Unveiling the Hidden Wildlife of Congo: Will Burrard-Lucas’s Camera Trap Project

Wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas has unveiled the results of his year-long camera trap project deep in the Congo rainforest, revealing some of the region’s most elusive species in breathtaking detail. Over 12 months, remotely operated cameras recorded secretive rainforest inhabitants, including golden cats, red river hogs, water chevrotains, and a spectacular male leopard—one of the most challenging predators to photograph in dense jungle environments.

The Congo rainforest, with its dense canopy and lush vegetation, shelters an extraordinary array of wildlife. Among its elusive inhabitants is the African Golden Cat, a species rarely observed in the wild. Thanks to a groundbreaking camera-trap project in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, this secretive feline has now been captured in high definition for the first time in its natural habitat.

This remarkable achievement is part of an extensive photographic initiative led by Burrard-Lucas and supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Over the course of 2023, five high-resolution camera traps were deployed at four locations across the park, meticulously placed to document the region's rich biodiversity. These efforts have resulted in some of the most detailed and striking images ever taken of the park's inhabitants, revealing the hidden world of one of Africa's last great wilderness areas.

Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park has long been a hub for scientific research, where camera traps serve as essential tools for studying wildlife populations. However, the use of high-quality photographic equipment elevates their purpose beyond data collection. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of the park's species, these images inspire a deeper connection to nature and highlight the importance of conservation efforts.


Local expertise played a crucial role in this initiative. Indigenous trackers, such as Seraphin Ngouna, were instrumental in maintaining the cameras amid challenging conditions. Exposed to harsh weather, falling branches, and even the occasional elephant, these cameras required constant monitoring to ensure their success. Ngouna, who was born and raised in the forest, expressed his pride in seeing these images shared with the world, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the animals he knows so well.

Among the most thrilling captures was that of Nouabalé-Ndoki’s apex predator—the leopard. Known for its elusive nature, this majestic cat is almost never seen in the dense rainforest. Selecting the right locations for the cameras required the expertise of researchers and local trackers, who relied on years of knowledge to predict the leopard’s movements. When Burrard-Lucas retrieved a camera to find a stunning image of a male leopard, it marked a triumphant moment for the entire team, a testament to the collaborative effort behind this endeavor.

Reflecting on the project, Burrard-Lucas shared: ''This project was one of the most difficult I’ve ever undertaken, but the results were worth the effort. The rainforest is teeming with life, yet so much of it remains unseen. Camera traps provide a rare window into a hidden world.''



Beyond their scientific and artistic value, these photographs support the park’s growing ecotourism initiatives. The project was conducted in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo, in collaboration with researchers and conservationists from WCS, who work to protect the region’s biodiversity. The images not only document rarely seen species but also help raise awareness of the Congo Basin’s wildlife, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts for poorly studied animals already threatened by habitat loss.

The project was developed in partnership with Kamba Africa, the first tourism company to operate in Nouabalé-Ndoki, with backing from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). By bringing to light some of the park’s lesser-known species, these images offer visitors a glimpse into the hidden wonders of the Congo Basin, fostering a greater appreciation for its conservation.

The significance of this work extends beyond the beauty of the images. Many of the species captured remain critically endangered, facing threats from habitat loss and poaching. By celebrating this unseen wildlife, the photographs serve as a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to protect these extraordinary creatures and their fragile environment.


For over three decades, Will Burrard-Lucas has been at the forefront of conservation in the Republic of Congo, working in close collaboration with the government and local communities. Through its efforts, Nouabalé-Ndoki has become a beacon of conservation success, where wildlife thrives in one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems. This latest photographic project stands as both a tribute to the park’s remarkable biodiversity and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving these wild places for generations to come.
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