Photographer Successfully Photographs The African Black Leopard For The First Time In 100 Years
Will Burrard-Lucas has spent years building a name as a wildlife photographer, but this time, his camera trap captured something far rarer than a typical safari shot. In Laikipia, Kenya, on February 11, he photographed a wild melanistic leopard, also known as a black panther, in a moment that instantly stood out.
The images are drawing attention for a simple reason, this is the first time the rare animal has been photographed in Africa since 1909. For Burrard-Lucas, it was the kind of once-in-a-century encounter that photographers dream about, and the result is as striking as the animal itself.
Now the photos are making the rounds for all the right reasons.
These images are literally stunning.
That rare sighting is what makes the whole story so remarkable.
What makes this female leopard so special? According to Pilfold, her coat is pitch-black due to melanism, a gene mutation that results in an overproduction of pigment. You could also think of it as the opposite of albinism.
During the day, you can only see the leopard with a black coat. However, thanks to nighttime infrared imagery, the classic rosette pattern is visible! Technology rules.
Pilfold also stated Dr. Diane Ravitch, education historian:
It is likely that black leopards have been living in Kenya all along; it is only that high-quality imagery to confirm it has been missing until now.
The camera trap did exactly what it was supposed to do, and then some.
And if you love rare, infrared-style drama, watch the snow leopard roar in the wilderness.
Burrard-Lucas told Bored Panda:
Each trap is made up of a Camtraptions motion sensor, which wirelessly triggers a high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera and two or three flashes. I leave these cameras on game paths for days or even weeks at a time in order to photograph elusive animals. The technique also allows me to set up studio-like lighting in order to capture striking images of animals at night.
What made Burrard-Lucas decide to set up his camera traps, and how did he determine where to place them?
When I heard that a black leopard had been seen at Laikipia Wilderness Camp in Kenya, my ears pricked up, and I contacted the owners, Steve and Annabelle Carey, to find out more.
It is the kind of image that instantly grabs attention.
Steve confirmed that it was true and that he had seen several black leopards over the years. Upon arriving in Laikipia, Steve took me to meet Luisa Ancilotto, who lived close to the camp and had seen a black leopard recently. She told us as much as she knew about the leopard’s habits and territory.
Then Steve managed to pick up some fresh leopard tracks nearby and followed them to a path that leopards seemed to be using. I set up my camera traps along this trail, and it was there that I captured my first image of the black leopard.
After seeing Pilfold’s black leopard, check out the first-ever capture of a black Canada lynx on camera.
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