Camera traps allow scientists and conservationists to monitor wildlife populations and behavior without capture or disturbance, reducing research-related welfare harms significantly.
Camera trapping represents the gold standard of non-invasive wildlife research — obtaining behavioral and population data without any physical interference with animals. This contrasts with traditional capture-mark-recapture methods that impose handling stress, chemical immobilization risk, and ongoing disturbance. The welfare advantage is substantial, and the scientific quality is often equivalent or superior. Camera traps have revealed previously unknown behaviors, documented welfare harms from human activities, and provided the evidence base for conservation decisions affecting many species. Expanding camera trap monitoring as an alternative to more invasive methods is a welfare improvement with significant conservation co-benefits.