Go for this one, Bev !

[SmartWombat]

From PhotoLibra today

A leading wildlife magazine picture editor is looking for images of two elusive and rare creatures for a forthcoming feature.

The first is the hen harrier. Ideally this should be shown in flight, being shot at, or dead, preferably in the UK but must be in the wild. We understand that their main habitat in England is the East coast.

The second is much harder – the Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis). There are only about 30 left in the wild, and most are endangered. They can be found in the far southeastern corner of Russia, with a few animals crossing into China and perhaps North Korea. Again the wild status is essential, so I am afraid images taken in captivity will not be considered.

[paulnj]

Last year sometime I seen images on the net of the AMUR LEOPARD in the wild and they were amazing! Very rare images indeed!

"Ideally this should be shown in flight, being shot at, or dead, preferably in the UK but must be in the wild"

SHOT AT!!!!!! They must be joking!

[Bevb]

What a lifetime opportunity that would be! but the nearest id get to anything resembling a rare puma would be next doors moggy, and that does need shooting! as it keeps catching new fledglings in my garden!!!

Are there people really out there that shoot these gorgeous birds?? i cant believe anyone would have the heart to pull a trigger on something so wonderful.

Thanks PAul for bringing this to light.

[SmartWombat]

SHOT AT!!!!!! They must be joking!

No, they're not.
Though they do not want to encourage us to go and shoot one.
Only photograph it

I guess that the article is going to talk about the rarity of the birds, the shooting of these birds by gamekeepers, and the impact of humans on their population.
Just by the range of image they are after

[paulnj]

Yes Bev! World wide raptors are shot for the fun of it(A holes), to protect game and it's not illegal in alot of places either. People actually use sparrows and other common(and rare) birds on a string to lure in hawks to shoot!

Humans are the worst life form on this planet when it comes to balance in nature.

[mjs1973]

There are only about 30 left in the wild, and most are endangered.

Only 30 left and MOST are endagered??

Didn't I see on the news just a few weeks ago where a female Amur Leapord was killed? Could have been a different breed, but I know it was a highly endagered leapord.

[Bevb]

Unbelievable, makes me so cross, and also sad to think im from the same species.
(A-Holes) indeed Paulnj.

[paulnj]

Well the images needed are to help nature through education and awareness. Speading the joy of nature and it's beauty is how I live my life(usually).