16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Leopard resting on tree

I found this huge male Leopard in the forests of Kabini, the leopard capital of southern India, in one late afternoon after following spotted Deer calls. He drank water from a water body and climbed bit uphill before resting himself on a big tree log. He turned, twisted, sat up for some time and then settled down so calmly like this. It was such a peaceful and content posture, I totally loved to watch him. I was with my wife and 8 year old son, carrying one camera and my 500mm lens only. He was so close that my wife and son were happily shooting with their mobile phone and point-n-shoot cameras respectively while I was desperately trying to utilize every millimetre of space in the vehicle to frame as much with my 500mm. Then I decided to give up and focused on capturing the lazy moods of the magnificent animal. The one thing I love about Leopards most is that they can climb trees; and they make it look so easy. Leopards spend a lot of their time on trees. Their spotted coat camouflages them, making them blend in with the leaves of the tree. Location: Kabini, Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka State, India

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: kabini, nagarhole tiger reserve, karnataka, india, India
Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Copyright: © Mainak Ray