Mitigating camera trap loss using permanent security posts: 10 years of development

Abstract

<p>Camera traps provide a valuable tool for surveying wildlife, but theft and vandalism can be costly and pose a constant threat to image data integrity and continuity. Permanent, secure posts represent one solution, but they need constant innovation to account for the persistence and ingenuity of camera trap vandals and thieves. Here we outline the progression of designs for a bollard-style housing used to mitigate theft and damage of camera traps placed for continuous monitoring of predators and other wildlife along tracks. The evolving design process over a 10 year period was driven by ongoing attacks on the posts and finally our endeavours to counter what we considered might be the next attack on our design. The current security posts have not been breached to date, producing a design that we consider the most formidable.</p>