Utilizing Camera Traps to Compare Animal Use of Natural Versus Man-Made Trails at Ft. De Soto Park

Aubree Fisher, Laura Josler, Signe Renstrom, Beth Forys, and Timothy Bransford

Environmental Studies and Animal Studies Disciplines, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Florida coast is made up of diverse ecosystems inhabited by a range of both native and non-native animal species. Ft. De Soto County Park, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay in Southwest Florida, is home to a complex ecosystem rich in biodiversity. It harbors a variety of plant, bird, sea, and animal life, all of which are vital for the preservation of its natural environment. As a public park that allows human recreation on trails and campgrounds, we asked what types of animals use different terrains throughout the grounds and how abundance and diversity may differ between man-made trails and natural landscapes. To answer these questions, we used 10 camera traps placed at 5 locations throughout the park which captured the movement of animals from dusk to dawn using infrared sensors. In each location, one camera was placed in a natural setting and the other along a man-made path. Every two weeks over a four-month period, photo and video data were collected from each camera and sorted according to the location, date and time of capture, and animal species. Results captured more than twice as many average photos of animals using man-made trails than natural terrain and showed that raccoons were the most common species seen. With this research, we can implement better public education at the park, reminding guests about the importance of maintaining the trails that are utilized by the native species and their environments.

For more information email: akfisher@eckerd.edu