Wildlife photographer of the year: Josef Stefan Wins 2026

Josef Stefan has been awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 for his striking photograph titled ‘Flying Rodent’. This announcement was made on March 25, 2026, at the Natural History Museum in London.

Stefan’s winning image, which garnered a record-breaking 85,917 votes, captures a young Iberian lynx playfully tossing a rodent into the air in Ciudad Real, Spain. The lynx, a species that has seen a remarkable recovery, was once on the brink of extinction in the early 2000s.

The competition for this prestigious award was fierce, with 60,636 entries submitted from 113 countries and territories. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, highlighting its long-standing tradition of celebrating nature through photography.

The exhibition showcasing the winning and shortlisted photographs will remain open until July 12, 2026. In addition to Stefan’s award-winning image, four highly commended photographs were recognized, including works by Alexandre Brisson, Christopher Paetkau, Will Nicholls, and Kohei Nagira.

Stefan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning this award and being able to platform this message is the highlight of my 30 years as a nature photographer.” His work not only captures the beauty of wildlife but also raises awareness about conservation efforts.

Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, remarked, “It’s been wonderful to see all the votes coming in to choose the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum.” This reflects the growing public interest in wildlife photography and conservation.

Currently, the Iberian lynx population has rebounded to over 2,000 individuals, thanks to extensive conservation initiatives. The efforts to protect this species serve as a testament to the positive impact of dedicated wildlife conservation.

As the exhibition continues, visitors will have the opportunity to see not only the winning image but also the diverse range of wildlife captured by photographers from around the globe.