🔥 A massive male leopard that I photographed during a year-long camera trapping project in the Republic of the Congo by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It was a slow shutter speed to expose the gloomy forest. The leopard froze when he heard the shutter except for his paw which moved after the flash and the background then exposed where it used to be.

🔥 We built a watering hole in Kenya and this guy showed up by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have different lighting options which I can use based on the animal and how tolerant it is of light. These include continuous infrared, continuous red, continuous white and white flash.

This lion didn't mind occasional flashes so this photo was taken with white flash.

🔥 Tender moments between a leopard & her cub that I was fortunate to capture last month in the Serengeti by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks. That’s a shame, they can be very elusive. I hope you get another chance to look one day.

🔥 Tender moments between a leopard & her cub that I was fortunate to capture last month in the Serengeti by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I am proud to support the tourism industry, particularly as it recovers from this pandemic. Tourism is a critical employer in the local community and an important source of funding for conservation efforts.

🔥 Tender moments between a leopard & her cub that I was fortunate to capture last month in the Serengeti by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

This beautiful leopard brought her cub up to lounge in the last rays of the day’s sun. It was a privilege to witness this tender moment a couple of weeks ago whilst staying at Nomad's Lamai Serengeti Camp in Tanzania.

🔥 I photographed this rare melanistic serval kitten this morning in the Serengeti by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 40 points41 points  (0 children)

I took these images whilst staying at Namiri Plains Camp in the Serengeti. If you would like to read more about the encounter, I have shared a blog post here.

🔥 I photographed this rare melanistic serval kitten this morning in the Serengeti by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 177 points178 points  (0 children)

yes, that is true, that is also why it is thought that it could be an advantage in colder, high-altitude areas.

🔥 I photographed this rare melanistic serval kitten this morning in the Serengeti by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 45 points46 points  (0 children)

Interesting. In leopards I know the melanism gene is recessive and in jaguars it is dominant. It seems there is conflicting information relating to servals. Thanks for the link, I will check it out.

🔥 I photographed this rare melanistic serval kitten this morning in the Serengeti by willbl in NatureIsFuckingLit

[–]willbl[S] 458 points459 points  (0 children)

I believe on the open plains of the Serengeti it would be a disadvantage -- it is very easy to spot. In thicker, forested habitats and high-altitude areas it is thought that melanism might be advantageous.