camera Trapping Protocol
To ensure we collect data effectively and consistently, we have put together a protocol for collecting, organizing, and transmitting camera trap videos. We designed this protocol in collaboration with our local partners to reach consensus on what works best for our joint use of the data collected in our camera trap monitoring program.
Our intention is to collect camera trap data regularly, without creating too much of an additional burden for our local partners. We understand that some of the camera traps are installed in remote locations and may be difficult to access. As such, we have developed these guidelines to balance monitoring frequency and logistics.
This camera trapping protocol is part of the Saving Nature Knowledge Hub, which we created to amplify impact by sharing methods and best practices.
1. Frequency
For camera traps that are more accessible, collecting the data more regularly is preferred. Ideally, we like to get the camera trap data monthly. This gives us time to sort through and catalogue the files. As this is quite time consuming, we prefer more frequent and fewer numbers of files to large slugs of data over an extended period of time.
For the more remote camera traps, we like the camera traps checked at least every 3 months. This frequency is based on the life of the batteries and our assumption on card storage space. If the local team could swap out the SD card when they replace the batteries, this should balance frequency of collecting the data with difficulty in accessing the traps.
Aiming to have imagery and videos uploaded, identified, and analyzed quarterly would be especially helpful. Ideally, they would be ready at least two weeks before the due date of those four months to allow enough time to ingest the data into our centralized data archive.
Our local partners put together a schedule for the traps on their property based on what they think is reasonable (and accounting for battery life and storage space). For example:
1. Camera Trap 1 – Location – Monthly
2. Camera Trap 2 – Location – Every three months
3. Camera Trap 3 – Location – Every three months
4. Camera Trap 4 – Location – Monthly
2. Confidentiality
We understand that some of the footage must be kept confidential to protect the location of species threatened by poaching or other risks.
Our local partners create a Quarantine folder for all videos with clear instructions on how they can be used. For example:
1. For scientific research only – Video cannot be shared publicly
2. Video can be shared publicly, but details as to location must be censored
3. Video clear to share publicly with no restrictions
4. Check before sharing
3. Non-exclusive Use
With the exception of quarantined information, we consider the camera trap video to be a shared resource for Saving Nature and our partners. As such, the camera trap videos collected as part of our monitoring efforts, shall be shared openly for scientific research, educational, and marketing purposes.
4. File Naming and Organization
Since we are collecting data from projects around the world, it is important to have a common naming convention for our traps. We would like all video files to be organized as follows:
1. Camera Trap Folders – There should be one folder for each camera trap, designated by the camera trap number assigned.
2. Within the folder, each file name should include the month, day, year, and 4-digit photo number identifying the camera trap. (mm, yy, 1111).
3. Ideally, if there are local resources available to review the videos, we ask our partners to also include a suffix with the species scientific name.
4. For example. Camera Trap 1 / 08180012.monkey
5. Transmitting Files
We ask our local partners to upload all videos to their DropBox (or other Cloud Storage) and share the folder with designated individuals on the Saving Nature team.
We understand that data storage space can be expensive, and we download the files and confirm when our partners can delete them from their DropBox to keep it available for the next upload. After we have downloaded the files, our partners have the option of storing them in their DropBox at their sole discretion, as we do not expect them to bear the expense of cloud storage for so many large files.
6. Digital Archive
Saving Nature maintains a centralized database of all camera traps assets that have been collected from our project locations. This data is available to our partners and other individuals conducting scientific research It is available upon request by emailing info@savingnature.com.
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Saving Nature works in biodiversity hotspots around the world to prevent extinctions and fight climate change. Guided by science, using annual surveys with drones and camera traps, we show donors where the forests and species are returning.