Hedgehogs monitoring apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hedgehog monitoring device that investigates whether a hedgehog is inhabiting a corresponding habitat by checking its footprints. The hedgehog monitoring device of the present invention comprises a tunnel section, a base plate coupled to the tunnel section, a footprint recording sheet fixed to the base plate, an ink pad installed on the base plate, a bait tray installed on the base plate, an ink supply section installed in the tunnel section for supplying ink to the ink pad, a timer for supplying ink from the ink supply section to the ink pad at set time intervals, and a control section that receives a signal from the timer and performs control to open and close the ink supply section.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device and method for a hedgehog that confirms whether the hedgehog inhabits a corresponding habitat by examining its footprints and images. Background Technology

[0002] Hedgehogs serve as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem as they consume a diverse diet of invertebrates. However, as they are nocturnal, visual observation is difficult. Furthermore, it is challenging to confirm their presence in habitats through the investigation of visible tracks.

[0003] Survey methods used to investigate the presence of hedgehogs in a given habitat include camera traps, capture traps, and footprint traps. The camera trap method involves using infrared sensors to detect animal movements and take photographs. However, this method presents difficulties in studying the habitat status of hedgehogs because camera traps sometimes fail to capture them due to their small size, and the probability of observing hedgehogs is low as they avoid exposure to predators, given that camera traps are typically installed in open areas.

[0004] In addition, capture methods using traps raise animal ethics issues due to high mortality rates.

[0005] The footprint trap survey method is a technique for confirming whether hedgehogs inhabit a given habitat by collecting the footprints of hedgehogs lured with bait. As a prior art reference for this footprint trap survey method, the *Guidance for Detecting Hedgehogs Using Footprint Tracking Tunnels* (Version 1 May 2015) published by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society is referenced. https: / / ptes.org / wp-content / uploads / 2015 / 06 / Guidance-for-detecting-hedgehogs-using-tracking-tunnels.pdf It is disclosed in ).

[0006] This conventional footprint trap survey method has the inconvenience of requiring the surveyor to visit the survey site every 1 to 3 days to replace footprint ink, bait to attract hedgehogs, and footprint recording paper (footprint record sheet). In other words, the conventional footprint trap survey method has the problem of increasing the fatigue of the surveyor due to the very short revisit cycle of 1 to 3 days to check hedgehog footprints and the very high intensity of the survey with 3 to 10 surveys.

[0007] In addition, the existing footprint trap investigation method has the disadvantage of being difficult to fix the footprint record sheet to the ground, and when hedgehogs are the subjects of investigation, there is a problem that the footprint record sheet is easily damaged by animals other than the subjects of investigation, such as raccoons and dogs.

[0008] Furthermore, in the conventional footprint trap method, researchers collect hedgehog footprints by securing a tracking plate, on which a footprint record sheet and bait tray are installed, to a tunnel-shaped footprint trap using Velcro fasteners or tape. In other words, there is a problem with the installation process being inconvenient when installing the tracking plate used in the footprint trap method into the trap. Additionally, the conventional footprint trap method presents difficulties in securing the bait tray to the footprint trap, and the bait tray is easily damaged as it may detach from its installed position by wild animals. Moreover, the conventional footprint trap method suffers from the problem of the footprint record sheet being easily damaged by rainwater. Furthermore, due to the size and structural form of the footprint trap, the conventional method presents an inconvenience for researchers when transporting or storing the footprint trap to the habitat. Additionally, the conventional method presents an inconvenience in transporting and storing the ink pads, as the ink used to record footprints may rub off on the researcher's body, clothing, or equipment during the transport process.

[0009] Furthermore, in conventional footprint trap investigation methods, footprint records can be contaminated by mud or feces adhering to the bodies of wild animals as they pass through the traps. When researchers transport contaminated records to a laboratory to scan or store them, equipment such as scanners may become contaminated. Additionally, researchers may contract zoonotic diseases during this process.

[0010] In addition, existing footprint trap investigation methods have the disadvantage that the validity period (time) of footprint ink is very short, making it difficult to obtain footprints of small mammals over a long period. That is, even if oil-based ink is used, the ink dries out within 2 to 3 days, so there is a problem in that even if a small mammal passes through the footprint trap, the footprint is not properly recorded on the footprint recorder.

[0011] Furthermore, the existing survey method using small mammalian footprint traps, which originated mainly in the UK, has the problem that the survey method, bait, or lure is not suitable for surveying hedgehogs inhabiting Korea. The problem to be solved

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is proposed to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that reduces investigator fatigue by minimizing the number of times an investigator visits the survey site while securing good footprint and image data of the hedgehog.

