What one photographer learned after spending nearly a year with pumas

Largest land predator, the Puma.

Wildlife photographer Ingo Arndt endured freezing temperatures and blistering winds over a period of seven months between 2016 and 2018 to follow his favourite animal across the wild lands of Patagonia. He spent hundreds of hours lugging camera equipment and patiently waiting in the unforgiving elements for it to appear.

To him, the puma—the 'ghost of the Andes'—is one of the most elegant and endearing animals he has seen in his life. The hardships were worth it, he says. His dedication and patience allowed him to photograph pumas mating, hunting guanaco (a llama relative), and engaging in other behaviors that few people have ever seen.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC - by Annie Roth

Photographs by Ingo Arndt

Cerro Castello Corridor

Center of the Padagonia National Park system

Andean Condor

Andean Condor is the world’s largest souring bird. Up to 10 foot wing span and are scavengers, an important part of the ecosystem. Parents search 100 miles a day for food to feed young. Previously hunted and poisoned to protect farmer’s animals, they are now protected by government programs.

Condor parents raise only one chick at a time. The chick takes it’s first ever flight at 8 months, to ride the wind. The chick stays with both parents for 2 more years.

Living high in the mountains of Patagonia, the condor is the largest bird capable of flight. Paraglider Judy Leden takes to the skies alongside these gigantic birds to observe them in their natural habitat.