Optimising camera trap height and model increases detection and individual identification rates for a small mammal, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)

A. Seidlitz; K.A. Bryant; N.J. Armstrong; M. Calver; A.F. Wayne

doi:10.1071/AM20020

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Optimising camera trap height and model increases detection and individual identification rates for a small mammal, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)

Journal article

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Optimising camera trap height and model increases detection and individual identification rates for a small mammal, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)

A. Seidlitz, K.A. Bryant, N.J. Armstrong, M. Calver and A.F. Wayne

Australian Mammalogy, Vol.43(2), pp.226-234

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20020

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Abstract

Camera traps are widely used to collect data for wildlife management, but species-specific testing is crucial. We conducted three trials to optimise camera traps for detecting numbats (Myrmecobius fasciatus), a 500–700-g mammal. We compared detection rates from (1) Reconyx PC900 camera traps installed at heights ranging from 10–45 cm, and (2) Reconyx PC900, Swift 3C standard and wide-angle camera traps with differing detection zone widths. Finally, we compared elevated, downward-angled time-lapse cameras installed at heights ranging from 1–2 m to obtain dorsal images for individual numbat identification. Camera traps set at 25 cm had the highest detection rates but missed 40% of known events. During model comparison, Swift 3C wide-angle camera traps recorded 89%, Swift 3C standard 51%, and Reconyx PC900 37% of known events. The number of suitable images from elevated, downward-angled cameras, depicting dorsal fur patterns, increased with increasing camera height. The use of well regarded camera trap brands and generic recommendations for set-up techniques cannot replace rigorous, species-specific testing. For numbat detection, we recommend the Swift 3C wide-angle model installed at 25-cm height. For individual numbat identification, elevated, downward-angled time-lapse cameras were useful; however, more research is needed to optimise this technique.

Details

Title: Optimising camera trap height and model increases detection and individual identification rates for a small mammal, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)
Authors/Creators: A. Seidlitz (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
K.A. Bryant (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
N.J. Armstrong (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
M. Calver (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
A.F. Wayne (Author/Creator) - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Publication Details: Australian Mammalogy, Vol.43(2), pp.226-234
Publisher: Australian Mammal Society Inc.
Identifiers: 991005540523907891
Copyright: © 2020 CSIRO
Murdoch Affiliation: Information Technology, Mathematics and Statistics; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.35 Zoology & Animal Ecology; 3.35.274 Wildlife Ecology
Web Of Science research areas: Zoology
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science