Camera traps are one the methods that conservationists are able to find out  which animals live in the areas they study.  They are used globally and are an important survey and monitoring tool, they have even provided some of the first sightings some animals for example the first capture on film of the sundaland  clouded leopard happened right here in Berbak National Park using one of the camera traps put up by the ZSL team.

On the way to collect the camera trap I learnt how to walk through the jungle, how to spot and record animal tracks and how the ZSL team use all of this to choose a site to place a camera trap.

Once we get to the site the camera trap is taken down.  They now have to be locked to a tree has there have been thefts in the past.  The camera is checked to make sure it is still working and that the data card is in good order.  On the panel inside Doyok is able to see that this camera has taken 24 pictures.

Camera traps have been very successful here and ZSL have identified 13 individual tigers so far, I’m really looking forward to seeing the results – who knows we may have a picture of a tiger!  As this camera was sited alongside an animal trail where tiger pug marks have been seen we stand a very good chance.  Maybe we might even see the tiger whose prints we followed on the way here…

Teague

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