Can I answer all these questions from peer reviewed materials?

The simple answer is...YES!!! I was able to find all the information I needed from peer-reviewed sources. I am always interested in knowing where information comes from, especially numbers. I always see arguments online and I can't help but think where is the source data and how are those numbers being manipulated. Below are the three sources I used.

Galaverni, M., Palumbo, D., Fabbri, E., Caniglia, R., Greco, C. and Randi, E. (2011). Monitoring wolves (Canis lupus) by non-invasive genetics and camera trapping: a small-scale pilot study. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 58(1), pp.47-58.

Meek, P., Ballard, G., Fleming, P., Schaefer, M., Williams, W. and Falzon, G. (2014). Camera Traps Can Be Heard and Seen by Animals. PLoS ONE, 9(10), p.e110832.

Rowcliffe, J., Field, J., Turvey, S. and Carbone, C. (2008). Estimating animal density using camera traps without the need for individual recognition. Journal of Applied Ecology, 45(4), pp.1228-1236.

What are the pros and cons of camera traps?

Pros

• Camera Traps can be used in remote locations 
• Camera Traps can be used any time of day and in any weather. 
• Noninvasive
• Minimum human interference in animal behavior
• Relativity inexpensive
• Can be used remotely

Cons

• While no studies exist on the impacts of camera traps on wildlife, one study from 2014 does show that the light and sound admitted from camera traps are within the range mammals are capable of noticing. 
• Many camera traps are needed to get thorough information (20-40 minimum)-this can become expensive
• Camera traps are best used in conjunction with other forms of data collection
• Limited range of view

From this list and other research I have concluded that camera traps are a great tool for a researcher to use, but camera traps are best when used along side other research tools.

How are camera traps being used in conservation?

• Camera traps are used to find the density and population of a species
• This use can be time intensive
• May require the use of capture and recapture methods 
• Species may be required to have markings to be studied sucessfully
• To be accurate it has been found that minimum of 20 fixed camera locations are needed, with 40 being the preferred minimum
• 10-20 photographs should be taken at minimum
• Camera traps are used to spot behaviors such as mating or hunting
• Camera traps are used to identify individuals of a species
• Camera traps can be used in conjunction with other methods of collecting information from an environment such as scat collection. This help create a more complete picture of the species and its relationship to the environment. 

Below is a photo of a camera trap taken from a Google Image search.

What is a specific example of camera traps being used?

One specific example of how a camera trap is being used is the monitoring of a wolf population from 2006-2008. This study used noninvasive genetic markers (mostly scat) as a way to identify different wolves and canines in the area. The cameras were placed based on the locations of the scat. The cameras were able to document many events including reproduction, minimum numbers of adult and young wolves. The cameras were also able to capture possible medical information about the wolves including the signs that at least three of the wolves were infected with mange.

The thing I found most impressive about the study was the way the researchers used the camera traps in conjunction with the scat to confirm the phenotypes of the wolves. The project was of a moderate cost making a blended research style an appealing style for future research projects. However one consideration is that few high-ranking wolves were photographed. This could be because they were aware of the camera presence and were wary to enter the area.

The camera trapping indicated the presence of domestic dogs and humans in the area of the study. While this could be a good thing suggesting that the wolves were partaking in the cleanup of hunting, the most wolves are killed at the start of the hunting season.

From this example I think that camera traps are a great tool for any field researcher to have. Yet, as in a all things it is best to have a number of different tools available to create the best picture of the events and populations in an environment.

What is a Camera Trap?

• A camera trap is a camera that uses motion (usually through infra-red sensors) to capture images of wildlife. 
• Camera Traps are used because although they can be a large expense upfront for a high quality camera, a camera trap can help keep overall project costs down. This is because a camera trap can be left in an area with minimal upkeep. A person using a camera needs food, water, and shelter. A camera trap is designed with the elements in mind. 
• A camera trap offers a great advantage when studying a shy or remote species. The animal will often not notice the camera and biologist are able to capture images animals that might be scared by a human presence. It can also capture natural  interactions, since behavior is influenced by surroundings.
• A camera trap can be used day or night. It can also be used in any type of weather. 

Intro to Camera Traps

I don't know a whole lot about camera traps besides they are used in situations where stationing a living person would be impractical. A quick Google of the term Camera Trap pulls up a large selection of sites.

• There was a shopping section where Camera Traps ranged from $80 to over $200
• At the top of the page there was a section on scholarly articles mentioning camera traps
• The actual websites had a variety of topics; of course wikipedia was at the top, followed by the World Wildlife Fund, and then a website selling camera traps to researchers (you can ask them for a quote)

I am going to dig into some of the resources in future posts. I hope to answer the questions:

1. What is a camera trap?
2. How are camera traps being used in conservation? 
3. What is a specific example of camera traps being used?
4. What are the pros and cons of camera traps?
5. Can I answer all these questions from peer reviewed materials?