Gelada, Ethiopia

Photograph by Clay Wilton

An adult male gelada rests in the early morning light after ascending the steep, sleeping cliffs of the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. This male won his right to mate by successfully deposing the old leader. Now he must defend his harem by tending to his females' needs and fighting off anxious bachelors waiting for their chance to become harem leader.

(This photo and caption were submitted to the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest .)

See all contest entries » See more pictures of Ethiopia »