Comments: 25
Okavanga In reply to Canankk [2016-07-26 06:07:05 +0000 UTC]
Many thanks for that, Canan. Trying to catch up after being away.
David
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mockingbirdontree [2016-02-09 09:44:33 +0000 UTC]
Wow, that's absolutely great!
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Okavanga In reply to LindArtz [2016-02-02 07:50:43 +0000 UTC]
Thank you, Linda - there is a lot in this photograph for those who look carefully. I made sure that the horizon was properly horizontal, so we can see that the leopard is coming down almost vertically, but then it has no choice. It has managed to get its front paws on a bole in the trunk, so it has some stability as it descends. The tail is stretched back vertically, adding stability. The back paw is not gripping in any way, and is just adding some balance. But one thing I did not realise until I heard something on the TV about a different animal, is that the paws are not splayed. This means that the leopard has no chance of stopping the descent - not enough purchase. Once committed, the leopard has to move and move fast. This is the most vulnerable time for it if a lion is lurking. Once on the ground and with a clear path, the leopard will be home free, but right now is dangerous.
Many Thanks
David
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Okavanga In reply to LindArtz [2016-02-03 08:06:29 +0000 UTC]
Yes, that's the way to think about it, Linda. It is a matter of control. If the leopard has used its vantage point to check for lions or other possible dangers and found none, then it will come down. However, in the couple of seconds it takes to descend, the leopard is vulnerable and its descent once started is out of its control. So, in terms of evolution, it makes sense to get down as quickly as possible and to disappear as soon as it can into the grass. That limits the time over which it has no control.
Cheers
David
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GeorgieDeeArt [2016-01-31 03:23:30 +0000 UTC]
Fantastic capture
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Okavanga In reply to GeorgieDeeArt [2016-01-31 07:47:01 +0000 UTC]
Many thanks for that Georgie.
Cheers
David
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GeorgieDeeArt In reply to Okavanga [2016-01-31 08:30:05 +0000 UTC]
Most welcome, you have a good gallery.
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Libra-Heart [2016-01-28 10:14:04 +0000 UTC]
very beautiful photography
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Okavanga In reply to Libra-Heart [2016-01-28 13:20:24 +0000 UTC]
Many thanks.
Cheers
David
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werejaguar [2016-01-28 02:42:36 +0000 UTC]
nice shot well done
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Okavanga In reply to werejaguar [2016-01-28 07:37:58 +0000 UTC]
Many thanks for that, Scott.
Cheers
David
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morshuzz [2016-01-27 14:26:51 +0000 UTC]
Wow, it's so.....vertical. I think this shot is really well presented to show their physical dexterity. Beautiful!
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Okavanga In reply to morshuzz [2016-01-28 07:43:39 +0000 UTC]
Thank you very much. You are correct - leopards are very agile and fast. I was lucky to get this shot - I fired a burst of 5 over 1 second, and this was the only one that was in focus and not blurred. Once committed to the descent, the leopard moves very quickly as it is vulnerable to attack as soon as it reaches the ground.
Cheers
David
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morshuzz In reply to Okavanga [2016-01-28 09:00:15 +0000 UTC]
Thanks for sharing it. It's really fun to watch you!!
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