[0013] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that easily fixes a footprint record sheet to a footprint trap and prevents the footprint record sheet from being easily damaged.

[0014] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that allows a base plate on which a footprint record sheet and a bait tray are installed to be easily installed in a footprint trap.

[0015] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that easily secures a bait tray to a footprint trap and prevents the secured bait tray from being easily detached and damaged by wild animals.

[0016] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that prevents the footprint record sheet from being easily damaged by rainwater, etc.

[0017] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that allows an investigator to easily transport or store a footprint trap to a habitat.

[0018] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that prevents contamination, such as the footprint ink used to leave footprints getting on the investigator's body or clothes or around the footprint trap.

[0019] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method that prevents contamination of equipment such as a scanner due to contamination of the footprint record sheet and prevents the investigator from being infected with a zoonotic disease.

[0020] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hedgehog monitoring device and method capable of acquiring hedgehog footprints for a sufficient period of time even when using footprint ink. means of solving the problem

[0021] To achieve the above-mentioned objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a hedgehog monitoring device comprising: a tunnel section; a base plate coupled to the tunnel section; a footprint record sheet fixed to the base plate; an ink pad installed on the base plate; a bait tray installed on the base plate; an ink supply unit installed in the tunnel section for supplying ink to the ink pad; a timer for supplying ink from the ink supply unit to the ink pad at set time intervals; and a control unit that receives a signal from the timer and performs control to open and close the ink supply unit.

[0022] In the above tunnel section, an attractant supply unit containing an attractant for supplying an attractant to the above bait tray is installed, and

[0023] It is preferable that the above-mentioned lure supply unit be opened and closed by the above-mentioned control unit to supply lure to the bait tray at set intervals.

[0024] It is preferable that a camera be installed in the above tunnel section to photograph the footprints recorded on the above footprint record sheet at set time intervals and store the captured data.

[0025] It is preferable that the ink contained in the above-mentioned ink supply unit consists of a solution in which the color of the footprint recorded on the footprint record sheet changes to colorless after a certain period of time.

[0026] The above tunnel section comprises a first surface section forming a floor surface, a second surface section extending from the first surface section to form a wall of the tunnel, a third surface section extending from the second surface section to form another wall of the tunnel, and a fourth surface section extending from the third surface section to overlap with the first surface section to form another floor surface.

[0027] The first surface and the fourth surface are provided with a plurality of holes that can be fixed to the ground by a fixing pack or to which a strap for movement can be attached, and it is preferable that the holes are positioned so that they coincide with each other when the first surface and the fourth surface overlap.

[0028] It is preferable that the fourth side of the above tunnel section has a first fixing groove for fixing the bait tray.

[0029] The base plate is provided with a second fixing groove for fixing the bait tray, and it is preferable that the second fixing groove be positioned at a location that coincides with the first fixing groove formed on the fourth side of the tunnel portion.

[0030] In addition, the present invention comprises a tunnel section, a bait tray installed in the tunnel section that contains a lure for attracting hedgehogs, a footprint detection pad installed on the bottom of the tunnel section that detects footprint data of small mammals, and a control section that receives footprint data of small mammals stepping on the footprint detection pad from the footprint detection pad and transmits it to an administrator computer.

[0031] The above-described manager computer provides a hedgehog monitoring device comprising: a footprint data extraction unit that receives footprint data detected from the footprint detection pad, removes noise, and extracts footprint data by species of small mammals; a hedgehog footprint determination unit that loads hedgehog footprint data stored in a small mammal footprint storage database and determines whether the loaded hedgehog footprint data is a hedgehog footprint by comparing the loaded hedgehog footprint data with the footprint data extracted by the footprint data extraction unit; and a data storage unit that stores the result determined by the hedgehog footprint determination unit in a habitat fauna storage database.

[0032] It is preferable that the footprint data detected by the footprint detection pad includes shape data of a small mammal's footprint, size data of the footprint, or load data applied to the footprint detection pad.

[0033] It is preferable that the control unit transmits the footprint data received from the footprint detection pad to the manager computer in real time.

