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Calcimator

Wildlife Camera Trap Spacing Calculator

Calculate optimal camera trap density and spacing for wildlife population estimation surveys based on species home range and detection probability.

Inputs

km²
km²
days

Results

Total Cameras Needed

17

Recommended Spacing

1,766 m

≈ 5 Eiffel Towers

Maximum Spacing2,523 m
Camera Density0.34 per km²
Total Trap-Nights510
Area Coverage0.02%
Expected Detections1
Estimated Equipment Cost$2,550.00
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Study Area Size (km²) — the total area to be surveyed for the target species.
  2. Input Target Species Home Range (km²) from published telemetry studies or local estimates.
  3. Set Detection Probability (0-1) — the probability a camera detects an individual that passes it.
  4. Enter Survey Duration (days) and Target CV (Precision) — a CV of 0.2 or lower is typically adequate for management.
  5. Review Total Cameras Needed and Recommended Spacing (meters) to design your camera grid.
  6. Use these parameters to budget for camera trap equipment, batteries, and field labor for the survey period.

How the result changes with Study Area Size

Study Area SizeTotal Cameras NeededRecommended Spacing
1,0003211,766 m
3,5001,1221,766 m
6,5002,0841,766 m
9,0002,8861,766 m

What each input means

Study Area Size
Total area of the survey region in square kilometers.
Target Species Home Range
Average home range of the target species. Camera spacing must be less than the home range diameter.
Detection Probability
Probability of detecting an individual per camera per day. Typically 5-30% depending on species and habitat.
Survey Duration
Number of consecutive days cameras will be deployed. Typically 21-90 days.
Target CV (Precision)
Target coefficient of variation for the population estimate. Lower values require more cameras. Typical: 15-25%.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Study Area Size = 50, Target Species Home Range = 5, Detection Probability = 20, Survey Duration = 30 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Total Cameras Needed
    Total Cameras Needed
    17 = 17
  3. Calculate Recommended Spacing
    Recommended Spacing
    1766 = 1766
  4. Calculate Maximum Spacing
    Maximum Spacing
    2523 = 2523
  5. Calculate Camera Density
    Camera Density
    0.34 = 0.34

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