Camera trap

In addition to applications in hunting and wildlife viewing, research applications include studies of nest ecology, detection of rare species, estimation of population size and species richness, and research on habitat use and occupation of human-built structures.

[4] Hunting has played an important role in development of camera traps, since hunters use them to scout for game.

The great advantage of camera traps is that they can record very accurate data without disturbing the photographed animal.

[2] They minimally disturb wildlife and can replace the use of more invasive survey and monitoring techniques such as live trap and release.

[2] 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.

[8] Camera traps are helpful in determining behavioral and activity patterns of animals, such as which time of day they visit mineral licks.

Today, more advanced cameras utilize digital photography, sending photos directly to a computer.

The more common ones are the advanced cameras that are triggered only after sensing movement and/or a heat signature to increase the chances of capturing a useful image.

[1] Wireless transmission allows images and videos to be sent using cellular networks, so users can view activity instantly without disturbing their targets.

The use of invisible flash "No-Glow" IR leverages 940 nm infrared waves to illuminate a night image without being detected by humans or wildlife.

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.

However, for most medium and large-bodied terrestrial species camera traps have proven to be a successful tool for study.