A review of factors to consider when using camera traps to study animal behavior to inform wildlife ecology and conservation

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 2(8)

Published: June 19, 2020

Abstract Camera traps (CTs) are an increasingly popular method of studying animal behavior. However, the impact cameras on detected individuals—such as from mechanical noise, odor, and emitted light—has received relatively little attention. These impacts particularly important in behavioral studies conservation that seek to ascribe changes behavior relevant environmental factors. In this article, we discuss three sources bias using CTs: (a) disturbance caused by cameras; (b) variation animal‐detection parameters across camera models; (c) biased detection individuals age, sex, classes. We propose several recommendations aimed at mitigating responses CTs wildlife. Our offer a platform for development more rigorous robust CT technology and, if adopted, would result greater applied benefits management.

Language: Английский

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Using camera traps and N‐mixture models to estimate population abundance: Model selection really matters

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. 900 - 915

Published: April 11, 2024

Abstract Estimating the abundance or density of wildlife populations is a critical part species conservation and management, but estimates can vary greatly in precision accuracy according to sampling statistical methods, ecological variation, sample size. We used images moose ( Alces americanus ) from camera traps parameterize N‐mixture models tested effect conditions, spatial scale measurement, criteria define independent detections on population abundance. compared model those generated empirically with aerial survey data, standard method for many ungulate. explored sensitivity choice based common criterion parsimony. The two most parsimonious (i.e. AIC c were considerably biased, producing implausibly large imprecise Most other produced that ecologically realistic relatively accurate. by was not overly sensitive formulation models, at which conditions measured, detection extension Our results suggested parsimony poor measure predictive model. recommend using suite generate predictions instead single top‐ranked Collecting processing data less expensive took time, provided broader set insights into behaviour co‐occurrence competitors predators.

Language: Английский

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Evaluating species-specific responses to camera-trap survey designs

Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2021(1)

Published: Jan. 25, 2021

Camera traps are widely used to collect information on the distribution and abundance of multiple species simultaneously. However, we still lack important guidance for designing camera-trap surveys monitor species, consequences species-specific responses survey design strategies often overlooked. Using data collected ten medium-to-large North-American carnivores in northern Minnesota, USA, between 2016 2018 (23 337 active trap-days), evaluated: 1) two different survey-design frameworks (random- versus road-based), 2) lure types (salmon oil fatty acid scent oil), 3) placement (completely random randomly-selected sites with feature-based placement), 4) timing (spring fall) 5) temporal trends daily encounter probabilities. generalized linear mixed models, found evidence differential all these strategies. For 9 out 10 strong frameworks: red foxes Vulpes vulpes, coyotes Canis latrans, bobcats, Lynx rufus, striped skunks Mephitis mephitis, wolves C. lupus gray Urocyon cinereoargenteus, had estimated frequencies that were 9- 106-fold higher at unlured along secondary roads; black bears Ursus americanus, martens Martes americana fishers Pekania pennanti 15- > 3600-fold lured, randomly selected sites. six salmon provided 2- 4-fold more encounters than oil, but feature-basedplacement only improved detections fishers. Daily probabilities differed spring fall usually decreased slightly within each sampling period Our study confirms even similar-sized or closely-related respond differently choices. To maximize frequencies, recommend multi-species studies use a mix include features during statistical analysis.

Language: Английский

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The influence of bait and camera type on detection of a spectrum of medium-sized Australian mammals

Australian Mammalogy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 46(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Camera-trapping programs are most effective when informed by knowledge of the influence components camera setup such as bait and type. I investigated two baits three types on detection eight species medium-sized mammals across a 10-month survey. The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) was only that favoured meat (sardines) over peanut-butter bait. long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), Parma wallaby (Notamacropus parma), bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) swamp (Wallabia bicolor) northern brown (Isoodon macrourus), mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus) feral cat (Felis catus) showed no preference. Camera type influenced weekly in species. had lower at Reconyx white-flash (WF) compared with infra-red flash (IR) Swift wide-angle (Sw) camera. higher Sw WF IR. IR Sw. findings have implications relation to selection can lead more monitoring, whether program is directed one these or spectrum

Language: Английский

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How do invasive predators and their native prey respond to prescribed fire?

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(5)

Published: May 1, 2024

Abstract Fire shapes animal communities by altering resource availability and species interactions, including between predators prey. In Australia, there is particular concern that two highly damaging invasive predators, the feral cat ( Felis catus ) European red fox Vulpes vulpes ), increase their activity in recently burnt areas exert greater predation pressure on native prey due to increased exposure. We tested how prescribed fire occurrence extent, along with history, vegetation, topography, distance anthropogenic features (towns farms), affected (detection frequency) of cats, foxes, mammal community south‐eastern Australia. used camera traps quantify before after a burn statistically interacted these habitat variables affect activity. found little evidence influenced cats foxes no an effect kangaroo or small (<800 g) Medium‐sized mammals (800–2000 were negatively associated suggesting has negative impact short term. The lack clear from likely positive outcome management perspective. However, we highlight response dependent upon factors like size, severity, availability. Future experiments should incorporate GPS‐trackers record fine‐scale movements temperate ecosystems immediately best inform within protected areas.

