Mongabay · Climate & nature

Mountain Lion Photo Symbolizes Urban Wildlife Challenges

A now-iconic photograph of a mountain lion, P-22, beneath the Hollywood sign has become a symbol for wildlife conservation issues in Los Angeles, particularly the need for habitat connectivity.

Photographer Steve Winter spent over a year capturing the image of P-22, a mountain lion that had unexpectedly appeared in Griffith Park. The photo, taken at night with P-22's tracking collar visible, eventually made the lion famous.

P-22's image became closely linked to the campaign for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a project designed to reconnect wildlife habitats bisected by U.S. Route 101, a major freeway.

This story is featured in 'Big Cats,' a new book by Winter and journalist Sharon Guynup, which revisits significant reporting projects.

The book also covers their investigation into Thailand's Tiger Temple, revealing links to illegal wildlife trafficking, which led to its eventual closure by authorities.

In the Himalayas, Winter worked with researchers and local communities to photograph snow leopards. He helped establish a program offering free livestock vaccinations in exchange for a commitment not to kill snow leopards, a problem exacerbated by disease.

Winter's approach to wildlife photography is journalistic, focusing on the human and environmental factors influencing the survival of big cats.

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