Eyecatchers Bat Cave

Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) leaving mater- nity colony at night to feed, with red lighting at entrance to cave. Bracken Cave, San Antonio, Texas, USA, July. Bracken Cave is the world’s largest bat maternity colony.

“As dusk deepens the sky outside Bracken Cave in Texas, a breath-taking spectacle takes place. For several hours, millions of bats stream out of the cave, tornadoing through the sky on one of their nightly hunting trips. Bracken Cave, outside San Antonio, is home to 15 to 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats, comprising the largest single colony of bats in the world. No other mammal on the planet lives at such a dense concentrations. Every night at dusk, between March and October, the bats emerge to feed - hunting moths, beetles and winged ants. They exit the cave in such dense clusters that they appear as storm clouds on weather radar! It was essential not to disturb the bats on their mass exodus from the cave, so I used infrared and other sophisticated lighting tech- niques to avoid disorienting them. It was such a beautiful thing to witness. Once the bats started coming out of the cave, they filled the sky. I could watch such a spectacle every night and never tire of it!”

Photographer: Karine Aigner Image number: 1591021 & 1591035 Foster Mother

Bishnoi lady breastfeeding an orphaned gazelle fawn, Indian gazelle or Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), the animals are released when they are old enough, Rajasthan, India.

“The Bishnoi are a religious community that lives in Northwestern India. They treat wildlife as fellow creatures, not as a resource. In the same area lives the Indian gazelle, also known as chinkara. Some of them get killed by traffic or feral dogs. In such cases, the Bishnoi women traditionally breast-feed orphaned gazelle fawns - just like their own human children - before the animals are released back into the wild. The religious beliefs of the Bishnoi have a very real conservation value.”

Photographer: Axel Gomille Image number: 1604001 & 1604003 Weaponised Slug

Blue sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus) approaching the venom-filled tentacles of a Indo-Pacific Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia utriculus). Both were washed ashore as part of a mass, multi-day stranding of thousands of Portuguese man-of-war. South Africa.

“A blue nudibranch (or sea slug) approaches the colourful, venom-filled tentacles of a bluebottle jellyfish, also known as a Portuguese man-of-war. The ocean-faring slug hunts and eats bluebottles, ingesting its prey’s powerful stinging cells (called nematocysts) and deploying them to special organs at the tips of its own cerata (the spiny outgrowths on its body). These confiscated weapons are then used for the slug’s own self- defence. In November 2017, strong offshore winds in False Bay, South Africa, resulted in a mass stranding of bluebottles – tens, if not hundreds of thousands were washed ashore over a four day period, along with the nudibranchs that associate with them. Every beach was filled with so many bluebottles that you could barely navigate without stepping on them. Most were dead, or damaged. I collected what living specimens I could find, and took them to my friend’s house near the beach. I set up a makeshift studio in his kitchen, using an assortment of improvised supplies. Among the items were chopsticks, BBQ skewers, mason jars, assorted Tupperware, USB lights, hazard lights for accident scenes, cutting boards, printer paper, newspapers, and a very attentive Swiss Shepherd who kept me company (as all other humans had abandoned me by this point). Afterwards, I passed all the animals I’d collected to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. I wish there had been some way of returning them to the deep water of the open ocean, but it was not possible.”

Photographer: Tony Wu Image number: 1592331 Night Patrol

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) at night, Zimanga private game reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, September 2018.

“Photographing wild Nile crocodiles silently patrolling the water in the dead of night isn’t something that’s been done much before, so when special night lights were recently added to a photographic hide regularly visited by these three metre-long prehistoric predators, the possibility of capturing them was too good to miss. All that separated us from these dangerous reptiles, circling just inches away from our lenses, was a slim panel of specially designed one-way glass. The crocodiles, residents of a nearby dam on the Zimanga game reserve, South Africa, had been tempted into the specially-lit lagoon with a few scraps of meat. As wildlife photographers, the darkness completely changed the way we experienced photographing such thrilling creatures. With no distracting background, our subjects became exaggerated versions of themselves; their size and defining characteristics appeared larger and more menacing and their gnarly outlines, illuminated by the lights and glinting like gold, completely mesmerised us.”

Photographer: Ann & Steve Toon Image number: 1607367 Electric Flight

Despite having no wings, spiders are capable of travelling hun- dreds of miles through the air, using a technique called balloon- ing. They do this by climbing up to an exposed point, standing ‘on tiptoes’, and releasing multiple threads of silk, which carry them aloft. For many years, prevailing scientific opinion was that air currents alone were sufficient to transport these intrepid arachnids on their flights, during which they can sometimes be carried four kilome- tres (roughly three miles) above the Earth’s surface. So how do spiders and their silk balloons float through the air when there’s no wind? The answer is electrifying – literally. Researchers at the University of Bristol, have discovered that spiders can become airborne using atmospheric electricity, oth- erwise known as the atmospheric potential gradient (APG). When they exposed Linyphiid spiders to artificial electric fields that were equivalent to those found in the atmosphere, the spiders flew. When the electric field was switched off, the tiny arachnids would glide down again. The researchers believe that the spiders detect electric fields using sensory hairs – called trichobothria – on their legs, the same way that human hair pricks up in response to a statically-charged balloon.

Photographer: Michael Hutchinson Image number: 1599120 & 1599132 Tummy Rub

Snorkeller rubbing the belly of a baby Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida, USA.

“It’s an itchy life for a manatee, and the ones living in Florida’s Crystal River have learned that getting a stroke or a scratch from a person is far more effective than rubbing against a rotten log! The youngsters - like this one - are often highly social and once they’ve discovered the benefits of a good scratcher, they’ll come back again and again. They demonstrate a clear ability to recognise individual people in the water. The snorkelers, for their part, are directed to only touch manatees with one hand - this way it’s impossible to grab hold of the rotund mammals and therefore the interaction remains solely on the man- atee’s terms. Manatees live in the ocean and close to freshwater springs across Florida, but it’s only in Crystal River where snorkel- ers are allowed to swim with these protected animals.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1598557 Survivor

Brush footed butterfly (Lycorea sp.) caterpillar with parasitic wasp cocoons on silk threads, Yasuni National Park, Orellana, Ecuador.

“Monkeys, birds, frogs, snakes, butterflies… I never know where to point my camera in the Amazon. There’s something interesting in every glance. But when I saw this caterpillar, I knew I’d found something incredibly unusual. The caterpillar had been parasitised by an ichneumon wasp. These wasps choose a host (usually the larvae of butterflies or beetles) to lay their eggs in. The eggs are inserted using a long, sharp append- age called an ovipositor that can pierce the flesh of the victim. When the eggs hatch, the wasp larvae begin to develop inside their living host, feeding on its tissues until they’re ready to pupate. By then, the host is usually dead, or nearly so. But that was not the case here. The caterpillar was still alive, even though the many wasp larvae had eaten their way out of it and were pupating in their silken cocoons. I’d always wanted to photograph this disturbing interaction but it´s not easy to find… let alone in a host that can survive such a gruesome attack!”

Photographer: Lucas Bustamante Image number: 1592542 Safety in Numbers

European barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) and bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) circling baitball of Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) Formigas Islets, Azores.

In the open ocean, small fish are vulnerable. There are no hiding places, such as kelp forests, or the cracks and crevices of coral reefs and coastal rocks. Instead, some fish species - such as these Atlantic horse mackerel besieged by predatory barracuda and bluefish - form a bait ball. The mackerel pack tightly together to form a dense sphere that ex- poses the least number of individual fish, and protects the majority on the inside of the ball. None of the fish inside the bait ball are aware of how the school has configured itself. Rather, it forms as the result of relatively simple rules followed by each individual, such as remaining close together, moving in the same direction, and avoiding collisions with each other.

Photographer: Franco Banfi Image number: 1579697 All Aboard!

Curious Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) investigating boat, Spitsber- gen, Svalbard, Norway, Arctic Ocean.

“This polar bear was photographed on an ice floe in Svalbard, Nor- way. It was feasting on a dead walrus, but when it saw our boat it took an interest and approached us. At first, it stayed a few metres away from the boat but then, as it grew in confidence, it decided to try and climb onboard! I took a quick photo before trying to discourage the bear from its chosen course of action. It was not aggressive and I found it quite easy to change the bear’s mind.”

Photographer: Franco Banfi Image number: 1590706 A Fly That Looks Like a Spider

Ectoparasitic fly (Penicillidia sp.) photographed on the head, body and wing of various African bats.

Penicillidia bat flies are highly specialised parasites which bear little resemblance to their winged ancestors. Over millions of years of co-evolution with their mammalian hosts, these parasites have undergone a remarkable transition. Most noticeably, all traces of the wings have completely disappeared. At the same time, its body has become flattened and very hard, making it almost impossible to squash against the skin. Large claws at the end of each foot grip tightly to the bat’s fur, while the head has turned into a small appendage that can be safely tucked away in a protective groove on the back. The result is a creature that looks more like an arachnid than a fly.

Photographer: Naskrecki & Guyton Image number: 1595214, 1595172, 1595182 Slumbering Giants

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) socialising with free diver stopped between two individuals, Dominica, Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, January, Vulnerable species.

