Betsy Gaither

A field study in the Wehea Forest of Borneo used camera traps to assess the terrestrial tendencies of orangutans, typically associated as arboreal (Loken, Spehar, Rayadin, n.d). The camera traps uncovered the commonality of terrestrial behavior, which was not expected. These discoveries altered conservation efforts in the Wehea Forest; now designing conservation efforts that target both arboreal and terrestrial settings (Loken, et al., n.d).

During 2011-2012, a camera trapping study began in the Komodo National Park located in Indonesia. The goal was to estimate the presence/absence of komodo dragons on the four islands in the National Park (Ariefiandy, Purwandana, Seno, Ciofi, and Jessop, 2013). The field study highlighted the usefulness of camera traps; allowing for broader ranges of komodo dragons to be identified and over an extended period of time helping conservation efforts (Ariefiandy, et al., 2013).

In the Yenice Forest of Turkey, a camera trapping study was conducted in 2006 to assess the density of mammals in the area (Can and Togan, 2008). The camera traps were able to identify two species, the brown hare and jackal, which were not previously identified by locals. The success of this research has led to conservation efforts in regards to mammals, and a push to protect the Yenice Forest (Can, et al., 2008).

In the Pantanal of Brazil, a camera trapping study was conducted in 2003 and 2004, which helped identify the density of the jaguar population (Soisala and Cavalcanti, 2006). Although the calculations of MMDM were speculated in this study, the camera traps did lead to a push for conservation efforts in the area. The majority of Pantanal is privately owned, so connections between conservationists and local citizens are key to effective conservation of the jaguar (Soisala, et al., 2006).

During July 2012 in Nepal, 37 tigers were identified using camera traps, which was an increase from 18 tigers identified three years prior (“Monitoring tigers in Nepal,” 2014). This increase has led to a plan to double the population of tigers by 2022. The Khata wildlife corridor plays a large role in connecting protected habitats, and to encourage the movement of different species in Nepal (“Monitoring tigers in Nepal,” 2014). Plans are being formulated to help monitor tigers in Nepal.