Optimising camera trap height and model increases detection and individual identification rates for a small mammal, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)
Anke Seidlitz
A D , Kate A. Bryant A , Nicola J. Armstrong B , Michael Calver A and Adrian F. Wayne C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
B Mathematics and Statistics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
C Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 2, Manjimup, WA 6258, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: anke.seidlitz@gmx.net
Australian Mammalogy 43(2) 226-234 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20020
Submitted: 14 February 2020 Accepted: 17 June 2020 Published: 13 July 2020
Journal Compilation © Australian Mammal Society 2021 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Camera traps are widely used to collect data for wildlife management, but species-specific testing is crucial. We conducted three trials to optimise camera traps for detecting numbats (Myrmecobius fasciatus), a 500–700-g mammal. We compared detection rates from (1) Reconyx PC900 camera traps installed at heights ranging from 10–45 cm, and (2) Reconyx PC900, Swift 3C standard and wide-angle camera traps with differing detection zone widths. Finally, we compared elevated, downward-angled time-lapse cameras installed at heights ranging from 1–2 m to obtain dorsal images for individual numbat identification. Camera traps set at 25 cm had the highest detection rates but missed 40% of known events. During model comparison, Swift 3C wide-angle camera traps recorded 89%, Swift 3C standard 51%, and Reconyx PC900 37% of known events. The number of suitable images from elevated, downward-angled cameras, depicting dorsal fur patterns, increased with increasing camera height. The use of well regarded camera trap brands and generic recommendations for set-up techniques cannot replace rigorous, species-specific testing. For numbat detection, we recommend the Swift 3C wide-angle model installed at 25-cm height. For individual numbat identification, elevated, downward-angled time-lapse cameras were useful; however, more research is needed to optimise this technique.
Additional keywords: comparative camera trap study, Reconyx PC900, Swift 3C, wide angle, wildlife detection.
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