The British Ecological Society’s annual photography competition, Capturing Ecology 2018, showcases stunning images of wildlife and ecosystems from around the world. The competition attracts a diverse range of participants, including students and ecologists, who capture the beauty and complexity of nature through their lenses. This year’s winning photograph features a Patagonian penguin surrounded by a group of chicks on Marion Island in the subantarctic region of the Indian Ocean. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by penguin populations in the face of climate change.
One of the finalists in the competition is a striking image of a sand viper, a species of snake adapted to living in sandy environments. The snake’s scales are shaped like small spoons, helping it to burrow into the sand and regulate its body temperature. This image highlights the incredible adaptations that animals have developed to survive in their unique habitats.
Another winning photograph captures a lesser dog-faced fruit bat, a medium-sized bat found in the forests of Mexico and Brazil. Known for feeding on the blood of vertebrates, this species primarily preys on tree frogs. The image provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of these nocturnal creatures and their role in the ecosystem.
In the category of Intimate Details, a captivating image of spiders showcases the often misunderstood creatures in a new light. The intricate web created by spiders serves as a place for them to eat, sleep, and seek protection from predators. Despite their bad reputation, the beauty of these creatures is undeniable, highlighting the complexity of the natural world.
A student’s winning photograph in the same category features a tiny frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica. The image captures the delicate beauty of the frog as it perches on a leaf, underscoring the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
The competition also includes categories such as Dynamic Ecosystems, Individuals and Populations, Ecology in Action, People and Nature, and Art in Ecology. Each winning photograph offers a unique perspective on the intricate relationships between species, habitats, and human interactions with the natural world.
Overall, the Capturing Ecology 2018 competition celebrates the diversity and beauty of our planet’s ecosystems. Through the lens of talented photographers, we are able to appreciate the wonders of nature and the urgent need to protect and conserve our environment for future generations.