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CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Optimising camera trap height and model increases detection and individual identification rates for a small mammal, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)
Australian Mammalogy, Vol.43(2), pp.226-234
2020
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 UniversityK.A. Bryant (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityN.J. Armstrong (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityM. Calver (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityA.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