2013 Sascha FonsecaHis love for animals led him to make photography his career. Now, the Dubai-based German-born photographer specializes on DSLR camera traps that provide him with unparalleled views of wildlife. Fonseca captured a rare moment with these camera traps. Siberian tigerIn its natural environment.
These large cats are critically endangered and are the world’s largest. However, only 500 of them are left in the wild. They are found in eastern Russia’s Birch forests, where Fonseca installed his camera trap in December 2021.
“Camera traps allow me to capture close-up images of secretive wildlife which I would otherwise not be able to get,” Fonseca tells My Modern Met. “Tigers are mostly nocturnal which means they are active mostly during the night. You could spend months, or even years, staking out the area and not capture a single photo. Camera traps can.”
Fonseca, however, is quick to point out that it is not easy to set up a camera trap. “This is more than strapping a trail camera to a tree,” he explains. “It’s basically like setting up a studio in nature.”
The photographer quickly captured footage of a male Tiger thanks to his knowledge with camera traps. Fonseca realized that he had actually photographed a male previously unknown to researchers.
Researchers gave Fonseca the opportunity to name the tiger as a special gift for his photography. Fonseca chose to name him Leo because of the distinctive L pattern that he had on his cheekbone, and also in honor Russian author Leo Tolstoy. Fonseca is honored to be able to name this majestic animal. “It’s a special honor and it connects you with the animal on a personal level,” he shares.
Fonseca hopes to help people understand the struggles the Siberian (or Amur) tiger faces through his work. “Only 3-4% of the area of an Amur tiger’s range are protected by wildlife reserves and national parks. Siberian tigers are also poached to get their fur and body parts for traditional Chinese medicines. It is a miracle that wild Siberian Tigers exist in the wild today. The Siberian tiger and its ecosystem are in urgent need of support and protection to ensure their survival.”
Watch the moment this Siberian Tiger triggers SaschaFonseca’s camera trap.
His trail cam captures many memorable moments, such as this Amur tiger mother and her cubs.
Sascha Fonseca: Website | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photo taken by Sascha Foseca.
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