Camera traps are often
used by scientists and conservationists
to study and monitor elusive animal
populations, such as tigers and forest
leopards. These have also been used by
professional photographers to capture
images of several species, including
elephants, duikers, forest hogs, and
leopards. The Goualougo Triangle Ape
Project uses remote video camera traps
to record the tool use and monitor
population dynamics of
wild apes.
We also use camera traps to monitor
large mammal visitation to fruiting
trees and conduct surveillance at ape
carcasses.
Remote camera systems are comprised of
three main components: infrared sensor
(passive or active), computer program to
process the signal and control the
digital video camera, and the digital
recording device. We use three different
types of devices: a custom "CHIMPCAM"
unit developed by Steve Gulick of
Wildland Security, Trailmaster units,
and Pixcontroller DVReye units.
Chimpanzee innovation in action
Description: Sarah takes
interest in our camera spying at her favorite termite
nest in the Goualougo Triangle. She fashions a tool to
investigate the camera.
(posted 02/08/10)
Past Images (click thumbnail image to open
video viewing window)
Gorilla applause
Two young
gorillas respond to GTAP researchers
Suprised chimps
Dede
discovers the ChimpCAM
Jane Pounds for
honey
Our first video of honey
pounding by chimpanzees in Goualougo. Jane
has a large branch which she uses to pound a
tree trunk to access sweat bee honey.
Curious Elephant
A Goualougo elephant up close and personal
Facebook Poke
A juvenile chimpanzee using a
tool to investigate a remote camera
Dorothy Honey Pounding
Dorothy uses
several tools to access honey high in the
forest canopy
Maya
Honey Pounding
Maya uses tool to retrieve honey
Tool
sharing
Donny approaches
his mother and begs for a fishing probe. Maya responds
by splitting her fishing tool and giving him half of the
probe. Her daughter Malia termite fishes on the left.
Curiosity
A party of chimpanzees visits
a termite nest in the Goualougo Triangle. They see the remote video
camera and approach with curiosity to
investigate the device.
Infant Approach
This is the first time that this juvenile
chimpanzee has seen a remote camera. She is very curious
and immediately approaches the camera!
Puncture tool
An adult male in the Dede community
arrives at a subterranean termite nest. As he uses a
stick tool to puncture the underground nest, another
male approaches to greet him.
Silverback
Silverback
gorilla approaches remote video camera that was placed
near a fruiting Annonidium tree.
Hog
parade
A parade of red
river forest hogs! We
frequently encounter groups of more than 60 red river
hogs in the forest.
Subterranean nest
A
party of chimpanzees visits a subterranean termite nest
and sees that we have placed a camera at their favorite
dig. They see the video camera and approach with
curiosity to investigate the device.
Two Elephants
Two young male elephants meet at a fruiting
tree in the Goualougo forest.
Chimpanzee innovation in action
