Image for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 – a peek at some of the entries

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 – a peek at some of the entries

Capturing nature at its most wondrous – and vulnerable – this year’s shortlist offers a thought-provoking collection of wildlife photography

Capturing nature at its most wondrous – and vulnerable – this year’s shortlist offers a thought-provoking collection of wildlife photography

A monkey riding a deer, the magic of mushrooms and an evacuee tiger cub are a few of the images that made it to the later stages of the latest Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

In just over a month’s time London’s Natural History Museum reveals the winners, and based on this preview of highly commended images – chosen from an astonishing 49,957 entries from 95 countries – judges have had their work cut out.

As well as showcasing the drama, resilience and variety of life on Earth – from hungry big cats to bees busy at work – the images offer a glimpse of the impact humankind has on its wild neighbours.

“What most impressed the jury was the range of subjects, from absolute beauty, rarely seen behaviours and species, to images that are stark reminders of what we are doing to the natural world,” said chair of the judging panel, Kathy Moran. “We felt a powerful tension between wonder and woe that we believe came together to create a thought-provoking collection of photographs.’”

Wildlife TV presenters and conservationists Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin announce category winners – as well as the prestigious Grand Title and Young Grand Title Awards – on 10 October. The Natural History Museum will showcase 100 photographs in an exhibition from 13 October ahead of a UK and international tour.

Museum director Dr Doug Gurr added: “The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition reveals some of nature’s most wondrous sights whilst offering hope and achievable actions visitors can take to help protect the natural world.”

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

Gallery: a selection of highly commended images

Main image: Max Waugh/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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