“The sleeping behaviour of sperm whales - where they position themselves vertically in the water - was only discovered by chance in 2008, by a group of researchers studying the cetaceans off the coast of Chile. The researchers suggested that sperm whales don’t sleep like other cetaceans. Dolphins, for example, engage in what’s known as unihemispheric slow-wave-sleep - which means they only shut off one hemisphere of their brains at a time (and leave one eye open). But the whales seem to go into a deep sleep, drifting for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, without breathing. My partner and I were travelling along the coast of Dominica Island in the Caribbean, following a pod of 7-8 sperm whales, when suddenly they stopped and positioned themselves vertically to fall asleep. Sabrina was able to free dive among the slumbering gi- ants, allowing me to compose this shot.”

Photographer: Franco Banfi Image number: 1595008 Coral Kaleidoscope

Bubble tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia.

“I’ve always been drawn to coral reefs and have photographed them for as long as I can remember. Inspired by their inherent beauty, I started experimenting with what I call ‘coral kaleido- scopes’. By flipping and mirroring my images I discovered that I could create surprising compositions with strong symmetry, tex- ture and design. For me, the arresting colours and shapes capture the allure of coral reefs and the species that live within them. I think the results are magical.”

Photographer: Georgette Douwma Image number: 1606294 Next Page: 1606288, 1606296, 1606293 1606291, 1606287, 1606295

Croc vs. Bird

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) with White pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) caught in mouth whilst a Yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis) looks on. Msicadzi River, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique.

“During the dry season in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, the Msicadzi River slowly recedes. Starved of rain from the moun- tains, it shrinks until all that’s left is a dry, dusty riverbed. When I took this image, the river had been reduced to a pool a hundred feet long and a few feet deep. Trapped in it were thousands of fish - easy prey for crocodiles and piscivorous birds, which surrounded the pool in their droves. Such a bounty of fish usually means that the crocs and birds form a tense truce. Pelicans, storks, herons and egrets will fish in close proximity to the giant reptiles, generally with little to fear. On this occasion, however, one of the crocs (a large male) turned his attention to a group of fishing pelicans. The ambush came without warning; the pelicans erupting from the pool in a rush of wings - all except one, which was left floating awkwardly on the surface. I quickly realised what had happened, as the crocodile hauled out of the water, with its victim’s wings dangling from the corners of his mouth. Throwing his head back and forth, he tried to guide the limp bird down his enormous throat. But with its long wings and heavy head, the pelican proved difficult to swallow. I watched for two hours as the crocodile tried desperately to gulp down his catch, all the while pursued by smaller crocs who wanted a piece of the prize. It wasn’t until one of the crocs succeeded in tearing off the pelican’s head that the large male was finally able to guzzle down the rest of the bird.”

Photographer: Jen Guyton Image number: 1593344 Cousins

Toque macaque (Macaca sinica sinica) female resting on a public bench seat. Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.

“I was in Sri Lanka with a troop of Toque macaques who live within the ancient ruins of the city of Polonnaruwa. I had been following them over a number of days and had got to know them quite well. As a consequence, it was relatively straightforward to sit with them and take photographs of them and their behavior. One evening, I found the troop in a relaxed mood. Apparently, they had fed well during the day and were now chilling out. I was drawn to a young macaque sitting on a bench. Utterly relaxed, I realized that it was studying me. The tables had been turned. Over the years, I have learned that most mammals lose interest in human observers once they realize that that the human in question is neither edible nor dangerous. However, with primates - and es- pecially macaques and apes - the opposite is true. This individual was intensely inquisitive, adding to my conviction that Darwin was right: humans and monkeys are evolutionary cousins, descended from the same primate ancestor.”

Photographer: Anup Shah Image number: 1580003 The Damselfly Patrol

Common blue damselflies (Enallagma cyathigerum) group gather- ing over water, Hondenven, Tubbergen, Netherlands, July.

“At a small fen in the Netherlands, huge amounts of common blue damselflies gather on and around the water on hot summer days. They flit back and forth, looking for prey and mates, while others rest from their labours. Grass stems poking out of the water are popular perches and therefore always occupied. If a damselfly cannot find a place to land, it will often keep flying around a stem. I have discovered that they often do this in a synchronised way. The flight patterns are beautiful, as if the work of a choreographer. However, it is very hard to capture them because the action takes place so quickly. Out of thousands of pictures I’ve taken over the years, only a handful have been successful. Overcast, still days are the best - creating calm, white water and perfect reflections. This picture comes close to what I’ve had in mind all these years, capturing a naurally-occurring ‘flight formation’. No tricks, just years of hard work and dedication.”

Photographer: Theo Bosboom Image number: 1594931 Red vs. Blue

Kinabalu giant red leech (Mimobdella buettikoferi) feeding on Kinabalu giant earthworm (Pheretima darnleiensis), on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo.

“The giant red leech is only found on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, where it hunts amongst the damp soil. It is very rarely seen and unstudied by science. After weeks filming some of the many unique species on Kinabalu’s slopes, a heavy rainstorm brought one of these blood-red creatures to the surface. It was close to a mound of large worm casts that we had been monitoring, and it was hunting one of the large blue worms that had made them. We found several leeches hunting that day, and the one featured in this photograph is almost 50cm long. The worms are just as gigan- tic. Fortunately for us, the leeches seem to only have a taste for annelids, and are able to track the worms down until they are close enough to latch on. They eat in the same way snakes do, sucking the whole worm down like spaghetti and crushing it with their mus- cular throats.”

Photographer: Paul Williams Image number: 1590816 Life on Mars

Rio Tinto - Red River, Sierra Morena, Gulf of Cadiz, Huelva, Andalu- cia, Spain.

“Along its 58 mile course, the Rio Tinto flows through one of the world’s richest deposits of iron pyrite in the Huelva Province of An- dalusia, Spain. The high concentration of iron dissolving out of the rocks and into the water is responsible for the deep reddish hue that gives the river its name. The Tinto is highly acidic, with a pH similar to that of car battery acid, and its lower depths are virtually starved of oxygen. Never- theless, the river has a rich biodiversity - some of which has at- tracted the attention of scientists linked to NASA. The low oxygen and high acidity of the river means it can be likened to the waters on Mars. Yet despite such extreme conditions, the Rio Tinto has been found to support hundreds of different microbes: from algae and amoebas to yeasts and other fungi. If these ‘extremophiles’ have successfully adapted to the hostile conditions of the Rio Tin- to, then could life exist, or have existed, on Mars?”

Photographer: Juan Carlos Munoz Image number: 1595773 Half a Mile of Plastic

A compilation of items found washed up along a half mile stretch of the high tide line of South Padre Island, Texas. October 2016. Some of the plastic bottles and bags have signs of nip marks from hungry sea turtles who mistake the plastic for jellyfish.

“As I was walking along the beach on South Padre Island, Texas, I was shocked by all the trash that had recently washed up on the wrack line. Disturbed by the sheer amount of it, I began to pick it up, piece by piece. What started out as a casual clean-up operation quickly turned into a deep cleaning of the wrack line. I originally told myself I would walk one mile and pick up every single piece of trash I could find. Half a mile later, I had two 5 gallon buckets and a bag overflowing with trash and no capacity to carry on. When I piled it all into my car, I realized how significant the amount and diversity of trash was - and how impactful it could be to photograph it. So, I took it all home and set to work photographing every single piece of trash. It took many hours, not only to photo- graph it all, but to process every image and combine them into a montage. I hope the final composite image opens a few minds and gets people to think about the true extent to which our plastic waste impacts the ocean, and everything living in it.”

Photographer: Seth Patterson Image number: 1586057 Chasing Stars

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) uses a Panamic cush- ion star (Pentaceraster cumingi) as a toy. Los Islotes, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Sea of Cortez, Gulf of California, East Pacific Ocean.

“Young sea lion pups are full of energy and very playful. One of their favourite games is to pick objects up from the seabed, carry them to the surface and drop them - chasing them back down again as they sink. This play helps them develop the hunting skills they’ll need later in life. When I saw this young California sea lion pick up a starfish, I knew what was going to happen. I followed it until it dropped the star- fish, positioned myself directly below, and waited for them both to sink close enough to fill my wide angle lens. Just as they came within range, the sea lion caught up with the starfish and opened its mouth to grab it. It’s such fun being in the water with these little balls of energy - they even use scuba divers as toys, chewing on my equipment - especially my flippers and neoprene hood.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1598500 Water Art

Aerial view of melted ice around geothermal spring, Putoransky State Nature Reserve, Putorana Plateau, Siberia, Russia

When spring comes to Siberia’s Putorana Plateau, the many thousands of lakes and waterfalls begin to thaw. Water welling up from geothermal springs beneath the ice forms intriguing patterns, like the one pictured here on Lake Lama. From the central hole, the water radiates out to form the branching fingers. Although it took a great deal of effort to reach this inhospitable region of Russia, and subsequently to capture the image, photographer Sergey Gorshkov says that ‘water was the main artist.’

