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By Sharon Pan
On September 26, at the GIS NTU Convention Center in Taipei, National Geographic hosted an inspiring forum dedicated to tropical rainforest exploration and ecological conservation. The event brought together world-renowned photographer Christian Ziegler, ecologist Daisy Dent, Jen-Shiu Hsu (founder of The Society of Wilderness), and NTU Professor Yu-Ten Ju, a leading specialist in salamanders. Moderated by veteran media professional Marina Pai, the session guided the audience on a remarkable journey through the world’s most biodiverse tropical forests.
The Jungle Spirit of Photographers and Scientists
Spanning four continents and over twenty countries, Ziegler has captured the world's most captivating jungle landscapes. His vibrant photography features pristine natural scenery and a diverse array of fascinating creatures—ranging from jaguars and bonobos to tree frogs, bats, and rare botanical species.
An award-winning photographer, Ziegler shared that although he initially aspired to be a scientist, he eventually found his true calling as a nature photographer. His partner, Dent, jokingly noted that she discovered her passion for research at the age of six and never looked back. Together, they form a formidable team, seamlessly blending evocative photography with rigorous scientific research to complement each other's work. Their long-term collaboration culminated in the book Jungle Spirit. Their journey, which began in Panama, has taken them through Peru, Africa, Australia, and beyond, documenting a vast array of tropical flora and fauna. As they passionately shared the stories behind each image, the audience was left deeply inspired, carrying away a piece of that "jungle spirit" for themselves.
Ecologist Daisy Dent and National Geographic photographer Christian Ziegler exchange stories from the rainforest prior to their discussion.
I Had A Dream in the Wilderness
The recently released documentary, Seven Ages of a Man (whose Chinese title translates to "I Had a Dream in the Wilderness"), chronicles the lifelong journey of veteran conservationist Jen-Shiu Hsu—a profound exploration of life in the wilderness. Hsu jokingly remarks that the film is the director's dream, as he himself has long since moved beyond dreaming. Having lived through the era of martial law and its subsequent lifting, Hsu’s passion for nature led him to recognize the urgency of conservation, prompting him to found The Society of Wilderness (SOW). Realizing that education must begin at an early age, he has also dedicated himself to pioneering environmental education for children.
Special guests Jen-Shiu Hsu (left), National Geographic Chinese Explorer, and NTU Professor Yu-Ten Ju (right), a specialist in salamanders, at the forum.
Across Human Generations: A Journey into Three Million Years of History
Professor Yu-Ten Ju of National Taiwan University pursues an even more enduring vision—one that transcends human generations to study the salamander, a relict species that has endured for three million years. He emphasizes that while these ancient creatures have persisted since prehistoric times, Taiwan is home to five unique endemic species that remain largely unknown to the public. By studying these resilient survivors, he can also infer and reconstruct significant geological events in Taiwan’s evolutionary history.
Yu-Ten Ju admits that he isn't naturally fond of mountain hiking. However, for the sake of his passionate research, he has learned to live in the moment—setting aside personal preferences to focus entirely on the salamander—the "frog with a tail" before his eyes. Ju encourages young people to pursue interdisciplinary learning, noting that passion is the ultimate key. He jokingly says that he heads to the mountains to find "angels" and escape the "devils" of the city. For him, passion means "bringing value to others and choosing the road less traveled."
To have those moments, you have to be there, and be there for a long time
During the Q&A, an audience member curiously asked, "How do you talk to animals?" Ziegler explained that he doesn’t try to hide in the wild; instead, he allows animals to grow accustomed to his presence and relax, enabling him to capture the perfect shot. Jen-Shiu Hsu then shared an experience filming a King Cobra, noting that although he didn't utter a word, the snake cooperated perfectly with his every move. "Sending out an intention from the heart and communicating with kindness," Hsu said, "is the ultimate language."
The "jungle spirit" of Ziegler and Dent calls upon the world to protect tropical rainforests; Jen-Shiu Hsu tirelessly promotes environmental education for the next generation in Taiwan; and Yu-Ten Ju explores a world predating human existence through the eyes of a prehistoric relict species. Through their passionate actions, they inspire the public with a simple truth: by stepping into nature, anyone can become a force for its protection. As Ziegler beautifully puts it: "To have those moments, you have to be there, and be there for a long time."
