University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

More haste, less speed: pilot study suggests camera trap detection zone could be more important than trigger speed to maximise species detections

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 12:37 authored by Fancourt, BA, Sweaney, M, Fletcher, DB
Camera traps are being used increasingly for wildlife management and research. When choosing camera models, practitioners often consider camera trigger speed to be one of the most important factors to maximise species detections. However, factors such as detection zone will also influence detection probability. As part of a rabbit eradication program, we performed a pilot study to compare rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) detections using the Reconyx PC900 (faster trigger speed, narrower detection zone) and the Ltl Acorn Ltl-5310A (slower trigger speed, wider detection zone). Contrary to our predictions, the slower-trigger-speed cameras detected rabbits more than twice as often as the faster-trigger-speed cameras, suggesting that the wider detection zone more than compensated for the relatively slower trigger time. We recommend context-specific field trials to ensure cameras are appropriate for the required purpose. Missed detections could lead to incorrect inferences and potentially misdirected management actions.

History

Publication title

Australian Mammalogy

Pagination

1-4

ISSN

0310-0049

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

C S I R O Publishing

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

Journal compilation Copyright? Australian Mammal Society 2017

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC