The British Ecological Society’s annual Capturing Ecology photography competition showcases stunning images of wildlife and nature captured by talented photographers. One remarkable photo that stood out among the entries was taken by Zeke Rowe in Panama’s Coiba National Park. The image shows a bold display of biting flies landing on the head of an American crocodile, showcasing the fearless nature of these insects.
Rowe, a PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, shared his experience of getting up close to the crocodile to capture the shot. The direct eye contact with the predator adds an intense element to the photograph, highlighting the unique interaction between the crocodile and the biting flies.
Another captivating image that won in the interactions category was captured by Willem Kruger in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The photo depicts Cape sparrows and other birds being disturbed by a lioness as they drink at a waterhole during the dry season. The tension and action captured in this shot make it a standout in the competition.
Jamal Kabir’s winning image in the animals category features a Wallace’s flying frog in South-East Asia. These amphibians, known for their gliding abilities, navigate the rainforests with ease using their webbed feet. The photo beautifully showcases the frog in its natural habitat, honoring the biologist Alfred Russel Wallace.
Peter Hudson’s highly commended photo of a bighorn sheep having its nose swabbed sheds light on the research and conservation efforts in the Rocky mountains. Pneumonia poses a significant threat to bighorn herds, and researchers are working on identifying and treating infected individuals to protect vulnerable populations.
Francisco Gamboa’s winning image in the plants and fungi category captures a fly resting on a mushroom in the Altos de Cantillana nature reserve in Chile. The intricate details of the fly and the mushroom create a visually striking composition, showcasing the beauty of the natural world.
Lastly, Liam Brennan’s image in the ecologists in action category shows undergraduate students using a beach seine to monitor coastal fish species in New Brunswick, Canada. This project highlights the importance of research and conservation efforts in preserving marine ecosystems.
Overall, the British Ecological Society’s photography competition celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural world through stunning images captured by talented photographers. Each photo tells a unique story and showcases the intricate relationships between different species and their environments.
