Discover the shortlisted images for The Wildlife Photography Awards 2026
In association with Guyana: South America Undiscovered

Discover the shortlisted images for The Wildlife Photography Awards 2026

Shoebill stares down its bill through the grass
Overall winner, extreme close-up of mould by Jon Appleyard

The Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 from BBC Wildlife, in partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority, gave one lucky winner the chance to win an unforgettable trip to the wild beauty of Guyana, South America’s hidden gem for nature lovers.

Following a preliminary judging round from the BBC Wildlife editorial team, the shortlists for each of the five categories – Portraits, Behaviour, Plants and Fungi, Camera Phone, and Environment – underwent a public voting round to decide the winners.

You can still view the full shortlist below

Adult macaque perched on a tree branch, cradling a wide-eyed infant against its chest
Alan Smith
Shoebill stork staring forward through tall green grass, its large bill and piercing eyes in sharp focus
Jasper Maberly
Adult emperor penguin bending toward a fluffy chick, the two facing each other closely against a pale backdrop
Robert Brewer
Tiger staring directly ahead, carrying its prey in its jaws after a successful hunt
Steven Howe-Bull
Spotted hyena emerging from darkness, strands of saliva hanging from its mouth in a stark, unsettling scene
Tracy Miller

Portraits

The judges were looking for striking poses that reveal the character of an animal (individual or group).

Jenny Stock
Kevin Edworthy
Paul Shiliam
Simon Roberts
Thomas Hunt

Behaviour

The judges were looking for pictures that showcase interesting or exciting behaviour (individual or group).

Sophie Angood
Anton Poon
Avilash Ghosh
Chris Marsh
Jonathan Appleyard

Plants and fungi

The judges were looking for images celebrating the magical uniqueness of plants and/or fungi (individual or group).

A small frog rests at the bottom of a curled green leaf, viewed from above with the leaf forming a funnel shape.
Vincenzo Arcuri
A black and white image of a white swan with wings raised and partially spread, reflected in dark water against a black background
Russell Fergusson
A curious young raccoon peeks around the trunk of a tree in a grassy woodland with birch trees in the background.
Rebecca Macarthur
A white flower crab spider holds a bee in its grasp on a green stem beside a pink flower, shown in close-up
Caroline McMeekin
A toad sits on paved ground beneath a metal fence, photographed at ground level with a blurred background
Scott Fyfe

Camera phone

The judges were looking for creative shots of the natural world taken using a smartphone.

Andy lomas
Robert Brewer
Salman Alanazi
Tracy Miller
Venkiteswaran Ramasubhramoni

Environment

The judges were looking for photos that capture the atmosphere of a wild or changing landscape.

BBC Wildlife champions ethical wildlife photography that prioritises the welfare of animals and the environment.

See the winners

All winners were announced on discoverwildlife.com on 20 May 2026 and in the July 2026 issue of BBC Wildlife magazine.

From the five category winners, the overall champion was chosen by independent wildlife photographer, Andy Parkinson and the BBC Wildlife editorial team.

BBC Wildlife Magazine's Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 were sponsored by the Guyana Tourism Authority.

See the winners

Terms and conditions

Promoter: Our Media Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 05715415).

The overall prize is an eight-night package holiday for one winner to Guyana, South America. Includes return flights from London Heathrow airport, accommodation, and itinerary. Winner must hold a valid passport and have appropriate travel insurance. Prize excludes: Travel to and from London Heathrow airport, spending money, alcoholic drinks, travel insurance, visas, items of personal nature, ATOL/ABTA Protection. Specific travel dates are subject to availability at the time of bookin

For full terms and condition, see www.discoverwildlife.com/wildlifephotography-awards2026-terms-and-conditions

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