2. Equipment
The key to getting good images or footage is that the animals are not
aware you are there. Man made hides often fail in Cambodia, it is much
better to build a hide from natural materials that will blend into the
surroundings.
3. Location
Finding the right location is vital.
Such as a trapeang (pond) in the dry season.
Cambodia has a wealth of sites for birds, particularly
large waterbirds, many of them very rare or endangered.
4. Cambodia’s wildlife is very shy, particularly the heavily hunted
mammals. Research the animal you are after, talk to local
experts at Conservation NGO’s.
5. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is an excellent place to
try to get natural looking shots due to many enclosures being
forested. You still need a lot of patience.
6. Transportation/Logistics
Traveling in rural Cambodia is often very hard and very
slow, plan logistics in detail as you cannot just pop
back home to get something you forgot.
7. From July to Oct it is often impossible
to pass rivers. Make sure you are
properly equipped for rain.
8. Patience and Luck
Getting that perfect shot takes enormous patience and
sometimes a lot of luck. It can take days or even weeks
to get the shot you want. Video can be even harder as
you need to build up sequences of shots.
9. Dangers
There are many potential dangers from working in the jungle and
you are often days from medical help.
1. Malaria – Always carry medicine, malaria can kill in less than
3 days.
2. Snakes - Take the time to learn about the numerous dangerous
snakes in case of suffering a bite, so you can tell the doctors what
species bit you.
3. Elephants – They will avoid humans if possible but they can be
very dangerous.
4. Illegal loggers – We are the most dangerous species in the forest
and illegal loggers will not be happy to see someone with a camera.
10. Ethical Behavior
Getting the shot at any cost is not acceptable. A good photographer will
avoid impacting the animals he is trying to shoot.
Do not put hides so close to nesting birds that you scare off the parents.
Killing animals to use as bait is also not acceptable.
Alternatives include scents to attract animals.
11. Most animals, including many bird species have an incredible sense of smell.
Do not wear mosquito repellant.
Keep any food in an airtight container.
Do not smoke.
12. LAST BUT NOT LEAST
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR RUBBISH
IN THE FOREST
Feel free to contact me at
www.wildcambodia.net
allan@wildcambodia.net