Mitigating camera trap loss using permanent security posts: 10 years of development
P. D. Meek A B * , G. A. Ballard B C , J. Abell C , S. Perrie D , A. Blackford D , R. Jones D and P. J. S. Fleming
B E
A Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 350, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
B School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department Primary Industries, c/-University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
D All Metal Fabrications, 14 Ray McCarthy Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
E Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
Australian Mammalogy 44(3) 407-412 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM21046
Submitted: 26 November 2021 Accepted: 5 February 2022 Published: 18 March 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Mammal Society.
Abstract
Camera traps provide a valuable tool for surveying wildlife, but theft and vandalism can be costly and pose a constant threat to image data integrity and continuity. Permanent, secure posts represent one solution, but they need constant innovation to account for the persistence and ingenuity of camera trap vandals and thieves. Here we outline the progression of designs for a bollard-style housing used to mitigate theft and damage of camera traps placed for continuous monitoring of predators and other wildlife along tracks. The evolving design process over a 10 year period was driven by ongoing attacks on the posts and finally our endeavours to counter what we considered might be the next attack on our design. The current security posts have not been breached to date, producing a design that we consider the most formidable.
Keywords: animal damage, crime, damage, monitoring, remote cameras, research, scientific equipment, theft, trail cameras, vandalism.
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