Camera trap frequently asked questions

Q. Why does WWF use Camera traps?
Camera traps help us to uncover invaluable information about rare species and their habitats, which we can then use to ensure that they are effectively protected. For example, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra camera traps are being used to help conduct surveys that will provide a map of tiger territory in Sumatra's lowland rainforest. These maps let us know where tigers live while providing crucial information to share with local governments when making land-use decisions, such as what forests most need to be protected from logging or from conversion to agriculture.

Q: How often do you find the camera traps have been damaged or sabotaged by passing animals or humans?

A: To date, after putting up cameras for 7 months, we have had 14 (out of 80 cameras that we placed) stolen by people. Less than 5 have been damaged by the animals.

Q: When a camera trap flashes does it harm the animals' eyes?

A: The cameras used in these camera traps are the same 35mm point and shoot type cameras that can be purchased in your local store. They do not use a special flash. So if the flash is safe for humans and their pets, it's safe to assume that it will not harm wild animals either.

Q: How much film or memory can be stored in the camera traps at one time? And how often are they checked?

A: The amount of film and the life of batteries - and therefore how often we check camera traps - are a function of the camera type and protocol for the study. At the moment WWF is using standard 35mm film, so a roll of 36 exposures is all we can get. Because the camera flash has to remain charged and ready to shoot 24 hours a day, batteries last for about 36 exposures (2 weeks to a month).



Q: How do you set up a camera trap?


Q: How much does it cost to setup and use a camera trap?

A: Camera traps consist of either a digital or 35mm film camera, usually the small 'point-and-shoot' variety, a housing to hold the camera, and an infrared sensor. The trap is usually set up along a path known to be used by animals, with the infrared sensor and its receiver shooting across the path. When an animal (or human!) passes through the infrared beam a photo is taken. Depending on the type of camera (digital or film) camera traps typically cost between $400-$700 USD. The costs of field maintenance differs by country, but usually involves WWF field staff (or nature reserve staff) to check the camera an average of once a month.

Q: How long does it take to check your camera traps?

A: A good day of checking camera traps takes about 10 hours. Get up early, get back late. Some trips are 7days long, and others are 3. Every day is different and full of unexpected events and encounters. Some days - surprise! - you can't even cross the river to get back to your vehicle.
WWF staff set up the camera trap in the Bornean jungle of Sabah. This camera trap took the first ... / ©: WWF-Malaysia/Raymond Alfred
WWF staff set up the camera trap in the Bornean jungle of Sabah. This camera trap took the first ever photograph of a wild Sumatran rhino subspecies on the island of Borneo in April 2006.
© WWF-Malaysia/Raymond Alfred
 / ©: Salmiah Abu
Stephen Hogg, WWF-Malaysia, developing the video camera trap used to capture the Borneo rhino on film.
© Salmiah Abu
tiger tigers camera trap / ©: WWF-Indonesia / Des Syafrizal
Karmila Parakkasi the coordinator of WWF-Indonesia's Tiger Research Team checking camera trap installed in Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau Province, Indonesia
© WWF-Indonesia / Des Syafrizal

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