The recommended protocol for distribution data on large carnivores, complementing the summer data on prey species. In winter, carnivores patrol their territories with their young, disperse and mate, so they are easier to record.
Warning: brown bears hibernate fully or partly for part of the winter. For bears, this protocol must be complemented by other methods.
Spatial design
The design is targeted: cameras go where carnivores are most likely to pass.
- Overlay the EEA 10 × 10 km grid on the study area.
- Place 1 to 3 cameras per square, so that at least 50 % of the study area is covered.
- Keep at least 1 km between cameras.
- Choose forest roads, footpaths and ridges with paths that carnivores use to patrol their territories.
Timing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Earliest start | 1 November |
| Latest end | 30 April |
| Duration per location | at least 100 days |
Installation
- Choose a tree no more than 3 m from the far edge of the road or path.
- Remove vegetation that blocks the view, including branches above the camera: snow pushes them down.
- Fix the metal security box at a height of 0.5 to 3.0 m and insert the camera.
- Test the placement (TEST IMAGE and TEST WALK): the camera must see the full width of the road or path. Adjust the box angle if needed.
- Check the date and time against local time and photograph a phone with a clock or a sheet with the date and time.
- Arm the camera.
- Lock the camera and the box to the tree with a lock and chain.
- Fill in the SMART protocol: date, time, GPS coordinates, camera ID and SD card number.
Camera settings: Camera settings under the FZS protocol.