Camera traps and pitfalls: an evaluation of two methods for surveying reptiles in a semiarid ecosystem

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Richardson ◽  
Dale G. Nimmo ◽  
Sarah Avitabile ◽  
Lauren Tworkowski ◽  
Simon J. Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Additional Species ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Trapping Methods ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Passive Infrared

Context Passive infrared cameras have become a widely utilised method for surveying mammals, providing substantial benefits over conventional trapping methods. Cameras have only recently been tested for their ability to survey terrestrial reptiles, and have not yet been tested against other reptile survey methods for their comparative effectiveness. Aims To investigate the reliability of passive infrared cameras as a reptile survey method, compared with pitfall trapping. In addition, to test a refinement of a current protocol for using cameras to survey reptiles. Methods The study was carried out in the herpetologically diverse, semiarid Mallee region of Victoria, Australia. Paired camera and pitfall lines were set up at 10 sites within Murray Sunset National Park and results from the two methods were compared. A comparison of results from cameras with and without the use of a cork tile substrate was also made. Key results Cameras were just as effective as pitfall traps for detecting some common diurnal species – detecting additional species that pitfalls did not – but were significantly less effective overall. Cameras provided lower estimates of species richness and failed to detect nocturnal species. We also discovered that cork tiles, required in other environments for the cameras to be effective in detecting diurnal reptiles, were not needed here. Conclusions Cameras can be an effective, efficient non-invasive alternative to conventional trapping methods, such as pitfall trapping, for surveying some terrestrial diurnal reptile species. However, further investigation into using cameras for surveying nocturnal reptile species is still required. Implications If the methodological issues identified during this study can be overcome, passive infrared cameras have the potential to be a valuable tool for future herpetological research.

Pits or pictures: a comparative study of camera traps and pitfall trapping to survey small mammals and reptiles

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon J. Dundas ◽  
Katinka X. Ruthrof ◽  
Giles E. St.J. Hardy ◽  
Patricia A. Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Community Composition ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Trapping Methods

Context Camera trapping is a widely used monitoring tool for a broad range of species across most habitat types. Camera trapping has some major advantages over other trapping methods, such as pitfall traps, because cameras can be left in the field for extended periods of time. However, there is still a need to compare traditional trapping methods with newer techniques. Aims To compare trap rates, species richness and community composition of small mammals and reptiles by using passive, unbaited camera traps and pitfall traps. Methods We directly compared pitfall trapping (20-L buried buckets) with downward-facing infrared-camera traps (Reconyx) to survey small reptiles and mammals at 16 sites within a forested habitat in south-western Australia. We compared species captured using each method, as well as the costs associated with each. Key results Overall, we recorded 228 reptiles, 16 mammals and 1 frog across 640 pitfall trap-nights (38.3 animal captures per 100 trap-nights) compared to 271 reptiles and 265 mammals (for species likely to be captured in pitfall traps) across 2572 camera trap nights (20.8 animal captures per 100 trap-nights). When trap effort is taken into account, camera trapping was only 23% as efficient as pitfall trapping for small reptiles (mostly Scincidae), but was five times more efficient for surveying small mammals (Dasyuridae). Comparing only those species that were likely to be captured in pitfall traps, 13 species were recorded by camera trapping compared with 20 species recorded from pitfall trapping; however, we found significant (P<0.001) differences in community composition between the methods. In terms of cost efficacy, camera trapping was the more expensive method for our short, 4-month survey when taking the cost of cameras into consideration. Conclusions Applicability of camera trapping is dependent on the specific aims of the intended research. Camera trapping is beneficial where community responses to ecosystem disturbance are being tested. Live capture of small reptiles via pitfall trapping allows for positive species identification, morphological assessment, and collection of reference photos to help identify species from camera photos. Implications As stand-alone techniques, both survey methods under-represent the available species present in a region. The use of more than one survey method improves the scope of fauna community assessments.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Four Survey Methods for Detecting Fox Squirrels in the Southeastern United States

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel U. Greene ◽  
Robert A. McCleery ◽  
Lindsay M. Wagner ◽  
Elina P. Garrison
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Reliable Technique ◽  
Survey Point ◽  
Fox Squirrel ◽  
Fox Squirrels

