Puma Dark head above grass, Torres del Paine, Chile

Estancia Laguna Amarga, Torres del Paine National Park, Última Esperanza Province, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region, Chile (July 2023)

This image was taken during the Patagonian Winter Pumas trip organised by Natures Images and led by Mark Sisson and Pablo Cersosimo (Wild South Photography). All photos were taken from within an estancia adjacent to the Torres del Paine National Park where some wild Pumas are tolerant of humans. This male Puma is named Dark. Here, Dark was just within the National Park but the photo was taken from the boundary with the estancia. Dark is the dominant male in this territory and was guarding a carcass from two female Pumas, Rupestre and Ginger, who had probably made the kill. Rupestre featured in episode one of the BBC wildlife series Dynasties II.

Status is classified as Least Concern. Also known as Cougar, Mountain Lion. For more information on this species of cat see the following links:
Cougar (Puma concolor) / Wikipedia
Puma concolor / IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Shooting Time 15:37
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/1250
Av(Aperture Value) 5.6
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 800

Latitude 51 00 4.2 S
Longitude 72 47 40.5 W
Altitude 271.70m