Leopards are probably the most resourceful and intelligent of the big cats, demonstrating far greater adaptability to their changing environment than the other cat species. Even though this has enabled them to be relatively numerate around the planet, they are still endangered, threatened by poachers and often seen as a pest. They are also perpetually harassed by other species such as hyenas, baboons and lions. Leopards are smaller than lions and tigers, but have incredible strength, often carrying in their jaws prey that is far heavier than themselves high up into tree canopies. They are extremely shy and weary of most animals, especially Man. They have an uncanny ability to move through their environment unnoticed, slinking away into the background or night. They are, of course, effortlessly beautiful, as these photos have tried to capture. Like my tiger photos, I have captured these leopards in captivity at various locations around the world, albeit trying to exclude any notion of their captive enclosure/surroundings. And like the tigers, I have been more concerned with their photogenic aesthetics, rather than making a statement about their environment. Again, I would gladly give up the privilege of photographing them anywhere if their survival in the wild was protected and guaranteed. The photos below include the African and Amur species, as well as a black ‘panther’ leopard. As with many of my animal portraits, I have tried to obtain eye contact from the subject to capture a more engaging image for the viewer, occasionally irritating the poor cat in the process! Well, anyway, I hope this small tribute engenders greater endearment to this remarkable animal.
Sep 07, 2012Sep 07, 2012Alpha Whiskey PhotographyLeopards are probably the most resourceful and intelligent
of the big cats, demonstrating far greater adaptability to their changing
environment than the other cat species. Even though this has enabled them to be
relatively numerate around the planet, they are still endangered, threatened by
poachers and often seen as a pest. They are also perpetually harassed by other
species such as hyenas, baboons and lions. Leopards are smaller than lions and
tigers, but have incredible strength, often carrying in their jaws prey that is
far heavier than themselves high up into tree canopies. They are extremely shy and weary of most animals, especially Man. They have an uncanny ability to move through their environment unnoticed, slinking away into the background or night.
They are, of course, effortlessly beautiful, as these photos
have tried to capture. Like my tiger photos, I have captured these leopards in
captivity at various locations around the world, albeit trying to exclude any
notion of their captive enclosure/surroundings. And like the tigers, I have
been more concerned with their photogenic aesthetics, rather than making a
statement about their environment. Again, I would gladly give up the privilege
of photographing them anywhere if their survival in the wild was protected and
guaranteed.
The photos below include the African and Amur species, as
well as a black ‘panther’ leopard. As with many of my animal portraits, I have
tried to obtain eye contact from the subject to capture a more engaging image
for the viewer, occasionally irritating the poor cat in the process!
Well, anyway, I hope this small tribute engenders greater
endearment to this remarkable animal.
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Eating its food, hidden behind the rock.
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This image demonstrates how effective their camouflage is, even against the ground. This is essential as leopard cubs are often targeted in the wild by hyenas and baboons.
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Ana Sauri WiliamsOct 8, 2012 06:47 AM
Beautiful pictures..
AlphaWhiskeyOct 8, 2012 10:16 AM
Thank you Ana!
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