“The leopard is my all-time favourite cat. Their ability to blend very well with their habitat makes them an interesting puzzle for anyone in search of them. Being well-adapted to different climatic conditions has given them an upper hand among other cats. The big challenge they’re facing is the loss of habitat at a very alarming rate. Human-wildlife conflict is a big threat too.

As a wildlife photographer, I always appreciate every moment I get to photograph this beautiful cat. The immense power in this species is unique in itself. The ability to take its kill twice it’s weight up a tree is amazing. That’s another thing that’s given it an upper hand over other predators that don’t have that ability to climb trees.

Nevertheless, they face a big threat from other larger predators, like hyenas and lions, as they compete for the same prey. On a few occasions, I’ve encountered a sad state where a leopard came second during the encounter with lions. In particular, I remember one famous leopard called Olive who featured greatly in the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries by BBC; on an early morning game drive, we found her killed by a pride of lions in the Maasai Mara.”

www.kaelophotography.com
www.facebook.com/kaelophotosafaris/
www.instagram.com/jonathankaelo

My Big 5

Leopard
Grevy’s zebra
Giraffe
Lion
Elephant