In pursuit of his passion for wildlife photography, German-born Sascha Fonseca ventured into the birch forests of Eastern Russia with his DSLR camera trap.

His mission is to capture the elusive Siberian tiger in its snowy environment. Little did he know he would stumble upon something truly remarkable.

Fonseca’s expertise in setting up camera traps proved invaluable as he patiently awaited the perfect shot. “Tigers are mostly nocturnal,” he explained, highlighting the challenge of photographing these majestic creatures.

However, his dedication paid off when he managed to snap a breathtaking photo of a rare Siberian tiger, showcasing its beauty amidst the wintry landscape.

But Fonseca’s encounter with the Siberian tiger didn’t end there. His camera traps also captured footage of an undocumented male tiger, a significant discovery in wildlife research.

Inspired by the distinctive “L” pattern on the tiger’s cheekbone, Fonseca named the majestic creature Leo, paying homage to the renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy.

Siberian tigers, known as the most giant on the planet, face numerous threats, including poaching, pushing them to the brink of extinction. These magnificent beasts are critically endangered, with less than 400 remaining in the wild.

Fonseca’s mission extends beyond photography; he aims to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts in protecting Siberian tigers and their habitats.

Through his lens, Fonseca sheds light on the beauty and fragility of the natural world, urging us all to join him in preserving it for generations to come.