Camera trap research wins medal
25 Oct 2016
In recognition of exceptional research achievements, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) invasive animals officer, Paul Meek, has been awarded a prestigious Chancellor’s Doctoral Research Medal from the University of New England (UNE).
DPI deputy director general for biosecurity and food safety, Bruce Christie, said the international standing and impact of Dr Meek’s research work in the use of camera trapping technology earned the exceptional merit medal.
“Camera traps have been adopted world-wide and Dr Meek’s research has delivered a world-first thorough assessment of their strengths and weaknesses,” Dr Christie said.
“At the forefront of the field, his research identified significant research issues through studies which showed camera traps are distinguishable to animals.
“Now we know that animals see, hear and respond to camera traps, researchers here and overseas can apply the findings to inform their analysis of camera trap data.”
Dr Meek said some species, such as rodents, are difficult to study using camera traps.
“Rodents are difficult to identify as many are small and similar looking, which means researchers can misidentify the animals.
“We have used the results to develop innovations in computer assisted technology to process image data for identification, including the newly funded Wild Dog Alert project delivered through the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.”
Wild Dog Alert is a national project with major financial and in kind support provided by the Australian and NSW governments, DPI, UNE, Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation.
The research has also led to the manufacture of new camera trap technology to better fit research needs.
Dr Meek has contributed to two major camera trapping publications Camera trapping published by CSIRO and international publication, Camera trapping for wildlife research
The UNE medal and doctoral degree for his camera trapping research were presented to Dr Meek at a special ceremony in Armidale last weekend.
Photographs available from bernadette.york@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Media contact: Bernadette York (02) 6938 1664, 0427 773 785
