Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Camera Trap & Acoustic Monitoring

• History and evolution of monitoring technologies.

• Applications in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.

• Case Study: Wildlife population monitoring using technology.

Module 2: Equipment Selection & Setup

• Types of camera traps and acoustic sensors.

• Technical specifications and field suitability.

• Practical Exercise: Selecting equipment for different environments.

Module 3: Deployment Strategies

• Field placement, coverage, and positioning.

• Minimizing biases and maximizing data capture.

• Workshop: Designing a deployment grid.

Module 4: Camera Trap Data Collection & Management

• Collecting and storing image and video data.

• Data entry protocols and metadata management.

• Practical Exercise: Setting up a field camera trap.

Module 5: Acoustic Monitoring Data Collection

• Recording parameters and sensor calibration.

• Collecting sound data for species identification.

• Hands-on: Using acoustic devices in the field.

Module 6: Image & Video Analysis

• Software tools for image recognition.

• Identifying species and behaviors.

• Practical Exercise: Analyzing camera trap footage.

Module 7: Acoustic Data Processing & Species Identification

• Sound analysis software and techniques.

• Recognizing species by calls and acoustic patterns.

• Workshop: Identifying species from audio datasets.

Module 8: Applications in Conservation & Anti-Poaching

• Using data for population estimates and biodiversity indices.

• Integrating technology with patrol and enforcement systems.

• Case Study: Acoustic sensors for anti-poaching surveillance.

Module 9: Data Integration, Storage & Reporting

• Combining camera trap and acoustic datasets.

• Ensuring data quality, security, and sharing.

• Group Exercise: Preparing a monitoring database.

Module 10: Capstone Project – Designing a Monitoring Program

• Participants design a monitoring program using both technologies.

• Integration of field deployment, analysis, and reporting.

• Final Presentations: Pitching a monitoring plan for a protected area.