Camera trap

An automatic camera that makes the movements of (invisible) life visible

A camera trap (wildlife camera) is a device that automatically captures short video clips of movements in the environment. This makes unnoticed life forms and their interactions visible. Another thing a wildlife camera does is create individuals of different species, because you learn to distinguish between individuals and recognise personal preferences. This is useful for storytelling. But the camera also raises questions: don't animals have a right to privacy just like us? And what do we do with all that data?

A great tit captured on camera by the camera trap at Zoöp de Ceuvel. Image: camera trap Thijs de Zeeuw.

Is it for us?

These questions will help you determine whether this tool is suitable for your organisation, objectives and situation.

What?
A wildlife camera records a short video clip (e.g. 15 seconds) every time it detects movement. This makes it possible to observe animals and other life forms without human presence influencing their behaviour. It gives you insight into who lives where, where they spend their time, and how they behave or interact.

What for?

Getting to know other-than-human individuals and their individual behaviour patterns
Reveals ecological relationships, even outside human observation times (such as at night)
Helps to identify central locations for interactions between different individuals (“hot spots”); this can assist with design or maintenance decisions within the Zoöp
Enables stories to be collected about the more-than-human community on site
Stimulates new questions and observations about what species need or how they move

Where?
Anywhere is possible; preferably choose “hotspots” where species often gather, such as passageways, edges of bushes, or places with food or water. Because you often don't know who uses the environment and how, placing the camera is also a way of researching meaningful places within the zoo.

Tip: also find a spot where there is no vegetation directly near the camera, otherwise it will start filming at the slightest breeze.

When and how often?
Continuous. The camera can remain in place for weeks to months, depending on battery life and storage.

How much time, money, and materials will it require?

Purchase: €50–€300 for a camera, plus the cost of an SD card and batteries.
Installation time: approx. 30 minutes
Time to read out: 15–30 minutes every 2 to 3 weeks

Captures ecological relationships, even outside human observation times (such as at night). Image: Thijs de Zeeuw at Zoöp De Ceuvel.

In the footsteps of...

De Ceuvel: Camera Trap

Experiences with the Camera Trap, from the practise of Zoöp De Ceuvel

More traces

Step-by-step guide

Preparation

Mounting: Choose a location where a lot of activity is expected or that is relevant to your specific question. Securely mount the camera on a tree, pole or other object at a suitable height. Avoid moving plants close to the viewfinder, otherwise the camera will film every time there is a breeze.
Installation: Consider the following: video recording, length, response time, day/night mode. Follow the instructions for the model you have purchased.

Implementation

Reading: View recordings from the SD card and save interesting clips. Check the battery and storage capacity regularly.
Documentation: Keep a log of when and where the camera was positioned and what was observed.

Follow-up
After observing a particular location for a while, there are several options for follow-up activities:

Relocation: Move the camera to monitor other locations.
Awareness raising: Use striking images for awareness raising or education (e.g. for social media posts or exhibitions, ...)
Analysis: Based on your saved recordings or notes, analyse trends in behaviour, interactions or presence.