With growing human-leopard conflict grabbing the headlines, Nayan was determined to show things could be different. Positioning his camera trap so a passing cat would not dominate the frame, the wait began. After four months, he finally captured this unique human-leopard co-existence as this big cat weaves its way silently through the alley.
The remarkably versatile leopard is probably the most persecuted big cat in the world. But for the Warli people of this Mumbai suburb, their ghost-like neighbours deserve respect. The cats are an accepted part of their lives and culture, and are even depicted in the traditional paintings that decorate their homes.
India
Nayan is a self-taught nature photographer who has been documenting Indian wildlife for over 15 years. Being a biology teacher adds to his understanding of flora, fauna and animal behaviour on field assignments. After a long career in bird photography, he got to document big cats in urban areas. He aims to sensitise people to animal behaviour and raise awareness of India's rich wildlife heritage.
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