[0034] In addition, the present invention provides a hedgehog monitoring survey method comprising the steps of: receiving in real time from a footprint detection pad footprint data of a small mammal stepping over a footprint detection pad; removing noise from the footprint data received from the footprint detection pad and extracting footprint data by species of small mammal after the step of receiving in real time from the footprint detection pad; loading hedgehog footprint data stored in a small mammal footprint storage database after the step of extracting the footprint data; comparing the loaded hedgehog footprint data with the footprint data extracted from a footprint data extraction unit to determine whether it is a hedgehog footprint after the step of loading the hedgehog footprint data; and, if it is determined to be a hedgehog footprint after the step of determining whether it is a hedgehog footprint, storing the shape of the hedgehog footprint, the size of the footprint, location information where the footprint data was entered, and the recording time of the footprint in a habitat fauna storage database. Effects of the invention

[0035] The present invention automatically supplies ink to an ink pad at set intervals and automatically supplies a lure to a bait tray at set intervals, thereby securing good footprint data of hedgehogs while minimizing the number of times the investigator visits the investigation site, which reduces the investigator's fatigue.

[0036] The present invention allows an investigator to easily secure a bait tray to a hedgehog monitoring device by penetrating the bait tray through the base plate and fitting it into the bottom surface of the tunnel section to maintain a fixed state, thereby preventing the secured bait tray from being easily detached and damaged by wild animals.

[0037] The present invention allows an investigator to easily transport or store a hedgehog monitoring device to its habitat by folding the tunnel portion of the device over and attaching a carrying strap to the hole portion, and carrying it on the investigator's shoulder.

[0038] In addition, the present invention can prevent footprint ink from getting on the investigator's body or clothes or around the investigation device by transporting the hedgehog monitoring device in a state where the ink pad is blocked from being exposed to the outside of the hedgehog monitoring device by folding the hedgehog monitoring device in half.

[0039] In addition, since the present invention acquires footprint data by photographing the footprints imprinted on the footprint record sheet with a camera or using a footprint detection pad, there is no need to bring the footprint record sheet into the laboratory's interior, thereby preventing contamination of equipment such as scanners caused by contamination of the footprint record sheet and preventing researchers from being infected with zoonotic diseases.

[0040] In addition, the present invention automatically supplies footprint ink to the ink pad at set time intervals, so that the hedgehog's footprint can be obtained for a sufficient period.

[0041] In addition, the present invention can extend the operating period of the hedgehog monitoring device and increase the capture rate of hedgehog monitoring by reflecting the behavioral characteristics of hedgehogs that are mainly active at night and setting the supply of attractants and photography to be performed only at night.

[0042] In addition, the present invention utilizes the time-lapse shooting function of a camera to record shooting data and time data of small mammals of the same species, including hedgehogs, thereby enabling the investigation of various ecology of hedgehogs, such as interspecies relationships between small mammal communities in the habitat and hedgehogs. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0043] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the main configuration of a hedgehog monitoring device to explain a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of a hedgehog monitoring device to explain the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an unfolded view of the tunnel section of a hedgehog monitoring device to explain the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a base plate of a hedgehog monitoring device to explain a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a hedgehog monitoring survey device can be transported to explain the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing of a hedgehog monitoring device viewed from another side to illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a main configuration diagram of a hedgehog monitoring device to explain the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a hedgehog monitoring device to explain a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of a hedgehog monitoring device to explain a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the main configuration of a manager computer to explain a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process of a manager computer processing footprint data to explain a second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and the same reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0045] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "…part," "…unit," and "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0046] Throughout the specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. For the sole purpose of distinguishing one component from another, for example, without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention and illustrates a hedgehog monitoring device.

[0048] The hedgehog monitoring device of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a tunnel section (100), a base plate (200), a footprint record sheet (210), an ink pad (230), a bait tray (250), an ink supply section (270), an attractant supply section (290), a timer (300), a control section (400), and a camera (500).

[0049] The tunnel section (100) is preferably made of a triangular prism-shaped tunnel through which a hedgehog can easily pass. The tunnel section (100) is preferably made of a plate of synthetic resin material that is easy to move and store.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, this tunnel section (100) includes a first surface section (110), a second surface section (120), a third surface section (130), and a fourth surface section (140).

[0051] The first surface section (110) is a part that forms the floor surface. The second surface section (120) extends from the first surface section (110) to form the wall surface of the tunnel. The third surface section (130) extends from the second surface section (120) to form another wall surface of the tunnel. And the fourth surface section (140) extends from the third surface section (130) and overlaps with the first surface section (110) to form another floor surface. This tunnel section (100) is provided with a first folding line section (100a) at the connection portion between the first surface section (110) and the second surface section (120), a second folding line section (100b) at the connection portion between the second surface section (120) and the third surface section (130), and a third folding line section (100c) at the connection portion between the third surface section (130) and the fourth surface section (140). The first surface (110) of the tunnel section (100) is provided with a plurality of hole sections (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d). Additionally, the fourth surface (140) of the tunnel section (100) is also provided with another plurality of hole sections (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d).

