Camera boxes: A novel artificial refugium with a camera for monitoring lizards

Abstract

Lizards are under-studied in New Zealand and are under threat from introduced mammalian predators and habitat modification. These threats can occur across different land uses and have a significant impact on the populations. To reduce and manage the impact of these threats on lizards, we need a deeper understanding of lizard ecology. In particular, we need an increased focus on lizard behaviour, population-level studies, and the influence of agriculture on lizard ecology. To conduct such studies requires an effective toolkit of monitoring techniques. However, current standard herpetofauna monitoring techniques are limited by cryptic lizard behaviour and site inaccessibility. We have developed a novel herpetofauna monitoring tool: a wooden camera box that functions as an artificial cover object, but with a camera inside that can photograph and video lizards (and other animals). The camera box has a Perspex-covered base layer with ‘rooms’ that lizards occupy. The lid of the box contains a wide-angled camera lens, designed to film and photograph the ‘rooms’. The camera box allows us to investigate behavioural ecology in a space traditionally cryptic to researchers. We will deploy the camera box on three sites: Cleardale station (Rakaia Gorge), Goughs Bay (Banks Peninsula), and Flea Bay (Banks Peninsula) as a component of a MSc thesis. Preliminary tests are being conducted at Orana Wildlife Park on their captive Woodworthia sp. population, and we will present our preliminary results. This novel device is a non-invasive and resource-efficient tool for monitoring herpetofauna that reduces climatic influences, accessibility barriers, and extensive labour requirements.