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Cheetah, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: The fastest land mammal in the world, the cheetah has adaptations that allow it to sprint across the African plains. Enlarged lungs, adrenal glands, and nasal passages allow greater amounts of air to enter the lungs, and the tail is elongated to provide extra balance when running. Cheetah claws also have ridges that provide traction on the ground. “This tree was the perfect lookout point for the cheetah mother. She had not eaten for a while and was searching for a meal to feed herself and her two cubs. I opted not to get too close, instead staying back to include the shape of the tree, which proved to be the perfect prop for a photo. Over-exposing on the overcast sky provided the ‘high-key’ look”. (Photo by David Lloyd/Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2017)
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