This photograph is an entry for the 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021-2022'. Who is the photographer?

The Iberian lynx is one of the world’s most endangered cats due to habitat loss, decreasing food sources, car hits, and illegal hunting. But thanks to conservation efforts the species is recovering and can be found in small areas of Portugal and Spain.

Antonio Liebana Navarro is a Spanish freelance photographer specializing in advertising photography, architecture and interior design, gastronomy, reportage, travel, and nature.

Antonio captured this image while leading a conservation project based around photography in Peñalajo, Castilla La Mancha, Spain. He knew a family of lynx used a particular waterhole to drink, so he rigged up a hide close by. Focusing on this cub, he was lucky enough to capture the moment it lifted its head from the water, licked its lips, and gazed straight into the camera.

The 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition is an online competition conducted by the Natural History Museum, London. The winner is chosen as per people's choice. All of the shortlisted photo entries including that of Antonio Liebana are on display in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (2021-2022) exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London until 6 June 2022 for voting.