Photographer: Sergey Gorshkov Image number: 1605189 Let there be (UV) Light!

Borneo giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) resting inside a fallen hollow log. Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo. Photo- graphed with natural light [above] and ultraviolet light [below].

All scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The blue-green glow comes from a substance found in the hyaline layer of the scorpions’ exoskeletons. No one knows what function the glowing serves, but scientists have offered a range of explanations. Some suggests the glow is a warning signal, while others believe it helps the scorpions to find each other or lure their prey. It has even been suggested that the scorpion’s body has evolved to act like a giant eye, and that the ability to convert dim UV light from the moon and stars into recognisable blue-green hues enables the nocturnal creatures to find shelter and remain hidden in the shadows more effectively. “I wanted to show the effect of illuminating a scorpion with UV light,” says photographer Nick Garbutt, “but I also wanted to do this in a completely natural setting and be able to take an identical comparison shot, without the UV light. To do this, I located a giant forest scorpion in Borneo’s Danum Valley and kept it overnight. In the morning, I located an appropriate fallen hollow log that would allow me to create a composition with a fish eye lens that would show the interior of the log and some of the rainforest outside. I then put the scorpion in the appropriate place inside the log (exactly the sort of place one would be found). The initial exposure was based purely on daylight and I then took a second exposure, using a UV torch to ‘paint’ over the scorpion. I had to guess how long to ‘paint’ with the torch to get the correct amount of UV light and got the right amount after two or three attempts.”

Photographer: Nick Garbutt Image number: 1588717 & 1588718 Now You See Me

Tree frog (Hyla meridionalis), Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain, March.

“This picture was taken near a lake in the Sierra de Grazalema Na- tional Park in Andalusia, Spain. The Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis) resembles the European tree frog (Hyla arborea), but is larger, with a deeper, slower croak. The males become quite vocal in the evenings - but although you can hear them, you can’t always see them. This particular male was well-camouflaged on a milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). Searching for him gave me a chance to admire the pattern and texture of the leaves, and I wanted them to be an important part of the image. The frog is hidden within the composition at first, but when you see him, he’s impossible to miss!”

Photographer: Andres M. Dominguez Image number: 1582270 Scuba-Diving Fly

Alkali fly (Ephydra hians) underwater in protective air bubble, Mono Lake, California, USA.

“The bizarre alkali flies of Mono Lake, California, have a unique ability. Using protective air bubbles as ‘scuba suits’, they are able to dive underwater, in order to feed and lay their eggs . The flies can withstand the lake’s highly alkaline waters because of a dense mat of wax-coated hairs on their bodies. The hairs help to create an air bubble around them, which acts as an external lung while the flies are submerged. This remarkable adaptation allows the flies to occupy an ecologi- cal niche that very few other animals can tolerate. They are a com- pelling example of how nanoscale changes in the physical char- acteristics of animals — in this case the evolution of extra hairs on the flies’ bodies — can affect Earth scale ecology: the success and sheer number of alkali flies makes them an important food source for nesting California Gulls and migrating birds that use the lake as a refuelling station.”

Photographer: Floris van Breugel Image number: 1585246 & 1588014 The Divide

Rainbow over water flowing out of the Karahnjukar dam and Halslon reservoir, North East Iceland.

“North of the Vatnajökull ice cap, Europe’s biggest glacier, lies Iceland’s vast volcanic landscape: a pristine wilderness of rivers, waterfalls, geothermal fields and mountains. In 2006, the Kárahn- júkar Hydropower Project, a 198m high, 730m wide main dam, flooded a huge swathe of the highlands, home to nesting whooper swans and pink-footed geese. The dam was controversial and led to a global outcry from environmentalists. Today, 100% of Iceland’s electricity is generated from renewables. A whopping 40% of this comes from the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower dam. Other hydro sources contribute a further 30% and the re- maining 30% is geothermal. This image shows the outflow from the Kárahnjúkar dam. Getting there involved driving to a remote location and then hiking across a high plateau. I persuaded my friend to position himself on the edge of the cliff, facing the cascading water. A fine spray misted the air, catching the sunlight and creating the rainbow effect. I wanted the image to communicate the gulf of opinion that split the environmental community over this particular dam. On the one hand, we need to transition rapidly to a low carbon economy to avoid the worst excesses of climate change. But on the other, investing in renewable technologies can sometimes create prob- lems of its own: in this case, flooding valuable wildfowl nesting grounds.”

Photographer: Ashley Cooper Image number: 1591341 Coral Tree

Diver fragmenting a growing piece of Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), hung on coral propagation tree, as part of a coral conservation nursery project. East End, Grand Cayman. Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Caribbean Sea.

“Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea, occupying less than 1% of the ocean floor but supporting more than 25% of all marine species. Unfortunately, reefs all over the world are becoming in- creasingly threatened by climate change, ocean acidification and pollution. Coral trees are used by conservationists to grow and propagate coral fragments before reattaching them to damaged or over- stressed reefs. Some corals grow rapidly from fragments, rather like some plants grow from cuttings. Elkhorn and staghorn coral are examples of fast-growing ‘reef-building’ corals that have suf- fered massive declines in the Caribbean: between 92-97% since the 1970s. Without these previously dominant species, Caribbean reefs will continue to deteriorate. Here, a diver is tending to a coral tree in the Cayman Islands. The upper branches contain fragments of elkhorn coral and the low- er branches are being used for staghorn coral. Staghorn prefers deeper water, which explains its position on the tree. These frag- ments will later be used to rebuild damaged reefs in the region.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1588104 Shaking a Leg

Kottigehar dancing frog (Micrixalus kottigeharensis) calling and displaying by waving leg, Agumbe, Western Ghats, India.

“Traditionally, male frogs rely on their croak to attract members of the opposite sex, but the diminutive Kottigehara dancing frog - no bigger than 3-4 cm - has a far more dramatic way of charming the ladies. Rather than relying on its voice alone - which females may struggle to hear over the noise of the fast-moving streams where they live - these frogs shake a leg. The bizarre behaviour, known as ‘foot flagging’ involves stretching a hind leg out from the body and waving a fully extended webbed foot. Not only does this behaviour attract females, but it also comes in handy for pushing away rival males. This species belongs to the Micrixalidae family of frogs, which are endemic to the Western Ghats of India - meaning they are found nowhere else on earth. They breed during the monsoon season and can be found along small, flowing hill streams. To capture this image I lay waist-deep in a stream so I could get eye level with the tiny male. I had to remain motionless for 30-40 minutes, until he considered me part of his habitat, and began to behave naturally. The low light created by monsoon clouds, combined with intermit- tent rains and the leeches crawling all over me, made photography challenging. I spent three joyful days witnessing and documenting this fascinating behaviour.”

Photographer: Yashpal Rathore Image number: 1589930 The Edge of Winter

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in snowy landscape. Central Apennines, Molise, Italy, February.

“On a frosty winter morning, while snowshoeing in a remote valley of the Abruzzi National Park, in central Italy, I came across this beautiful scene. The frozen stream wound its way through a patch of virgin snow; the blue ice of the stream matching the shadows cast on the snow by the surrounding trees. I unpacked my camera equipment and started photographing the landscape. I noted the abundance of footprints along the stream banks - fox, wolf and marten - but everything was utterly quiet that morning and the forest seemed devoid of life. That is, until a splendid red fox male appeared from behind a mound of snow and walked into my frame! It was the kind of moment wildlife photographers dream about. Watching the fox move through this perfect setting was a joy and a privilege. Its presence gave life and vibrancy to the scene.”

Photographer: Bruno D’Amicis Image number: 1595034 Get Off My Land!

Freshwater crab (Potamon fluviatile) living in old Roman ruins, Traiano’s Market, Rome, Italy.

“I found this freshwater crab living inside Trajan’s Market, a com- plex of old ruins in the city of Rome, Italy. The crabs have been there for a very long time, probably since medieval times, though the area where they thrive is normally closed to the public. I was fortunate enough to be granted special access. This territorial male crab was evidently not used to seeing people. As soon as I approached with my camera, he showed me his claws!”

Photographer: Emanuele Biggi Image number: 1592692 Morning Stretch

Puffin (Fratercula arctica) wings spread backlit, Great Saltee Is- land, County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, June.

“The most eye-catching feature of a puffin is obviously its colourful beak, but I wanted to capture something else about this charac- terful bird. Puffins will flap their wings repeatedly when standing outside their burrows. With the sun low in the sky I simply had to position myself for a completely backlit shot and wait for a wing flap to happen. It didn’t take long and I had several chances be- fore the puffin took off to feed out at sea.”

Photographer: Guy Edwardes Image number: 1582520 Life in the Fast Lane

Hanuman Langurs(Semnopithecus entellus) on road with motorcy- clist, Mandore Garden, Jodhpur, India.

