Paul Dunphy

Camera: Sony a1

Lens: Tamron 70-180

Aperture: f/2.8

Shutter speed: 1/250

ISO: ISO 320

Description: A lioness scans the horizon for prey from atop a termite mound.

Story from behind the lens: Termite's are amongst the smallest creatures in the Mara. Despite their small size, they create distinctive mounds which stand out prominently amid the Mara's rolling grassland, creating one of the Mara's characteristic landscape features. Ironically the tiny termite's home is exploited by the Mara's apex predators to scan the savanna for prey. Before visiting the Mara I pictured lions and other apex predators chasing prey down in a frenzy of activity. After spending time there I realized that hunting is a far more patient and time consuming activity preceding the chase. I also came to appreciate the subtle beauty of the savanna with its expansive views and symbiotic relationships. This iconic pose of a lioness patiently surveying the grassland from atop a termite mound captures my newfound understanding and appreciation of the Mara.