Language: Английский

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Mammal responses to human recreation depend on landscape context

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(7), P. e0300870 - e0300870

Published: July 18, 2024

Rapid growth in outdoor recreation may have important and varied effects on terrestrial mammal communities. Few studies investigated factors influencing variation observed responses of multiple species to recreation. We used data from 155 camera traps, western Alberta (Canada), a hierarchical Bayesian community modelling framework document 15 recreation, test for differential between predators prey, evaluate the influence local context. Factors characterizing context were trail designation (i.e., use by motorized vs non-motorized), management type, forest cover, landscape disturbance, season. three measures characterize pressure: distance trail, density, an index intensity derived platform Strava. found limited evidence strong or consistent space use. However, was better explained interaction than either their own. The strongest density type; mammals more likely avoid sites near higher trails areas with restrictive management. that designation, although there not clear differences designated vs. non-motorized Overall, we species- context-dependent. Limiting be reducing negative impacts within conservation areas. show using yields insight into human disturbances wildlife. recommend investigating how different characteristics (noise, speed, visibility) animal behaviors. Multispecies monitoring across landscapes vary pressure can lead adaptive approach ensuring coexistence

Language: Английский

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Factors Affecting the Distribution and Temporal Patterns of a Salt Marsh Endemic Mammal

Estuaries and Coasts, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 48(3)

Published: Feb. 20, 2025

Language: Английский

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Applying and testing a novel method to estimate animal density from motion‐triggered cameras

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(4)

Published: April 1, 2022

Abstract Estimating animal abundance and density are fundamental goals of many wildlife monitoring programs. Camera trapping has become an increasingly popular tool to achieve these due recent advances in modeling approaches the capacity simultaneously collect data on multiple species. However, estimating unmarked populations continues be problematic difficulty implementing complex approaches, low precision estimates, absence rigor testing model assumptions their influence results. Here, we describe a novel approach that uses still image camera traps estimate without need for individual identification, based time spent front (TIFC). Using results from large‐scale multispecies program with nearly 3000 cameras deployed over 6 years Alberta, Canada, provide reproducible methodology parameters test key TIFC model. We compare moose ( Alces alces ) estimates aerial surveys TIFC, including incorporating correction factors known assumption violations. The resulting corrected comparable estimates. discuss limitations method areas needing further investigation, long‐term violations number necessary precise Despite challenges high measurement error, can useful alternative or complementary when compared traditional methods.

Language: Английский

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Ungulate occurrence in forest harvest blocks is influenced by forage availability, surrounding habitat and silviculture practices

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4(2)

Published: April 1, 2023

Abstract Forest harvesting causes habitat loss and alteration can change predator–prey dynamics. In Canada, forest has shifted the distribution abundance of ungulates (deer, elk moose) that prefer early seral forest, resulting in unsustainable caribou predation by shared predators (bears, cougars wolves). Long‐term solutions for recovery require management to reduce ungulate prey species within ranges. Silviculture practices applied after directly affect amount forage available harvested areas, therefore influence distribution, but few studies have completed detailed assessments on how specific treatments site preparation, planting stand tending use harvest blocks. We used camera traps, silviculture data, GIS‐derived disturbance vegetation data collected at field sites investigate occurrence blocks west‐central Alberta, Canada. compared seasonal investigated site‐specific characteristics, surrounding density, fine‐scale influenced Deer, moose was higher summer winter. Elk, white‐tailed deer with greater availability species. Moose a lower road density area, further from seismic lines proportion area. younger Mule densities lodgepole pine, mule also had been tended. Our study provides information response methods linking wildlife forestry practices, providing practical scientific inform sustainable forestry. Translating this research into landscape decisions could benefit boreal biodiversity, including threatened like caribou, culturally economically important deer, moose.

Language: Английский

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Integrating human trail use in montane landscapes reveals larger zones of human influence for wary carnivores

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

Abstract Coexistence between humans and wildlife is necessary for many conservation goals but difficult to achieve in landscapes with increasing human populations species that are often wary of people may also threaten safety. In these contexts, coexistence be enhanced by identifying geographic areas where animal movement particularly important changes use via trail design could support both We used camera trap data monitor the spatial distribution grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos ), grey wolves Canis lupus within central Canadian Rocky Mountains, anthropogenic development activity have gradually encroached on limited habitat. quantified variation then incorporated this output into models detection rates wolves. interpolated metrics throughout study area using inverse distance weighted averages from cameras. This approach supported a novel estimate cumulative effects at all nearby trails space use. our zone influence wolves, determining which no longer exhibited measurable change each The negative declined steeply such 50% decrease immediately adjacent would expected occur 267 m 576 Weak effects, 5% as strong effect trails, extended up 1.8 6.1 km revealing importance measures Synthesis applications . Our work shows how over entire can alter rates. results identify target buffer distances protected near modelling framework land managers predict altering networks modifying affect advance coexistence.

Language: Английский

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