“I took this image while filming a troop of urban hanuman langurs in Jodhpur, India, for the BBC television series ‘Planet Earth II’. During that time I got to know the monkeys well. They have such a grace about them but are also capable of incredibly explosive movement at times! They are also not afraid of people. Here in Mandore Garden, where people regularly drive their mopeds, I photographed a langur seemingly at ease in the middle of the road. The driver had a slightly confused look, but gave the monkey plenty of space. The langurs in this area are treated with such respect and delight by visitors. Every day, people come to bring them food and spend time watching them. I saw other scenes around me of people and langurs sitting next to each other on park benches. It struck me that, in contrast to many places in the world where urban wildlife is often seen as a pest or a nuisance, here in Mandore Garden peo- ple make space and time for the animals that live alongside them. This harmonious co-existence is something we could all learn from.”

Photographer: Mark Macewen Image number: 1578732 Neon Mushrooms

Fluorescent mushrooms glowing in ultraviolet light. South-east Atlantic forest, Sao Miguel Arcanjo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“During a nocturnal hike in Brazil’s Atlantic forest, I was scanning the ground with an ultraviolet lamp. My mission was to find harvestmen, a group of arachnids that was the subject of my scientific research. One of the ways to find harvestmen at night is to look for their fluorescent bodies, which glow blue under ultraviolet light. I was pleasantly surprised when the lamp picked out these fluorescent mushrooms instead. Research has suggested that the luminance of fluorescent mushrooms is a strategy for attracting nocturnal insects - such as beetles, flies, wasps and ants. These visiting insects may help the mushrooms to spread their spores, enabling them to colonise new areas and ensure their survival. In the Brazilian Atlantic forest, fungi are under-studied. It’s only in the recent years that bioluminescent mushrooms have been documented in the southern regions. That means it’s very possible there are more fluorescent species, just waiting to be discovered!”

Photographer: João Burini Image number: 1592293 Jaws

American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), IUCN Vulnerable, Jardines de la Reina / Gardens of the Queen National Park, Caribbean Sea, Ciego de Avila, Cuba.

Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) is a sprawling marine reserve off the coast of Cuba: 850 square miles of islands, mangroves and reefs. It supports an astonishing diversity of life, including scores of fish, sharks, turtles, squid, rare corals and a litany of marine invertebrates. It is also home to the American crocodile, picture here over a bed of sea grass. The saltwater habitat means that these crocs grow under hydric stress and are smaller than their freshwater counter- parts. Even so, they are thought to play an important role in the mangrove ecosystem by creating pathways that improve nutrient circulation.

Photographer: Claudio Contreras Image number: 1598846 Life in a Teacup

Strawberry poison dart frog (Oophaga / Dendrobates pumilio) sitting in cup fungus, La Selva Field Station, Costa Rica.

“Deep within the Costa Rican rainforest, a fully-grown strawberry poison dart frog rests in a cup fungus. Conspicuous residents of the jungle understory, poison dart frogs are brightly colored to alert predators not to eat them. Due to their warning colouration and the poison in their skin, they don’t have to hide and are easily observed.”

Photographer: Phil Savoie Image number: 1589671 Coming and Going

Point-to-Point horse racing, low angle view of racehorse jumping fence, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. March.

“Point-to-point horse racing is common in the countryside of Wales, UK. I wanted to capture the action as the jockeys jumped their horses over a fence. I placed my camera, with a wide-an- gle lens, inside the jump and stood a safe distance away. Then I simply had to use a remote trigger to open the shutter at the right moment. The timing required to capture both halves of a horse in mid-air was down to pure luck.”

Photographer: Phil Savoie Image number: 1593610 Red Balloon

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) male displaying, red throat pouch inflated, North Seymour Island, Galapagos.

“The magnificent frigatebird breeds in scattered colonies on sev- eral of the Galapagos Islands, nesting in trees and low bushes. The males will build the nest from sticks and sit on it, patiently waiting for a female to pass by. When they spot a potential mate they will inflate their elaborate throat sack and lean back to show it off. They make it even more extravagant by waving their heads and necks back and forth to make the red balloon ‘wave’ at the object of their affections.”

Photographer: Roy Mangersnes Image number: 1577876 Humpback Courtship

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae australis) courtship, with the female above showing her abdomen and the male below. Vava’u, Tonga. Pacific Ocean.

“Knowing the behaviour of a photographic subject is vital to tak- ing successful images. While photographing humpback whales in Tonga, I recognised immediately that this pair was engaged in courtship. As is characteristic of this situation, the whales moved rapidly, but often in reasonably predictable patterns. The seas were difficult on that day, with two- to three-metre swells, winds in excess of twenty knots, skies grey and ominous. The female seemed to have a penchant for swimming in broad, sweeping arcs over and around the male. With pectoral fins ex- tended and back arched, her grace presented a wonderful con- trast to the more stoic posture of the male. This is what I wanted to photograph. Moments with this perfect pose were infrequent and brief. Howev- er, with some luck and a lot of swimming, I managed to get myself to the right place at the right time.”

Photographer: Tony Wu Image number: 1592307 Multitool

African elephant (Loxodonta africana) female matriarch approach- ing remote camera with curiosity - taken with a remote camera controlled by the photographer. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

“I was in Maasai Mara, Kenya, photographing a family of ele- phants for my book The Mara. I knew I wanted an intimate image, but with minimal disturbance to the animal. The biggest problem was how to photograph something as large as an elephant at close range, and still feel like I was in its world. This is where remote photography came in. I placed my camera on the ground to get the perspective I want- ed and chose a wide angle lens. Built in to the camera unit was a video link that connected to a portable television screen inside my truck, parked fifty metres away. When the right moment came, I adjusted the angle and the aperture and tripped the shutter for this photograph.

The resulting image moved me to write a verse about the elephant’s trunk: a true wonder of its anatomy:

The elephant’s trunk is a fused nose and lip and also a suction tool to sip. A snorkel for air, an arm to care. A device for showering, a spade for digging. A stick for scratching, a hand for picking. A limb to gesticulate, a weapon to defend. But you may say it’s for smelling and you’d also be right.”

Photographer: Anup Shah Image number: 1581289 Sonicated Snowdrop

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) releasing pollen after it was me- chanically stimulated by a tuning fork. Buzz pollination, also known as ‘Sonication’ is where pollen is released by the vibration of insect wings.

“Buzz pollination (or sonication) is the explosive release of pollen from a flower in response to a vibration from a visiting insect - usually a bee. While sonicating, bees contract their indirect flight muscles, generating forces of up to 30G (comparable to the record for human tolerance on a rocket sled). If these rapid vibrations are at the correct frequency for the flower, it will forcibly expel its pol- len, ensuring that only the right type of insect can carry the plant’s genetic material on to the next flower for pollination. Snowdrops are just one example of flowers that are buzz-pollinat- ed. Other examples include economically important crops such as kiwi, blueberry, cranberry and tomato. Some tomato growers use vibration devices to hand-pollinate their plants. In these images, I wanted to demonstrate the process by using a tuning fork to mimic the vibration of bee wings. Using a high-speed flash I was able to capture the moment when the tuning fork was placed against the stem and the anthers ejected their pollen.”

Photographer: Adrian Davies Image number: 1597569 & 1597570 Flashy Feathers

Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) perched on branch show- ing iridescence. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tuscon, Arizona, USA,

Iridescence, defined as a lustrous play of colour that tends to change with the angle of view, is broadly distributed across the animal kingdom, from birds and insects to fish and squid. Iridescent displays of colour all have one thing in common: they arise from the interaction of light with the physical structure of the object in question. The colours we see are called structural colours (as opposed to colours that are produced by chemical pigments - such as the chlorophyll that makes plants appear green). At the optimal angle of view, iridescent colours can appear highly pronounced, whereas at others, they can disappear entirely, leaving only the pigmented colours behind - such as the black melanins in the feathers of the Costa’s Hummingbird. The directionality of iridescent colours might allow animals to orient themselves so that they appear conspicuous to certain receivers (such as mates) but dull to others (such as predators).

Photographer: Dr. Axel Gebauer Image number: 1594061 & 1594063 Stand Off

Tawny eagles (Aquila rapax) fighting, Zimanga private game re- serve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

“A dramatic stand-off between two tawny eagles – sharp eyes, beaks and talons on full display – erupts early one morning in KwaZulu-Natal National Park in South Africa. Carrion is placed at this site to provide supplementary feeding for endangered vulture species, and we’d been watching from a nearby hide since before sunrise, waiting for the action to unfold. Several tawny eagles - op- portunistic scavengers - arrived on the scene first. Clearly unwilling to share the available pickings with each other, it wasn’t long be- fore tempers frayed, giving us the opportunity to photograph some dynamic squabbles and interactions. ‘Eagle-eyed’ tawnies use their keen vision to spot a potential meal from the air and are often the first scavengers to spot a carcass, followed by the vultures. Coming second doesn’t appear to be something vultures mind too much because the eagles make life easier for them by ripping open the carcass with their razor-sharp beaks - a feat that some vulture species would find difficult to achieve.”

Photographer: Ann & Steve Toon Image number: 1606862 Panda in the Mist

Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) female, Huan Huan, out in her enclosure in mist, Captive at Beauval Zoo, France.

