wildlife photographer of the year

Hyderabad's summer mornings are alive with resident birds. Birdwatchers and photographers venture out before sunrise to observe kingfishers, owls, and peacocks. Organized groups like Hyderabad Birding Pals and Deccan Birders lead trails to lakes and parks. These early outings offer a peaceful escape from city life. Many find these moments essential for reconnecting with nature.

A Dutch ornithologist, Leo Schilperoord, has been identified as patient zero in a deadly hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. Authorities suspect he and his wife contracted the virus from rat droppings during a birdwatching trip in Argentina. The outbreak led to multiple deaths and a global health alert.

Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai, celebrated for capturing the nation's essence, has passed away at 83. His illustrious career spanned six decades, documenting pivotal moments like the Bangladesh refugee crisis and the Bhopal gas tragedy. Rai's lens also immortalized India's leaders and ordinary citizens, offering profound insights.

A hidden wildlife corridor in Kenya's Maasai Mara, previously unseen by tourists, has been revealed by photographer Will Burrard-Lucas. Using camera traps, he documented a secret daily parade of animals, including endangered black rhinos, elephants, and giraffes, using a remote river crossing.

An adult tiger in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve was spotted with a deep circular neck wound, possibly from a snare, raising concerns among forest officials. The injury, widely circulated on social media, has prompted efforts to track the tiger for rescue using camera traps and drones. Recent poaching incidents in the area add to the worry.

Goan bird photographer Shailendra Naik achieved the first 24/7 documentation of the oriental dwarf kingfisher's life cycle in the state over three years. His non-invasive CCTV approach captured a male kingfisher mating with three females, raising 12 young, and revealed insights into incubation, feeding, and predator challenges.

A recent photoshoot in Jaipur featuring a pink-painted elephant has ignited outrage among animal lovers. The elephant, Chanchal, reportedly died of natural causes at 65, but the incident has prompted a probe and calls to end elephant rides due to alleged mistreatment and exploitation of captive elephants.

Nine individuals were apprehended in Mayurbhanj district following the suspected poaching of a rare melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger. Forest officials discovered and seized the tiger's skin, believed to be about a month old, near Kuliana village.

In 1979, Jadav Payeng began planting trees on a barren sandbar in Assam, transforming it into Molai Forest. His decades of patient work, driven by the sight of dying animals, created a thriving ecosystem. This remarkable conservation story highlights the power of individual action and consistent stewardship in environmental restoration.