WildTrax is an online platform for managing, storing, processing, and sharing biological data collected by environmental sensors. WildTrax provides tools for managing large data sets, and also creates opportunities to address broad-scale questions using novel approaches. Supported environmental sensors currently include autonomous recording units (ARUs) and wildlife cameras, while a third sensor, point counts, provides access to manage avian count data collected by humans.
WildTrax is available for organizations or individuals using cameras and/or ARUs—simply create an online account to begin. Contact info@wildtrax.ca or see The Guide on how to get started.
WildTrax offers several benefits for users of environmental sensors, including:
- Improvement in processing speed
- More accurate, and higher quality data using the species verification
- Unlimited, online access to your data
- Seamless and flexible data sharing options with teams and collaborators
- Standardized approaches to data collection across networks of organizations and individuals
- Opportunities to discover data in your region of interest, coordinate with other groups, and address broad-scale ecological questions
- Centralized repository for long term data archiving
Sensors can be deployed in many ways, depending on the monitoring objective. Examples of methods and protocols are found here.
The set-up methods used by the ABMI are summarized below:
For cameras, choose a view that is not blocked by vegetation or other impediments for at least 10 m (try to anticipate vegetation growth). Set the camera (lens) height at 1 m and then focus the camera view on the reference stake at 80 cm above the ground. Your target detection zone should be approximately 3–5 m from the camera. Face the camera to the north (ideally) or south if possible to avoid visibility issues from direct sunlight.
The autonomous recording unit (ARU) should be at a height of 1.5 m above ground, facing north with the microphones unobstructed by leaves, branches, or (if applicable) the trunk of the tree to which it’s affixed. Choose a sturdy tree or support, such as a stake, so that the unit won’t topple over in high winds or if disturbed by a large mammal.
WildTrax now offers multiple data storage options designed to meet the needs of users.
Each Organization must select a storage location for media files (e.g., audio recordings, camera trap images) at the time of upload. This ensures fast, on-demand access to your files when you need them most. WildTrax will begin to operate under a cost-recovery model for data storage, starting April 1, 2026. Storage fees will apply annually, on a rolling monthly basis, for Organizations that exceed their free tier allotment. Current storage options include:
WildTrax Live Servers
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
This is the default storage option for users, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution. Off-site simultaneous backups are handled through Amazon Deep Glacier, ensuring long-term data durability and security.
- Free Storage Tier: 250 GB
- Annual Cost: $75.00 CAD / TB
Amazon Web Services (AWS S3)
Locations: Oregon (USA) or Montreal (Canada).
Ideal for users requiring international accessibility and high-performance throughput, AWS S3 supports a wide range of use cases using this global infrastructure.
- Annual Cost: $360.00 CAD / TB
Your upload and download speed are limiting factors when you interface with WildTrax. The platform attempts to resolve these issues by providing asynchronous uploading and caching large data sets, but be mindful of the volume of data you’re uploading and downloading and your internet connectivity before proceeding.