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TOP: Camera
BOTTOM: A jaguar picture taken by the camera
© WCS |
Camera traps are a great tool for a scientist studying an elusive creature like the jaguar. Instead of trying to track or stalk them, researchers place camera traps in places where they know jaguars roam (from signs the animal has left behind). These cameras are usually placed on either side of a path in two trees. When a jaguar crosses the beam of one of these cameras, it triggers a heat-and-motion-sensing device to close the shutter and the jaguar takes a picture of itself. Researchers visit the cameras periodically, pick up the film and go back to their labs to see what the traps have "caught." Since cameras are often placed on both sides of the path, scientists get images of both sides of the animal, which helps them identify them.
But jaguars aren't the only things that get caught
by camera traps. In fact, most of the pictures taken by
camera traps are of things other than jaguars. Since the
traps are often places on paths frequented by animals
and people, you will often find photographs of cars, people,
and other animals. And, more often than not, you will
get nothing, as the motion sensors are set off by wind,
falling branches, etc.
Even when you do get pictures of a jaguar, they are not
always in the right position for identification. |
