Abstract
When using camera traps for wildlife studies, determining suitable camera models and deployment methods is essential for achieving study objectives. We aimed to determine if camera trap performance can be increased by (1) using cameras with wider detection angles, and (2) by periodically repositioning cameras within sites. We compared three camera trap groups: stationary Reconyx PC900/HC600 (40° detection angle), and paired, periodically-repositioned Reconyx PC900/HC600 and Swift 3C wide-angle camera traps (110° detection angle). Cameras operated simultaneously at 17 sites over 9 weeks within the Upper Warren region, Western Australia. Swift cameras had significantly higher detection rates, leading to better performance, especially for species <1 kg and >10 kg bodyweight. Reconyx cameras missed 54% of known events, with most being animals that moved within the cameras’ detection zones. Stationary and periodically-repositioned Reconyx camera traps performed similarly, although there were notable differences for some species. The better performance of Swift 3C wide-angle camera traps makes them more useful for community-level and species-level studies. The increased sensitivity of the Swift’s passive infrared sensor along with the wider detection zone played an important role in its success. When choosing camera trap models, detection angle and sensor sensitivity should be considered to produce reliable study results. Periodically repositioning cameras within sites is a technique that warrants further investigation as it may reduce camera placement bias, animal avoidance of camera traps, and increase spatial/habitat information when a limited number of cameras are deployed.
Highlights
Passive infrared (PIR) triggered camera traps are increasingly used in wildlife investigations for a wide range of applications (Rowcliffe and Carbone 2008; Burton et al 2015; Meek et al 2015)
To expand the camera trapping body of knowledge we present here results from a comparative camera trap study that explored if animal detections could be increased (1) by using Swift 3C wide-angle instead of the commonly used Reconyx PC900/ HC600 standard-lens camera trap models, and (2) by periodically repositioning camera traps within study sites
From repositioned Reconyx and Swift camera traps set side-by-side, we determined that there were 3218 known events of which Swift cameras did not detect 17 (0.5%), and Reconyx cameras did not detect 1750 (54%)
Summary
Passive infrared (PIR) triggered camera traps are increasingly used in wildlife investigations for a wide range of applications (Rowcliffe and Carbone 2008; Burton et al 2015; Meek et al 2015). Researchers need to consider which camera trap model, and deployment techniques (e.g. camera height and position) are most suitable for achieving study objectives. The right choice is important because camera trap model, and deployment technique can affect study results, and the inferences made, for example, on species richness and occurrence (Swan et al 2014a). As new camera trap models and ideas for different set up techniques emerge, they need to be tested for their applicability in wildlife research. To expand the camera trapping body of knowledge we present here results from a comparative camera trap study that explored if animal detections could be increased (1) by using Swift 3C wide-angle instead of the commonly used Reconyx PC900/ HC600 standard-lens camera trap models, and (2) by periodically repositioning camera traps within study sites.
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