Using open-source camera traps to detect Endangered Lake Chubsucker, Erimyzon sucetta, in the Old Ausable Channel, Ontario

Monitoring of imperilled species is important for their conservation, but traditional sampling methods are often challenging and resource intensive. Camera trapping provides an alternative, non-invasive method of monitoring species in their environment. In this study, we developed open-source camera traps with integrated temperature and dissolved oxygen sensors and deployed them in the Old Ausable Channel, a freshwater system in Southwest Ontario. Using the cameras we were able to detect juvenile and adult Lake Chubsucker, Erimyzon sucetta, a species listed as Endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. The study was conducted between June and July of 2022. We detected juvenile Lake Chubsucker at 14 of the 18 study sites, at temperatures ranging between 19.81 °C and 27.92 °C and at dissolved oxygen levels between 0.89 % and 150.24 % air saturation. Juvenile Lake Chubsucker and Common Carp tended not to be detected at the same sites (negative association probability of -0.16). Overall, the use of cameras in aquatic systems for non-invasive monitoring is an exciting and developing field. 

Presentation Preference: Standard Oral (12 Minutes)

Primary Presenter: Jessica Reemeyer, CIEE Living Data Project - University of Regina (jessica.reemeyer@mail.mcgill.ca)

Authors:

Jessica Reemeyer, University of Regina  (jessica.reemeyer@mail.mcgill.ca)

Leeya Nagpal, Memorial University  (leeya.nagpal@mail.mcgill.ca)

Lauren Chapman, McGill University  (lauren.chapman@mcgill.ca)