“Huan Huan, a female giant panda from Beauval Zooparc in France, became a celebrity when she gave birth to France’s first baby panda in August 2017. A year on, both mother and baby are thriving. In the wild, giant pandas inhabit the cloud forests of China’s Sichuan mountains. They’re not accustomed to the warm- er European climate, which is why Huan-Huan’s enclosure has a built-in mist machine. The mist painted this scene with an atmo- sphere of mystery and fragility befitting the giant panda. Happi- ly, in 2016, the species was downgraded from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Vulnerable’ on the global list of species at risk of extinction. This demonstrates how the logistical and financial support of zoos like Beauval, coupled with the efforts of conservation organizations in the field, can help save our planet’s vanishing wildlife.”

Photographer: Eric Baccega Image number: 1597445 Aggressive Mimicry

Bird-dropping spider (Phrynarachne decipiens), Poring Hot Springs, Sarawak, Borneo.

“Bird-dropping spiders are sit-and-wait predators that mimic the appearance of bird dung, not only in their size, shape and colour, but also - research has shown - in their smell. The ability to pro- duce smells is rare in arachnids, making bird-dropping spiders true masters of deception. The spiders’ bodies even have a glossy, lumpy look - and occasionally, they will weave a patch of silk to sit on, to simulate the dried-up splash of a bird dropping. Not only does this deception protect the arachnids from predation (spider-eating birds are unlikely to show interest in what appears to be their own faeces), but the mimicry - including the chemical cues - also helps to attract flies and other dung-loving insects, bringing prey right to the spiders’ doorstep. This is a perfect exam- ple of ‘aggressive mimicry’, where a species is camouflaged not only to hide, but also to hunt. This spider from Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, attracted and caught a tiny wasp. Looking for it was quite fun and I had to inspect many bird droppings before I found it!”

Photographer: Emanuele Biggi Image number: 1590130 Foxtrot

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) pups playing, Vosges, France, June.

“These photos were taken in the Vosges region of eastern France, near to my home. I’ve been passionate about foxes for a very long time and published my first book about this species in 1993. At the age of three months, fox cubs are learning how to be indepen- dent. Their mother remains at a distance, only returning to bring them food. In this scene, two cubs are play-fighting - a behaviour that is commonly seen in growing foxes and one of the ways in which they learn hunting skills. Adults also play-fight during the breeding season and the characteristic face-to-face pose of the participants is sometimes said to have inspired the name of a popular ballroom dance: the foxtrot. It was very exciting to watch this scene. It took place at a close distance and lasted for a surprisingly long time.”

Photographer: Fabrice Cahez Image number: 1595682 & 1595675 Ready to Hatch

Broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) in translucent egg casing on the reef, Philippines, Asia.

“Cuttlefish are related to squid and octopuses and - like their relatives, they usually lay their eggs in some form of hard coral. This image was captured on a reef in the Philippines and shows the translucent egg of a broadclub cuttlefish just about to hatch. The previous year, a typhoon had washed many palm trees into the ocean and, unusually, the female cuttlefish had chosen the roots of one such tree to lay her clutch of eggs. Many of the others had already hatched when I arrived at the scene. The first one I focused on popped open before I could press the shutter! However, I man- aged to photograph this egg before it too split open, allowing the tiny cuttlefish inside to jet away in the blink of a eye. Life in our oceans is precious. The seas have changed so much since I began diving in 1976, but moments like this are a reminder that all is not lost. We can all do our bit to help marine species. Say no to single-use plastics, and stop spraying chemicals on your lawns and gardens. Too many of these damaging products find their way into our oceans.”

Photographer: Ernie Janes Image number: 1582764 Anthias Explosion

A vibrant Red Sea coral reef scene, with orange female Scalefin anthias fish (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) teeming over Fire coral (Millepora dichotoma) feeding on plankton brought to the reef by currents. Ras Mohammed Marine Park, Sinai, Egypt.

“Scalefin anthias mass on the up current side of their coral reef home, feasting on plankton. All the orange fish in the image are female, living in harems that are controlled by the pink and yellow males, of which only a few are visible. Anthias have a remarkable way of maintaining their social organisation; when the dominant male dies, the largest female takes his place by rapidly changing sex. Maximum reproductive output is achieved by having many egg-producing females, whilst ensuring the strongest, largest fish fathers them all. To take this picture I had to wait until a very strong current was flowing over the reef. Currents carry fresh plankton, so I knew the fish would organise themselves into this formation. I had to swim very hard to maintain my position up current of the reef and get the fish exploding outwards at my lens.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1588030 Seeds and Skeletons

Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) skeletons and Honesty seed pods (Lunaria annua)

“On a garden shoot, I came across some honesty seed pods and Chinese lantern skeletons. I have a large light box left over from the pre-digital era, when I was still taking images on slide film. I decided to modify the lightbox with daylight-balanced LED’s, and photograph these subjects against the pure white background. I enjoyed playing around with different patterns and compositions.”

Photographer: Ernie Janes Image number: 1588898 King of the Mountain

Silhouette of Red deer (Cervus elaphus) stag on mountain slope at sunrise. Abruzzo, Central Apennines, Italy, October.

“After being extinct in the region for more than a century, red deer were reintroduced to Italy’s Central Apennines in the ‘70s. Since then, they have shown a remarkable comeback. Every year, between late summer and early autumn, deer stags and hinds gather in alpine arenas for the rutting season: a wild and primitive spectacle, with stags bellowing and fighting for access to receptive females. To photograph these animals in their mountainous hab- itat requires long hikes, mostly in the darkness, to reach the best spots well before sunrise. Then you have to sit for hours, quiet and motionless under a camouflage blanket, waiting for the opportuni- ty to photograph the action. One morning, this stag was moving along a ridge, its silhouette unmistakable against the distant mountains and sky. I loved the simplicity of the scene and the soft hues. For this image, I used a shorter lens in order to portray the majestic stag in his spectacular surroundings.”

Photographer: Bruno D’Amicis Image number: 1595169 Water Colour

Floating sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans) in lake, Bjornlandet Na- tional Park, North Sweden.

“Typically found in marshes, river margins and around lake shores, floating sweet-grass is easy to spot, especially in summer, when the half-metre tall flower spikes grow straight out of the water. I was walking past a lake in Bjornlandet National Park, North Swe- den, having abandoned my plans to photograph the forest. The wind was too strong, and I was feeling frustrated and discouraged. However, all that changed when I saw how the blustery conditions on the water created this beautiful interplay of wind, waves and the swaying sweet-grass.”

Photographer: Theo Bosboom Image number: 1581249 Fire Gazing

Toque macaque (Macaca sinica sinica) investigating a fire. Polon- naruwa, Sri Lanka February.

“I was in Sri Lanka with a troop of Toque macaques who live within the ancient ruins of the city of Polonnaruwa. I had been following them over a number of days and had got to know them quite well. As a consequence, it was relatively straightforward to sit with them and take photographs of them and their behavior. One evening, the macaques were hovering around a fire which had been lit by a gardener. A few of the adults were very interested in the contents of the fire and took turns to examine it. This behavior reminded me of previous encounters with monkeys who enjoyed feeding on charcoal. Zoologists have gone on record to state that such monkeys eat charcoal to help eliminate toxins in their diges- tive tract. We did not see any macaques pick up charcoal from the fire but of course it was still very hot in this image. Perhaps they were simply drawn to the fire out of natural curiosity. I like the ambiguity in this photograph. One is not sure what the macaque is doing, and there are many ways you can interpret what it might have been thinking.”

Photographer: Anup Shah Image number: 1579995 Outnumbered

Ants (Formicidae) attacking newly emerged cicada (Cicadacae), Yasuni National Park, Ecuador.

“It never ceases to amaze me what you can find in the Amazon. It is so full of life; not just animals and plants, but also sounds and sensations. Each hike fires my curiosity. I never know what I might find, only that it will be something incredible. This held true when I spotted a freshly-moulted cicada, fallen victim to hundreds of ants. Cicadas spend most of their lives as wingless larvae, waiting until the time is right to shed their skins and become winged adults. The newly emerged cicada is soft and vulnerable. It can’t fly until its wings have inflated; a process which involves pumping them full of haemolymph, a blood-like fluid that is used to transport nutrients around the body. In this image, the wing veins are empty and transparent, meaning they lack the rigidity necessary for flight. For the ants, it was an easy meal. All the cicada could do was move its legs in a slow and vain effort to escape. After taking this image, I left the opportunis- tic insects to their meal and continued my hike, wondering what else the Amazon had in store for me that night.”

Photographer: Lucas Bustamante Image number: 1584712 Master of Disguise

Mossy leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) close up of eye and mouth fringes, close to real moss, Madagascar.

“Mossy leaf-tailed geckos are one of the most stunning examples of camouflage on Earth. Their entire body is surrounded by mossy fringes - an adaptation that completely blends the gecko with the tree trunk and removes the shadow cast by lateral sunlight. That makes them very difficult to find in the forest! But once you spot them, they rely so heavily on their camouflage that it’s not hard to approach for a close-up shot.”

Photographer: Emanuele Biggi Image number: 1590125 Beautiful Deception

Close up detail of the eye and skin pattern of a Giant hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus). Socorro Island, Pacific Ocean.

