On 1st October 2025, BMRG hosted a Camera Trapping Workshop lead by BMRG’s Dr. Sydney Collett, bringing together BMRG staff and 15 rangers from Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation and Gidarjil Development Corporation for a half day of practical learning and field deployment.
The workshop explored why camera trapping is an effective tool for monitoring biodiversity and understanding wildlife behaviour. Dr. Collett guided participants through every stage of the process, from planning and selecting sites, to camera setup, field deployment, and post-processing of images.
The workshop highlighted the importance of knowing the target species and choosing the right placement and settings to maximise effectiveness of detections. Participants discussed the differences between motion-activated and timelapse imagery, considerations for baited versus unbaited setups, and how environmental factors like vegetation, lighting, and terrain can influence results.
The workshop also highlighted best practices for data recording, including the use of GPS coordinates, camera IDs, and data storage and cataloging.
The workshop concluded with a hands-on mock camera deployment, allowing participants to put their new skills into practice in a real-world scenario, adjusting height, angle, and placement to capture the best possible results for their intended biodiversity targets.
Workshops like this continue to strengthen partnerships between BMRG and Traditional Owner ranger teams, building regional capacity for biodiversity monitoring and improving outcomes for threatened species conservation across the Burnett Mary region.