engleski

How many photos are optimal for monitoring of wild large mammals with camera traps?

During the last two decades camera traps became one of the most used non-invasive methods for wildlife research. As there are a wide variety of camera trap models and methodologies, it is challenging to choose the most appropriate ones according to the species being researched, its habitat and research goals. Choosing the appropriate camera settings affects the quality of the data, time needed to analyze it and the financial aspects of the research. The aim of this research was to determine which settings of infrared camera traps with active sensors are the most suitable for monitoring of large mammals on mountain Velebit, Croatia. Velebit is one of the most important diversity hot spots in Croatia, with all three large carnivores (bear, wolf and lynx) present, golden jackal, red fox, roe and red deer, chamois, mouflon and wild boar. A total of 25 camera traps have been placed on 20 locations - forest roads, animals paths in the forest, lynx marking spots, water sources, exhibited salt. We compared the success of identification of the species and number of the animals on camera traps with 3 types of settings - 3 photos, 1 photo + 30 s video, 3 photos + 30 s video. During a total of 2292 days, 729 events were recorded, and 14 mammal species were identified. The analyzes indicated that camera traps with setting 1 photo and 10 seconds of video are the most effective for monitoring of large mammals. In 94% cases the species and number of animals was identified on the first out of the three consecutive photos. On 30 sec videos the species and number of animals were on average successfully identified during the first 5 seconds of the video. A total of 70% of videos taken after the 3 photos were empty, while 28% of videos taken after one photo were empty, indicating videos taken after 3 photos are not useful. The only species with lower recognition success rate on the first photo was wild boar, so for wild boar research we recommend using two photos and 10 second video.

camera traps, settings, photos, video, large mammals

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