“The giant hawkfish is endemic to the East Pacific ocean. It is an ambush predator, sporting a psychedelic colour pattern. Whilst it may seem ornamental, the pattern has evolved to break up the fish’s outline as it lies in wait. Giant hawkfish are not always easy to approach, but this individual was unusually calm, so I had the chance to capture an image I had long imagined - filling the frame completely with its bizarre pattern.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1588042 Upward Looking

Pink lady mayfly (Epeorus albertae) close up of eye of male, Madi- son River, Montana, USA, August.

“The eyes of a male pink lady mayfly are some of the oddest eyes in the animal kingdom. The regular compound eyes are augmented here by large domes: two large cylindrical “turban” eyes that face upwards in addition to the lateral eyes. These are capable of de- tecting ultraviolet light and thought to be used during courtship to detect females flying above them. The image was captured using a microscope, stacking over 90 individual shots to arrive at the final composite.”

Photographer: Phil Savoie Image number: 1593633 Green Living

Valeroi’s glass frog (Hyalinobatrachium Valerioi) on underside of a leaf, Costa Rica.

“A small nocturnal amphibian native to the wet forests of Central and South America, the Valeroi’s (or reticulated) glass frog is so- named because of its semi-transparent skin. As with other species of glass frog, the heart and digestive tract is visible from the outside. For this shot I used a single off-camera flash posi- tioned behind the leaf. A reflector was used to bounce diffused light onto the frog. As with most of my rainforest images, I was trying to maintain the green colour palette as much as possible. This particular frog was very co-operative, which is not always the case!”

Photographer: Guy Edwardes Image number: 1582472 The Meeting of the Waters

Diver in crystal clear spring creek, flowing in to the muddy flood- plain rivers Rio Salobra and Rio Miranda, with water plants mainly Water hyacinth (Eichhornia sp.) Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

“The floodplains of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wet- land, are submerged during the rainy season, nurturing an aston- ishingly diverse collection of aquatic plants and helping to support a whole host of animal species. However, many of the rivers carry heavy loads of mud and silt, and the cloudy water means low visibility for photography. There are a few exceptions, such as the crystal clear spring creeks flowing from nearby mountains. In this case, the blue water of the creek is meeting the yellowish water of a turbid river. The muddy colour indicates that the river is transporting a large amount of sediment. The confluence between the two waterways created a strong contrast, and I asked my assistant to swim from one to the other to add a sense of scale to the scene.”

Photographer: Michel Roggo Image number: 1594542 Back Scratching

African elephant (Loxodonta africana) rubbing bottom against boundary stone, Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Africa,

“Driving through the Akagera National Park in Rwanda, I came face to face with this male elephant. Although the pachyderm seemed to have a peaceful disposition, my guide drove the vehicle back to a respectful distance. The elephant paused at this track intersection to rub his back on a stone sign, adopting this comical pose before disappearing into the bush. Thanks to the work of Rwandan rangers, there has been no elephant poaching in Akagera National Park in recent years. The elephants there seem to have a more relaxed nature, which I think comes through in this image.”

Photographer: Eric Baccega Image number: 1592371 Dead or Alive

Small rodent drowned in the bottom of a river, covered in silt, Pyre- nees, France.

“I was photographing Pyrenean brook salamanders in a small stream of in Ariège, France, when I noticed this little drowned ro- dent. I hesitated before taking this picture because I usually don’t like to photograph dead animals. But, perhaps due to the strange vibrancy of its eyes, there was something very alive about the mouse. It seemed to me that it was frozen in time, preserved within a fine layer of sediments, like a living fossil.”

Photographer: Remi Masson Image number: 1587246 Devil’s Warning

Devil’s flower mantis (Idolomantis diabolica) male in defensive posture, captive, occurs in Africa.

“In my opinion, the Devil’s flower mantis (Idolomantis diabolica) is one of the most beautiful praying mantis species. It is also one of the largest: the males can grow to about 10 centimetres long. They occur in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. In this image, the male has adopted a defensive posture - an intimidating stance intended to scare off would-be predators.”

Photographer: Edwin GIesbers Image number: 1588955 Group Hug

Three Strawberry poison frogs (Oophaga pumilio) on rock, Sara- piqui, Heredia, Costa Rica.

“While travelling in Costa Rica, I visited the Sarapiquí region - a rainforest ecosystem that is home to the famous strawberry poison frog. The frogs are surprisingly common, you can find them ev- erywhere in the leaf-litter! They’re also very active and never stop jumping! I came away with hundreds of pictures, but this one was my favourite. It captures the split-second moment when three frogs were in my frame, revealing an interaction that could be likened to a group hug.”

Photographer: Lucas Bustamante Image number: 1592617 As Still As Stone

Stone grasshopper (Pamphagidae sp.) perfectly camouflaged among rock. Brandberg mountain area, Namibia.

“Stone grasshoppers live in the rocky desert areas of Brandberg Mountain, Namibia. They are big and slow, capable of hopping jumps but not great leaps. Their lack of agility, however, is equalled by their masterful camouflage. They almost entirely blend into their environment and as long as they stand still, they’re almost impossible to see. I had to scan the ground inch by inch, searching for the slightest movement, before I found this individual. I wanted the image to show just how closely this species of grasshopper mimics its environment.”

Photographer: Emanuele Biggi Image number: 1595981 Turtle Springs

Suwanee freshwater turtle (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) swimming beneath trees in a freshwater spring. Devil Spring, Gin- nie Springs, High Springs, Florida, USA.

“Freshwater turtles are shy and usually very difficult to approach, but the Ginnie Springs Park in Florida is a popular place for swim- mers and the turtles there are a little more used to people. After trying for several years, I got very lucky and found a cooperative individual, which allowed me within touching distance. I took this photo in February, when the springs were quiet, and the trees were still lacking foliage. I held my breath and positioned myself beneath the turtle to frame it against the forest. I was shooting blind and only had time to fire a couple of frames, so I was pleased to produce this image. I am used to photographing marine turtles, which are much bigger and friendlier. They also swim differently; marine turtles scull through the water with a symmetric breaststroke action, while freshwater water turtles paddle through the water, using all four legs.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1598550 Electric Dreams

Pre-roost gathering of common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) on an electricity pylon. Negev Desert, Israel.

“I was photographing a large flock of several thousand starlings in Israel’s Negev desert. There were black kites present at the scene, which were causing the starlings to ‘murmurate’ - an incredible spectacle where they take to the skies en masse and form a giant, swirling flock to try and confuse predators. Towards dusk, I tried to guess where the starlings would roost, which led me to a gas fired power station near the city of Be’ershe- va. This gathering on the pylons was the most impressive image from the day. I never managed to capture an image of a large murmuration, but this shot was my consolation prize. I am always happy to show how birds can adapt to a man-made environment.”

Photographer: Chris Gomersall Image number: 1595955 Personal Space

“I’ve been photographing the mountain gorillas that live in the Virunga National Park for ten years, but this was the first time I was able to get so close. Contact with mountain gorillas is strictly regulated, for good reason. Human diseases can make gorillas sick, and even kill them. Because mountain gorillas are critically endangered, every individual is vital to the survival of the species. Tourists are therefore required to wear masks over their mouths and keep a minimum distance of 7 metres from the gorillas. However, the gorillas themselves don’t always observe the same rules. They are naturally curious and playful, especially the younger ones. Occasionally, they will approach tourists closely and even touch them. In this image, a young male came right up to me and tried to grab my camera! While this juvenile was showing an interest in me, the dominant male (or silverback) signalled his displeasure about the close prox- imity and gently struck a nearby guard. There was never any danger and we immediately retreated until the male was at ease again. Spending time with mountain gorillas is undoubtedly an emotional experience, but it’s important to always be respectful. As tourists, we are entering their world. Not only is it a privilege to be among them but it’s heartening to know that the money from gorilla tour- ism contributes to the survival of the species.”

Photographer: Eric Baccega Image number: 1592361 & 1599197 Headlock

Blackheaded heron (Ardea melanocephala) catching Cape turtle dove (Streptopelia capicola), Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, February.

“Waterbirds aren’t a common sight in South Africa’s arid Kgalaga- di Transfrontier Park, but when summer rains bring a temporary respite from the drought, species such as this black-headed heron seem to materialise, as if by magic. Cape turtle doves, on the oth- er hand, are year-round residents, and descend in huge numbers at waterholes to drink. They are rightly nervous of predators, such as lanner falcons, black-backed jackals, and African wildcats, but perhaps they aren’t accustomed enough to herons to exercise the same level of caution. In the space of a couple of hours we watched this heron capture two turtle doves and a Namaqua dove with relative ease, walking up to them briskly and then jabbing with his powerful bill to grab each victim around the neck. Herons are known to prey upon vul- nerable chicks and injured birds, but it was the first time we’d seen one catching fully-grown and healthy birds of this size. It could have been the first time for the heron as well – it seemed uncertain what to do with its prey, allowing two of its prizes (including this one) to escape, apparently unharmed. Only the smaller Namaqua dove was swallowed. Photographing the behaviour was straight- forward, simply a matter of patience and concentration, waiting for the decisive moment.”