[0052] When viewed from the folded state of the second folding line portion (100b) provided between the second surface portion (120) and the third surface portion (130) of the tunnel portion (100), it is preferable that the plurality of hole portions (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) provided in the first surface portion (110) of the tunnel portion (100) and the other plurality of hole portions (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d) provided in the fourth surface portion (140) of the tunnel portion (100) are arranged in a position that overlaps each other. As illustrated in FIG. 5, this structure allows a moving strap (SR) to be connected to the hole (110a) of the first face (110) and the hole (140a) of the fourth face (140), and to another hole (110b) of the first face (110) and another hole (140b) of the fourth face (140). Thus, when viewed from the unfolded state of the tunnel (100), the investigator can easily transport or store the tunnel (100) by folding it in half. In particular, an ink pad (230) is placed inside the tunnel (100), and since the ink pad (230) can be moved without protruding outward, the investigator's body or clothing can be prevented from being contaminated by ink.

[0053] Meanwhile, the tunnel section (100) may form a floor surface by overlapping the first surface section (110) and the fourth surface section (140). In this case, the investigator can fix the tunnel section (100) to the ground by driving in a fixing pack (P, see FIG. 2) to pass through each of the overlapping hole sections (110a and 140a, 110b and 140b, 110c and 140c, and 110d and 140d). Such a tunnel section (100) has the advantage of being firmly fixed to the ground using the fixing pack (P).

[0054] The second side (120) and the third side (130) of the tunnel section (100) are provided with fitting grooves (100d, 100e) that can fix the ink supply section (270) and the lubricant supply section (290), etc.

[0055] Additionally, the fourth side (140) of the tunnel section (100) is provided with a first fixing groove (100f) that can fix the bait tray (250) by fitting it. It is preferable that the first fixing groove (100f) be structured to penetrate the fourth side (140).

[0056] The base plate (200) may be made of the same material as the tunnel section (100) and is preferably made of a size such that it is fixed to the bottom surface of the tunnel section (100) by fitting (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4).

[0057] The base plate (200) is provided with a second fixing groove (200a) (see FIG. 4). It is preferable that the second fixing groove (200a) be positioned so as to overlap with the first fixing groove (100f) located on the fourth side (140) of the tunnel section (100).

[0058] The footprint record sheet (210) can be fixed to the base plate (200) with a plurality of clips (211). The footprint record sheet (210) may be used in the form of a grid pattern of a certain size printed on it. Since the grid pattern printed on the footprint record sheet (210) serves as a reference line, the size of the footprint can be verified when taking a photograph. Therefore, the footprint images can be classified by size through the data obtained by photographing the footprint record sheet (210).

[0059] The footprint record sheet (210) can be placed on the upper surfaces of both sides of the base plate (200) at a distance from the center part.

[0060] The ink pad (230) can be attached to the upper surface of the base plate (200). It is preferable that the ink pad (230) be made of a material such as a sponge that can maintain an ink-absorbing state for a certain period of time.

[0061] The bait tray (250) can be placed in the center portion of the base plate (200). That is, the bait tray (250) can be placed in a fitted state by being inserted into the first fixing groove (100f) of the fourth side portion (140) of the tunnel portion (100) and the second fixing groove (200a) of the base plate (200). In particular, when the bait tray (250) is installed on the base plate (200), it is preferable that it be formed at a height such that it does not protrude above the upper surface of the fourth side portion (140) of the tunnel portion (100). Since the installation structure of the bait tray (250) is fixed by being fitted to the base plate (200), it can maintain a firmly fixed state in a designated position, thereby minimizing damage caused by animals.

[0062] Meanwhile, ink pads (230) are placed on both sides of the bait tray (250), and a footprint record sheet (210) may be placed on one side of the ink pad (230). That is, the ink pads (230) are arranged in pairs on both sides of the bait tray (250). And the footprint record sheet (210) is also arranged in pairs on the outer side of the ink pad (230). With this arrangement structure of the footprint record sheet (210) and the ink pad (230), footprints can be easily recorded on the footprint record sheet (210) even if a small mammal subject to habitat survey enters the tunnel section (100) from either direction.

