Camera traps are indispensable for spotting species that are shy, cryptic, or active at odd hours. This has led to rediscoveries of species thought extinct, like the black-naped pheasant-pigeon (Otidiphaps insularis), a bird species thought to be extinct for nearly 140 years!

Camera traps serve as a surveillance tool to deter poaching and monitor illegal activities in protected areas. Acoustic monitoring has emerged as a complementary technology, using sound recorders to detect chainsaws and other noises associated with illegal logging.

Camera traps play a critical role in understanding how animals use landscapes by tracking wildlife corridors, migration routes, and seasonal movements. By capturing repeated images of animals along specific routes, camera traps help identify key areas where movement is concentrated.

Camera trap footage serves as a powerful tool for connecting people with wildlife, offering a rare glimpse into the natural behaviors of animals in their undisturbed habitats. Sharing videos of playful cubs or rare species can inspire curiosity and empathy.

Fishing cats are among the most elusive and challenging species to observe, study, and protect. These nocturnal hunters, dwelling in the mangrove forests of Cambodia, present a formidable challenge even for the most dedicated conservationists. Our partner, Fishing Cat Ecological Enterprise (FCEE), has effectively utilized camera traps to gain invaluable insights into the population size and behaviors of these secretive felines. Additionally, the technology has proven instrumental in identifying numerous poachers operating in the area, aiding in efforts to safeguard both the fishing cats and their fragile habitat.

The Kayapo Forest Team (“Equipe da Bà”) project highlights the innovative use of camera traps by the Kayapo community as a critical tool for forest conservation. Installed during morning forest walks, these trail cameras enable the community to monitor biodiversity and detect potential threats like illegal activities while preserving visual records of the region’s rich fauna. Guided by elders’ ancestral wisdom, participants learned to identify species and set up cameras strategically along animal trails. The images captured were reviewed in evening sessions, fostering discussions that bridged traditional ecological knowledge with modern technology. This integration not only enhances forest monitoring but also empowers the younger generation with practical skills, ensuring the continuity of both cultural heritage and conservation efforts in the Amazon.

Our partner, Osa Conservation, emphasizes the transformative role of camera traps in wildlife research and conservation, describing them as vital tools for studying elusive species across diverse ecosystems. The data captured enables a closer look at iconic and rare species such as ocelots, jaguars, pumas, and white-lipped peccaries, shedding light on their behaviors and habitats.