"Our normal daily work is to research all kinds of creatures on the mountain. We need to record their habits and then through those records, we can answer some scientific questions." Recently, Italian photographer Fabio Nodari visited the Diaoluo Mountain area of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, where he went on a nocturnal excursion to explore the wonders of the rainforest.

Italian photographer Fabio and Cheng Kunming, a PhD student in ecology at Hainan Normal University, take a nighttime excursion on Diaoluo Mountain. (Photo: HIMC)

As night falls, all kinds of "sprites" wait for their opportunity to start their "day." The rainforest comes alive as the chirping of insects and croaking of frogs interweave into a natural symphony. "Why are we heading into the rainforest at night?" Armed with this question, Fabio and his new friend Cheng Kunming, a PhD student in ecology at Hainan Normal University, traversed the primordial forest bursting with ancient ferns. Soon enough, they encountered the super cute Hainan odorous frog.

Italy photographer Fabio interacts with a stick insect. (Photo: HIMC)

"Most amphibians and reptiles come out at night. Although it is pitch black in the rainforest, this is when we start our daily monitoring work once we've packed necessities such as flashlights, compasses, food, and knives," said Cheng.

Fabio and Cheng Kunming observe a baby snake. (Photo: HIMC)

"Ribbit, ribbit..." While walking through the rainforest, the people on the excursion heard a strange call. "This is the Hainan odorous frog, a species unique to Hainan Island. They usually move at night and typically make their homes in rock crevices next to waterfalls or in grass by streams. When they feel threatened, they secrete a pungent smell to ward off enemies," explained Cheng.

While out in the rainforest, Fabio observed that the animals, plants, people, and environment formed a unique and complete rainforest ecosystem. Hainan tropical rainforest is the best-preserved, densest, most diverse, and largest contiguous continental island-type tropical rainforest in China and is an important component of the world's tropical rainforest system. It is an outstanding example of an insular tropical rainforest, a treasure house of tropical biodiversity and genetic resources, and an ecological security barrier for Hainan Island. Thus, it has a deep significance as a national symbol and in global conservation efforts.

Further into the forest, Cheng picked a few wild figs from the tree and handed them to Fabio. "Although they are not as sweet as those cultivated specifically for human consumption, these wild figs can be eaten in an emergency," said Cheng.

"It's interesting to come to the rainforest at different times of the day. You will have the opportunity to see species that are active at different times." Fabio said that the mystery and magnificence of the tropical rainforest would remain emblazoned on his memory. This unforgettable journey helped him realize the meaning behind the animism of all things - ecology and civilization are intricately linked, and respecting nature is respecting life.