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A camera trap is a remotely activated camera that is equipped with a motion sensor or an infrared sensor, or uses a light beam as a trigger. Camera trapping is a method for capturing wild animals on film when researchers are not present, and has been used in ecological research for decades. In addition to applications in hunting and wildlife viewing, research applications include studies of nest ecology, detection of rare species, estimation of population size and species richness, as well as research on habitat use and occupation of human-built structures.〔Swann, D. E., Kawanishi, K., Palmer, J. (2010). (''Evaluating Types and Features of Camera Traps in Ecological Studies: A Guide for Researchers'' ). In: O'Connell, A. F., Nichols, J. D., Karanth, U. K. (Eds.) ''Camera Traps in Animal Ecology: Methods and Analyses''. Springer, Tokyo, Dordrecht, London, Heidelberg, New York. ISBN 4-431-99494-7. Pages 27–43.〕 Camera traps, also known as trail cameras, are used to capture images of animals in the wild with as little human interference as possible. The introduction of commercial infrared-triggered cameras in the early 1990s has seen their use dramatically increase. With advancements in the quality of camera equipment this method of field observation has become more popular among researchers.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.trailcampro.com/cameratrapsforresearchers.aspx )〕 Hunting has played an important role in development of camera traps, since hunters like to use them to scout for game. These hunters have opened a commercial market for the devices which have led to many improvements over time. ==Application== The great advantage of camera trapping is that they can record very accurate data without the animal being captured. These data are superior to human observations, because they can be reviewed by other researchers.〔 They minimally disturb wildlife and can replace the use of more invasive survey and monitoring techniques such as live trap and release. They operate continually and silently, provide proof of species presence in an area, can teach what prints and scats go with which species, can provide evidence for management and policy decisions, and are a cost effective monitoring tool. Infrared flash cameras have low disturbance and visibility. Besides olfactory and acoustic cues, camera flash may scare animals so that they avoid or destroy camera traps. The major alternative light source is infrared, which is usually not detectable by mammals or birds.〔 Camera traps are also helpful in quantifying the number of different species in an area; this is a more effective method than attempting to count by hand every individual organism in a field. It can also be useful in identifying new or rare species that have yet to be well documented. By using camera traps, the well-being and survival rate of animals can be observed over time. Camera traps are helpful in determining behavioral and activity patterns of animals, such as which time of day they visit mineral licks. Animal Migrations can be recorded by the camera trap. Camera traps have revolutionized wildlife research and conservation, enabling collection of photographic evidence of rarely seen and often globally endangered species, with little expense, relative ease, and minimal disturbance to wildlife. Camera traps can document wildlife presence, abundance, and population changes, particularly in the face of deforestation and habitat destruction. Camera traps enable collection of baseline population data on elusive mammals and birds where only estimates — and often just guesses — were possible before. Camera traps are increasingly being used to raise conservation awareness worldwide, with Non-governmental organizations (NGO)s embracing the tool as a powerful way of reaching out to the public through electronic media. Wildlife conservation groups such as Panthera, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have found camera trap videos and photos to be an important part of campaigns to save threatened or endangered species.〔 〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Camera trap」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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