By Mike Josh Ward

Hidden cameras to capture amazing photos of wildlife in their natural habitat is not a new concept, but has definitely been on the rise as the technology improves and researchers better understand how best to implement it. Scientists have greatly increased their efficiency in the painstaking labor of cataloguing exactly what species of animals reside in a given region, as well as document behaviors of the animals that would be impossible to observe directly. This is done by setting up a grid pattern of camera sites covering various habitat types and camera angles in each region.

Photos are triggered by infrared sensors allowing researchers to track groups of animals can be tracked as they move through the matrix. Evidence of rare species can be used to fight for conservation of dwindling habitat. In some cases several years may pass between sightings of endangered species may making them even more valuable. Sumatran Tiger, African Elephant, and the Rhinoceros are just a few examples of the hundreds on the endangered species list.

These types of hidden cameras are referred to as deercams or camera traps and are also used by hunters to see what types of animals are in a region and what size antlers bucks have. Digital versions are not unlike standard wireless security cameras, but are disguised to look like nature. Animals do not always appreciate camera flashes and sometimes a grumpy bear or irritable tiger will attack camera trap setups. Some scientists have even gone as far as rigging camera setups on the animals.

The photos obtained create an important bridge in educating the public. Humans are visual creatures, and children especially connect stunning images and develop a sense of the natural word in a day and age where everything seems to be force fed via television and computer screens. Hidden camera wildlife photography is certain to inspire the next generation of scientists and discoveries, as well as foster individual creativity and broaden worldviews by providing a fascinating glimpse of rarely seen creatures.

The award winning photography of Michael "Nick" Nichols, and his work on "The Last Place on Earth", is a fantastic example of how a combination of hidden camera traps and standard photography can be used to tell a story. Mike and his team spent 2 years traveling over 2000 miles through Congo rainforests documenting wildlife and natives in the region producing breathtaking images. Some of best images can be seen on his website are of charging elephants, a wide eyed mandrills reaching for a camera trap, and Babenzele children.