Photographer: Ann & Steve Toon Image number: 1600260 Dinner Time

Beaver (Castor fibre) female feeding on willow bark with her two kits, River Otter, Devon, England, UK, July.

“The European Beaver (Castor fiber) is a native British species that was hunted to extinction 400 years ago for its meat, fur and castoreum - a pleasantly-scented secretion that has been used in anything from medicines to perfumes and food additives. Although the species still occurs in mainland Europe and has been success- fully reintroduced to parts of its former range, it has (until recently) only been present in the UK in zoos. It was therefore surprising when, in 2014, a wild breeding population of beavers was dis- covered on the River Otter, in Devon. Perhaps they escaped from captivity or perhaps they were introduced illegally, nobody knows. Although the initial response from the government was to remove them, a campaign led by Devon Wildlife Trust was mounted, with the support of the local community. The River Otter beavers are now part of an officially sanctioned reintroduction trial, which aims to identify and assess the positive and negative impacts of beavers on riverine habitats, wildlife, and local communities. Happily, the beavers have been thriving in their new home and breeding with great success. This image shows a female beaver and her two kits snacking on willow branches late one evening. The sky was darkening, but there was just enough light left to capture a sharp image showing the beavers enjoying a family meal together on the banks of the River Otter. Observing these animals in their natural habitat was a real treat after their long absence from the UK. It was a privilege to be part of this great conservation success story.”

Photographer: Matt Maran Image number: 1600502 Feeding the Flock

Flock of Common cranes (Grus grus) feeding in the Hula Valley, Israel. January. The cranes are being fed on maize kernels by a farmers’ co-operative, to mitigate crop damage.

“This image was taken in Agamon Hula in northern Israel. Each winter, up to 45,000 common cranes congregate at this wetland, which is within an important agricultural region. A co-operative of local farmers, seeking to mitigate damage to their winter cereal crops, actively feed the birds with maize kernels to keep them with- in the wetland. The birds are absent in the summer months, arriving in October and leaving again by April for their breeding grounds further north. While it lasts, this spectacular scene is popular with photogra- phers and tourists alike. The cranes are not shy of people and approach very close to the tractors which carry tourists beside the flocks in ‘safari wagons’. It was a dream come true to be surround- ed by so many wild cranes - not to mention noisy!”

Photographer: Chris Gomersall Image number: 1595956 Midnight Feast

Two Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) feeding on mealworms and oatmeal left out for them on a patio, watched by home owners, Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK, August.

“Hedgehogs have declined by 95% in the UK in the last 60 years, largely due to habitat loss, food shortage and being killed on roads. Suburban gardens (where they can safely forage for inverte- brates) have become increasingly important for their survival and supplementary feeding can also help support local populations, allowing hedgehogs to put on enough fat reserves ahead of their winter hibernation. In this image, a pair of hedgehogs is feeding on a tray of food put out for them by a couple of homeowners (who can be seen in the background). The image was taken remotely from inside the house, using a wireless control. The hedgehogs weren’t startled by the flashes or the camera’s shutter and carried on feeding while I took a number of shots. Helping hedgehogs with extra food is really worthwhile if a varied diet (including meat-based options) is supplied. Further measures such as offering water, gaps under fences (so they can move be- tween properties) and shelters for them to hibernate in all benefit hedgehogs and help to bring these charming creatures within view of our homes.”

Photographer: Nick Upton Image number: 1586651 Colonial Living

Neustonic jellyfish (Porpita pacifica) at the surface, viewed from above. Anilao, Batangas, Luzon, Philippines. Verde Island Passag- es, Tropical West Pacific Ocean.

“I spotted this unusual organism floating alongside a boat I was travelling on in the Philippines. Although it looks superficially simi- lar to a jellyfish, it is not a single animal, but a colony of hydrozoan polyps (the same organisms that make up corals and sea anem- ones). The pale disc in the middle is the float and the radiating tentacle-like arms are individual hydroids. It’s so well-integrated that it looks like a single animal. But it can’t swim and is a passive drifter, living on the ocean surface. Such organisms are called ‘neustonic’ and often have a blue colouration to protect them against UV radiation. The Portugese man-o-war is another example of a blue colonial hydrozoan that leads a neus- tonic lifestyle.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1598482 Killer Snail

Carnivorous land snail (Oxychilus sp.) eating a cave cricket (Pet- aloptila andreinii), Italy.

“We’re used to thinking of snails - such as the common garden snail - as being vegetarians, but in reality many of them are carniv- orous. I spotted this one feeding on a weak or dead cricket inside a dark cave in the Italian Apennines, near the town of San Bar- tolomeo. I’ve visited this cave countless times, but this was only the second time I’ve witnessed this behavior. Such a rare opportunity was not to be missed!”

Photographer: Emanuele Biggi Image number: 1592869 Free Ride

Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) cubs riding on mothers back, Daroiji Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka, India.

“Sloth bear cubs first leave the safety of their natal den at two to three months, and rarely stray from their mother’s side. Unlike some other bears, which climb trees for security, sloth bear cubs climb onto their mother’s back. No other large bear species is known to behave in this way. The piggyback rides keep the cubs safe from tigers and leopards while the mother searches for enough food to produce milk. When she stops to feed, the cubs will dismount, always ready to explore and play. However, when it’s time for their mother to resume her foraging, they climb straight back on again. Sloth bears spend a large part of the day in their dens - cool caves with good air circulation - rather than braving the hot temperatures outside. To take this image, I had to position myself in a hide in the early afternoon, when temperatures were as high as 40 Degrees Celsius. But I was rewarded with the chance to document these animals in their last remaining stronghold: the Daroji Bear Sanctu- ary in Karnataka, India.”

Photographer: Yashpal Rathore Image number: 1589906 Last Dance

American barn swallow (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster) in flight catching insects over the Gallatin River, Yellowstone National Park, Montana, August.

“Soaring over a river, a hunting barn swallow sets its sights on a hovering Dance Fly. Feeding solely on insects, barn swallows are the most widespread species of swallow in the world. With this image, I wanted to show their hunting behaviour, which is incredi- bly difficult to capture. I focused on the fly so that the approaching swallow and glinting highlights of the river were rendered in soft focus, creating a powerful abstract of the scene.”

Photographer: Phil Savoie Image number: 1581128 Playing Catch

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) pup playing with Mole prey (Talpa euro- paea) Vosges, France, June.

“This male fox cub was part of a litter of four that was born in a woodpile located at the edge of a meadow. For several months, I went there almost every evening to photograph them. On the evening I took this photograph, the mother had been out hunting and brought back a mole. The young male - about three months old - played with the mole for almost quarter of an hour, throwing it in the air repeatedly. Then, one of his siblings snatched it and a chase began. Play and exercise are essential for young foxes, helping them to hone their skills and hunting technique. The mother encourages them by frequently bringing prey back to the den. Although foxes catch moles, they rarely eat them. They are more often used as training tools to prepare the cubs for a life of independence.”

Photographer: Fabrice Cahez Image number: 1595679 Triple Trouble

Imbabura Tree Frogs (Boana picturatus) perched on a branch. Bilsa, Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

“The Imbabura treefrog is a highly colourful frog with extremely large eyes. To me, it is one of the most charming frogs in Ecuador. It’s endemic to the Chocó region, meaning it isn’t found anywhere else in the world. I found this trio perched on a branch next to a pond. These frogs typically gather near water to call, find mates, and lay their eggs.”

Photographer: Lucas Bustamante Image number: 1584711 Standing Tall

Pine marten (Martes martes) standing on hind legs, Vosges, France, May.

“Pine martens are usually very secretive creatures, only active at night. However, in the spring and summer, when the nights are shorter, they can sometimes be seen during daylight. I encountered this female early one May morning, walking along a forest track. When she heard the click of my camera shutter, she raised herself up on her hind legs and stood alert for several seconds, trying to determine where the noise was coming from. Pine martens sometimes adopt this posture when seeking out prey, since it offers a better view of their surroundings.”

Photographer: Fabrice Cahez Image number: 1595640 Oral Hygiene

Bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) sticking its head into the mouth of a Red Sea fusilier (Caesio lunaris) during a cleaning session. Small Crack, Sha’ab Mahmud, Sinai, Egypt. Red Sea.

“This image appears to show a cleaner wrasse (on the left) being eaten by a fusilier (on the right). However, it is actually the wrasse that’s doing the feeding. Cleaner wrasse are so-named because they eat the parasites that live on other fish. The ‘clients’ allow this to take place and even solicit the behaviour as it provides them with an important service. The interaction is symbiotic, meaning there is a mutual benefit to both species: the wrasse gets a meal and the fusilier gets rid of its parasites. In this case, the wrasse is digging around inside the fusilier’s mouth. Fusiliers are plankton feeders, so it’s possible that this individual has picked up the larvae of some parasites that have subsequently attached themselves to the inside of the mouth. I’m glad my own food doesn’t bite back like this!”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1588162 Life in a Tin Can

Barred-fin moray (Gymnothorax zonipectis) sheltering in a discard- ed aluminium drink can. Ambon Bay, Ambon, Maluku Archipelago, Indonesia. Banda Sea, tropical west Pacific Ocean.