[0063] The ink supply unit (270) can be fitted into the fitting grooves (100d, 100e) of the tunnel unit (100) and fixed inside the tunnel unit (100). The ink supply unit (270) can receive ink for footprint recording. It is preferable that the ink supply unit (270) be positioned on the upper part of the ink pad (230). The ink supply unit (270) may be equipped with a valve (not shown) for discharging ink. The valve of the ink supply unit (270) can be opened and closed by the control of the control unit (400). That is, the ink contained in the ink supply unit (270) can be supplied to the ink pad (230) at regular time intervals by the control of the control unit (400).

[0064] The ink contained in the ink supply unit (270) may be a pH indicator containing a thymolphthalein solution. This ink can cause the footprint recorded on the footprint recording paper to disappear within approximately one hour. That is, it is preferable to use a solution in the ink supplied in the ink supply unit (270) that causes the color of the footprint recorded on the footprint recording paper (210) to change to colorless after a certain period of time. Therefore, the investigator can secure the footprint recorded on the footprint recording paper (210) while eliminating the inconvenience of frequently replacing the footprint recording paper (210). In particular, this ink can increase the reliability of the footprint data by allowing the hedgehog's footprints to be verified by time.

[0065] That is, the footprint recorded on the footprint record sheet (210) by this ink is captured by a camera (500) at regular time intervals to obtain footprint data, and after a certain amount of time passes, the footprint disappears from the footprint record sheet (210) and a new footprint can be recorded thereafter.

[0066] The lure supply unit (290) may contain bait or liquid lure that can be supplied to the bait tray (250). The lure supply unit (290) may be installed on the upper part of the bait tray (250). The lure supply unit (290) may be fixed inside the tunnel section (100) by being fitted into the fitting grooves (100d, 100e) of the tunnel section (100), similar to the coupling structure of the ink supply unit (270). The lure supply unit (290) may be equipped with a valve (not shown) for discharging the lure. The valve of the lure supply unit (290) may be opened and closed by the control of the control unit (400). That is, the lure contained in the lure supply unit (290) may be supplied to the bait tray (250) at regular time intervals by the control of the control unit (400).

[0067] Meanwhile, it is desirable that the ink contained in the ink supply unit (270) and the attractant contained in the attractant supply unit (290) be contained in an amount sufficient to be supplied at time intervals set for 7 to 14 days. Accordingly, the investigator can reduce the number of times the monitoring device is installed to maintain the hedgehog monitoring device.

[0068] The timer (300) can be installed in the tunnel section (100), and the investigator can set the time. The timer (300) can transmit the set time to the control section (400).

[0069] The control unit (400) can open the valve of the ink supply unit (270) and the valve of the attractant supply unit (290) according to the input signal of the timer (300) to supply ink to the ink pad (230) or to supply an attractant to the bait tray (250). Therefore, the investigator can reduce the investigator's fatigue by visiting the location where the monitoring device is installed as little as possible during the investigation period (e.g., 7 to 14 days).

[0070] A miniature camera (500) may be used and may be installed inside the tunnel section (100). Additionally, the camera (500) may include an infrared light as a light source for night photography. In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the camera (500) is installed inside the tunnel section (100) has been illustrated and described, but it is not limited thereto and may be installed anywhere as long as it is positioned so that the footprint record sheet (210) can be photographed at regular intervals.

[0071] Such a camera (500) can photograph a footprint record sheet (210) at set intervals and store the captured data in the camera's own storage unit or a separate storage device. In some cases, it is also possible to transmit the data of the footprint record sheet (210) to an administrator computer in real time or at set time intervals. Additionally, the camera (500) can photograph time-lapse video over a continuous period of time and store the captured data regarding a group of small mammals, including hedgehogs, in the camera's own storage unit or a separate storage device. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a battery (not shown) can be installed in the tunnel unit (100) to supply power to the control unit (400) and the camera (500).

[0072] The method for acquiring footprint and image data of a hedgehog using the hedgehog monitoring device of the first embodiment of the present invention, as described above, is as follows.

[0073] First, the investigator folds the tunnel section (100) around the second fold line (100b), ties a carrying strap (SR) to the hole section (110a, 140a) and another hole section (110b, 140b), carries it on the shoulder, and moves to the hedgehog habitat. At this time, the ink pad (230) can be stored and moved inside the folded part of the tunnel section (100). In this case, since the ink of the ink pad (230) is not exposed to the outside, the investigator can move safely without contaminating their clothes or body.

