Journal article
A comparison of vertical and horizontal camera trap orientations for detection of potoroos and bandicoots
JK Smith, G Coulson
Australian Mammalogy | Published : 2012
DOI: 10.1071/AM11034
Abstract
Camera traps are increasingly used to monitor wildlife that is otherwise difficult to study. Traditionally, camera traps are set aimed horizontally towards a scent lure, capturing images of animals as they move past. A vertical camera orientation is also being used, whereby the camera lens and sensor face vertically down towards the scent lure, capturing images from above. We aimed to compare detection of southern brown bandicoots and long-nosed potoroos by camera traps set horizontally, to those set vertically. We also considered the number of false triggers and ease of species identification. Over 21 nights, we monitored 18 camera stations, each consisting of one PixController Inc. Digital..
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Awarded by Department of Sustainability and Environment
Awarded by University of Melbourne Animal Ethics Committee
Funding Acknowledgements
We thank the volunteers who assisted with fieldwork, and both Glenelg Hopkins CMA and the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, which provided financial support. We acknowledge Mike Stevens and John White as the original 'inventors' of vertical camera set-up. Richard Hill and Mike Stevens provided essential discussion and encouragement of the use of vertical cameras and we thank Alan Robley for providing comments on the manuscript. Approval to undertake this research was granted by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (Permit No. 10005029) and The University of Melbourne Animal Ethics Committee (Approval No. 1011564.2).