A polar bear Rests with playfulness with a stick in the waters of Svalbard, Norway. It is a moment of lightness for an animal better known for its imposing provisions. Photographer Tom Nickels looked at the scene at a safe distance on a boat and took a captivating image (view above) of the moment.
Nickel photography has taken gold in the Mammal behavior category 2025 World Nature Photography Awards. This year’s competition has attracted thousands of people in 48 countries covering six continents.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle in Kasait, Timor Leste
Gold, submarine
“This image captures a poignant moment while a young Ridley olive sea turtle embarks on his delicate journey to the vast ocean in Kasait, Timor Leste. Sea turtles, known in the local tongue tétum under the name of “lenuk tasi”, return to the very beaches where they once hatched to lay their own eggs. Unfortunately, these fragile nests are faced with many threats, from natural predators to human activities. However, even if newborns arrive at the ocean, only an estimated out of 1,000 to 10,000 survives adulthood. This image was made possible by the turtle conservation group called “Lenuk Tasi”, led by Dili marine science students, whose dedication helps protect these incredible creatures. »»
Credit: Daniel Flormann / World nature photographers Awards Daniel Flormann
Maruša Puhek of Slovenia won the honors for an austere image (view below) of deer sprint through a snowy vineyard.
Now, art of nature and general winner
“This photo was part of my 366 project, when I captured an image every day and wore my camera everywhere. It was a snowy day and I had only a wide angle lens with me when I spotted two deer that crosses the snowy vineyard. I took a few shots, frustrated not to have a telephoto lens with me. It was not until later, during the edition, I realized how lucky I was; The scene was not too zoomed, allowing the snowy environment to remain an essential part of the composition. »»
Credit: Maruša Puhek / World Nature Photographer Awards
Marusa Puhek
“As always, it’s so a pleasure to see the incredible caliber of entries in prices,” said Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of WNPAS. “Seeing these images cannot fail to motivate everything to protect this fragile planet. We offer our sincere congratulations to all the winners. ”
Impressions of winning images can be purchased in the Worldwide photography awards store.
A fox at Lake La Biche, Alberta, Canada.
Bronze, animal behavior
Credit: Donna Feldichuk / World Nature Photographer Awards Donna Feledichuk
Male hippots in Mana pools, Zimbabwe.
Money, animal behavior
Credit: Jonathan Hodgetts / World Nature Photographer Awards
Lateral in the Danum valley, Sabah, Malaysia.
Now, animal portraits
“This captivating macro photography highlights two lanterns in colors brilliantly, their bodies decorated with a symphony of vibrant green vegetables, oranges and yellows. Perched on the textured bark of a tree, these insects seem to shine on the dark background. »»
Credit: Khaichuin Sim / World Nature Khaichuin Sim
Poultry of India in Tanzania
Bronze, animal portraits
Credit: Narg Shun Victor Wong / World Nature Photographer Awards
Woman Agama Lizard in Serengeti, Tanzania
Money, behavior – amphibians and reptiles
Credit: Jules Oldroyd / World Nature Photographer Awards
Namib Sand Gecko in Walvis Bay, Namibia
Bronze, behavior – amphibians and reptiles
Credit: Marti Phillips / Rewards of worldwide photographers Marti Phillips
Two blacks with white cheeks on the island of Kubbar, Kuwait
Bronze, behavior – birds
Credit: Mohammad Murad / World Nature Photographer Awards
Thief Thief in Belgium
Gold, behavior – invertebrates
“Sometimes, the most convincing stories take place in the background, far from the place where our initial goal is. I photographed another subject in the garden in Belgium when, from the corner of the eye, I spotted a thief fly. Nearby, a spider was hiding disturbingly, and I couldn’t help but ask myself – that if the spider took the fly in its web? Intrigued, I decided to stay and watch. For the next 30 minutes, I observed the quiet drama of nature. Finally, the spider made its movement and I captured the moment. »»
Credit: Niki Colemont / World Nature Photographer Awards
Turtle de Mer in Abu Dabbab, Egypt
Money, submarine
Credit: Sina Ritter / World Natural Photographers Awards
Now, urban fauna
Mandinari -tail -tail why, Gambia
“In the most improbable places, where the grain of human industry meets the grace of nature, is a story of resilience and coexistence. This image captures the striking contrast between a colossal fuel depot in Mandinari, the Gambia and a male tail why in reproductive plumage. Taken during a trip in October, this moment is particularly special because the bird will soon undergo a transformation into a more brown and dull plumage. During the breeding season, coinciding with the rainy season in West Africa, I like to capture this type of photography to illustrate the link between humanity and nature. The Gambia occupies a special place in my heart, while I lead two trips per year. I would like this image to connect with people and encourage them to explore the observation of birds in Gambia, helping to stimulate ecotourism in this beautiful region. »»
Credit: Benjamin Smail / World Nature Photographer Awards Benjamin Smail
Money, urban fauna
Great Gray Owl in California, USA
Credit: Elizabeth Yicheng Shen / World Nature Photographer Awards Elizabeth Yicheng Shen
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