How Engineers Hack Cameras to Photograph and Study Sharks and Lions | National Geographic | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Crittercam is a camera device that captures scientific data and POV imagery from animals, including great white sharks and seals.

Key Insights

• 👻 Crittercam allows scientists to gain unique insights into the behavior and perspectives of animals, such as great white sharks and seals.
• 🛩️ Over time, Crittercam has become smaller and more advanced, making it easier to attach to various animals without causing harm.
• 🫵 Crittercam helps to create a closer connection between viewers and animals by capturing footage from their point of view.
• 👨‍🔬 The development of Crittercam has revolutionized wildlife research and filmmaking, enabling scientists and filmmakers to capture captivating footage without disturbing or endangering animals.
• 🤍 The process of placing cameras on animals like great white sharks requires patience, precision, and understanding of animal behavior.
• 👻 Crittercam has allowed for the documentation of animal behavior that was previously difficult to capture, such as interactions between lionesses and their cubs.
• 💨 National Geographic aims to prioritize showcasing animals in a way that highlights their importance and encourages empathy towards them.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does Crittercam capture footage from great white sharks?

To put a camera on a shark, a person lures the shark with a tuna on a rope while someone else uses a shark pole to attach the camera to the shark's dorsal fin when it charges at the bait.

Q: How did the creators overcome the challenge of getting the camera on a shark?

The challenge was timing the camera placement while the shark momentarily closes its eyes during the charge. The creators had to quickly attach the camera during this brief moment.

Q: What was the first Crittercam like?

The first Crittercam, developed in the late 80s to early 90s, used an eight millimeter tape and was enclosed in a fiberglass waterproof housing. It was put on various animals, including seals.

Q: How do animals react to Crittercam?

Animals typically take a few days to get used to the equipment. Once they realize the camera is not a threat and cannot be eaten, they lose interest and allow the camera to capture their perspectives.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Crittercam is an animal-born imaging device that combines a camera and sensors for collecting scientific data and point-of-view footage.

• The first HD Crittercam was created in just three months and successfully put on great white sharks using a bait and pole system.

• Crittercam has evolved over the years, becoming smaller and more adaptable, allowing animals to get used to the equipment.