Rahana's distinct signature in wildlife photography

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rahana Habib, a native of Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, who was a teacher at the International Indian School in Saudi Arabia for ten years, left her job and went to explore the wild with her camera and captured rare moments of more than a thousand wildlife. During the ten-year trek, 25 endangered species came in front of her camera.

In Parambikulam and Wayanad, she had to go about 20 km into the forest. Rahana also has a shocking memory when she had to face heavy rain and a strong rush of water as she went into Bonacaud to take pictures of elephants and wild buffaloes. She lost a lot of blood after leeches bit all over her body. She was hospitalized for about a month. Her camera was also damaged. She has also travelled to visit forests in other states.

At first, she was travelling with friends. Now she travels alone. Rahana has organized two painting exhibitions and a photo exhibition. Her book on forest travels will be out soon.

"The aim is to capture the image of endangered species and introduce them to the public. We are preparing for a forest trek to countries including Indonesia."

- Rahana Habib

Snow leopard-a priceless image

The picture of an endangered snow leopard taken from the highlands of the Himalayas is the most precious. The picture was captured after waiting for 15 days in 2018 and 2019.

Also featured are Hoolock Gibbon, India's lone ape, red-necked hornbill, donkeys at Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, wild water buffalo and various species of deer.

Photographer at Shivans

Rahana returned from Saudi Arabia in 2007. She wanted to start a business. As it didn't materialize, she became interested in pencil sketches and paintings and joined artist BD Dutt to study painting. With a love for realistic photography, she became a disciple of photographer Shivan. The turning point came when she attended workshops organized by wildlife photographer Balan Madhavan.