Abstract Fox squirrel Sciurus niger populations in the southeastern United States appear to have declined, and 3 (S. n. cinereus, S. n. shermani, and S. n. avicennia) of the 10 subspecies are currently listed with a conservation status of protection. Efforts to conserve and manage fox squirrels in the southeastern United States are constrained by difficulties in studying their populations because of low densities and low detectability. There is a need for an effective survey method to fill knowledge gaps on southeastern fox squirrel ecology. To address this need and to identify a cost-effective and reliable technique to survey and monitor southeastern fox squirrel populations, we compared four survey methods across seasons: live-trapping; camera-trapping; point counts; and line-transect surveys, in regard to whether a detection occurred at a survey point, the total number of detections at a survey point, and the total cost for each method. We assessed the effectiveness of capture and detection methods and the influence of seasonality using generalized linear mixed models. We found camera-trapping to be the most effective survey method for assessing the presence and distribution of southeastern fox squirrels. In total, camera-traps produced significantly more detections (n = 223) of fox squirrels than all other methods combined (n = 84), with most detections occurring in spring (n = 97) and the fewest in the autumn (n = 60). Furthermore, we detected fox squirrels at more survey points with camera-traps (73%) than all other methods (63%), and we identified 16% more individuals from camera-trap photographs than live-trapped. We recommend future monitoring of southeastern fox squirrels to be conducted using camera-trapping during the spring unless handling of animals is needed for other research purposes.

Elliott traps found to be ineffective for the survey of swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi): a cautionary tale of outdated survey guidelines

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacinta E. Humphrey ◽  
Kylie A. Robert ◽  
Steve W. J. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
Infrared Cameras

Context Cryptic (i.e. secretive, elusive or well camouflaged) species are often very challenging to accurately survey. Because many cryptic species are threatened, the development of robust and efficient survey methods to detect them is critically important for conservation management. The swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi) is an example of an elusive and threatened species; it inhabits densely vegetated, wet environments throughout south-east Australia. The swamp skink occurs in peri-urban areas and faces many human-induced threats including habitat loss, introduced predators and environmental pollution. Effective and reliable survey methods are therefore essential for its conservation. Aims This study aimed to review the current swamp skink survey guidelines to compare the detection success of Elliott traps with two alternative methods: passive infrared cameras (camera traps) and artificial refuges. Methods Detection probabilities for the swamp skink were compared using Elliott traps, artificial refuges and camera traps at two known populations on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Key results Artificial refuges and camera traps were significantly more successful than Elliott traps at detecting swamp skinks. Conclusions Elliott traps are currently regarded as the standard technique for surveying swamp skinks; however, these traps were the least successful of the three methods trialled. Therefore, the use of Elliott traps in future swamp skink presence–absence surveys is not recommended. Implications Many previous surveys utilising Elliott traps have failed to detect swamp skinks in habitats where they are likely to occur. Our findings suggest that at least some of these past surveys may have reported false absences of swamp skinks, potentially resulting in poor planning decisions. A reduction in the reliance on Elliott trapping is likely to increase future swamp skink detection success, broaden our understanding of this cryptic species and aid conservation efforts. Our results emphasise that it is essential to regularly review recommended survey methods to ensure they are accurate and effective for target species.

scholarly journals Comparing camera traps and visual encounter surveys for monitoring small animals

2021 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-117
Author(s):  
Madison K. Boynton ◽  
Matthew Toenies ◽  
Nicole Cornelius ◽  
Lindsey Rich
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Drift Fence ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Survey Methodologies

