Nature protection begins with knowledge

Walking through the Dellenhäule reserve, Nick demonstrates how the smallest creatures can shape entire ecosystems. While most people are drawn to the "big" animals – eagles, otters, deer – Nick reminds us to look down. "The small things are often the real indicators," he explains. "Ants, butterflies, even millipedes, they’re the cogs in the system. If those break, the whole machine unravels." For him, protection begins with knowledge. But knowledge, he insists, begins with something deeper: "It starts with noticing. If you notice something, you value it. If you value it, you’ll want to protect it."

Kneeling by a mound, Nick explains how ants sustain entire ecosystems: "A forest isn’t a forest without ants. They are true keystone species and without them, the whole system collapses." Wood ants, Nick explains, are far more than tiny insects. They collect sugar-rich honeydew from tree tops and bring it into their nests, moving a lot of carbon and nutrients from the trees into the soil. They control outbreaks of forest pests, disperse seeds, and recycle nutrients. In doing so, they become true architects of the woodland. Invisible to many, they are nevertheless essential.

While ZEISS Secacams in Dellenhäule cannot capture individual ants or butterflies, they do reveal how larger forest dwellers interact with the mounds – from mice scurrying across the ant hills, foxes inspecting them at night, or birds pecking for food. In this way, the bigger picture of the forest community becomes visible.

But these innovative observers don’t just record images. They collect data, identify species with AI, and share insights in real time via ZEISS Secacam App. "With a remote camera like this, everyone becomes a scientist," he says. "It’s just like an ant colony – the more individuals contribute, the more powerful the knowledge becomes."

The ZEISS Secacams also play a role in sustainability: Since no one needs to operate them, animals are not disturbed – the cameras quietly film from a distance. At the same time, they deliver valuable data about habitats: whether young are being raised, how many individuals of a species live in an area, what condition they are in, and even whether rare species are returning.

But it’s not only about science. The ZEISS Secacams also deliver moments of wonder: otter cubs exploring a riverbank, a wildcat passing through the night, or a secretive woodcock feeding where no human eye could follow. These images are data points, of course, but also fascinating stories. "There’s a big difference between looking and really seeing," Nick reflects. "The mysteries of the world are always there. You just need the right lens."