catRlog: a photo-identification project management system based in R

Individual identification and photographic techniques in mammalian ecological and behavioural research—Part 1: Methods and concepts

“…These developments have instigated novel means of data management that link different types of data (e.g., behavioral, genetic, geographic, and environmental) with individual-IDs and can facilitate a multi-purpose centralized database for several species and multiple study areas, with data collected at large geographical scales by multiple research teams (e.g., Gailey and Karczmarski 2012;Keen et al 2022). Some of the currently available systems offer various dynamic functions that can be tailored to suit project-specific requirements and user-specific needs, facilitating data processing that is faster and less prone to human error (e.g., Lahiri et al 2011;Miele et al 2021;Cheeseman et al 2022) and data sharing that promotes fruitful research collaboration (e.g., Berger-Wolf et al 2017;Blount et al 2022;Khan et al 2022).…”

Application of multi-species photo-ID database management systems: a user’s perspective

“…A valuable contribution to efficient management of photo-ID datasets is the recently published R-based system dubbed 'catRlog' (https:// github. com/ ericm keen/ catRl og; Keen et al 2022). As a self-contained computer directory with custom apps embedded throughout, catRlog serves as a workflow organiser that simplifies and streamlines photo-ID data processing.…”

“…As potted concisely by Keen et al (2022), data management of photo-ID projects is a complex, arduous, and time-intensive process that hinges upon rigorous organisation and customised database software to remain viable in the long term. While current advances in computer vision and deep learning techniques have advanced the proficiency of individual identification methods at times beyond the capabilities of a human observer, a greater integration of multi-layered versatile data-management tools into current individual identification systems is much needed and ripe for further developments.…”