Leopard in a tree, Kruger National Park, South Africa

© Tonino De Marco/Minden Picture

A dappled acrobat. World Wildlife Day

It's time to step into the wild! World Wildlife Day is an annual event that emphasises the need for worldwide conservation efforts. This year's theme focuses on advances in digital technology that can be used to help preserve wildlife: it can improve research, communication and DNA analysis. Digital platforms can also be a way to get younger people involved in the efforts to protect our planet's animals.

Today's snapshot shows a leopard perched in the lofty branches of Kruger National Park, South Africa. Leopards are one of the five living species of the genus Panthera, which also includes lions, tigers, jaguars and snow leopard. They are known for their solitary lifestyle, especially males, who roam their territories almost entirely in seclusion. They are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss, and their numbers are in decline globally. Through conservation efforts and events like World Wildlife Day, hopefully we can turn these trends around.