Data for: Home security cameras as a tool for behavior observations and science equity

Reliably capturing transient animal behavior in the field and laboratory remains a logistical and financial challenge, especially for small ectotherms. Here, we present a camera system that is affordable, accessible, and suitable to monitor small, cold-blooded animals historically overlooked by commercial camera traps, such as small amphibians. The system is weather-resistant, can operate offline or online, and allows collection of time-sensitive behavioral data in laboratory and field conditions with continuous data storage for up to four weeks. The lightweight camera can also utilize phone notifications over Wi-Fi so that observers can be alerted when animals enter a space of interest, enabling sample collection at proper time periods. We present our findings, both technological and scientific, in an effort to elevate tools that enable researchers to maximize use of their research budgets. We discuss the relative affordability of our system for researchers in South America, which is h..., Detailed instructions on camera setup and usage can be found in the Supplementary materials on GitHub (https://github.com/lobsu/WyzeSetUps/wiki).
In the laboratory, Wyze v3 cameras were adhered by velcro onto the side of the Exo Terra tanks and suspended above the tadpole canister, with the face of the camera approximately 15.5–17.5 cm above the bottom of the canister. For egg care observations, Wyze v3 cameras are oriented horizontally, with the face of the camera facing approximately 10 cm from the canister entry site. Cameras were charged using their prepackaged USB cords and connected via a Nexwell USB charging station (Amazon, Bellevue, WA, USA) to the building outlets. Cameras were given 128 Gb SD cards for continuous recording. 128 Gb SD cards fill after approximately 10 days and are switched by researchers and replaced with an empty SD card.
In the field, Wyze v3 cameras were equipped with a 128 GB SD card and set to the desired operating mode (motion triggered or continuous) us..., Excel, RStudio.