My name is Thomas Rowell, I am photographer, filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer from the mountains of North Carolina. I studied Theatre Directing under Gerald Freedman at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and have since taken his emphasis on story into the real world. This year, I am focusing my efforts on assisting a group of scientists and government officials working to protect the biodiversity of Misiones Argentina.
Many keystone species require vast territories to survive. In Misiones, over 50% of the remaining Atlantic Forest is on land that is owned privately. Without the landowner’s commitment to allowing safe passage to these animals, all could be lost.
A group of scientists calling themselves Proyecto Zorro Pitoco (PZP) has created a new model for a wildlife corridor that spans the entire province of Misiones Argentina.
In partnership with the Ministry of Ecology of Misiones they have put together a special taskforce to ensure the safe passage of animals. They call it the Corridor Interaction Program (CIP).
The CIP works directly with the landowners that occupy the proposed wildlife corridor across the entire province of Misiones.
I am using my cameras to help the CIP maintain it’s biodiversity through science, education, and enforcement.
Through the Corridor Interaction Program my images will be shown directly to landowners in pivotal one-on-one interactions.
We believe that if people can see, and connect, to the biodiversity in their own backyard they will be moved to act.
So I’m setting out to take the best images that I possibly can.
For this project I have specially constructed three camera traps from scratch. Each system includes
1 professional full frame DSLR camera
an infrared beam sensor
up to 3 lights
I am essentially building photo studios in the forest.
These camera systems can be left alone for weeks at a time in the woods.
The learning curve is steep,
the failure rate high,
But the rewards can be extraordinary.
There is no better way to document wild animals without interrupting their lives.
My work thus far has support in kind from:
The Explorers Club in NYC has honored the “expedition” with flag #226
The National Geographic Society has loaned me 2 commercial wildlife cameras.
However,
financing has been my own.
And I need your help to continue doing my part.
By making a donation below, you are helping me to return to the field and volunteer my time, equipment and heart to the conservation of biodiversity.
Thank you.
Thomas Rowell