17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Epitome of Stealth

The dry season at Lunugamwehera National Park provides the perfect hunting grounds for the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) and I had the opportunity to witness one in a hunt. It was one of the most challenging shots that I had to endure in order to capture this perfectly camouflaged predator in action: cautiously approaching its prey (Peafowl). I was in awe by witnessing this predator's agile, focused and sharp movements when leopard was traversing through the dried grass.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2019
Photo Location: Lunugamvehera, Sri Lanka
Camera: Canon EOS 70D
Copyright: © Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl