Tracking Wildlife and Preserving Habitats
Wildlife is all around us, whether we spot them directly or find traces of their presence, like scat, remains, or tracks. These signs are especially evident in the backcountry and at the urban-wildland interface, where animals have to navigate both natural habitats and human developments.
0ne tool that has significantly enhanced our understanding of wildlife is the trail camera, also known as a camera trap. These devices are heat and motion-activated, often placed in remote locations, hidden from view, and designed to capture the movements of animals without disturbing them. From researchers to photographers, conservationists to hobbyists, camera traps are providing valuable insights into how animals, like the elusive mountain lion, use our landscapes.
In Southern California, a variety of projects are leveraging trail cameras to monitor wildlife, preserve land, and evaluate recovery from environmental disruptions. Through these efforts, we gain a closer look at how animals move through our world, offering vital data that supports conservation and land management strategies.
The Santa Monica Mountains Project: Tracking Recovery and Wildlife Movement
Trail cameras are being used in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA), where cameras are part of a long-term project to monitor wildlife recovery after the destructive Woolsey Fire in 2018. Since 2019, 60 cameras have rotated through over 180 locations within the park, many of them positioned in remote areas far from popular recreational zones. Managed by the National Park Service and partnered with various nonprofits and agencies, this project tracks the movement of animals like mountain lions, bobcats, and deer, while also assessing how new wildlife crossings, like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway, are impacting these populations.
“We’re getting a sneak peek at wildlife without worrying about disturbing them,” said Miroslava Munguia Ramos, the project lead, in an interview with the Malibu Times. The project’s findings not only contribute to wildlife recovery research but also support the ongoing study of how wildlife crossings influence animal behavior and population dynamics.
Trail Cameras for Land Preservation and Public Engagement
Beyond wildlife recovery, trail cameras play a pivotal role in land preservation efforts. Organizations like the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy (AFC) use camera traps to monitor wildlife movement and determine which areas around Los Angeles are critical for preserving natural passageways for animals. Cameras are deployed on both preserved land and private property (with permission), helping AFC demonstrate to state agencies the importance of maintaining corridors for wildlife in increasingly urbanized regions.
Barbara Goto, AFC’s Director of Operations, noted, “When we approach the state for funding, we can show that the land could provide a wildlife passageway through urban areas.” These efforts not only support conservation but also help prevent unwanted development that would fragment these natural habitats.
Trail camera images also serve as powerful tools for engaging the public and generating interest in conservation. By sharing stunning photos of wildlife, organizations like the Watershed Conservation Authority can inspire a deeper connection to the local environment. “It’s a way to celebrate the local and the unique,” said Jane Tsong, from the authority, “and we want to get the public involved in our conservation efforts.”

Photographer Roy Dunn: Capturing the Hidden Lives of Mountain Lions
Alongside these scientific and conservation-focused projects, wildlife photographers like Roy Dunn are also using trail cameras to document animal behavior. Dunn, a former engineer, is known for his work with mountain lions, and he was among the first to capture video footage of P-22, the famed mountain lion of Los Angeles. He now uses his custom-designed cameras to study mountain lions on the Central California coast, where he’s observed that these animals are more active during the day compared to those near heavily trafficked urban parks.
Though Dunn places high-end cameras in remote areas to protect his equipment, he also uses low-cost cameras to monitor for theft and vandalism. He’s learned firsthand how human interference, like theft and damage, can disrupt camera operations. His advice to adventure sports enthusiasts: “If you come across a camera, stay clear.” For those curious about wildlife photography, Dunn suggests starting small: “Spend $50 on a camera for your backyard. It’s a great way to get started.”

MAIN PHOTO IMAGE: Nikita the female mountain lion looks down from the Verdugo Hills on Christmas Eve 2018. Photo by Roy Dunn / humanstohummingbirds.com