Third Eye: Trophy cams!

Trophy cams are a great help in observing the fauna world in Kabalebo. As it is impossible to be at all places at all times, we use them whenever possible. 

For now there are 3 trophy cams that I use as my third eye: 

• at the ocelot feeder
• at the Beechcraft trail
• River cabin trail 

They are really easy to use and maintain, the only problem is when there is a lot of traffic appearing in front of the cam. That is when I have to change the batteries more often. 

Twice a month I check all the footage, sometimes the card is almost full but sometimes it doesn't record a thing (this means that nothing had passed by)

Picture above shows an early visit of the Black vultures at the ocelot feeder. When the ocelots don't show up or don't finish their meal, vultures are always present to clean the buffet.

This was taken at the River cabin trail, a small group of Black Curassows were having an early walk. The time and date shown on the footage or picture are an excellent indicator to know which kind of animals are passing by at the moment.

Here you see a close encounter between Katja and Boyke at the ocelot feeder. Ocelots are solitary animals but do share the same territory. 

Daytime picture of the Lowland tapir. Usually it runs away when it is noticed, but in this case it was even posing. Not even bothered at all.

This picture is a frame from the trophy cam video of Spotje. She came by early in the morning hoping to find some extra treat. Thanks to the trophy cams, I am able to observe and study the ocelots near the lodge for nearly 2.5 years.

This frame is taken from the cam at the Beechcraft trail. A puma was caught on video while marking its territory. Usually you see the markings during a hike but via the cam it is possible to see how the markings are made. No more guessing!

This is a frame of the Puma walking during broad daylight. The Ghost cat made visible!


All these cams were set up close to the ground, at least 30 cm above the ground. I hope to set up, in the near future, some trophy cams in the trees. Hoping to capture some incredible video's/pictures from animals living/foraging at a higher level.