Amphibian and reptile species face numerous threats including disease, habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, and global climate change. However, effective management and conservation of herpetofauna largely depends upon resource-intensive survey methodologies. Recent research has shown promise in the use of camera trapping techniques, but these methods must be tested alongside traditional methods to fully understand their advantages and disadvantages. To meet this research need, we tested two herpetofauna survey methods: a modified version of the Adapted-Hunt Drift Fence Technique, which combines a drift fence with camera traps; and a traditional method of visual encounter surveys (VES) with cover boards. Between June and August 2020, we conducted two VES and installed one drift fence with camera traps at ten sites in Monterey County, CA, USA. The drift fence/camera setup outperformed the VES in terms of number of observations and herpetofauna species detected. Drift fences with cameras produced a mean of 248 images of three to six species per site, while VES and cover objects produced a mean of 0.6 observations of zero to one species per site. Across all sites, we detected seven reptile and one amphibian species with the drift fence/camera setup, while VES resulted in identifications of two reptile and one amphibian species. In addition, drift fence/camera setups recorded a minimum of nine nonherpetofauna species including small mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Our research supports that drift fences combined with camera traps offer an effective alternative to VES for large-scale, multi-species herpetofauna survey efforts. Furthermore, we suggest specific improvements to enhance this method’s performance, cost-effectiveness, and utility in remote environments. These advances in survey methods hold great promise for aiding efforts to manage and conserve global herpetofauna diversity.

scholarly journals Design and Implementation of Android Applications as Mobile Payment Gateway Services in the Sistem Online Payment Point (SOPP) of PDAM Malang Regency

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-33
Author(s):  
Grifito yuan Maulidina
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Point System ◽  
Payment Systems ◽  
Online Payment ◽  
Transaction Process ◽  
Inkjet Printers ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Speed Up

The development of online payment systems such as the online payment point system has greatly assisted the public in processing monthly transactions such as water bills. However, in its application, this system still uses large devices such as computers and inkjet printers so that the operation takes a long time and is less efficient. Therefore, in this study, a mobile application is designed to replace the role of computers in making water bill payment transactions in the online payment point system (SOPP) of PDAM Malang Regency. The application that is connected to a database server via the internet is also integrated with a compact wireless thermal printer that can be carried anywhere and does not require ink refills so that it can speed up the transaction process and be more efficient in time, paper and space. The research method used was experimental and survey methods. The experimental method is used to test the running of the application, test the application's compatibility with the device and measure the time it takes for the application to exchange data. The survey method is used to test user satisfaction with the application.

scholarly journals IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM RENCANA PEMBANGUNAN JANGKA MENENGAH DAERAH (RPJMD) KABUPATEN KUTAI BARAT TAHUN 2011 - 2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Frans Christiyanto
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Independent Variables

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of variable communication, resources, disposition and organizational structure for program implementation RPJMD West Kutai 2011-2015, either partially or simultaneously. Type of this research is quantitative research. The analysis tool used is multiple linear regression. In this study using survey methods explanation (explanatory survey method) is a survey that explains the variables under study and further analyze the influence between variables accompanied by hypothesis testing. This research was conducted by collecting qualitative data, which will then be presented in the form of numbers (quantified) to be tested in accordance with the design verification of data analysis. The results showed the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.421. There is significant influence between independent variables namely communication, resources, disposition and organizational structure for program implementation RPJMD West Kutai 2011-2015.Keyword: Implementation RPJMD, Communication, Resources

SOME RECENT ADVANCES IN OFFSHORE REGIONAL RECONNAISSANCE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY METHODS

1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
K. R. Vale
Keyword(s):  
Phase Measurement ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Simultaneous Recording ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Local Networks ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Geophysical Survey Methods

Traditional geophysical methods in use offshore include the airborne magnetometer, underwater gravity meter, and seismic reflection with 24-channel recording and large explosive energy source. Navigation is by range-range and hyperbolic phase-comparison radio systems set up as local networks. Other methods now being used include towed magnetometer, surface gravity meter, and automatic continuous seismic profilers, and all three methods can be used for simultaneous recording from a single recording boat. Navigation systems not requiring local networks include satellite radio doppler, very low frequency phase measurement and sonar doppler devices. These may be used word-wide and 24 hours per day. A single recording boat may thus be virtually self-sufficient. The Bureau of Mineral Resources plans a survey for 1967 that will use a number of these geophysical methods and navigation aids.

scholarly journals Estimating Detection Probability and Density from Point-Count Surveys: A Combination of Distance and Double-Observer Sampling

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 735-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Kissling ◽  
Edward O. Garton
Keyword(s):  
Detection Probability ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Effective Area ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
Fixed Radius ◽  
Count Surveys ◽  
Double Observer