[0074] When the investigator arrives at the hedgehog habitat, the tunnel section (100) is folded around the first fold line section (100a), the second fold line section (100b), and the third fold line section (100c) of the tunnel section (100). Then, the first surface section (110) and the fourth surface section (140) of the tunnel section (100) are arranged so that they overlap each other. Then, the first surface section (110) and the fourth surface section (140) form the bottom surface, and the second surface section (120) and the third surface section (130) are formed into a sloping roof shape, creating a tunnel through which the hedgehog can pass. Then, the investigator inserts fixing packs (P) into the holes (110a and 140a, 110b and 140b, 110c and 140c, and 110d and 140d) to fix the tunnel section (100) to the ground. Then the tunnel section (100) can be firmly fixed to the ground.

[0075] Then, the investigator pushes the base plate (200), in which the footprint record sheet (210) and ink pad (230) are combined, onto the upper side of the fourth side (140) of the tunnel section (100). Then, the base plate (200) can be inserted between the second side (120) and the third side (130) of the tunnel section (100) and fixed to the bottom of the tunnel section (100) by a snap-fit ​​connection. Then, the investigator inserts the bait tray (250) into the first fixing groove (100f) and the second fixing groove (200a). Then, the bait tray (250) remains firmly fixed to the bottom of the tunnel section (100).

[0076] Next, the investigator inserts the locking portion (270a, 290a), which extends to one side of the ink supply portion (270) and the attractant supply portion (290), into the fitting groove portion (100d, 100e) of the tunnel portion (100) (see FIG. 6). Then, the ink supply portion (270) and the attractant supply portion (290) can be fixed to the tunnel portion (100).

[0077] In this manner, with the hedgehog monitoring device installed in the hedgehog habitat, the investigator sets the time of the timer (300). Then, whenever the signal from the timer (300) is transmitted to the control unit (400), the control unit (400) opens the valve of the ink supply unit (270). Then, the ink contained in the ink supply unit (270) falls onto the ink pad (230) at predetermined time intervals. Additionally, the control unit (400) opens the valve of the attractant supply unit (290) according to the signal from the timer (300). Then, the attractant contained in the attractant supply unit (290) falls onto the bait tray (250) at predetermined intervals. Thus, the investigator can reduce the number of times they visit the location where the hedgehog monitoring device is installed.

[0078] In this state, the hedgehog smells the bait tray (250) and passes through the tunnel section (100). At this time, ink from the ink pad (230) is applied to the feet of a small mammal, such as a hedgehog. Then, when the hedgehog steps on the footprint record sheet (210) and passes by, a footprint is recorded on the footprint record sheet (210). Since the camera (500) is set to take repeated shots for a set period of time, shooting is performed at fixed time intervals. The camera (500) stores the captured footprint data. If the control unit (400) includes a data transmission function that transmits the data of the camera (500) to an external processing device such as a manager's computer, the control unit (400) can transmit the footprint data of the camera (500) to the manager's computer.

[0079] Alternatively, a hedgehog and a small mammal of the same species smell the bait tray (250) and pass through the tunnel section (100). Since the camera (500) is set to time-lapse, continuous shooting takes place. The camera (500) stores the captured video data. If the control unit (400) includes a data transmission function that transmits the data of the camera (500) to an external processing device such as a manager computer, the control unit (400) can transmit the video data of the camera (500) to the manager computer.

[0080] Meanwhile, after a certain amount of time, the color of the ink applied to the ink pad (230) changes to colorless and the footprint disappears. As this operation is repeated, the hedgehog's footprint data can be obtained.

[0081] The present invention automatically supplies footprint ink to the ink pad at set time intervals, thereby allowing the acquisition of hedgehog footprints for a sufficient period while minimizing visits by investigators. Additionally, the tunnel section (100) of the hedgehog monitoring device can act as a cover for hedgehogs and small mammals, increasing the probability that hedgehogs and small mammals will be captured by the camera (500), thereby facilitating investigation and analysis.

[0082] FIGS. 8 to 11 are drawings for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment of the present invention describes only the differences compared to the first embodiment, and the parts identical to the first embodiment are replaced with the description of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment of the present invention, components having the same configuration as the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those given in the first embodiment.

[0083] The hedgehog monitoring device of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a tunnel section (100), a bait tray (250), a footprint detection pad (600), a control section (400), and a manager computer (700).

[0084] Since the tunnel section (100) and bait tray (250) of the second embodiment of the present invention are identical to those of the first embodiment, the description will be replaced with that of the first embodiment.

