What is is a camera trap?

A camera trap is an automated camera that is triggered to take photos or videos when it detects motion and/or heat from an animal or object passing by.
They often use an infrared motion sensor and infrared flash for night-time or low light photos. 
The cameras are made to withstand outdoor conditions. 
Other similar cameras are known as trail cameras, remote cameras and digital scouting cameras.

What does RZSS use camera traps for?

RZSS uses camera traps for a number of in-situ conservation projects (conservation projects in the wild). They can be used to assess the number and location of species, to observe and record animal behaviour, and to study human-wildlife interactions. This tool is really useful for monitoring endangered species like giant armadillos, Pallas’s cat, and wildcats, as well as surveying biodiversity in remote areas, and gathering data and information for research projects.

Can you identify the native species? These pictures were taken from our conservation project Saving Wildcats in the Cairngorms National Park, the Wildlife Conservation Institute (ICAS) in Brazil, and the PICA Project (Pallas's cat International Conservation Alliance) with the Snow Leopard Trust.