Leopard (Male and Female) - Record shot

[Praveen Siddannavar]

This was shot on 30th Dec'09 during the morning safari at Bandipur, great sighting of 3 predators - 2 Leopards m/f, 2 tigers and pack of 7 wild dogs (Dholes). you can't ask for more

We heard alarm calls of langurs upon reaching the location we noticed that there were 2 tigers in the thick bush, no chance of photograph. We did wait for about 45 minutes or more, the alarm calls went on and on but the tigers did not bother to come out. However we could hear some roar probably some interaction betwn the 2 tigers. While watching this about 500 mts away we could see some moment but were not sure which animal it was. I tried to focus my camera and took few shots and then we realised that it was a leopard not 1 but 2. We could also see them mating, it was an exciting moment to watch this. Unfortunately due to the distance could not get a quality images. Hence i am posting a record shot of the 2 Leopards.

Camera Model Canon EOS 40D
Shooting Date/Time 12/30/2009 8:28:11 AM
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/200
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO 400

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Nice moment. Yet to witness leopards mating. Once I had missed leopards mating by 2 minutes. :-(

Some day I want to record the entire sequence. At times, the light is bad and subject is far away. In those situations, it is better to observe and note down the details. You had some very nice sightings to end the year.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Mrudul Godbole]

You were really lucky to see tigers and leopard mating in the same safari . The lens and camera are a limitation sometimes to photograph, but it is great that you witnessed the whole mating behaviour. That is a rare natural history moment.

Nice image. Did the mating happen after you photographed this?

[Mohan Raj]

Shy leopards are hard to spot and photograph. Truly a record shot.

[Bibhav Behera]

A good record shot. Wish you could have got a better perspective. Including the one in front (im guessing female) would have been nicer.

Get a new 500mmm lens and a 1.4x TC... That would pump up your reach

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Get a new 500mmm lens and a 1.4x TC... That would pump up your reach

Fully agree.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Praveen Siddannavar]

Guys its just over 6 months i bought 100-400mm, I think i am not ready technically and financially for 500mm or 800mm

[Abhishek Jamalabad]

Nice record shot... the image has some nice colours. You were lucky enough to witness the mating...

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Guys its just over 6 months i bought 100-400mm, I think i am not ready technically and financially for 500mm or 800mm

Modesty is a virtue.