Abstract

CCTV for Wildlife Monitoring is a handbook on the use of CCTV in nature watching, conservation and ecological research. CCTV offers a unique ability to monitor wildlife in real time, stream video to the web, capture imagery of fast-moving species or cold animals such as wet otters or fish and maintain monitoring over long periods of time in a diverse array of habitats. Wildlife watchers can take advantage of a huge range of CCTV cameras, recording devices and accessories developed for use in non-wildlife applications. CCTV allows intimate study of animal behaviour not possible with other technologies.

With expert experience in engineering, photography and wildlife, Susan Young describes CCTV equipment and techniques, giving readers the confidence to tackle what initially may seem technically challenging. The book enables the reader to navigate the technical aspects of recording: basic analogue, high definition HD-TVI and IP cameras, portable CCTV, digital video recorders (DVR) and video processing by focusing on practical applications. No prior knowledge of CCTV is required – step-by-step information is provided to get anyone started recording wildlife.

In-depth methods for recording foxes, badger, deer, otters, small mammals and fish are also included, and the book makes comparisons with trail cameras where appropriate. Examples of recorded footage illustrate the book along with detailed diagrams on camera set-ups and links to accompanying videos on YouTube. Case-studies show real projects, both the equipment used and the results.

This book will be of interest to amateur naturalists wishing to have a window into the private world of wildlife, ecological consultants monitoring protected species and research scientists studying animal behaviour.

Susan Young is a photographer and writer with a background in physics and engineering, and a passion for wildlife. Her previous writing has covered topics from wildlife photography to computer techniques for gardeners. She has used CCTV to monitor Barbastelle bats and developed portable CCTV monitoring protocols as part of pioneering on-going research with Natural England and the Woodland Trust.

This book tackles an area of interest for wildlife watchers which up until now seemed to be the province of TV professionals. Using high definition CCTV for wildlife monitoring now appears to be definitely within reach for both the interested wildlife amateur and professional scientist. The author is knowledgeable and unpretentious allowing us to share in her hard won expertise in a straightforward down to earth way avoiding unnecessary costs and effort. The illustrations and diagrams are very clear and emphasise that much can be done with simple DIY as well as over the counter kits. The Quick Start guides are especially good from that point of view. Pitfalls and trade-offs are highlighted and alternative technical set ups are discussed depending on the particular aims of the monitoring. Technical aspects of different types of camera are covered as well as dealing with the videos produced. The advantages and differences between HD-TVI and traditional alternatives such as trail cameras are also explored. The wildlife and scientific case studies are fascinating and fully engage the reader making it almost impossible to resist delving deeper. Whether interested in monitoring a garden bird box or monitoring wildlife in wilder areas or even under water, this book will provide you with the necessary practical information to achieve your aims and inspire you to go further.

This book is a rare combination of two things: it is useful and it is interesting. It helps to open the door to CCTV monitoring for the amateur, an endeavour that will seem intimidating to anyone but an expert. The instructive sections are laid out logically with informative diagrams and photographs to assist you along the way (very useful). Instructions are straightforward and avoid jargon, making this an exceptionally accessible guide.