Incredible Rainforest Wildlife Photography by Will Burrard Lucas

Tropical rainforests are some of the most mysterious places on Earth. They’re filled with wildlife, but so much remains unseen, hidden behind dense vegetation, moving in the shadows. Photographer Will Burrard-Lucas (previously) managed to capture them – on camera, of course – in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. Using camera traps, he reveals rarely seen animals in his latest photography project, and the results are breathtaking.

Bringing the Unseen Wildlife to Light

For an entire year in 2023, Will led a high-definition camera-trap photography project in the park, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Five traps were placed at four different sites, carefully positioned to maximize their chances of photographing the park’s most elusive residents.

“Tropical rainforests don’t give up their secrets easily,” said Emma Stokes, WCS Vice President, Field Conservation.

“You can spend years walking through these forests without seeing much of the extraordinary wildlife that lives there. You only know it’s there by the signs it leaves behind. That’s why it’s so rewarding to see these incredible images, to gradually unveil some of these secrets, and to better understand these forests to protect them.”

A Dream Shot: Photographing the Leopard in the Rainforest

For Will, one animal stood out as the ultimate challenge: the leopard. “For me, the ultimate thrill is to photograph predators, and my dream was to get a shot of the apex predator in Nouabalé-Ndoki—a leopard,” he said. “These cats are very secretive and almost impossible to see in the thick rainforest.”

To place his cameras in the right locations, Will relied on the knowledge of local researchers and trackers, who had spent years studying the park’s wildlife. Then, after patiently waiting, the moment finally arrived.

“It was an incredible moment when I returned to one camera and found a photo of the most impressive male leopard I have ever seen! Of course, capturing these photos was a team effort and I am very grateful to everyone who helped make it possible, particularly those in the field who kept the cameras running.”

Incredible Rainforest Wildlife Photography by Will Burrard Lucas

The Importance and Challenges of Photography in Conservation

If you want to do rainforest wildlife photography, it’s quite a bit trickier than other wildlife photo projects you may have in mind. Well, at least if you don’t want to use regular camera traps. Many photographers, biologists, and conservationists use them to monitor wildlife populations, but Will’s approach adds another layer. He used high-quality cameras, so the resulting images don’t just provide scientific data. They also connect us with nature in a way that words and statistics simply can’t.

But can you imagine how challenging rainforests are for technology? Harsh weather, falling branches, and even curious (or destructive) elephants: all of this could destroy the cameras in no time. Thanks to Seraphin Ngouna, a member of an Indigenous community native to the forest, none of this happened and the gear stayed safe. “These photos are amazing, I am really happy that thanks to these cameras we are able to take pictures of the animals that are very difficult to spot,” Seraphin said. “I’m even happier to know these pictures will be published for other people to see,” he added.

Will’s project was part of the Nouabalé-Ndoki tourism development program, in partnership with Kamba Africa and with the support of USAID. The goal was to inspire conservation by showing people the rich biodiversity of the Congo Basin, one of the most important ecosystems on Earth.

Beyond their sheer beauty, these images also serve as a call to action. Many of the species captured on Will’s cameras are critically endangered, threatened by habitat destruction and poaching. By sharing these photos with the world, the project helps raise awareness and inspire action to protect them.

There’s something truly special about seeing an animal in its natural habitat, especially one that’s so rarely photographed. Thanks to Will and his team, we now have a glimpse into the hidden world of the rainforest, captured in all its breathtaking detail. Enjoy more photos below, and make sure to visit Will’s website and Instagram for more of his amazing work.

Incredible Rainforest Wildlife Photography by Will Burrard Lucas