Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.bnzs7h4qf

Description of the data and file structure

SNAPSHOT USA 2024 followed the same data collection protocol used in previous years of the survey and was coordinated by the SNAPSHOT USA Survey Coordinator. The primary requirements are that cameras must be unbaited and set at approximately 50 cm height across an array of at least 8 cameras with a minimum distance of 200 m and maximum of 5 km between them. The data collection period for SNAPSHOT USA is September 1 through October 31 with a two-week leeway on either side, and the target minimum of camera trap-nights per array is 400. Some contributors to SNAPSHOT USA 2024 started collecting data earlier or deployed cameras later based on location or logistics; we chose to include data from August 1^st through December 20^th in this dataset.

The camera trap arrays, referred to as “subprojects” in the Wildlife Insights camera trap image repository, were characterized by a combination of habitat type and development level, as determined by each subproject Principal Investigator (PI). If cameras were set facing roads, trails, or water, this is noted in the “feature_type” category in the metadata. SNAPSHOT USA arrays vary in geographic size, the number of cameras deployed in each array, and the spatial design of the camera array—a characteristic adopted to encourage contributions by researchers that might have different goals in their specific study designs. Collaborators are encouraged to sample the same locations every year, but this is not a requirement to participate in the project.

Although survey contributors are not required to use specific camera makes or models and may use multiple makes/models in a single array, all cameras must meet several minimum capability requirements and be set to specific settings. The cameras must be motion-sensitive, have an infrared flash, and have a fast (<0.5 s) trigger speed. They should be set to take 3-5 image bursts per trigger without a quiet period between triggers. When contributors cannot set their cameras to these settings for any reason, they must note these discrepancies in the deployment metadata.

The SNAPSHOT USA 2024 survey represents the first year that contributors were provided the opportunity to estimate densities of animals in their survey areas by using camera trap-based distance sampling. To participate, contributors were required to “calibrate” their cameras by taking images of a series of numbered signs every 3 meters up to 24 meters (or the maximum detection distance). These images were identified as “Calibration distance” within Wildlife Insights. Contributors were also asked to ensure that their camera locations were representative (i.e. “random” or grid, no trails or water sources) of each study area. This did not affect all density estimate participants, but did result in some selecting new, randomly generated locations. Out of 184 total arrays, 73 also contributed toward the density estimates study. The data from this study are currently being analyzed and we are continuing this component in 2025.

Files and variables

File: ssusa_2024_deployments.csv

Description: Variable information for Deployment Data from SNAPSHOT USA 2024. Missing values are indicated by blank cells and the Wildlife Insights camera trap image repository is abbreviated as “WI.”

File: ssusa_2024_sequences.csv

Description: Variable information for Sequence Data from SNAPSHOT USA 2024. Missing values are indicated by blank cells and the Wildlife Insights camera trap image repository is abbreviated as “WI.”

Access information

The original SNAPSHOT USA 2024 data are available from the SNAPSHOT USA 2024 project on Wildlife Insights within the SNAPSHOT USA Initiative.