Camera hidden in cairn (indicated by red circle)
Survey Methods: An Overview
Camera-trapping
Infrared motion-sensing cameras are strategically deployed along travel routes used by snow leopards occupying the survey area. The digital images or analog photographs taken of a passing cat are analyzed and the number of individual snow leopards determined from their unique pelage spot patterns or “fingerprinting.”
For a discussion about camera trapping in greater detail, see this page.Advantages:
- Generally non-invasive
- Provides direct counts of the snow leopards visiting and triggering the one or two camera traps placed at each site
- Allows for statistically valid population estimates
- allows for reliable monitoring of resident snow leopards over time
Disadvantages:
- Equipment is costly and quickly outdated by new models
- Camera traps are vulnerable to theft or damage
- Setting up a proper camera-trap survey is labor- and time-intensive
- Requires special expertise