This article highlights the winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest. The top prize was awarded to Karine Aigner for her photograph of cactus bees on a Texas ranch. The image captures the intense competition among male bees to mate with a single female. Aigner’s use of a macro lens provides a unique perspective on insect behavior.
Tony Wu won the underwater category with his photograph of a male Leiaster leachi sea star releasing sperm into the sea. The photo was taken in the dark waters near an active volcano in Japan. Wu’s close-up shot reveals the beauty and vitality of a creature that is often seen as static.
Daniel Núñez was the winner in the wetlands category, showcasing the contamination in Lake Amatitlán, Guatemala. His aerial drone image juxtaposes the lush rainforest with green algal blooms caused by pollution from Guatemala City.
Junji Takasago’s winning photo in the natural artistry category features Chilean flamingos appearing to float within reflected clouds in Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt pan in the Andes. This surreal scene highlights the harmony of nature, but also raises concerns about the destructive effects of lithium mining in the area.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest is organized by the Natural History Museum in London.
