Knowing animal behavior can help us get images that others would miss. Yet, some animal behavior is so obvious and predictable that we should know it instinctively. Leopards exhibit behavior that are particularly useful for photographers to know. This is especially true in a habitat such as the Serengeti where there are not many trees. Leopards need to climb those trees for their protection. Lions don't like competitors in their neighborhood. So it just stands to reason that when a Leopard walks to a tree, it is going to climb it.

          Tip One: Leopards don't just walk up to a tree and starts to climb it right away. They typically pause at the base of the tree and look up. They are devising the best way to get up there. When they pause and look up, that is your moment to shoot and those images can be stunning.

          Tip Two: When a Leopard gets to the first branch or fork in the tree, they often repeat the process of looking up. Take the next shot.

          Tip three: They will always take the route to climb up the tree that allows them the easiest access to that first branch or fork. In other words, if you can see the fork clearly, the Leopard will either climb up from the front of the tree (with its back towards you), or from the back of the tree, facing you. If you can see the fork clearly, there is no way the Leopard will climb the tree from either side because they are shooting for the fork. So as we follow a Leopard to a tree, approach the tree from the best angle to get the shot since you know that it will only use one of two directions into the tree.

          Tip Four: They often times will lie down in the tree and get comfy. They may look at you. If not, move the vehicle to get a better angle. Once the Leopard is comfy it will probably not move for a while.

Keeping these tips in mind may help you chasing that Leopard image.