“When diving close to cities, it is common to encounter oceanic trash. The amount of rubbish, both metal and plastic, is constantly growing. Large pieces break down into smaller particles that are often ingested by marine species, travelling up the food chain all the way to humans. Although I would prefer not to see litter like this underwater at all, it was nice to see an example of our waste being put to good use.”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1598572 Grackles at Dawn

Flock of Boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major) on wires at dawn. Crystal River, Florida, United States.

“I was in Florida and up early to photograph manatees, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to photograph these roosting grackles against the dawn light. At the time I was frustrated that the lines were slack and therefore not straight, but now I like how they sag slightly across the frame. The photo reminds me a little of sheet music - although not a very interesting tune!”

Photographer: Alex Mustard Image number: 1598571 Perfect Plumage

Close-up of Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) feathers, Brazil.

“ At one of the lodges I was staying at in the Pantanal, Brazil, there was a wild, but habituated hyacinth macaw that could be approached closely. I used a macro lens to get in tight and show the detail in its feathers. I used a trace of fill-in flash to augment the intensity of colour. Because the macaw was constantly moving around, I had to do all this hand-held, which is not ideal for close- up work and I had to take many shots in order to get two or three with the composition I wanted and sufficient depth-of-field to appreciate the detail.”

Photographer: Nick Garbutt Image number: 1588712 Taking a Dip

Variegated meadowhawk dragonfly (Sympetrum corruptum) pair flying to lay eggs whilst mating, Madison River, Montana, USA, June.

“Flying low over the water, a female variegated meadowhawk dragonfly deposits her eggs in Madison River, Montana. The male clasps her behind the head and guides her as she dips her abdo- men in the water, releasing the eggs he has recently fertilised. To take this image, I had to lie down on the riverbank to get the correct angle on the subject. Because dragonflies are vulnerable to predation during egg-laying, the whole process is swift and requires a bit of luck to capture.”

Photographer: Phil Savoie Image number: 1590612 Holy Hail!

Hailstone the size of golfballs, Bozeman, Montana, USA. June.

“Huge hailstones are a common sight in Montana, USA. Hail this size has caused millions of dollars worth of damage to automo- biles and homes – even killing unsheltered livestock. Hail forms when thunderstorm updrafts carry water droplets high enough that they freeze. This freezing process forms a hailstone, which can grow as additional water freezes around it. Eventually, the hailstone becomes too heavy for the updrafts to support it and it falls to the ground. A strong updraft therefore allows hailstones to grow larger before they reach the ground; the stronger the up- draft, the larger the hail.”

Photographer: Phil Savoie Image number: 1593630 Alien

Bacterial biofilm and hydrogen sulfide on the bottom of the river Rhone. Alps, France, April.

“This image shows what can happen when a lake or pond becomes warmer and more turbid, causing the death of aquatic plants. The plants begin to decompose and are soon covered entirely by bacterial films (the black areas in the photo). The underwater ‘fog’ is in reality hydrogen sulphide: a deadly gas produced by sulphur bacteria. This shot was taken in an oxbow lake, once part of the River Rhone in France. When I saw the scene, I couldn’t help but think about Ridley Scott’s Alien, when the crew discover the ‘egg room’, bathed in a bluish vapour. Although this underwater scene seems motion- less, photographing it was difficult because the very fine sedi- ments covering the bottom of the lake were easily disturbed - just like the Alien’s eggs!”

Photographer: Remi Masson Image number: 1587223 Squabbling squirrels

Young ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) fighting, Kgalagadi Trans- frontier Park, Northern Cape, South Africa, January.

“When the morning temperatures rise in the semi-desert thirstland of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa, the reserve’s famous big cats retreat to the shade. But that doesn’t mean the wildlife photography has to stop. At a time when most photogra- phers have packed away their gear, waiting until the golden hours of late afternoon, you’ll still find us belly-down on the hot sand, training our lenses on the amusing antics of the ground squirrels that have built their homes within the confines of our camp. Sitting quietly and patiently beside their burrows and holes usually produces photographic rewards - that’s if we can keep our camer- as steady while chuckling at their comic interactions, often remi- niscent of human behaviour. The ground squirrels quickly forget us and behave naturally. They’re social animals that form close bonds - and just like humans, being together 24/7 can sometimes cause a few frustrations. These two were engaged in a playfight where the chokehold seemed half-friendly and half for real. In reality, such interactions between ground squirrels are seldom violent, and are a non-aggressive means to reinforce social boundaries.”

Photographer: Ann & Steve Toon Image number: 1575507 Catch of the Day

Shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) female feeding on a Spotted Afri- can lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) in the swamps of Mabamba, Lake Victoria, Uganda.

“In the Mabamba marshes of Lake Victoria in Uganda, lives a small population of shoebill storks. This prehistoric-like bird gets its name from its shoe-shaped beak: as large as its own head and the perfect tool for catching fish in murky water. Although the Mabamba marshes are thickly vegetated, the shoe- bill is able to locate prey with incredible precision. Once it has spotted a fish it can remain motionless for hours at a time, with its beak poised, pointing down at the water. This female waited patiently until her prey was within striking distance. Then, with lightning speed, she lunged at the water and came back up with a lungfish in her beak. Wow – the prey was enormous! Weighing around 1.5kg compared to the shoebill’s 5-6kg, the fish struggled in a vain attempt to es- cape. The victorious bird shook its prize, no doubt to stun the fish, and then swallowed it whole in a few seconds! Shortly afterwards, she took off to digest a meal that was at least a quarter of her own body weight, if not more! You’d think that after a meal of that size, she wouldn’t need to eat again for several days, but this female was back in the marshes again the next day, when I watched her guzzle down another enormous lungfish!”

Photographer: Eric Baccega Image number: 1601121, 1601132, 1601133 Fast Food

Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) fawn in marsh with House crow (Corvus splendens) trying to land on head, Keoladeo National Park, Utter Pradesh, India.

“Sambar deer feed on a variety of vegetation, including water plants. I spotted this fawn with its mother, grazing in the swamps of Keoladeo Ghana National Park in India. Keoladeo is a sanctuary for birds, including the crow pictured here, which is alighting on the sambar’s head. Why? Because the crows (and some other species of birds) have learned that the grazing deer flush out insects as they feed, and these insects are then snapped up by the birds. You can often see the crows resting on the sambars’ backs, or perching on their heads, in between the ears. It’s quite an amusing thing to witness. The sambar will shake the birds off sometimes, but seem to tolerate them for the most part. In this case, the crows stayed with the deer, both baby and mother, until they left the marsh.”

Photographer: Franco Banfi Image number: 1599275 Patience

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) hunting by pouncing onto prey through snow, Yellowstone National Park, USA, February.

“Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic place for wildlife photography, especially during the winter months. I’ve been visiting the park for many years, and one subject I am always searching for is the red fox. During the winter, these usually shy creatures are a bit easier to see, as they stand out against the white snow. One picture I have always wanted to achieve is the moment a fox pounces on its prey. They hunt rodents that live in burrows, standing perfectly poised as they listen for any movement under the frozen blanket. Then, all of a sudden, they leap into the air, trying to get enough height so they can break through the surface of the snow and onto their unsuspecting prey. I spent the morning following this particular fox and witnessed a couple of pounces, but the final images were unsuccessful, as my focus jumped off the fox when it sprang into the air. I thought I had missed my chance, but then the fox climbed a ridge and stopped to listen again. This time I turned off my auto focus and focussed manually instead, waiting for the pounce.”

Photographer: Danny Green Image number: 1562156 Fighting for Dominance

Grevy zebra (Equus grevyi) stallions fighting, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

“I took this image during a drought in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya. After several months with no rains, the rivers were dry and most of the wildlife had left the area. But Grevy’s zebra - the largest of all zebra species - are hardy animals, able to survive for up to five days without drinking. They’re also unique in that the stallions don’t control a harem of females, or maintain a territory. Instead, the males openly roam the savanna, testing their strength against each other in play fights. The strongest contestants are the ones that will go on to mate.”

Photographer: Eric Baccega Image number: 1597504 Leaving the Roost

Flock of common cranes (Grus grus) taking off from roost lake at dawn. Hula Valley, Israel. January.

“Up to 45,000 common cranes winter in the Hula Valley, in the north of Israel. Most of them go to roost each night at a shallow lake, in a country park known as the Agamon Hula. The roost lake was artificially created in the early 1990s, re-wildling this former wetland which had previously been drained in the 1950s for agriculture. Visitors to the park can rent “safari wagons” which are towed behind a tractor, for dawn excursions to watch the cranes begin to dipserse to their feeding areas in nearby fields. I have made several visits to this area for photography, and love to witness the gentle awakening and dawn flight of the cranes. I always hope for an ethereal early morning mist, as seen here. I used a slow shutter speed to enhance the dreamy mood.”

Photographer: Chris Gomersall Image number: 1595951 Contact: [email protected] +44 (0) 117 911 4675