Secrets of camera traps

Progress of technology during the last years open new possibilities for biologist researching animate and inanimate nature. There are some examples of modern technologies, which enrich our knowledge about nature: aerial photography, telemetry (usage of technology which enables us to track and localize animals), using detectors for changing inaudible high tones into audible frequency (for example, it can be used for the research of microbats) or analysis of DNA.

Affordable camera traps take photos or shoot short videos. They enable us to watch the life of mammals and birds. Sometimes it is said, that those traps disturb animals because they use lighting for taking photos at night. It is not true – animals are lit by light which is visible only for the technology not for them. 

The biologist of our museum started to use camera traps because he wanted to notice spreading of new invasive species (for example raccoons) and rediscovery of big predators in this area (for example wolves). Unfortunately, wolves have not yet been seen. Quite often, camera traps record roe deer, wild boars, foxes or badgers.