[0085] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that a footprint detection pad (600) is installed on a base plate (200).

[0086] The footprint detection pad (600) has multiple sensors (e.g., pressure sensors) arranged in equal horizontal and vertical directions and capable of detecting footprints at fine intervals. The footprint detection pad (600) can detect data related to the hedgehog's footprint when the hedgehog steps on it. That is, the footprint detection pad (600) can detect the shape of the hedgehog's footprint, the size of the footprint, and the load applied to the footprint. The control unit (400) connected to the footprint detection pad (600) can transmit the data detected by the footprint detection pad (600) in real time to the administrator computer (700) via wired or wireless (Internet). That is, the control unit (400) can receive footprint data of hedgehogs and small mammals stepping on the footprint detection pad (600) from the footprint detection pad (600) and transmit it to the administrator computer (700) in real time. In addition, the hedgehog monitoring device of the second embodiment of the present invention is equipped with GPS and can be connected to a control unit (400) in a manageable state.

[0087] The administrator computer (700) may be installed within the investigator's laboratory. This administrator computer (700) can extract footprint data of hedgehogs and small mammals detected by the footprint detection pad (600), determine whether the footprint data is a hedgehog footprint, and store the result. The administrator computer (700) includes a footprint data extraction unit (710), a hedgehog footprint determination unit (730), and a footprint data storage unit (750).

[0088] The footprint data extraction unit (710) is a computer program module that receives footprint data detected from the footprint detection pad (600), removes noise, and extracts footprint data by species of hedgehog and small mammal. The hedgehog footprint determination unit (730) is a computer program module that loads hedgehog footprint data stored in the small mammal footprint storage database (770), and compares the loaded hedgehog footprint data with the footprint data extracted by the footprint data extraction unit (710) to determine whether it is a hedgehog footprint. The footprint data storage unit (750) is a computer program module that stores the result determined by the hedgehog footprint determination unit (730) in the habitat fauna storage database (790).

[0089] The footprint data extraction unit (710) can provide a spreadsheet-type file with rows representing the number of samples according to a pre-set time interval and columns representing the date, time, sampling period (time interval), whether a footprint was recorded, whether a hedgehog was observed, and the footprint image filename, thereby providing processed data in a form that is easy to use for future hedgehog ecology research and analysis.

[0090] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the footprint data detected by the footprint detection pad (600) may include shape data of the footprint of a hedgehog or small mammal, size data of the footprint, or load data applied to the footprint detection pad (600).

[0091] The method for investigating the ecology of a hedgehog using the hedgehog monitoring device of the second embodiment of the present invention, as described above, is as follows.

[0092] When a hedgehog or small mammal smells the bait tray (250) and passes through the tunnel section (100), a footprint is input into the footprint detection pad (600). At this time, the footprint detection pad (600) senses shape data of the hedgehog or small mammal's footprint, size data of the footprint, or load data applied to the footprint detection pad (600). The sensed footprint data is input into the manager computer in real time by the control unit (400) (S1). After receiving the footprint data from the footprint detection pad (600), noise is removed from the footprint data received from the footprint detection pad (600), and footprint data is extracted by species of small mammal (S3). After the step of extracting the footprint data described above, the footprint data of the hedgehog stored in the small mammal footprint storage database (770) is loaded (S5).

[0093] After the step of loading the hedgehog footprint data stored in the small mammal footprint storage database (770), the loaded hedgehog footprint data and the footprint data extracted from the footprint data extraction unit (710) are compared to determine whether it is a hedgehog footprint (S7). After the step of determining whether it is a hedgehog footprint, if it is determined to be a hedgehog footprint, the number of footprints, the size of the footprints, the location information where the footprint data was entered, and the time of recording the footprints are stored in the habitat animal life storage database (790) (S9).

[0094] In this second embodiment of the present invention, footprint data is acquired electronically using a footprint detection pad for footprints imprinted on a footprint record sheet (210). Since there is no need to bring the footprint record sheet (210) into the indoors of the laboratory, contamination of equipment such as a scanner caused by contamination of the footprint record sheet (210) can be prevented, and the investigator can be prevented from being infected with a zoonotic disease. In particular, the second embodiment of the present invention can improve the reliability of data regarding whether hedgehogs inhabit a hedgehog habitat.

