We’ve spoken before about the value of trail cameras for ecological surveys. At their simplest, a trail camera can help ecologists determine presence or absence of a species without spending hours in the field hoping to catch a glimpse of an elusive animal. In addition, because cameras mean the ecologist is removed from the study area, species are more likely to behave ‘naturally’ and not in response to a nearby human. This can in turn provide valuable insights into a species’ behaviour. But, of course, it is very rare that just your target species turns up on camera. These bonus records are always fascinating and can sometimes be unexpected, highlighting just how many species might be using a site and what they get up to when they do.
Super Squirrels
A case in point is a site in the Highlands we have recently been surveying for badger activity. As well as the hoped for badger footage, we also got some great images of red squirrels. Whose day isn’t brightened up by a bonus red squirrel turning up?
We also managed to ascertain that there were at least two different red squirrels using the area, just from the camera images. While not relevant to the particular work we were doing, information like this always helps to inform our understanding of habitats and the species that use them.
Mustelids on Camera
Another recent bonus record, again while monitoring a Highland badger sett, was the below shot of a pine marten. The habitat hadn’t seemed that promising for this beautiful relative of the the much larger badger, so capturing this image shows that martens use a wider variety of habitats than we might assume. They certainly aren’t restricted to the pines that their name suggests. Sadly, we didn’t get a face shot!
Mammals Galore
The non-target mammal we record the most, by far, is the humble wood mouse. This is perhaps unsurprising as not only does the species use a wide range of habitats, including gardens, farmland and woods, but they are widespread across Britain and extremely numerous. Not the easiest mammal to survey, there could be anywhere between 20 and 65 million in the UK. While they may not be the most glamourous species, they are always nice to see when they turn up on our footage.
We have also recorded rats, deer and foxes as non-target mammals when monitoring other species. It is particularly satisfying to record foxes in rural environments as they are much more elusive and harder to spot than in urban settings.
Bonus Birds
Of course, it isn’t just just mammals that we record unintentionally on our trail cameras. Birds turn up as well. Recent highlights include a very obliging jay and a pre-dawn song thrush.
We also record robins, wrens and woodpigeons fairly frequently.
Terrific Trail Cameras
As you can see, trail cameras are not only extremely useful monitoring tools when it comes to wildlife surveying, but they can also contribute to a broader picture of a particular site by revealing the animals using it alongside a target species. And they can turn up some real surprises!
As a side note, all these images were taken from cameras used on private land with the owners’ permission. It is illegal to disturb badgers and their setts under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and all monitoring we carry out is done in accordance with this legislation.
