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Starting during the last week of January 2001, I am venturing
out for three months to try to catch a Puma. I am attempting to record indisputable
film and photographs of these cats, and I am attempting to catch a big cat
alive. I will be equipped with the very latest Canon XL1 3CCD Digital Video
Camera. This camera will be used at times, with my Canon EOS 3 SLR
lenses. By using the EOS lenses on the XL1, I will have a focal length of up to
7200mm. This focal length will prove invaluable for long distance daylight
shooting. I have had some very special lighting designed which is highly mobile and
versatile, and will work in conjunction with both cameras. I also have some other
hi-tech electronics, which I have been very reliably informed will be of the greatest
assistance to me. To actually catch the cat itself, I have a purpose built
cage/trap which has been accurately built to an African design. This type of
cage/trap is in use in Africa today for catching rouge Leopards that need to be returned
to reserves, and for animals that have to be tagged for research reasons. It is not
so much the cage/traps ability to catch the animal that is important, but its ability to
actually hold the animal safely and securely once caught. The design causes
the animal no discomfort once inside. Should I be fortunate enough to catch one of
these cats, I will take a small amount of film of the animal actually in the cage/trap and
then completely cover the unit with a heavy tarpaulin. This will subdue the
animal. I have a vet on call, and an animal institution with big cat experience who
will offer immediate short term accommodation for the cat. The cats well being is my
highest priority. I will be taking no personnal risks during this
project. I have studied the nature of these cats in depth, and have received some
first class advice from the US on what to do and how to react should one close
in. I will be sitting safe and secure inside my 4x4, operating the various
systems I will have in use.
I have received advice and assistance from around the world for this project, and I
thank all involved. The Internet has made it all possible. I have an eminent
scientist working in the background with me, whose advice and suggestions have been
invaluable. This venture is ground breaking in the UK. Most of the equipment I
will be using has never been used this way in this country. This will not be an easy
project, and, may finish with disappointment. That I have to live with. No
problem. It may, on the other hand end up a success.
I am hoping to film the night activities of other indigenous UK species that are out
and about at night. Unfortunately, due to the remoteness of the location, and the
secrecy involved of the cage/trap site, I cannot provide web cam coverage. During
the three month project period, I will provide photo and film updates for this site and
only this site.
When this full time coverage is over, the cage/trap will remain at its location and be
checked daily. Any foxes caught in the cage/trap during this project will be
released, unharmed, back into the wild. |
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