Nziavake sets a camera trap. Photo by Axel Fassio/CIFOR-ICRAF

In the dense rainforests of Yangambi, DRC, where biodiversity thrives amidst lush greenery, the art of wildlife monitoring has undergone a remarkable transformation. From relying on fleeting glimpses and anecdotal sightings to embracing cutting-edge technology, the journey of monitoring wildlife in this pristine ecosystem has been nothing short of revolutionary.

Following this year’s World Wildlife Day, celebrated under the theme, ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation’, we sat down with Sagesse Nziavake, a wildlife specialist deeply entrenched in Yangambi’s conservation efforts. 

Nziavake is part of the sustainable wildlife management team at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) in Yangambi, where she works to improve wildlife conservation and food security in the region. With several years of experience in the field, Nziavake sheds light on the groundbreaking role of camera traps in unraveling the mysteries of Yangambi’s wildlife.

Q: Let’s start by exploring the traditional methods of wildlife monitoring in Yangambi. What were the challenges and limitations faced during those times?

A: In the early days, wildlife monitoring in Yangambi was a daunting task. We relied heavily on manual tracking, occasional sightings, and anecdotal evidence from hunters and local communities to gather data on elusive species. This approach, while valuable, had its limitations. It was labour-intensive, time-consuming, and often yielded incomplete or inaccurate information due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife behaviour. Moreover, the dense vegetation and rugged terrain of Yangambi posed additional challenges, making it difficult to observe and document species effectively.

Q: How did the introduction of camera traps revolutionize wildlife monitoring in Yangambi?

A: The advent of camera traps marked a turning point in our conservation efforts. These motion-activated devices capture images and videos of wildlife in their natural habitat, offering unprecedented insights into their behaviour, distribution, and population dynamics. 

Unlike traditional methods, camera traps provide continuous and non-invasive monitoring, allowing us to observe wildlife undisturbed and gather data over extended periods. This technology has revolutionized our understanding of the biodiversity in Yangambi, enabling us to identify key species, monitor their movements, and assess the effectiveness of conservation measures with greater precision and accuracy.

Q: Could you share some examples of notable discoveries or insights gained through their use in Yangambi?

A: Camera traps have revealed a wealth of information about the diverse array of species inhabiting Yangambi. 

We’ve captured images of rare and supposedly locally extinct species such as the forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), endangered chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), various species of pangolin, and the checkered elephant shrew (Rhynchocyon cirnei). We have also spotted other mammal species such as red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus), blue duikers (Philantomba monticola), and red duikers (Cephalophus dorsalis and Cephalophus nigrifrons), among others, providing valuable data for their conservation. 

Additionally, camera traps have helped us identify critical corridors and hotspots of biodiversity, guiding our conservation efforts and informing land-use planning decisions in Yangambi and beyond.

Q: Can you share with us some of the hurdles encountered in the use of these camera traps in such a remote area as Yangambi?

A: Setting up and maintaining the devices in remote and often hostile environments can be logistically challenging. 

Additionally, there’s a learning curve involved in optimizing camera trap placement and settings to maximize data collection while minimizing false triggers and environmental disturbances. This is because it is possible even for the wildlife we are trying to track to destroy the cameras during their activities, since they are tied to tree trunks, sometimes not very high up from the ground. 

And then there’s the issue of theft and destruction by some community members who are still reluctant to believe the devices are cameras set to monitor wildlife and not some ulterior assignment. 

Q: Talking about the communities, what has been their perception of this technology and its role and presence in the landscape?

A: Frankly, it was very hard to convince them at first that this has nothing to do with some treasure hunting or gold expedition. Let me explain. It is no news that the Democratic Republic of Congo is a breeding ground for conflict because of its rich, valuable natural and mineral resources. These constant conflicts have borne an atmosphere of distrust – particularly between communities and strangers. 

So, when we first started deploying camera traps in the landscape, despite the pre-work that had been done to inform and educate community members on who we were, what we were doing, and why, they did not trust us. The first cameras we installed were vandalized, and they even dug around the tree trunks as they thought we were looking for minerals. When they found nothing, and finally understood we did not have any ulterior motive, they loosened up and started working with us. 

Today, we work together with local hunters who not only serve as forest guides, providing key knowledge on wildlife hotspots and tracking, but equally help us to install and unmount the cameras. Their indigenous knowledge of the forests has proven to be a very valuable asset for us. 

We have even gone ahead to collaborate with these communities on developing a five-year wildlife management plan for the Yangambi landscape, which focuses on inclusive and improved governance and legislation, denouncing environmental crimes, promoting behavioural change and even setting up micro-projects as alternatives to hunting and the sale of bushmeat. In all, I can say, the communities’ perception has greatly changed. 

Q: Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of wildlife monitoring in Yangambi, and what role do you see technology playing in shaping conservation efforts?

A: As technology continues to evolve, I believe we’ll see even more innovative solutions for wildlife monitoring globally to positively influence our conservation efforts in the Yangambi Engagement Landscape and other conservation areas. Advances in artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and data analytics hold tremendous potential for enhancing our monitoring capabilities and generating actionable insights for conservation management. 

However, it’s essential to strike a balance between technological innovation and traditional ecological knowledge, ensuring that our approaches remain contextually relevant and sensitive to the needs of local communities. Ultimately, by leveraging the power of technology and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we can safeguard the biodiversity of Yangambi for generations to come.

About the Yangambi Engagement Landscape: Since 2007, CIFOR has been working in the Yangambi Engagement Landscape (YEL) to advance forestry research, local development, and conservation. Our goal is to support entrepreneurship, innovation, research, and natural resource management to transform the Yangambi engagement landscape into a place where forests contribute to the sustainable well-being of local communities.

This article was produced within the framework of the Training, Research and Environment in the Tshopo II (FORETS II) project implemented by CIFOR-ICRAF and funded by the European Union in the YEL, that targets specific objectives relating to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, while contributing to the sustainable development of local populations through awareness-raising, extension and mentoring activities, but also the strengthening of national human resources for better forest protection, notably through formal university training of the LMD type. For more information, visit www.cifor-icraf.org/yangambi-engagement-landscape/ and www.yangambi.org/en/