These incredible photographs show nature's beauty and brutality in equal
measure. They are among more than 100 pictures commended in the Veolia
Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition which were
shortlisted from more than 48,000 entries from 98 countries.
Get off my lunch: This eagle was eating a carcass in Bulgaria's Sinite
Kamani National Park when the fox tried to snatch the meal. But the bird was
having none of it.
Distressing: A terrified yellow baboon tries to break free from its shackles
as it is carried by a group of children in north-eastern Mozambique, Africa
Fly-by drinking: This picture of a bat swooping on the water's surface for
some much-needed hydration was commended in the endangered species category
of the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.
Sad: A tiger and its two tiny cubs walk among the tourists at a Buddhist
forest monastery and animal sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in Thailand,
now better known as Tiger Temple.
Moment of reflection: Two cheetahs form a symmetrical image while looking
out for lions in the Gol Kopjes area of the Serengeti National Park in
Tanzania. The picture was shot in infra-red on a specially converted camera.
In the heat of battle: Two neriid long-legged flies appear to kiss, but are
in fact engaging in a combat dance before flying off to mate with nearby
females.
High-quality: The pictures are among more than 100 commended in the Veolia
Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition which were
shortlisted from more than 48,000 entries from 98 countries.
Duel: Around 30 of best images from the contest, co-owned by the Natural
History Museum and BBC Worldwide, will debut in the acclaimed London
exhibition in October, before embarking on an international tour.
Caught in the act: This fox wasn't as cunning as he thought as he is
pictured with the evidence of his misdeeds plain to see. This image was
commended in the 10 years and under category.
Top quality: The competition is open to photographers, both professional and
amateurs alike, and is judged by a panel of industry-recognised
professionals.
In the spotlight: A lion poses up a tree in Queen Elizabeth National Park,
Uganda, in one of the more artistic offerings in the shortlisted images for
the competition.
How cheeky is that! A bird tries to snatch a fish from the jaws of its
dining rival in a snapshot that reveal just how competitive nature can be.
Around 30 of best images from the contest, co-owned by the Natural History
Museum and BBC Worldwide, will debut in the acclaimed London exhibition in
October, before embarking on a UK and international tour. Overall winners
are expected to be named in October.
