By: Natalia T. Agnika and Ciptanti Putri

As the oldest conservation organization in Indonesia, WWF-Indonesia makes various efforts to protect endangered species that are important to the ecosystem. Conservation efforts of these species are carried out through monitoring activities and protection of species and their habitats. One of the monitoring efforts is done using a scientific approach, either through direct or indirect observations. However, this activity is not easy. Some of the animals targeted for observation, especially endangered large mammals, are elusive (they are shy and difficult to observe directly in the wild), making a non-invasive approach to observation relevant. Therefore, the use of camera traps is ideal for various purposes such as monitoring populations, behavior, threats, and so on.

So far, camera trapping is still considered an effective tool to identify the presence of tigers and estimate their population size. For example, on Global Tiger Day, July 29, 2014, WWF called on all countries with tiger populations to count their respective tiger populations, so that the current global tiger population - estimated at less than 3,200 tigers - can be updated.

During the competition process, the committee received 27 (twenty seven) proposals for the design of camera trap, both from individual participants, groups, and institutions from various regions in Indonesia. Based on WWF-Indonesia's internal selection process consisting of a panel of experts experienced in the use of camera traps in wildlife conservation activities, 2 (two) winners were selected. The assessment was based on the following considerations: 1) Specifications and creativity of the camera trap design, 2) The advantages and disadvantages of the camera trap design, and 3) Completeness and detail of the proposal.

The two winners are Johan White from Cyborg IT Center, Palembang, South Sumatra, with the proposal title "CAM TRAP Design Proposal", and Fauzan Akbar Sahri from Bandung, with the proposal title "Camera Trap Design". The winners are entitled to a grant to make a prototype camera trap in accordance with the design proposal that has been submitted.

Congratulations to the winners. The committee will contact you directly regarding the next process. Please do not trust information outside the official information from the WWF-Indonesia website or the contact person as stated in the previous information.