Home security cameras as a tool for behavior observations and science affordability

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, which is home to the largest population of ectotherm diversity.

Infanticide is driven by unfamiliarity with offspring location and associated with androgenic shifts in mimic poison frogs

“…While baseline hormone collection of the adult occurred, we placed a single, unrelated fertilized late-stage egg to hatchling (Gosner stage 19-22) on a leaf on the terrarium floor. The leaf was positioned below a Wyze Cam v3 to record behavior using previously described methods (Goolsby et al, 2023). Frogs (n=12 females, 12 males) were introduced to the terrarium and recorded for a maximum of seven days.…”