Leopard on an Anthill at Sunset by David Lloyd

Monday, 7th June 2010

Leopard on an Anthill at Sunset

by David Lloyd

A Leopard sits atop a termite mound near sunset at Linyanti, Botswana. It was a pleasure to meet this leopard lying at the base of an ant-hill. Just when we were thinking how nice it would be if he were to sit on top of it, he promptly jumped up and sat on top of it.
I’d seen a few leopards, but never had the privilege to photograph one in setting such as this. It was beginning to get dark and he was against the sun, so we were relying on slower shutter speeds and compensating for the backlight. It was kinda tricky, but we got there

Equipment: Nikon D300, 200-400mm f/4 Zoom

David Lloyd

I’m a photographer of wildlife and travel from New Zealand living in London where I work in an artwork studio by day. I arrived in late 1989 for a six month journey and I’m still here journeying twenty years later.

www.davidlloyd.info

27 Comments

JimAtkin Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:43 am
David,
Wahooee, Magnificant shot. The whole composition is excellent. I wonder what that magnificant creature is thinking?
renee Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 2:45 am
Wow!!! What a wonderful shot, simply amazing i like this shot alot! Congrats
renee Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 2:47 am
Also looks like a wound on his neck just saw that.
Ed Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 3:33 am
Great photo, but I believe that is a termite mound.
sulucas Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 6:10 am
How regal! Love the soft background. Once in a lifetime shot.
Su Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
This is one of those wow shots love it. What a creature.
Mocca Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Royal!!! An amazing shot. It gives me the “king of the hill” feeling. Congratulations!
Jaz Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 8:22 am
How wonderful! The color of the Leopard’s skin is a little bit unique, some area is white. Love the picture.
Anurag Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 8:24 am
REGAL.
….and he’s got some battle scars to boot too!
Wanda Krack Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Great job getting this shot in the low light!
planet lover Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Magnificent animal! what a great shot!
KenR Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Count it as one of your moments to be blessed by such a sight and the chance to record it. I am jealous but mostly, envious. Good shot!
Bilsthorpe GYPO Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
What a lovely photo of this beautiful beast.

What a poser eh?

Thank you
JohnE Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
A stunning image..the magnificent pose, with his left front paw relaxed.. amazing.. color.. I could stare at this all day..
susolov Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Your patience and animal telepathy paid off with this great photo. Congratulations for your talent and positive energy.
Steven Davis Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
awesome! the light and the regal look are just insane
Erik Jenks Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
The quality of the photo is amazing! Great job!
Manuel Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Wonderful! I have a questions: How far were you? Did he note your presence? I mean, do you have to run after the picture? Thanks
mike Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Nice animal. He looks good up there
Cory Marder Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
What a great picture! Botswana is lovely and you were so fortunate to see this leopard in such a good site to get this shot. Well done overall!
A treasure that you will remember always.
SergioLuisSilva Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Great composition with excelent colors and detail!!
MrDoug Says:
June 7th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Such a powerfull photo and a magificant animal. Fantastic job sir.
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
June 8th, 2010 at 4:21 am
This ‘King of the Hill’ shot makes you King for this day as well, Congratulations!
Maria Says:
June 11th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Thanks a lot for this wonderful moment.

His highness, the king!

This is the photo of the year. Like a sculpture of Michelangelo.

Best regards from Frankfurt
Rosalee Says:
June 19th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
I can so relate to this.
We saw this on safari in Africa as well as in a tree………..Magnificent
I still remember early morning treks and the those sundowners.
Private game reserves and small numbers of people only added to the
experience e.g. we would go out on treks in open range rovers……just three of us with our tracker and a gun bearer.
The animal views were incredible.
Pauline Jones Says:
June 20th, 2010 at 9:07 am
This guy has great dignity; well done.
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
June 26th, 2010 at 4:21 am
OMG–what a photo–my first thought. My second thought–reminds me of my double-ex husband. I swear he used to get that same look on his face–’good-looking, strong, superior, and I know it!’ And I mean that in the nicest possible way. He died 8 years ago, but I know he would have loved this photo and been proud of the resemblance.