More haste, less speed: pilot study suggests camera trap detection zone could be more important than trigger speed to maximise species detections
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 12:37authored byFancourt, BA, Sweaney, M, Fletcher, DB
Camera traps are being used increasingly for wildlife management and research. When choosing camera models, practitioners often consider camera trigger speed to be one of the most important factors to maximise species detections. However, factors such as detection zone will also influence detection probability. As part of a rabbit eradication program, we performed a pilot study to compare rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) detections using the Reconyx PC900 (faster trigger speed, narrower detection zone) and the Ltl Acorn Ltl-5310A (slower trigger speed, wider detection zone). Contrary to our predictions, the slower-trigger-speed cameras detected rabbits more than twice as often as the faster-trigger-speed cameras, suggesting that the wider detection zone more than compensated for the relatively slower trigger time. We recommend context-specific field trials to ensure cameras are appropriate for the required purpose. Missed detections could lead to incorrect inferences and potentially misdirected management actions.
History
Publication title
Australian Mammalogy
Pagination
1-4
ISSN
0310-0049
Department/School
School of Natural Sciences
Publisher
C S I R O Publishing
Place of publication
Australia
Rights statement
Journal compilation Copyright? Australian Mammal Society 2017
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Assessment and management of Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems