Description and evaluation of a remote camera and triggering system to monitor carnivores

Abstract

Remotely triggered cameras have been used in many ecological studies, but most are relatively inexpensive one-time-only systems or expensive infrared systems. We describe the setup and wiring technique for a moderately priced, multiple-photo camera system. Two study areas, California and Vermont, were used to assess usefulness of the camera system. Although some target carnivore species were photographed regularly, visitation rates of other carnivores were low, due either to low population densities or camera shyness. Cameras generally worked well under all conditions, but the pressure-plate triggering devices sometimes became inoperable during heavy rains. Other camera activation systems may reveal additional uses for this remote camera system.