Josef Stefan has been awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 for his photograph titled ‘Flying Rodent’. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Natural History Museum in London on March 25, 2026.
The award garnered a record-breaking 85,917 votes, highlighting the public’s engagement with wildlife photography. Stefan’s winning image captures a young Iberian lynx playfully tossing a rodent into the air in Ciudad Real, Spain, showcasing the species’ playful behavior.
This year’s competition attracted an impressive 60,636 entries from 113 countries and territories, emphasizing the global interest in wildlife photography. The shortlisted photographs were selected for their artistic merit and ability to convey powerful messages about nature.
The Iberian lynx, depicted in Stefan’s photograph, has seen a remarkable recovery, with its population now exceeding 2,000 individuals due to extensive conservation efforts. This recovery is a significant achievement, considering the species was on the brink of extinction in the early 2000s.
The exhibition featuring the winning photographs will be open to the public until July 12, 2026, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and diversity of wildlife through the lens of talented photographers.
In addition to Stefan’s award, four images received highly commended recognition, including works by Alexandre Brisson, Christopher Paetkau, Will Nicholls, and Kohei Nagira.
Josef 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 sentiment reflects the importance of wildlife photography in raising awareness about conservation issues.
Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, commented on the voting process, saying, “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 museum’s commitment to engaging the public in wildlife conservation efforts.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has been celebrating the art of wildlife photography for 61 years, making it a prestigious platform for both emerging and established photographers.
As the exhibition continues, it serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the ongoing efforts needed to protect it for future generations.
