Medrosa is a female jaguar in Brazil’s Pantanal who has developed an unusual hunting technique. She uses this branch overlooking the river as a hunting perch, waiting quietly for a caiman— or occasionally a snake— to pass below. When the opportunity comes, she launches herself from the branch onto the animal and delivers the fatal bite.

It is a high-risk way to hunt, but Medrosa has become remarkably successful at it. Even more fascinating, she has taught the technique to one of her daughters.

I was photographing from a boat near this favorite branch when I made this image. She appears completely relaxed, draped over the limb as though she is resting. But she is watching the river below and is ready to move at a moment’s notice.

That contrast is what makes the photograph for me: what looks like a quiet portrait is actually a moment of intense readiness. The branch, the river and the jaguar are all part of the hunting strategy.