PLoS ONE· 2026Q1
Home security cameras as a tool for behavior observations and science affordability
- 9citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A new, affordable, weather-resistant camera system using modified home security cameras enables continuous, offline or online, monitoring of small ectotherms for up to four weeks, overcoming logistical and financial barriers in behavioral research.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Developed an affordable, weather-resistant camera system using modified home security cameras.
- System enables continuous data collection for up to four weeks, operating offline or online.
- Can monitor small ectotherms, historically difficult to study with commercial camera traps.
- Features Wi-Fi phone notifications to alert observers for timely sample collection.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Reliably capturing transient animal behavior in the field and laboratory remains a logistical and financial challenge, especially for small ectotherms. Here, we present a camera system that is affordable, accessible, and suitable to monitor small, cold-blooded animals historically overlooked by commercial camera traps, such as small amphibians. The system is weather-resistant, can operate offline or online, and allows collection of time-sensitive behavioral data in laboratory and field conditions with continuous data storage for up to four weeks. The lightweight camera can also utilize phone notifications over Wi-Fi so that observers can be alerted when animals enter a space of interest, enabling sample collection at proper time periods. We present our findings, both technological and scientific, in an effort to elevate tools that enable researchers to maximize use of their research budgets. We discuss the relative affordability of our system for researchers in South America, home to the largest ectotherm diversity.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. PLoS ONE, 2026 · DOI ↗
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