• The camera will be placed in an area in which the field of view is as wide as possible, or at the intersection of animal paths.
• The camera will be placed at a height of approximately 45cm above the ground, on a tree, a stake, an iron rod or pile of stones.
• The camera’s angle will be such that 30% of the frame will be of the ground.
• If the camera is mounted on a stake or pole, make sure that the stake is firmly stuck into the ground, to prevent it being from trampled or otherwise moved by animals.
• Vegetation and weeds in front of the camera should be cleared to prevent images of no useful value.
• Camouflage: when placing the camera on a pole, it is preferable to locate the camera within a bush and position branches above the camera and on both its sides. When placing a camera on a pile of rocks, it is advisable to locate it in an existing heap of stones and surround it on all sides with stones.
• If possible, avoid placing the camera on a slope, or in front of objects which may cause unwanted reflections.
• Place the camera facing north-east, or north, or north-west to avoid unwanted glare and false activation by sunlight.
• Aim the camera lens at an angle of 60° relative to the animal trail, to capture a picture of the animal while it is close to the camera, and to minimize the taking of empty shots as much as possible, due to the animal’s rapid passage in front of the camera lens.
• The cameras in a given plot will be placed along different animal paths, to prevent a situation where one individual activates all the cameras one after the other. The camera should be placed on the side of the animal path and not on the path, as to not disturb the passing animals
• One should perform a walk/motion test, to ensure that the camera does indeed see all of the area worthy of photographing. It is possible to activate the camera, simulate the effect of an animal walking in front of it, and examine the results.
• After positioning the camera, take a photo of the camera and the area behind it, as well as of the area it is intended to document. This will make it possible to form an impression of the natural area surrounding the camera, and of the vegetation density, and will help in finding it later.
• The camera’s first photo should be of the surveyor, as should the last photo. The reason for this is to document the times that the camera was installed and dismantled.
• When setting up the camera, make sure that the date and time are set correctly, and that the batteries are charged to a level of at least 70%. The data one should document while working in the field (preferably in a designated app) are: the waypoint, date and time, the name of the surveyor, camera model, camera name, the height of the camera above the ground, the azimuth of the camera lens, maximum detection distance, and images of the camera and the area it documents.