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AI-powered camera system offers low-cost way to monitor bumblebees, potentially other insects

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a low-cost, semi-automated camera system using AI to monitor bumblebee populations and other insects. The system recorded six species of bumblebees, closely matching those documented through traditional methods, and identified them automatically using custom-built deep learning models.

SourceOregon State University·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateJul 28, 2026

Sabah's ferret badger found nowhere else on Earth

A comprehensive study reveals the Bornean ferret badger is found only in Sabah's western highlands, with a previously unknown population discovered in Nuluhon-Trusmadi Forest Reserve. The species' range and distribution are largely confined to mountain landscapes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its habitat.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Chasing the ghost dog of the Amazon: New insights into a mythical canid

Researchers used remote sensing technology to capture camera trap images of the short-eared dog, revealing its unique physical profile and activity patterns. The study found that this Amazonian predator is more abundant than previously thought, with a preference for intact forests and protected areas.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeotropical Biology and Conservation·DateJun 9, 2026

Weaseling out the best way to monitor small carnivores

A study by University of Groningen researchers found that enclosed camera traps are more effective in detecting small mustelids like weasels and stoats. Camera traps placed inside boxes with tubes, also known as Mostelas, proved to be the most successful method.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Why scientists are worried about weasels

Researchers from North Carolina State University found that red meat is the most effective bait for detecting weasels, with salmon oil adding to its allure. The study aimed to address the lack of standardized monitoring protocols for weasel populations and provides a framework for future surveys.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring with a network of automated wildlife cameras

Researchers developed an innovative automated wildlife camera network to monitor species in a Dutch coastal dunes nature reserve. The system, which combines autonomous cameras, wireless data transmission and AI-driven species identification, has been shown to be cost-efficient and efficient, providing new insights into the habitat use ...

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Timber plantations near urbanized areas support the movement of small and medium-sized terrestrial mammals between patches of natural forest

Researchers found 16 native species of mammals using timber plantations as corridors and refuges in Central Panama. However, teak monocultures showed the lowest records of species, highlighting the importance of restoring natural habitats for comprehensive wildlife conservation.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiotropica·DateJul 29, 2024

System uses artificial intelligence to detect wild animals on roads and avoid accidents

A team of researchers developed an AI-powered computer vision model to detect Brazilian wild animals on roads and warn drivers in real-time. The system uses roadside cameras and portable computers to identify species such as anteaters, wolves, and tapirs, with the potential to save lives and reduce roadkill.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 9, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

AI helps to detect invasive Asian hornets

Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 3, 2024

Trail cameras track ‘critically low’ New York bobcat population

A recent study published in Biological Conservation reveals that NY bobcat populations remain critically low, with occupancies below detectable limits. Researchers used trail cameras to monitor wildlife populations in central and western NY state, tracking white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote, eastern wild turkey, and gray fox numbers.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 13, 2024

Three-year population study supports fight to save Cameroon’s Kordofan giraffe

A three-year study has provided the first reliable estimate of giraffe population size for the region, revealing a mere 27 individuals remain within Bénoué National Park. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this subspecies from extinction due to threats from poaching and human pressures.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAfrican Journal of Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Rice researcher scans tropical forest with mixed-reality device

A Rice University scientist used a mixed-reality headset with custom-designed software to measure and analyze forest floor vegetation in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The study found that mammal diversity increases with forest floor habitat surface area, leading to a greater variety of ecological characteristics.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Fear of humans pervades the South African savanna

A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Large herbivores keep invasive plants at bay

A new study shows that large herbivores can protect local nature by eating and trampling on invasive plant species. Native plants have evolved to withstand the treatment of these herbivores, while invasive plants usually cannot.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 4, 2023

Hidden cameras spot wildlife returning home after 2018 megafire

A recent study analyzing camera trap images found six wildlife species, including coyote and gray fox, to be remarkably resistant to the Mendocino Complex Fire's impacts. Small patches of tree cover spared by the fire provided a refuge for these animals, allowing them to recover and even spread back into burned areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2023

