PHOTOS BY JIM TAN

Dear Friend,

As human beings, stories shape our values and culture. They tell us about who we are and where we come from. They help us to connect, to imagine and to grow. As a photographer, writer, conservationist and National Geographic Explorer, it’s my privilege to tell those stories and be part of a global conversation about the planet and our collective future. 

My latest project, Hidden Life of the Canopy, took me to the top of Borneo's ultra-tall forests, one of the most biodiverse tropical forests in the world, where pioneering canopy researcher Dr. Jessica Hayson is using camera traps to reveal the secrets of this hidden world. And just in time.

PHOTOS BY JIM TAN

Logging is a pervasive threat to forests globally, and Borneo has some of the highest timber extraction rates because of the dominance of commercially valuable dipterocarp trees. Studying animals impacted by deforestation has mostly focused on what researchers could access: those closer to the ground. However, little was known about logging’s impact on animals that lived high up in the trees. 

This exciting project documents Dr. Haysom’s camera trap research, including the first glimpse up into the world’s tallest tropical tree – the highest reported study of its kind! And, through this incredible partnership, we now have beautiful imagery of the forest canopy created using camera traps, a canopy hide structure and a drone.

You can help put Explorers like me in places that have never been photographed, places that need the world to understand what’s at risk so people can feel inspired to protect them. Become a Contributing Member today to propel this important work, and all of the National Geographic Society’s mission programs, by making a gift today!

The unique intimate perspective of camera traps has had a huge impact on wildlife photography in the last ten years, not just to create some of the most unexpected and breathtaking images, but also to illuminate parts of the world we had never seen before. 

Explorer-led projects like mine are occurring every day, all around the world. National Geographic Explorers go where no one has gone before, sharing stories that help shape how people think about our planet and inspire action to protect it. And your generosity makes it possible.

Invest in this work by becoming a National Geographic Society Contributing Member during Membership Month. Every gift helps achieve the mission we both care about so deeply: to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

With appreciation,

Jim Tan
National Geographic Explorer

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