Camera Trapping Study Design and Data Analysis
- Selecting the appropriate analytical framework for achieving your research objectives
- Importing data into computer programs in the appropriate format
- Calculating animal density and occupancy with camera trapping data, using covariates, model selection, and testing of model fit
- Identifying advanced analytical techniques and understanding when to use them
- Troubleshooting field studies during stages of design, data collection, and data import for both density and occupancy estimation projects
- Comparing available options for managing and organizing camera trapping data
Participants must have a basic familiarity with working in R for data management or statistical computing.
Detailed Curriculum- Dates
June 7-18, 2021 (cancelled, dates for 2022 coming soon)
- Available Formats
Graduate (CONS 697, 3 credits)
Professional Training (SMSC 0524, 7.2 CEUs)- Cost
Graduate: See Mason’s graduate tuition rates
Professional Training: $3,203*
*Professionals from certain countries are eligible for a reduced rate of $2276.00 which will automatically be reflected during the registration process.
- Deadlines
Apply by March 29, 2021 (for first consideration)
Payment Due By April 12, 2021
Meet the Faculty
Curriculum
This course provides a strong theoretical and analytical background in the use of camera traps to address ecological and conservation-oriented questions. You’ll learn the latest statistical tools for estimating animal density through spatially explicit mark-recapture (SECR) methods as well as estimating species occupancy. Significant time will focus on best practices for designing studies that use those methods.
What’s Included
Acceptance does not guarantee you a seat in the course. Seats are allocated as registration payments are received, and early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure you get a spot.
The total cost includes our Housing ($624.00) and Dining ($416.00) Packages and covers:
- Registration fees
- Instruction, course manual, and other course materials
- Airport pick-up and drop-off shuttle service at Dulles International Airport (IAD) at pre-determined times. We do not provide ground transportation shuttle service to or from any other airports in the Washington, DC, region.
- Transportation for course activities
- Daily full-service buffet at the SMSC Dining Commons
- Housing at the SMSC Residential Facility, including a shared room with bathroom (single rooms available at extra cost)
Interested in Commuting?
Participants with a documented, permanent address local to campus may elect to commute with permission from SMSC. Commuters are required to purchase a reduced meal plan ($132.00) which includes lunch and snack breaks for each day of instruction. Additional dining options are available and may be selected during registration. Email SCBItraining@si.edu for additional information.
“The fact that the instructors are experts in the field is a huge advantage to attending this course. This was honestly the best two weeks of my academic career. I learned more in two weeks than I ever thought possible.”
“If you want to gain practical experience on cutting-edge theory and applications for wildlife ecology and conservation research, the suite of courses offered by SMSC are going to be great additions to your tool-box, and Camera Trapping Study Design and Data Analysis is definitely one of them!”
