The Black Leopard: My Quest to Photograph One of Africa s Most Elusive Big Cats

This inspiring book tells the story of a photographer's journey to find the mysterious black leopard.

There are few creatures as gorgeous and elusive as the black leopard. In Africa, these magnificent cats are so rare as to be the stuff of legend. Will Burrard-Lucas's love for leopards began during his childhood in Tanzania and propelled him into a career as a wildlife photographer. In his quest to create intimate portraits of animals, he developed innovative technology, including a remotely controlled camera buggy and a high quality camera trap system for photographing nocturnal creatures. Black leopards had not been scientifically documented in Africa for more than 100 years, but in 2019, Burrard-Lucas tracked down and photographed one of these elusive cats in Kenya. In this compelling and visually stunning book, Burrard-Lucas tells his story of creativity, entrepreneurship, and passion for wild animals, alongside awe-inspiring images of lions, elephants, and the black leopard itself.

• STAR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER: Will Burrard-Lucas's passion for nature and expertise in camera technology have earned him coverage from National Geographic, The New York Times, and the BBC—and over 1 million fans enjoy his breathtaking work online.
• NATURE'S HIDDEN WONDERS: Black leopards are individual animals in whom a gene mutation results in excess melanin and an elegant black coat. Most are found in Southeast Asia, where lush vegetation offers them camouflage. In the semiarid shrub lands of Africa, black leopards are extraordinarily rare. Burrard-Lucas's images—showing these beautiful creatures prowling their territory under cover of night—are vivid reminders of nature's hidden wonders.
• INCREDIBLE STORY: This story reveals Burrard-Lucas's devotion, patience, and innovation. He achieved photos that are not only scientifically important, but also breathtakingly beautiful.

Perfect for:

• Aspiring and professional photographers
• Photography buffs
• Nature and animal lovers
• Big cat enthusiasts
• Conservationists
• National Geographic readers
• Fans of memoir and adventure stories
• Travelers to Eastern and Southern Africa