The Sumatra Camera Trap Project started as a conversation between Anthony Hearn and Pungky Nanda Pratama in early February 2018. They had met through their mutual love of nature, immediately connecting over conversations about conservation projects in their respective home countries of the UK and Indonesia.

Anthony had recently put his zoo keeping career on hold to become a stay-at-home father to his young son Kai. During this time, Anthony and Pungky conversed almost daily. Anthony’s wish to continue working for animals in some form - and Pungky’s infectious enthusiasm - inspired the two to create a project together; so began the Sumatra Camera Trap Project (@SumatraCTP).

Anthony would supply the traps and collate the data, whilst Pungky would trek into previously unresearched nature reserves to place camera traps and look for visual cues left behind by the animals.

The first camera trap eventually arrived in early March after a tense 12 day wait, delayed due to a winter storm that hit the UK. After much conversation with many different people, a plan was constructed.

The project will run with the express permission from The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency of South Sumatra. We are very thankful for the support of the agency, and proud to be working alongside them.

Join us, as we discover - together - the wildlife that these previously unresearched rainforests have to offer!