Camera traps used to help estimate pangolins' population and distribution.

Deep inside the forest of the Katingan Mentaya Project (KMP) concession area, a pangolin (Manis Javanica) is captured by a camera trap, searching for its favourite food, ants and insects. The critically endangered and protected mamal faces a dwindling population due to illegal hunting and trafficking. Pangolins are known to be nocturnal and difficult to find during daytime, when they retreat underground. However, the camera trap helps to confirm the presence of pangolins in the KMP concession area.

“Camera traps can be used not only to record the existence of rare animals, but also to help to estimate their population and distribution. So farKMP’s biodiversity team have recorded 20 different species of mammals in the concession area, two of which are endangered,” said Meyner Nusalawo, KMP’s Manager for Protection and Enforcement. “Twelve camera traps have been installed as a pilot project in the southern part of the concession area, which also happens to be the area most exposed to the highest rate of human activity. We are using a 1km by 1km grid system. This number is not yet ideal, so we rotate the placement of the cameras every month,” he added. Meyner explains that the installation of camera traps is not difficult. But, to ensure their success, staff need to be aware of the signs that show the most frequently visited locations by the animals. “Apart from challenges caused by weather and location, we also face risks of missing or broken cameras. But, those risks are worth it compared to the benefits,” said Julkipli, Protection and Enforcement staff.