Spotted Shadows: The Leopards of Jhalana, December 2023

In the urban fringes of Jaipur lies an extraordinary wilderness—Jhalana Leopard Reserve, one of India's most remarkable conservation success stories. This collection captures my December 2023 safari adventure into this unique sanctuary, where elusive leopards thrive amidst rugged terrain and dense scrubland surprisingly close to city limits. As winter cast its gentle spell over Rajasthan, the golden hour light filtered through thorny acacia trees, creating the perfect backdrop for nature's most elegant predator. These images document not only the magnificent spotted cats that have made Jhalana famous, but also the rich ecosystem that supports them—from nimble nilgai and chattering langurs to the vibrant birdlife that adds splashes of colour to the tawny landscape. The morning mist, the dramatic rock formations, and the heart-stopping moments of leopard encounters all tell the story of Jhalana's delicate balance between wilderness and urban proximity. Through patient tracking and moments of extraordinary luck, these photographs offer intimate glimpses into the secretive world of these adaptable big cats as they navigate their territory in the cooler December conditions. Join me on this visual journey through Jhalana, where conservation efforts have created an unprecedented opportunity to witness these normally secretive predators in their natural habitat—a testament to how wilderness can survive and even thrive at the edge of one of Rajasthan's busiest cities