Rare Siberian Tigers Are Captured In Their Natural Snowy Environment by a Photographer

Image Credit & More Info; sascha.fonseca/Instagram | saschafonseca.com

Born in Germany, Sascha Fonseca is an exceptional wildlife photographer with a profound understanding of DSLR camera traps. Relocating to Dubai in pursuit of turning his passion for wildlife photography into a profession, Sascha embarked on an extraordinary journey. In December 2021, he ventured into the birch forests of Eastern Russia, setting up a camera trap that would later yield a breathtaking photograph of a rare Siberian tiger in its natural habitat.

Setting up DSLR camera traps proved to be the key for Sascha Fonseca, granting him unparalleled glimpses into the world of wildlife. Expressing the challenges associated with this technique, Sascha highlighted the predominantly nocturnal nature of tigers, making their capture a daunting task. “Tigers are mostly active during the night, which means spending months or even years staking out without capturing a single image. Camera traps, however, can,” he expressed.

Sascha Fonseca’s expertise in setting camera traps was pivotal in documenting a male Siberian tiger who had previously evaded recognition. As the first to encounter this majestic creature, Sascha was granted the honor of naming it. Inspired by the unique L-shaped pattern adorning the tiger’s cheekbone, the photographer decided to christen the animal Leo, paying homage to the renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy.

“It turned out to be an unknown male who had not yet been documented,” Sascha stated. Therefore, the researchers I collaborated with on my camera trap study asked me to give him a name. It’s an honor because it forges a personal bond between you and the animal. Siberian, the largest tigers on Earth, live in Northeast China, North Korea, and far Eastern Russia.

Tragically, these magnificent creatures face severe threats, primarily from poaching, leading to their classification as a critically endangered species. With less than 400 Siberian tigers remaining in the wild, their existence hangs in the balance. Sascha Fonseca’s mission to capture photographs of these rare species goes beyond artistic prowess; it is an excellent instrument to increase awareness of the significance of protecting and conserving animals and their habitats.

Sascha Fonseca’s journey from Germany to Dubai has shaped him into an exceptional wildlife photographer adept at capturing the elusive beauty of Siberian tigers. Through his expertise in DSLR camera traps, he has defied the odds and immortalized the enigmatic Siberian tiger, Leo. By shedding light on the dire circumstances faced by these magnificent creatures, Sascha’s work serves as a clarion call for conservation efforts. His noble mission inspires us all, urging us to protect and cherish our planet’s endangered wildlife.