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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 46(2)

Spot the difference: optimising camera trap use to detect and identify individuals of a medium-sized carnivorous marsupial

Melissa C. Taylor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2656-9161 A * , Adrian F. Wayne https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3102-4617 B , Nicola J. Armstrong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4477-293X C , Michael C. Calver https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9082-2902 A and Kate A. Bryant https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5264-5260 A D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.

B Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 2, Manjimup, WA 6258, Australia.

C School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia.

D Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.

* Correspondence to: melissa-taylor96@hotmail.com, 33510822@student.murdoch.edu.au

Handling Editor: Ross Goldingay

Australian Mammalogy 46, AM23023 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM23023
Submitted: 16 May 2023  Accepted: 3 February 2024  Published: 27 February 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Mammal Society.

Abstract

Camera trap model and setup choice can significantly affect data collection. This study investigated standard-angle Reconyx and wide-angle Swift camera traps in different setups and how the choice of equipment influenced detection and individual identification of the chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii). Camera models were placed side-by-side in four setups: (i) single and (ii) paired camera traps 30 cm above ground; and single cameras (iii) 1 m and (iv) 2 m above ground, with a lure (tuna oil) in the centre of all setups. Swifts had a higher Detection probability than Reconyx, although the number of detections with identified individuals did not significantly differ between camera models. The 30 cm paired camera setups had the highest Detection and Identification probabilities for both camera models, with both probabilities decreasing as cameras were positioned higher. Camera model and setup choice are important in obtaining detection and identification data, and should be considered when planning studies and interpreting results.

Keywords: camera trap, carnivorous marsupial, chuditch, cryptic species, detection efficiency, individual identification, Julimar State Forest, remote sensor camera, survey design, western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii).

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