IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Olliff, E.R.R.; Cline, C.W.; Bruen, D.C.; Yarmchuk, E.J.; Pickles, R.S.A.; Hunter, L. | |
| The Panthercam - a camera-trap optimized for monitoring wild felids | |
| 2014 Wild Felid Monitor: 21 -28 | |
The camera-trap has revolutionized the monitoring of wild felid population densities and dynamics (Karanth 1995; Karanth et al. 2006), facilitated conservation assessments (Silveira et al. 2003), and enhanced our understanding of elusive and nocturnal species (Kelly 2008). Historically, the mass market for remote-triggered cameras lay with North American hunters, favoring units suitable for monitoring fixed points (e.g. feeding stations) for short periods. Most commercial units were not designed for wildlife researchers, and were unsatisfactory for biological surveys. To optimize cameratrap use in population monitoring of the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), Weingarth et al. (2013) compared six leading camera-trap models in laboratory tests and field trials; only one camera met the authors' basic requirements and that had many shortcomings. The most common complaints from researchers about camera-traps include high cost, slow shutter speed, poor durability and limited battery life (Kawanishi 2002; Henschel & Ray 2003). Alongside limitations of the hardware, no commercial cameratrap manufacturers have addressed data management. In contrast to individual users monitoring a handful of favorite hunting sites, scientific surveys generate thousands of images that require processing, storage, and analysis. Reliance on ad hoc organizational systems leaves the process vulnerable to human error, and often requires a high level of expertise to design and manage, with concomitant risks of data loss. Fortunately, the scientific community has responded by developing after-market systems to handle survey data (Harris et al. 2010; Fegraus et al. 2011), although none is specially integrated with or available as part of the camera unit. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |