An American crocodile fixing the camera with its golden eyes, utterly unmoved as blood-sucking horse flies feed on its snout has been named Overall Winner of the British Ecological Society’s annual photography competition, Capturing Ecology. The photo was taken by VU ecologist Zeke Rowe, while conducting field work in Panama’s Coiba National Park.
Rowe, PhD researcher in Ecology and Evolution, said: “I’ve been a photographer for a couple of years but only gained the confidence to submit my photos to competitions recently, fearing my work wasn’t good enough. Winning my first competition has shown me that sometimes all it takes is some belief, and I am proud of myself for doing so.
Direct eye contact
“I took this photo while on a break from research in Panama’s Coiba National Park. This crocodile was lurking in a tidal marsh off the beach. I got as close and low as I dared, waiting for that direct eye contact.”
The winning images and additional 17 highly commended images, taken by international ecologists and photographers, celebrate the diversity of ecology across the globe. Among the winners are a flying frog with parachute feet, a chimpanzee rescue mission, and a flock of startled birds taking to the air, watched closely by a drinking lioness.
See all the winners on the British Ecological Society website.
Picture © Zeke Rowe.