Nature fans vote for ‘ghost of the mountains’
Photography can connect people to wildlife and encourage them to appreciate the beauty of the unseen natural world.
Asnow leopard at sunset, a polar bear cub playing among flowers and a pair of affectionate foxes are among the winners of one of the world’s most prestigious photo competitions.
More than 60,000 nature photography fans voted for a winner from 25 selected by London’s Natural History Museum out of nearly 39,000 images entered into the competition, now in its 58th year.
German photographer Sascha Fonseca’s spectacular shot of a snow leopard at sunset, perfectly posed against the mountains of Ladakh in northern India, scooped the People’s Choice Award.
Fonseca captured the image during a three-year bait-free cameratrap project high up in the Indian Himalayas. Known as the “ghost of the mountains”, the elusive leopards are challenging to photograph in the wild due to their camouflage and stealth — as well as scarce numbers, in remote, rugged habitats. With an estimate of only 6500 adults living in the wild, these big cats face the threats of poaching, habitat loss and human-animal conflict.
“Photography can connect people to wildlife and encourage them to appreciate the beauty of the unseen natural world,” said Fonseca. “I believe that a greater understanding of wildlife leads to deeper caring, which hopefully results in active support and greater public interest for conservation.”
The other “highly commended” finalists included Fox Affection by Brittany Crossman, showing red foxes greeting one another with an affectionate nuzzle; a polar bear cub playing among flowers on the coast of Hudson Bay, Canada in Martin Gregus’ Among the flowers; and Marina Cano’s portrait of a male lion in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
The annual Natural History Museum’s competition is open to professionals and amateurs from around the world and is designed to shine a light on stories and species spanning the globe.
“This year’s record number of votes illustrates how wildlife photography can engage and inspire audiences with the wonder of nature,” said Dr Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum.
“A result of dedication and perseverance, Sascha’s remarkable image captures the breathtaking beauty of our planet and reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect it.”