This year’s competition saw a record number of entries, highlighting the growing interest in nature. Judges hope the shots will encourage conservation efforts
An action shot capturing a swarm of western toad tadpoles swimming amid towering plants in an underwater world in British Columbia, Canada, has been crowed the best image in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year award.
The annual competition run by London’s Natural History Museum received a record number of entries this year, amid a growing appreciation for wildlife. Winners were announced this week, with Canadian photographer Shane Gross taking top honours.
“The jury was captivated by the mix of light, energy and connectivity between the environment and the tadpoles,” said Kathy Moran, chair of the judging panel. “We were equally excited by the addition of a new species to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year archive.”
She added: “Over the last few years, the competition has highlighted environments and species that are often overlooked yet provoke the same wonder and delight when shared as the more typically photographed wildlife and wild places.”
Now in its 16th year, the latest competition coincided with dire warnings about the collapse in biodiversity, as outlined in this week’s Living Planet Report. Judges of the award hope the photos can be a catalyst for urgent conservation.
“Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s longevity is a testament to the vital importance and growing appreciation of our natural world,” explains Dr Doug Gurr, the Director of the Natural History Museum. “These are photographs that not only encourage further wildlife conservation efforts, but that spark the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale.”
An exhibition of the winning images launches today at the Natural History Museum. More information can be found here.