* Based on the study of Bijl, H & Heltai, M. (2022). A narrative review on the use of camera traps and machine learning in wildlife research. Columella - Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 9(2): 47-69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18380/SZIE.COLUM.2022.9.2.47

A mighty roaring red stag in autumn, a swiftly moving fox, or even the cute newborn wild boar piglets in spring.

Every hunter or game manager who uses a trail camera on their hunting ground knows the excitement when the camera captures something.

However, hunters and game managers are not the only ones using these handy tools.

So for what kind of applications can camera traps be useful?

* Based on the study of Bijl, H & Heltai, M. (2022). A narrative review on the use of camera traps and machine learning in wildlife research. Columella - Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 9(2): 47-69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18380/SZIE.COLUM.2022.9.2.47

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more prevalent in our everyday lives. From the words we type into a search bar to dealing with medical records. This is just as true in wildlife conservation where the use of AI is becoming increasingly more prominent. 

Although the use of AI in wildlife conservation is still in its early stages, there are already good examples available which we are going to take a closer look at below.

* Based on the study of Bijl, H & Csányi, S. The reasons for the range expansion of the grey wolf, coyote and red fox. Review on Agriculture and Rural Development 11(1-2), pp 46-53. DOI: https://ojs.bibl.u-szeged.hu/index.php/rard/article/view/44112

Many wildlife species are making a comeback in Europe after being low in numbers or completely absent for a long time. 

This is also the case for one of the most iconic species in the world: the grey wolf. 

The grey wolf is the second largest predator in Europe (the brown bear being the largest). 

They are beloved by many but at the same time, not everyone rejoices in their return due to their predatory nature. The human-carnivore conflict has been a longstanding issue ever since humans lived alongside wildlife. 

Therefore, the resurgence of the wolf is being heavily debated among conservationists, hunters, policymakers and many other stakeholders.

But what has made the return of this species successful in the first place?

If you're someone who enjoys spending time in nature, taking a walk in the forest is probably one of your favourite activities. 

Whether you're an avid hiker or simply seeking a peaceful escape, strolling amidst the trees can be a rejuvenating and calming experience that enhances both your physical and mental well-being.

It's an excellent way to connect with nature and appreciate the great outdoors. 

However, it's crucial to acknowledge that human presence in natural habitats can have detrimental effects on wildlife.

Many things need to be considered during hunting, but what actually happens to the animal after we take our shot?

Dr Joe R. Bumgardner, a surgeon and hunter in the United States, shared his expertise in surgery whilst explaining the physiology of harvesting deer on a recent episode of the Deer University podcast of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab.

Following Dr Bumgardner’s advice, we can increase the success of our harvests by understanding deer physiology and applying this knowledge in the field. 

What follows is a summary of the episode of the podcast.

It’s usually quite a challenge to find deer that has been shot and run off. So what can or should we do in these situations? Dr Joe R. Bumgardner, a surgeon and hunter in the United States, shared his expertise in the Deer University podcast of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab.

We all know that the ring-necked pheasant is by far the most popular game bird for shooting in the UK. As people who take part in field sports, most of us love to participate in driven or walked-up pheasant shooting that ends in a feeling of pride in what we have achieved, contentment and ultimately a delicious meal that we have earned. 

Also, many shooters probably know that most pheasants that live on our estates, if not all, were reared on a farm and then released in order for us to shoot them. This is nothing new, as we have been rearing pheasants most likely since they were introduced to Europe by the Normans or Romans, centuries ago.

However, is the hand-rearing and releasing of our beloved bird such a good idea? Are there negative effects that we don’t know about or are just choosing to ignore?

This case study showcases how HAMS.online is being utilised by Coillte to streamline processes, reduce admin, improve health and safety, and fulfil land and wildlife potential.

You probably already know him, the little brown bird with the long beak that likes to “dance” as it walks. The Eurasian woodcock is a small, wading bird that can be found and hunted in many European countries. 

It is a migratory bird that flies not so much from North to South, but rather from East to West, looking for warmer wintering grounds. During this migration, some birds that reside in Hungary are caught and ringed before they continue their way to the UK and France.

Let’s look at this process in more detail.