Abstract Point counts are the method most commonly used to estimate abundance of birds, but they often fail to account properly for incomplete and variable detection probabilities. We developed a technique that combines distance and double-observer sampling to estimate detection probabilities and effective area surveyed. We applied this paired-observer, variable circular-plot (POVCP) technique to point-count surveys (n = 753) conducted in closed-canopy forests of southeast Alaska. Distance data were analyzed for each species to model a detection probability for each observer and calculate an estimate of density. We then multiplied each observer's density estimates by a correction factor to adjust for detection probabilities <1 at plot center. We compared analytical results from four survey methods: single-observer fixed-radius (50-m) plot; single-observer, variable circular-plot (SOVCP); double-observer fixed-radius (50-m) plot; and POVCP. We examined differences in detection probabilities at plot center, effective area surveyed, and densities for five bird species: Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis), Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa), Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), and Townsend's Warbler (Dendroica townsendi). Average detection probabilities for paired observers increased ≈8% (SE = 2.9) for all species once estimates were corrected for birds missed at plot center. Density estimators of fixed-radius survey methods were likely negatively biased, because the key assumption of perfect detection was not met. Density estimates generated using SOVCP and POVCP were similar, but standard errors were much lower for the POVCP survey method. We recommend using POVCP when study objectives require precise estimates of density. Failure to account for differences in detection probabilities and effective area surveyed results in biased population estimators and, therefore, faulty inferences about the population in question. Estimaciones de la Densidad y de las Probabilidades de Detección a Partir de Muestreos Utilizando Conteos en Puntos: Una Combinación de Muestreos de Distancia y de Doble Observador

scholarly journals Wariness of coyotes to camera traps relative to social status and territory boundaries

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (12) ◽  
pp. 2015-2025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eveline S Séquin ◽  
Michael M Jaeger ◽  
Peter F Brussard ◽  
Reginald H Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Social Status ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Vantage Point ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Approach Response ◽  
Human Presence ◽  
Camera Systems ◽  
Set Up

The primary objective of this study was to develop a better understanding of coyote (Canis latrans) wariness particularly as it related to social status. We determined that territory status (controlling alpha, resident beta, or nonterritorial transient) affected vulnerability to photo-capture by infrared-triggered camera systems. All coyotes were wary of cameras, leading to relatively low numbers of photo-captures, most of which occurred at night. Alphas were significantly underrepresented in photographs and were never photo-captured inside their own territories. Betas were photographed inside and outside their territories, whereas transients were most often photographed on edges of territories. Both alphas and betas were photographed more often on territorial edges when outside their territories. We next addressed the question of how alphas were better able to avoid photo-capture. Alphas tracked human activity within their territories and presumably learned the locations of cameras as they were being set up. They did this either by approaching our location directly or by moving to a vantage point from where they could observe us. Betas and transients either withdrew or did not respond to human activity. Trials in which a dog was present were more likely to elicit an approach response from alphas. Avoidance of camera stations and the tracking of human activity implied wariness toward objects or locations resulting from their learned association with human presence rather than neophobia toward the objects themselves.

Camera Trapping Technology and Related Advances: into the New Millennium

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Meek ◽  
Guy Ballard ◽  
Greg Falzon ◽  
Jaimen Williamson ◽  
Heath Milne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Engineering Statistics ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Computational Sciences ◽  
Processing And Storage ◽  
Methods Analytical ◽  
Analytical Tools

Camera trapping has advanced significantly in Australia over the last two decades. These devices have become more versatile and the associated computer technology has also progressed dramatically since 2011. In the USA, the hunting industry drives most changes to camera traps; however the scientific fraternity has been instrumental in incorporating computational engineering, statistics and technology into camera trap use for wildlife research. New survey methods, analytical tools (including software for image processing and storage) and complex algorithms to analyse images have been developed. For example, pattern and texture analysis and species and individual facial recognition are now possible. In the next few decades, as technology evolves and ecological and computational sciences intertwine, new tools and devices will emerge into the market. Here we outline several projects that are underway to incorporate camera traps and associated technologies into existing and new tools for wildlife management. These also have significant implications for broader wildlife management and research.

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