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.