Good things come to those who wait - and this wildlife photographer definitely knows that feeling, as he captured these stunning photographs of a rare black leopard after waiting two years for the opportunity.
Anurag Gawande, 24, was amazed to spot the rare big cat roaming through Tadoba National Park, India.
Photos show the melanistic leopard emerging from some bushes as it attempts to hunt for deer.
Anurag, who had been waiting to catch a glimpse of the wild cat for a very long time, said the experience was very 'unique' and 'like finding a needle in haystack.'
The explorer, who runs a jungle safari in Maharashtra in central India, said: "When you watch it with open eyes, you don't see any spots - it looks totally black.
"Its coat was shining and even though the whole encounter lasted for about one minute, this leopard has given me the most iconic moment of my life."
The lucky photographer was on a safari with his mum and brother at the time of the encounter.
He added: "I was waiting for a tiger to come out of bushes as there was a strong calling of deer.
"As I was heading towards the hill top, I saw two gypsy cars lined up with the leopard some moments ago.
"I waited there for about five minutes and heard the calling of sambar deer, and on the other side when suddenly the guide shouted - it was a black leopard."
Though the leopard ran into the bushes as it was scared of the vehicle's noise, it eventually came out after a couple of minutes' wait. Well, that certainly isn't a moment Anurag will forget in a hurry.
Anurag went on: "When it started walking, I was able to see some of its spots, and also because of its black colour, its white paw stood out.
"I was in search of it for the last two years. It was a dream come true moment. I was very excited but at the same time I knew it could be my first and last chance of capturing it.
"I calmed myself and held my camera and started capturing. It started crossing the road. The whole moment was over in one minute."
Featured Image Credit: Caters