The Natural History Museum in London has announced the winners of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 competition, celebrating its sixtieth year. The competition received a record-breaking 59,228 entries from 117 countries and territories, showcasing the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
The grand title award for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 was given to Canadian Marine Conservation Photojournalist Shane Gross for his breathtaking image 'The Swarm of Life.' This photograph captures a mesmerizing scene of western toad tadpoles swimming through a pond in British Columbia, Canada. The image not only highlights the beauty of nature but also underscores the interconnectedness of animals, plants, and their environment.
The judges were captivated by the mix of light, energy, and connectivity between the environment and the tadpoles. This exceptional image is a new addition to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year archive and shines a light on often-overlooked species. Western toads are native to western North America and are critical components of their ecosystems, although they face significant threats from habitat loss and predation.
Shane Gross's dedication to capturing this moment is evident in his meticulous approach. He spent hours underwater, navigating through dense lily pads to ensure minimal disturbance to the silt and algae below. His efforts resulted in an image that not only showcases the beauty of these amphibians but also highlights their vulnerability.
Following his victory, Shane Gross expressed his hope that the spotlight on amphibians and wetlands would lead to urgent protections for these ecosystems. He encouraged communities to unite and advocate for the preservation of crucial areas in their neighborhoods.
Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024
The Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 award was given to German teenager Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas for his extraordinary image 'Life Under Dead Wood.' This photograph captures the delicate fruiting bodies of slime mold alongside a springtail beneath a log. Alexis demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication by taking 36 images at slightly differing focal lengths before combining them to create one exquisite macro image.
Alexis's photograph not only showcases the tiny life that exists in the soil but also highlights the patience and perseverance required to capture such a moment. The judges praised his ability to merge different images using focus stacking, resulting in an image with enhanced depth of field.
Alexis expressed his desire to reveal this tiny world from a fresh perspective, encouraging people to learn more about the microscopic creatures that often go unnoticed. His work aims to inspire a new generation of wildlife photographers and conservationists.
Impact Awards
To celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the competition introduced the Impact Award for both the Adult and Young Photographer categories. The Adult Impact Award was given to Australian photographer Jannico Kelk for his image 'Hope for the Ninu,' which showcases a greater bilby in a fenced reserve. This method has eradicated predators, allowing the greater bilby to thrive.
The Young Impact Award was given to Liwia Pawowska from Poland for her image 'Recording by Hand,' which spotlights a relaxed common whitethroat as part of bird ringing. This technique aids conservation efforts by recording a bird's length, sex, condition, and age to help scientists monitor populations and track migratory patterns.
The exhibition featuring the 100 awarded images will open on Friday, 11 October 2024, at the Natural History Museum in London. The exhibition will also embark on an international tour, visiting locations throughout Europe, Canada, and Australia. It will showcase past winners and photographic gear to commemorate the contest's 60th anniversary.
The competition's longevity is a testament to the vital importance and growing appreciation of our natural world. Dr. Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, expressed his excitement about this year's collection of images, stating that they not only promote wildlife conservation but also inspire global advocates for the planet.
