Camera-based National mammal monitoring

Estimates of population size are essential for managing and conserving wildlife. However, obtaining accurate and precise density estimates needed for population monitoring is challenging over large spatial and temporal scales. In the UK there is a lack of robust mammal population estimates which limits our understanding of their population trends and assessment of their conservation status.  

With the advent of camera trapping combined with analytical tools to estimate density of unmarked animals such as Random Encounter Models the opportunity to estimate density of rare and elusive mammals and monitor their population trends accurately and precisely, across multiple habitats and wide geographic areas is now possible. 

This project will collaborate with a number of external partners and implement and use a network of camera traps across mainland Great Britain to provide robust annual hedgehog population estimates across a range of habitats.