Supporting scientific research using camera traps

Camera traps have seen a strong rise in recent years as a research instrument. When correctly deployed, they offer numerous possibilities for distribution research, the determination of densities and population trends, behavioural and habitat use studies.

This project involves the development of a research infrastructure consisting of a larger set of available camera traps and one common image database platform for all projects using camera traps as a research tool. This will not only lead to efficiency gains but will also increase the repeatability and quality of the research conducted.

An additional major efficiency gain can be achieved by deploying volunteers to score the photos and also by uploading series of photos collected by volunteers. Both forms of citizen science require the further development of existing applications and the solving of both legal and organisational problems. For this aspect, within this LifeWatch project, we want to analyse which steps are still needed, what obstacles are left and the advantages and disadvantages of existing systems for this citizen-science aspect.

In addition to its importance for short-term research projects, the application of this infrastructure within LTER sites provides a basis for long-term biodiversity research.