller birds and insects are obviously not the best choice for this method of observation, other methods would need to be used to observe these animals better in the wild. However larger land creatures such as big cats, rodents, canids and other have had a lot of success in being observed with this method. [4]

Unique projects Identification of jaguars through observing their unique spot patterns has been a major ground-breaking project that has brought this method of observation into the forefront. By setting up cameras on both sides of a game trail facing each other and simultaneously taking pictures from both sides, you can get an exact record of all the spots in order to identify the animals later. [9] Each jaguar has its own unique spot pattern that almost acts as a human fingerprint. [5] This aids in long term research by identifying particular animals and seeing how often they visit a particular area. [9] This can be especially important for endangered or threatened animals when every individual in the population is integral for survival.

References "WWF - Camera Traps - More on Camera Traps." World Wildlife Fund - Wildlife Conservation, Endangered Species Conservation. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. < http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/camera-traps/moreoncameratraps.html>. "Camera Traps for Researchers, Camera Trap Reviews and Tests." Trail Cameras, Game Cameras Tests and Unbiased Reviews of Camera Traps. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. . "Trail Cameras and Camera Traps | Knowledge and Advice." Bird Box Camera | Nest Box Cameras | Wildlife Cameras | Inspection Cameras. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. . 4.O'Connell, Allan F., James D. Nichols, and Ullas K. Karanth, eds. Camera Traps in Ecology: Methods and Analyses. 1st ed. New York: Springer, 2011. Springer Link. Springer, 2011. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. . Silver, Scott C., Linde E. Ostro, Laura K. Marsh, Leonardo Maffei, Andrew J. Noss, Marcella J. Kelly, Robert B. Wallace, Humberto Gomez, and Guido Ayala. "The Use of Camera Traps for Estimating Jaguar Panthera Onca Abundance and Density Using Capture/recapture Analysis." Diss. Ed. Oryx. The Charlesworth Group, 2002. Abstract. The International Journal of Conservation 38.2 (2004). Print. Nath, Latika M. Camera Traps In Conservation. Ed. David MacDonald. National FIsh and Wildlife Foundation. University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, 1999. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. . Cronin, Steve. "Camera Traps." Camera Trap Talk. Photographic Society, Apr. 2010. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. . Blake, J. G., Guerra, J., Mosquera, D., Torres, R., Loiselle, B. A. & Romo, D. (2010a)  Use of mineral licks by white-bellied spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth) and red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in eastern Ecuador. International Journal of Primatology 31:471-483. Karanth K.U. & Nichols, J. D. (1998) Estimation of tiger densities in India using photographic captures and recaptures. Ecology 79:2852-62. http://siwild.si.edu/ I really want to use this sight but I am Not sure How to sight it and stuff. 11. Carbone, C. S. & 22 additional authors. (2001) The use of photographic rates to estimate densities of tigers and other cryptic mammals. Animal Conservation 4:75-9. 12. Griffiths, M. & van Schaik, C. P. (1993a)  Camera-trapping: a new tool for the study of elusive rain forest animals. Tropical Biodiversity 1:131-135. 13.Griffiths, M. & van Schaik, C. P. (1993b)  The impact of human traffic on the abundance and activity periods of Sumatran rain forest wildlife. Conservation Biology 7:623-626. 14.Karanth, K. U. (1995)  Estimating tiger Panthera tigris populations from camera trap data using capture-recapture models. Biological Conservation 71:333-338. — Preceding unsigned comment added by JColton1003 (talk • contribs) 18:22, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

History
I'm not a native English speaker, but personally, I would call the historic models, which used e.g. a trip-wire to trigger the camera also a "Camera trap". Or is there a different name for that? The current article only speaks of electronic sensors for triggering. If the trip-wire type can also be called a camera trap (and personally I don't see a reason why not) then a brief historic outline could be added to the article. I came to this because I've read in a book that "one of the earliest pictures of a wild animal and certainly the first in the UK to be taken remotely, using a trip-wire" was taken in 1895 by Reginal B Lodge of a Lapwing on its nest with the trip-wire place over the eggs, which I found rather astonishingly early. --Robuer (talk) 17:08, 15 September 2015 (UTC)

Remote control camera's
There's no info on remote control camera's on wikipedia, though I think they can play a role in taking footage of rare/shy animals, which can in turn help consevation efforts. One particular app + "hack" needs to be mentioned here: the Zocus with his 3D printed camera additions and an arduino (as devised by Jude Pullen). See http://metro.co.uk/2016/12/07/the-big-life-fix-helped-this-aspiring-photographer-with-a-rare-skin-condition-realise-his-dream-6308410/ and https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zocus/id1102148496?mt=8 KVDP (talk) 08:52, 17 December 2016 (UTC)

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