Camera Trap in Maasai Mara Reveals Hidden Wildlife Corridor and Rare Species

In Kenya's Maasai Mara, British photographer Will Burrard-Lucas set up a remote camera trap for a year at a restricted river crossing to document wildlife utilizing this concealed passage. This initiative was a partnership with the Maasai Mara Reserve Rhino Unit, which oversees the critically endangered black rhinoceros population. Utilizing his Camtraptions system equipped with PIR motion sensors and multiple flashes, Burrard-Lucas captured nocturnal wildlife scenes. The camera revealed several black rhinos, including some not seen since 2023, confirming their presence and assisting in population assessments. Additionally, it recorded elephants, leopards, hippos, bushbuck, and giraffes. Notably, a great kudu was spotted for the first time in years, thrilling the Narok County tourism and wildlife management team. Some setups faced damage from elephants, hippos, and flash floods, which Burrard-Lucas attributes to increased flooding in the Mara due to deforestation upstream. The project was supported by Safari Collection’s Sala’s Camp, Footprint Trust, and the Narok County Government. A photograph from this series earned Burrard-Lucas recognition at the Sony World Photography Awards.