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Sanderson, J.G.; Trolle, M.
Monitoring Elusive Mammals Unattended cameras reveal secrets of some of the world's wildwest places
2005 American Scientist (93): 148-156
Without the benefit of firsthand observations, investigators have traditionally had to rely on indirect evidence such as a track or scat to confirm the presence of certain species. Although such methods are still employed, a more helpful technique is now available for the surveillance of wildlife: phototrapping. This approach makes use of ordinary cameras mounted in rugged enclosures to automatically snap photos of animals that wander into the field of view. Phototraps are usually outfitted with a flash, so that even the most skittish nocturnal animals can be captured on film. Although conservationists have been taking advantage of phototraps for only a handful of years, the roots of this technique reach back more than a century, springing from the ingenious tinkering of a former American statesman.
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