# Beyond the Camera Trap: A Systematic Review of Computing Technology Used to Monitor and Interact with (More) Varied Taxa in Zoos and Aquariums

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how computing technologies are used in zoos and aquariums, finding that camera-based tools and mammal-focused studies dominate, limiting progress in animal welfare for other species.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews 125 studies to reveal a lack of technological and taxonomic diversity in zoo and aquarium research.

## Key findings

- Camera-based technologies accounted for 48.3% of all technology use instances.
- 73.5% of studies focused exclusively on mammals.
- Convenience and familiarity, rather than welfare need, drive research focus and technology use.

## Abstract

Broad adoption of diverse technologies to monitor and interact with a wide range of species is essential for advancing zoo and aquarium animal welfare and conservation goals. However, a systematic literature review of 125 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024 reveals that cameras were disproportionately represented, with 73 instances of camera or video monitoring across 125 studies. In 40% of studies, cameras were the only technology used, while an additional 18.4% combined cameras with other tools. Overall, camera-based technologies accounted for 48.3% of all technology use instances (n = 151). Most studies focused exclusively on mammals (73.5%). Clearly, technological and taxonomic diversity are not yet fully realized in this body of published research. Incorporating a broader range of tools to support less frequently studied taxa would help researchers better understand and meet the needs of all animals living in managed care. This review highlights how convenience, familiarity, and historical norms may influence which species and research questions receive attention, potentially limiting progress toward equitable welfare for all taxa.

Zoos and aquariums house a wide range of species, yet research remains heavily skewed toward mammals and camera-based technologies. This systematic literature review examines the use of computing technologies to monitor or interact with animals in zoos, aquariums, or wildlife parks, with a focus on taxonomic representation and technological diversity. A total of 125 studies published between 2014 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 151 recorded instances of technology use. Cameras and video systems were the most frequently used tools, appearing alone in 40% of studies and in combination with other technologies in an additional 18.4%, accounting for 48.3% of all technology instances. Most studies focused on only mammals (73.5%), and behavioral monitoring was the most common research aim (40.9%). These findings suggest an uneven distribution of research shaped more by convenience and familiarity than by welfare need, highlighting a critical opportunity to diversify both species focus and technological application. Increased investment in underrepresented species and underutilized tools will help ensure that research better reflects the full spectrum of animal needs and experiences.