Camera Trapping for Wildlife Research & Monitoring

The use of camera traps in wildlife monitoring and research has grown dramatically in recent years as camera trap technology and analytical approaches continue to develop. This course is intended to provide an overview of the use of camera traps in wildlife studies. The course will cover all aspects of camera trapping for wildlife studies, from camera trap selection to analytical approaches. Students will review the history and development of camera trapping as a tool for wildlife studies, examine variation in camera trap technologies, and explore various study designs, camera trap placements, data management software, and analytical approaches. Using case-studies, students will learn about the unique challenges associated with camera trapping in a variety of habitats – from temperate to tropical, arboreal to aquatic. For course completion, students will be expected to develop a camera trapping protocol for a study of their choosing – including camera selection, settings preferences, study design, data management, and analytical approach.

• None.

• This course is recommended for those interested in taking Occupancy Modeling or Computer Vision.

• History, current status, and the future of camera trapping in wildlife studies

• Study design examples and considerations

• Camera trap models & technologies

• Camera placement and logistics in the field

• Photo management: from field to data

• Artificial Intelligence image recognition

• Photo tagging and data management, including exploring Camelot, Zooniverse, CamtrapR, and Wildlife Insights

• Analysis of camera trap data – considerations, limitations, and examples

• Tapping into existing data 

• Development and sharing (photo management platform, and photo tagging fields and management)

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for 5 weeks via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

DATES:

• Winter: Jan 6 - Feb 10, 2025 (with access to course materials until March 23)

  *Early bird saves $75

FORMAT:

• 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for 5 weeks via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project

• Go to our Academic Credit Page for details

DATES:

• Winter: Jan 6 - Feb 10, 2025 (with access to course materials until March 23)

  *Early bird saves $75