Amphibian tunnels
Amphibian tunnels on video, without a motion trigger
Following tunnel use throughout the year with continuous frame analysis and recordings triggered by pixel changes; winter power use remained a challenge.
Organisations involved
Monitoring without a PIR trigger
Image analysis with triggered recordings
Developed for year-round monitoring
Following tunnel use 365 days a year
The Province of North Holland wanted to monitor amphibian tunnel use throughout the year. Amphibians do not always trigger PIR detection. We first tested a threshold with a light barrier, but the signal was ambiguous: a wind-blown leaf or a sheltering bird could also cause it.
From prototype to image analysis
We developed the technical system. Mechanical design and 3D printing of the prototype were carried out with 3D Makers Zone. We then analysed video continuously, frame by frame. Recording started when enough pixels changed; continuous analysis did not mean storing all video continuously.
Effective detection, with a winter limitation
Image analysis worked well for this application. Its power consumption nevertheless made winter operation difficult. Year-round monitoring was the goal, with energy supply remaining a concern. This development continued in Wildspotters.
