“The Secret Life of Tidal Marshes and Mangroves: Camera Trapping as a Window Into Wildlife Using North American Coastal Wetlands” was recently published in Ecology and Evolution. This study includes wildlife data collected from Stockport Flats, Tivoli North Bay, and Piermont Marsh in 2022.

Hidden Wildlife of U.S. Coastal Wetlands

Scientists from across the National Estuarine Research Reserve System have conducted the first coordinated assessment of wildlife in coastal wetlands across North America. Using 109 cameras in 29 estuaries, the team captured thousands of images that collectively reveal the secret lives of estuary wildlife. The diversity was astounding and included 146 species—from Alaska’s bears and Mississippi’s hogs to Florida’s armadillos and New York’s muskrats. The study provides a unique foundation for addressing important wildlife science and management questions on our changing coasts.

A side benefit from the project was a series of photos that also clearly demonstrate the many ways that humans use and value our coastal wetlands, including activities such as birdwatching, kayaking, hunting, school field trips, and even bicycling!

Click here to view the full article.

Click here to view camera trapping photos from across the country.

Additional Resources

Visit the Stewardship Resource Monitoring and Management page for more information on HRNERR camera trapping, and other topics related to Hudson River Stewardship.