COURSE DESCRIPTION: The use of camera traps in wildlife monitoring and research has grown dramatically in recent years as camera trap technology and analytical approaches continue to develop. This course is intended to provide an overview of the use of camera traps in wildlife studies. The course will cover all aspects of camera trapping for wildlife studies, from camera trap selection to analytical approaches. Students will review the history and development of camera trapping as a tool for wildlife studies, examine variation in camera trap technologies, and explore various study designs, camera trap placements, data management software, and analytical approaches. Using case-studies, students will learn about the unique challenges associated with camera trapping in a variety of habitats – from temperate to tropical, arboreal to aquatic. For course completion, students will be expected to develop a camera trapping protocol for a study of their choosing – including camera selection, settings preferences, study design, data management, and analytical approach.

PREREQUISITES: None. This course is recommended for those interested in taking Occupancy Modeling or Image Recognition.

FORMAT: Students will take the course at their own pace over a four-week period. The course is divided into discrete competency-based modules composed of pre-recorded lecture material and hands-on exercises. Student interaction and instructor feedback will be provided in the form of email, online discussion forums, and live Q&A sessions. Each student will also have the opportunity over the last 2 weeks to meet with the instructor via one-on-one video consultation to discuss their individual project from school or work.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT: This course has been pre-approved for continuing education by (1) the Ecological Society of America for 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training, and (2) The Wildlife Society for 16 CEUs in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ESA CERTIFICATION: This course is approved by the Ecological Society of America for 1 semester hour of qualified coursework that can be used to meet the minimum education requirements in Physical and Mathematical Science.