We’ve been using camera traps in Westgate Community Conservancy in Samburu since February this year and have captured images of rare nocturnal creatures almost every night. Being a community area, the animals are nervous and don’t come out of the thick bushes until they feel safe at night. We often only get a glimpse of a hyena’s ears or a lion’s tail. Camera traps help document the numbers and types of species not accessible during daytime or which are shy around vehicles. Plus, the candid photos of wildlife in the absence of humans may give us insight into some of their natural behaviors. We set up the traps every evening and collect them the following morning. It is very exciting when we check the traps every morning and see what animals have wandered through the Conservation Area.
Jeneria setting up the trap
Checking the photos the following morning.
During the first night we put out the traps in February, a hyena came and bit the trap which luckily survived but we were quick to construct some metal cages which the camera trap can sit in without being bothered by hyenas. It did not stop an elephant from knocking it over however! Here are some images that we have captured since February.
I was not able to see this animal, until I looked at it many times. Can you spot it?
A rare nocturnal animal – do you know what it is?
Here’s the bull elephant who knocked over the trap – photo was taken just before he took a swing at it.
A rare animal in the Conservation Area – signs of the reticulated giraffe.
An African Hare who likes its photo taken – it would come out almost at the same time every night in the same spot and pose in front of the camera.
Thanks to the camera traps, we are able to identify individual hyenas using their spot pattern.
Success with photographing Magilani and her cubs!
We have had great success with the two traps that we have put out. Special thanks to Dale Anderson from Cathaven who helped us purchase these Moultrie and Leafriver traps. We are looking to acquire a further two traps which we can use in the areas where Francis and Jeremiah, the Ewaso Lions Scouts, are working. Each one costs approx $250. Any donation made towards this will be most appreciated!