Glacier National Park could provide climate haven for Canada Lynx

A recent study found that Glacier National Park is home to an estimated 1.28 lynx per 100 square kilometers of terrain, exceeding initial expectations and providing a potential climate haven for the species. The research used camera trapping and coat marking analysis to estimate lynx density in specific areas of the park.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 1, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Low-impact human recreation changes wildlife behavior

A study found that human presence in Glacier National Park causes 16 out of 22 mammal species to change their movement patterns, using different areas or being more nocturnal. The researchers suggest that this effect is significant enough to impact population survival.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 19, 2023

Getting data to do more for biodiversity

A new model developed by MSU researchers uses low-cost data about abundant species to generate insights on harder-to-find neighbors, helping monitor and preserve biodiversity. The model can be particularly helpful for rare and elusive species, providing valuable information with minimal data.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 26, 2022

Cameras candidly capture bushmeat mammals to avert crisis

A team of researchers from Kyoto University and Cameroon used camera trap surveys to predict the total biomass of large rodents and duikers in southeast Cameroon. They developed six candidate indicators, including the ratio of red duikers to blue duikers, which showed positive linear correlations with total bushmeat biomass.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Photos of Amazon animals supply extensive collection of biodiversity data

A large-scale camera trap dataset provides valuable insights into Amazonian species diversity, with over 1,400 species recorded. The data can be used to inform conservation efforts and monitor population trends.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

Some mammals shift their schedules in urban environments

Urban mammals adjust their daily activities to evade human encounters, altering predator-prey dynamics and increasing human overlap. This multi-species study reveals the timing of mammalian behavior changes in response to urbanization.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The mystery of an unusual Panamanian plant’s dispersal

Researchers used camera traps to monitor interactions between Panama's epiphytic Zamia pseudoparasitica and animals, revealing that a nocturnal tree-dwelling mammal called northern olingos may be responsible for seed dispersal. The study sheds light on the plant's persistence in the forest canopy.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 25, 2022

Cameras reveal snowshoe hare density

A new study by Washington State University researchers has developed a camera-trapping method that accurately estimates the density of snowshoe hares and potentially other unmarked small mammals. The method, validated through a large-scale field test, shows promise as an inexpensive and non-invasive alternative to live-trapping.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

Smelly ocelot habitats may scare off seed-dispersing rodents

Seed dispersal rates by Central American agoutis are lower in ocelot habitats with high scent presence. This change allows bruchid beetles to attack seeds for longer periods, promoting forest diversification. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ecology of fear and its effects on ecosystems.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateFeb 23, 2022

Data from thousands of cameras confirms protected areas promote mammal diversity

A global study using thousands of camera trap stations found that protected areas have a positive impact on mammal diversity, even when experiencing human disturbances such as recreational use and logging. The study's findings suggest that expanding protected areas could help conserve larger mammals and their critical roles in ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Hybrid strategy captures a larger picture of wild mandrills

Researchers at Kyoto University used a hybrid strategy to study wild mandrill movement patterns, combining direct tracking with camera trap data. The findings show that mandrill groups change their travel speed during the day and exhibit flexible dietary and ranging behaviors influenced by seasonality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New $15 million NSF grant launches Ohio State Imageomics Institute

The Ohio State University has received a $15 million NSF grant to create the Imageomics Institute, which will use machine learning methodologies to extract biological traits from images. This new approach, called imageomics, aims to transform biomedical, agricultural and basic biological sciences.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 5, 2021

SNAPSHOT USA: First-ever nationwide mammal survey published

The first-ever nationwide mammal survey in the US has been published, utilizing 1,509 motion-activated camera traps from 110 sites across all 50 states. The data reveals that urban areas tend to have higher overall mammal detections, with three top sites being urban locations.

SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalEcology·DateJun 9, 2021

Study shows which North American mammals live most successfully alongside people

Research analyzing camera trap data from across North America found that smaller, faster-reproducing mammals with generalist diets are best equipped to live alongside humans. Conversely, larger species like grizzly bears and lynx tend to avoid more developed areas and are less active when present.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 21, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Picture perfect: Camera traps find endangered dryas monkeys

Scientists from Florida Atlantic University used non-invasive camera-trap techniques to detect and survey the elusive dryas monkey, confirming its occurrence at seven locations in Lomami National Park. The study suggests that the species prefers structurally complex understories and forest edges, rarely traveling on the ground.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateApr 21, 2021

Automatic trail cameras keep wildlife research going during pandemic

Researchers used trail cameras to study wildlife behavior during the pandemic, gathering data on animal populations and identifying unique research opportunities. The cameras allowed scientists to monitor individual animals passively over a large area without the need for manual trapping or processing.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 23, 2021

Chimpanzees and humans share overlapping territories

New research reveals chimpanzees use areas away from villages more intensively, but enter human-occupied land for fruit when scarce. The study provides insights into how wildlife balance risks and rewards in anthropogenic landscapes, informing coexistence strategies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Media tip sheet: Going high-tech in ecology

Researchers use cameras, drones, geolocators, and sensors to track wildlife and greenhouse gas emissions. Computing advances help analyze terabytes of data, enabling ecologists to scale up ecological research and address environmental challenges.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 20, 2020

Zoology: Western gorillas may be territorial

A study in Scientific Reports suggests western gorillas may be territorial, with groups defending the centers of their home ranges against neighboring groups. The authors monitored eight groups across a 60 km2 area and found that gorillas tend to avoid feeding areas visited by other groups the previous day.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

The do's and don'ts of monitoring many wildlife species at once

A new analysis of 92 studies from 27 countries highlights common pitfalls in multi-species wildlife monitoring, including under-reporting and reporting bias. The study recommends best practices for future research, focusing on the use of appropriate methods and tools to ensure accuracy and precision in inferences made.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEcography·DateFeb 25, 2020

Camera trap study captures Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, other rare beasts

A recent camera trap study in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in southern Sumatra has captured images of dozens of species, including critically endangered Sumatran tigers and Sunda pangolins. The study provides valuable insights into the habits and habitats of these rare beasts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAnimal Biodiversity and Conservation·DateFeb 24, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Wild African ape reactions to novel camera traps

Researchers found that bonobos reacted more strongly to camera traps than chimpanzees, while younger apes were more curious and explored them longer. The study highlights the need for scientists to consider animal responses to unfamiliar monitoring equipment in their natural habitats.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 14, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Scientists left camera traps to record wild apes -- watch what happens

A recent study using camera traps in African forests found that wild apes exhibit varied reactions to unfamiliar objects, including poking, staring, and attempting to bite cameras. The study highlights the need for scientists to consider how animals will respond to monitoring equipment in their natural habitats.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 14, 2019

Studying species interactions using remote camera traps

Researchers developed a framework to detect species interactions using camera trap data, highlighting the need for standardized data collection and collaboration. The study found that many records are needed to produce trustworthy results, but standardization can achieve this by combining datasets from multiple studies.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateFeb 22, 2019

Citizen science projects have a surprising new partner -- the computer

Researchers have developed a new technique using machine learning to classify large datasets of camera trap images, reducing the time needed for analysis. The computer can identify species with high accuracy and also learn to distinguish between empty images, greatly increasing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2019

Camera trap study reveals the hidden lives of island carnivores

A study by Max Allen and colleagues found several mammalian predators, including gray wolves and American martens, living on islands with varying sizes and proximity to the mainland. The research offers new insights into island biogeography and highlights the importance of preserving carnivore habitats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunity Ecology·DateDec 21, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Students around the globe collect quality, eye-opening research data on mammals

Students from 28 schools and four countries contribute to a large-scale camera-trap study, collecting thousands of images of 83 native mammal species, including 12 threatened or endangered ones. The students' data is comparable to that of adult citizen scientists and professional researchers in nearby protected areas.

SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 12, 2018