Benefits of Trail Cameras: Nocturnal Animals
In a previous post, I mentioned that I was using trail cameras to monitor some areas that were difficult to get to on a regular basis. Although installed for sitatunga, these cameras were instrumental in obtaining pictures of very shy and nocturnal animals. In the last few weeks of the field season, the cameras were able to capture images of more animals – species that I would be unlikely to see and photograph any other way. So here is part 2 of lucky trail camera pictures!
I should apologize in advance for the quality of these pictures. Some of them are difficult to make out, unless you increase the size to full screen. Even then, it may seem like more lines and blurs than an animal. I assure you that I have taken every opportunity to get expert advice on identification!
AARDVARK I have wanted to get a picture of an aardvark since I arrived in Uganda. Notoriously shy and strictly nocturnal (being most active between midnight and 5 AM), the camera trap was the most likely way to photograph one alive. Aardvarks eat beetle larvae, ants, and termites, using their front claws to dig into mounds for their meals, which they capture using their long sticky tongues. In these pictures, the aardvark is best identified by its low, rounded profile, and its long, rabbit-like ears. No other mammal looks like that.
PORCUPINE I am not sure which species this is, but it is either a crested or cape porcupine. Both species usually live in family groups, so this loner may be a dispersing “teen-age” porcupine looking for a mate and territory. Just like their North American cousins, African porcupines rely on their quills to deter predation. The quills detach easily, and if it feels threatened, the porcupine will raise their quills and back up rapidly towards the threat. In this picture, you can see that the quills are striped, making sure that they can be easily seen by a potential predator.
LARGE-SPOTTED GENET This small cat-like species is one of fourteen or so genet species in Africa. The large-spotted genet is distinguished by its bi-colored spots, as is evident on this individual. It is omnivorous, eating fruits as well as insects and small prey. It is also able to thrive in a wide variety of habitats – including papyrus marshes, such as in this picture. Generally solitary and strictly nocturnal, this was a very fortunate “capture” for this camera trap!
MARSH MONGOOSE Just in case you have had enough squinting at the black-and-white images, I will include this picture of marsh mongoose taken during the daylight hours. This species is usually nocturnal, or at least crepuscular, so photographing one in midday is uncommon. Marsh mongoose are common near water sources, feeding on a wide variety of prey. They are very dark brown or black, are good swimmers, and generally solitary. They can be quite fun to watch, as they move through the papyrus gracefully.
