Welcome!
Every year we look forward to seeing the results of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition because we know we’ll be treated to a feast of superb and innovative images. We’ve turned over our photo story pages this issue ( from p76) to a showcase of winners, including two from the under-18s categories. As in previous years, the photographers’ works not only highlights the glory of the natural world but also its vulnerability. These powerful images help to motivate all of us to care for Earth’s rich diversity of animals.
The new landmark BBC series,
Dynasties, will also open eyes to the wonder of five most iconic species. As we went to press, the programme dates were yet to be set, but the trailers were promising a spectacular show. We’ve focused this issue on one of the subjects, African painted wolves (p18). Next month we’ll share images of emperor penguins, another of the Dynasties animals, by polar expert Sue Flood, who has dedicated more than 20 years to photographing their lives.