[0095] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention, and the attached drawings, and it is obvious that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0096] 100. Tunnel section, 100a. First fold line section, 100b. Second fold line section, 100c. Third fold line section, 100d, 100e. Insertion groove section, 100f. First fixed groove, 110. First surface portion, 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d. Hole portion, 120. Second page, 130. Third page, 140. Fourth side, 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d. Hole section, 200. Base plate, 200a. Second fixed groove, 210. Footprint record sheet, 230. Ink pad, 250. Bait tray, 270. Ink supply unit, 290. Lubricant supply unit, 300. Timer, 400. Control unit, 500. Camera, 600. Footprint detection pad, 700. Administrator's computer, 710. Footprint data extraction unit, 730. Hedgehog footprint determination unit, 750. Footprint data storage unit, 770. Small mammal footprint storage database, 790. Habitat Fauna Storage Database

Claims

Claim 1 A hedgehog monitoring device comprising: a tunnel section; a base plate coupled to the tunnel section; a footprint record sheet fixed to the base plate; an ink pad installed on the base plate; a bait tray installed on the base plate; an ink supply section installed in the tunnel section for supplying ink to the ink pad; a timer for supplying ink from the ink supply section to the ink pad at set time intervals; and a control section that receives a signal from the timer and performs control to open and close the ink supply section. Claim 2 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the tunnel portion is equipped with an attractant supply unit containing an attractant for supplying an attractant to the bait tray, and the attractant supply unit is opened and closed by the control unit to supply an attractant to the bait tray at set times. Claim 3 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the tunnel portion is equipped with a camera that photographs footprints recorded on the footprint record sheet at set time intervals and stores the photographed data. Claim 4 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the ink contained in the ink supply unit is a solution in which the color of the footprint recorded on the footprint record sheet becomes colorless after a certain period of time. Claim 5 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the tunnel portion comprises a first surface portion forming a bottom surface, a second surface portion extending from the first surface portion to form a wall of the tunnel, a third surface portion extending from the second surface portion to form another wall of the tunnel, and a fourth surface portion extending from the third surface portion to overlap with the first surface portion to form another bottom surface, wherein the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are provided with a plurality of holes to which a strap for movement can be attached or fixed to the ground by a fixing pack, and wherein the holes are positioned at a location that matches each other when the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion overlap. Claim 6 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein the fourth side of the tunnel portion is provided with a first fixing groove portion for fixing a bait tray. Claim 7 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the base plate has a second fixing groove portion for fixing the bait tray, and the second fixing groove portion is positioned at a position that matches the first fixing groove portion formed on the fourth side portion of the tunnel portion. Claim 8 A hedgehog monitoring device comprising: a tunnel section; a bait tray installed in the tunnel section for receiving a lure that attracts hedgehogs; a footprint detection pad installed on the floor of the tunnel section for detecting footprint data of hedgehogs and small mammals; and a control unit that receives footprint data of hedgehogs and small mammals passing over the footprint detection pad from the footprint detection pad and transmits it to an administrator computer, wherein the administrator computer includes a footprint data extraction unit that receives the footprint data detected from the footprint detection pad, removes noise, and extracts footprint data by species of small mammals; a hedgehog footprint determination unit that loads the hedgehog footprint data stored in a small mammal footprint storage database and determines whether the loaded hedgehog footprint data is a hedgehog footprint by comparing the footprint data extracted by the footprint data extraction unit; and a data storage unit that stores the result determined by the hedgehog footprint determination unit in a habitat fauna storage database. Claim 9 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 8, wherein the footprint data detected by the footprint detection pad includes shape data of a small mammal's footprint, size data of the footprint, or load data applied to the footprint detection pad. Claim 10 A hedgehog monitoring device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit transmits footprint data received from the footprint detection pad in real time to the manager computer. Claim 11 A method for investigating the habitat of a hedgehog, comprising: a step of receiving in real-time input of footprint data of a small mammal passing over a footprint detection pad from a footprint detection pad; a step of removing noise from the footprint data received from the footprint detection pad and extracting footprint data by species of small mammal after the step of receiving in real-time input from the footprint detection pad; a step of loading hedgehog footprint data stored in a small mammal footprint storage database after the step of extracting the footprint data; a step of determining whether the loaded hedgehog footprint data is a hedgehog footprint by comparing the loaded hedgehog footprint data with the footprint data extracted from a footprint data extraction unit after the step of loading the hedgehog footprint data; and a storage step of storing the shape of the hedgehog footprint, the size of the footprint, the location information where the footprint data was entered, and the recording time of the footprint in a habitat fauna storage database if it is determined to be a hedgehog footprint after the step of determining whether the footprint is a hedgehog.

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