Information to know
The leopards (Panthera pardus) of Etosha National Park, located in Namibia, are a vital component of the park's diverse ecosystem. These elusive big cats are characterized by their striking coat patterns, ranging from pale yellow to deep gold, adorned with distinctive rosette markings. The leopards of Etosha are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of animals including antelopes, birds, and smaller mammals. They are solitary creatures, establishing and defending territories within the park. Known for their stealth and agility, they often hunt under the cover of darkness, utilizing trees as vantage points and hoisting their kills to keep them safe from scavengers. Despite their adaptability, leopards face threats such as habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival in Etosha National Park.
THE STORY
The rainy season lasted almost a month longer this year, Etosha National Park is full of water and animals can drink away from the notorious waterholes and stay quiet away from noisy off-road vehicles. It's really difficult to make good sightings. We grind miles at low speed, a little for the road very ruined, a little to try to spot any stain or movement in the vegetation.
A single jeep stopped along the road attracts our attention, there is only one man and he whispers the magic word: "leopard". If spotting the cheetah in 2015 was a miracle, finding a leopard and cubs means being kissed by luck. We take a stand, the show is superb even if the vegetation, more luxuriant than ever, hides these fantastic animals.
At a certain point, the leopard mother makes a sharp sound, the cubs get up and disappear into the vegetation, it is the signal to say "hide guys, I'm going to hunt". Leopard mother leaves alone and soon after disappears into the bush too. We also leave in search of fortune. Towards evening and poor of photographic prey, we decide to return to the leopard's family site, it is the right time! Leopard mother has just returned, another dry cry and, as if by magic, the two cubs appear. It's time for cleaning and to enjoy the cuddles of their mother. Namibia 2018.
A single jeep stopped along the road attracts our attention, there is only one man and he whispers the magic word: "leopard". If spotting the cheetah in 2015 was a miracle, finding a leopard and cubs means being kissed by luck. We take a stand, the show is superb even if the vegetation, more luxuriant than ever, hides these fantastic animals.
At a certain point, the leopard mother makes a sharp sound, the cubs get up and disappear into the vegetation, it is the signal to say "hide guys, I'm going to hunt". Leopard mother leaves alone and soon after disappears into the bush too. We also leave in search of fortune. Towards evening and poor of photographic prey, we decide to return to the leopard's family site, it is the right time! Leopard mother has just returned, another dry cry and, as if by magic, the two cubs appear. It's time for cleaning and to enjoy the cuddles of their mother. Namibia 2018.
<<< All the images in this gallery were captured in a truly wild environment, without the use of attractants, perches, or bait. >>>
These images were taken with the following FF (full frame) DSLR camera:
Canon EOS 1DX
These images were taken with the following LENS:
Canon EF 500 f/4 L IS USM