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 10-21, 2019
- Available Formats
Graduate (CONS 697, 3 credits)
Professional Training (SMSC 0524, 7.2 CEUs)- Cost
Graduate: See Mason’s graduate tuition rates
Professional Training: $2,977.50*
*Professionals from certain countries are eligible for a reduced rate of $2077.50 which will automatically be reflected during the registration process.
- Deadlines
Apply by April 1, 2019 (for first consideration)
Payment Due By April 15, 2019
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 and Dining Package 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?
Local participants may elect to stay off campus and commute with permission from SMSC. Commuters are required to purchase a reduced meal plan 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!”
