Salt Rock cameraman goes in search of the ghost leopard

Hiking through remote mountains and enduring harsh weather conditions has all been apart of the job for Salt Rock’s Damon Hyland, who was recently involved in shooting the groundbreaking documentary, The World’s Most Wanted Leopard.

The documentary that is now airing on National Geographic Wild saw a team of film makers and photographers travelling through Azerbaijan, in Southwestern Asia, for two years in search of a Caucasian leopard that was thought to be on the verge of extinction.

There are so few leopards left in Europe that the creatures have taken on almost mythical status.

Pushing himself to extremes, Hyland told the Courier that shooting the documentary was physically and mentally challenging.

“This was by far the most physically challenging shoot I have been on. We camped on the mountain range with some locals and they only spoke a mixture of Azeri and Russian, so communication was not easy. Every day was a challenge with changing weather and snow, but in the end we managed to capture images on a camera trap proving that there was a leopard living in the wild,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Hyland described the journey as fascinating.

“I travelled with a team of photographers and filmmakers, always documenting what we saw and experienced. The result is a fantastic journey through the Hirkan National Park, a protected area spreading into the Caucasus Mountain range.”

Hyland, who has been filming documentaries and short films for years, said he started in commercial photography and moved to film in 2009.

“Another series I’ve worked on is called 21 Icons. That is a series of films and photographs celebrating the lives of men and woman who have shaped the world around them. A highlight in this series was celebrating Nelson Mandela’s birthday with him in his house in Umtata. A very surreal experience.”

“Currently I’m working on a series called Beautiful News, a collection of films and photographs that are positive and authentic – a reflection of South Africa’s enduring spirit.”

When he’s not out and about capturing moments the Salt Rock local enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Carla, and his son, Ben.

Check your TV guide for the next shedueled screening of The World’s Most Wanted Leopard.

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