Crittercam

A Crittercam (of English: critter for " creature ", " critter " and cam, short for "Camera" ) is a small camera which is fixed for a specified period to an animal in order to get insight into the life behavior of this type.

In particular, since the animals feel undisturbed because no camera team or researchers are present, so much deeper insights into the Artverhalten are possible.

During the period of attachment Crittercams draw continuously the environment of the animal ( usually their field of view) on. Prey behavior, youth care, territorial fights, pack and scattering behavior are to witness first hand.

Crittercams must meet increased demands, in order to ensure continuous use in the wild. This primarily includes water and shock resistance, in current versions, a digital image stabilizer to dampen the natural movements of the animal and the associated " judder ".

Crittercams are usually attached to animals with short-haired fur (eg seals) with a 2- component adhesive. Then dissolve by itself after some time and can be collected by GPS location.

For bears and other animals with long-haired furs, however, the adhesive attachment is too unreliable. We turn here mostly back on a belt clip. Therefore, these animals need to be captured and stunned even to remove the Crittercam.

In animals with smooth skin (eg whales ) and a suction cup attachment is possible.

• Camera
• Camera technology