Collection of conservation photography
''Through my lens: a journey of conservation and connection''
As I embarked on my journey as a photographer, I made a promise to approach my photographs with the utmost respect for the environment and its inhabitants. Every photograph I take is a reflection of this commitment to ethical photography – a commitment to observe, not disturb; to capture, not intrude. But my work goes beyond simply capturing striking images. It is a testament to the urgency of conservation, a call to action in the face of mounting environmental challenges. My wildlife photos are captured in an ethical manner, respecting the natural behaviours and habitats of the subjects. I have never engaged in any harmful activities that jeopardise the well-being of wildlife, ensuring my photography contributes positively to their conservation. The close-up photos serve solely for research, revealing the reality of these activities without contributing to the industry or for personal pleasure.
Encounters at Camp: navigating human-wildlife conflicts in Madagascar
After driving for a few hours, I arrived at Kirindy, a small forest. I found the surroundings delightful. While relaxing on my balcony and reading a book, I witnessed a fossa visiting our camp. The fossa spent some time drinking water before wandering off into the forest and disappearing quickly. As human populations expand, encounters with wild animals become more frequent as we encroach upon their habitats. Habitat destruction poses a significant threat to global wildlife. As human development encroaches upon natural areas, wildlife is confined to smaller spaces, hindering movement and disrupting natural behaviours such as migrations and reproduction. Sadly, fossas, like many other species in Madagascar, face the risk of extinction. Shrinking forests have forced fossas into Malagasy villages.
How can we address this challenge? Solutions often vary depending on the wildlife and location involved. An essential aspect of addressing this issue is ensuring benefits for both the animals and local communities, actively engaging the affected communities. Research has shown that involving local people is crucial for successful conservation efforts. Human-wildlife conflict mitigation programs prioritise community involvement, placing communities at the forefront of conservation efforts!
