Camera trap as a non-invasive tool in research on rare and elusive mammals

Jůnek, Tomáš

Knowledge of the richness of species that inhabit a particular area is an essential metric for both conservationists and practitioners. Relatively cost-efficient and easily standardized solution has occurred in last the decades with the massive digitalization of photography, the camera trap. Such an independent detector is bias-free in the probability of recording objects passing by and in most cases does not disturb animals. Recent discoveries of new mammal species are proof of this. Moreover, camera traps allow for insight into the otherwise hidden behaviour of even the most timid animals. My interest in photography, endangered animal species and nature conservation has led me to the decision to apply a novel method in practice. Me and my team have focused on three different use-confirmation of the accuracy of capture-recapture population estimates, temporal overlaps of invasive species with its prey and competitors, and first ever camera-trapping species inventory in the Niokolo-Koba National Park. Thanks to personal experiences and contacts from World biodiversity hotspots I was able to successfully employ an approach and carry out field studies. I hope that our results will contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies and the methodology itself.

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