From the Field: Armoring the Camtrakker® camera-trap in a tropical Asian forest

Camera‐trapping is an increasingly popular technique for surveying wildlife in the tropics. However, camera‐trap damage caused by elephants (Elephas spp.) poses significant financial and data losses. We describe the construction and use of an armored shell for the Camtrakker® camera‐trap (CamTrak South, Watkinsville, Ga.). The addition of armoring doubled the weight of the unit but eliminated damage by elephants. We recommend armoring for camera‐traps in regions containing elephants or other large carnivores, and where human theft may occur.