Students capture elusive mammal alive on camera for the first time

In November 2024, three undergraduate students from California embarked on a groundbreaking project in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. They aimed to photograph the Mount Lyell shrew, a tiny mammal that lives underground and had never been captured alive on camera before. To achieve this, they strategically set out over 100 traps, ensuring they monitored them every two hours over the course of three days and four nights. The need for frequent checks was critical due to the shrew's fast metabolism, as they could not remain trapped longer than two hours without risking starvation. The students, Vishal Subramanyan, Prakrit Jain, and Harper Forbes, faced numerous challenges during their expedition. The elusive nature of the Mount Lyell shrew presented a significant barrier because the animals are incredibly fast, constantly scurrying in search of food, which primarily consists of insects and arachnids. Additionally, the harsh environmental conditions posed difficulties, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, causing discomfort for the students as they worked tirelessly. This project was part of the California Creators for Nature program, aimed at promoting awareness of nature and environmental issues on social media. In preparation for capturing photographs of the shrew, the students designed a specialized setup. They created a white background for the images by placing a sheet of glass over a transparent box filled with soil and mealworms to attract the shrews. The careful design allowed the students to photograph the mammals without interfering with their natural behavior. The entire project required immense patience, dedication, and a passion for wildlife conservation. The successful capture of the Mount Lyell shrew marks a significant achievement in wildlife research and conservation efforts, as visual evidence can greatly contribute to understanding and protecting the species. The students' work is commendable, serving as an inspiring example of how innovative approaches and commitment can yield remarkable results in the study of elusive wildlife. Their journey continues to resonate with the broader message of engaging new generations in the conversation about nature, climate, and environmental justice.