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The World Nature Photography Awards (WNPAs) have announced their winners from a pool of entries received from all corners of the globe.

The top award and cash prize of $1,000 went to Maruša Puhek from Slovenia for her outstanding image, 'Run.' Other winners were selected across various categories, including Nature Art, Animal Portraits, Behaviour – Amphibians and Reptiles, Behaviour – Mammals, Behaviour – Invertebrates, Behaviour – Birds, People and Nature, Plants and Fungi, Underwater, Urban Wildlife, Planet Earth's Landscapes and Environments, Black and White, Animals in Their Habitat, and Nature Photojournalism.

Scroll down to explore the 42 best photographs from the finalists and read our interview with the overall winner, Maruša Puhek.

More info: worldnaturephotographyawards.com | Instagram | Facebook | x.com

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#1

Plants And Fungi, Bronze: The Colour Out Of Space By Irina Petrova

Award-winning nature photo of a vibrant mantis on a colorful, exotic plant against a black background.

WNPA Report

Final score:
26points
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richg_black avatar
Rich Black
Rich Black
Community Member
1 year ago

this is some sort of mantis? (insect?)

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    #2

    Underwater, Gold: Lenuk Tasi By Daniel Flormann

    Award-winning nature photo of a baby sea turtle swimming at sunset, showcasing underwater and above water scenery.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    26points
    POST
    sarah_a_tate avatar
    Upstaged75
    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Turtle side eye.

    3
    3points
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    #3

    Behaviour Mammals, Bronze: Might As Well Jump By Donna Feledichuk

    Young fox leaping in nature, captured in an award-winning photo by the World Nature Photographer of the Year 2025.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    25points
    POST
    avelineroisseau avatar
    Aveline Roisseau
    Aveline Roisseau
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    So cute and fluffy.🦊

    1
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    #4

    Behaviour Invertebrates, Gold: Powerless By Niki Colemont

    A d**d insect entangled in a spider's web, captured by an award-winning nature photographer.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    colemont86 avatar
    Niki Colemont
    Niki Colemont
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That's my picture 🤩🙏

    15
    15points
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    #5

    Behaviour Amphibians And Reptiles, Gold: Mudskipping By Georgina Steytler

    Mudskipper leaping above water at sunset, capturing award-winning nature photography in stunning detail.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    21points
    POST
    avelineroisseau avatar
    Aveline Roisseau
    Aveline Roisseau
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    🎶I believe I can fly...🎶

    3
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    #6

    Nature Photojournalism, Gold: Reclaim By Ael Kermarec

    Aerial view of a lava flow crossing a snowy road, showcasing nature's contrast and power.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    21points
    POST
    anort75 avatar
    bElLa sTairZz
    bElLa sTairZz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    wow!!

    1
    1point
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    #7

    Animals In Their Habitat, Silver: Atchafalaya Dawn By Irene Amiet

    Award-winning nature photo of a white bird flying over water with tall trees in the background.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    skipscales avatar
    Jay Scales
    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Beautiful - this could be a painting....

    3
    3points
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    #8

    Urban Wildlife, Silver: Critical Moment By Elizabeth Yicheng Shen

    Great Grey Owl flying low in front of a blurred vehicle, captured by an award-winning nature photographer.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    pamakers avatar
    Pamelot
    Pamelot
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Talk about timing! Kudos.

    2
    2points
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    #9

    Behaviour Amphibians And Reptiles, Silver: She Who Dares By Jules-Oldroyd

    Sleeping lion close-up in black and white, showcasing a serene wildlife moment in award-winning nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    emojisister avatar
    justagirl
    justagirl
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    i think the title's just perfect.

    0
    0points
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    #10

    Animal Portraits, Gold: Enchanted Duo By Khaichuin Sim

    Two colorful insects on a log, captured by a World Nature Photographer award winner.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    leejacobson avatar
    Lee Jacobson
    Lee Jacobson
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    It looks like it was hand painted. Incredible colors.

    1
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    #11

    Behaviour Mammals, Gold: Polar Retriever By Tom Nickels

    Polar bear splashing playfully in water, captured by an award-winning nature photographer.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    tobb-1 avatar
    WindySwede
    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    🙀

    2
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    #12

    People And Nature, Gold: The Lily Pad By Robert Middleton

    Aerial view of a fishing boat with a large net in the ocean, showcasing a stunning nature photograph.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    anort75 avatar
    bElLa sTairZz
    bElLa sTairZz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    truly stunning

    1
    1point
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    #13

    Behaviour Birds, Bronze: A Sword In The Chest By Mohammad Murad

    Two birds mid-flight against an orange sky, showcasing award-winning nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    marinam_ avatar
    Still Going
    Still Going
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The lighting! 😍

    0
    0points
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    #14

    Animal Portraits, Silver: Kingfisher On Ice By Vince Burton

    Kingfisher perched on a frosted reed, showcasing vibrant blue and orange plumage. Award-winning in nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    #15

    Underwater, Silver: The Fellowship By Sina-Ritter

    Sea turtle swimming gracefully in deep blue water, showcasing award-winning nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST

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    #16

    Behaviour Amphibians And Reptiles, Bronze: Don't Worry, Be Happy By Marti Phillips

    A gecko in sandy habitat, captured for World Nature Photographer of the Year.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    marinam_ avatar
    Still Going
    Still Going
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Awww, what a little cutie!

    0
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    #17

    Behaviour Birds, Silver: Dawn's Whispers By Hermis Valiyandiyil

    Silhouetted bird in flight against a vibrant orange backdrop, capturing a moment in nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Stunning.

    2
    2points
    reply
    #18

    Nature Photojournalism, Bronze: Ankle Bracelets By Charlotte-Keast

    Elephant legs chained, highlighting a poignant moment in award-winning nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    13points
    POST
    tobb-1 avatar
    WindySwede
    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This fells wrong!

    3
    3points
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    #19

    Planet Earth's Landscape And Environments, Gold: Hyalite Twilight By Jake Mosher

    Stunning night sky over a serene lake in a nature competition-winning photo, showcasing vibrant green and starry skies.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    13points
    POST
    avelineroisseau avatar
    Aveline Roisseau
    Aveline Roisseau
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Magical.

    2
    2points
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    #20

    Animal Portraits, Bronze: The Safari Beauty By Ngar Shun Victor Wong

    Close-up of a colorful bird with a spotted pattern, highlighting nature photography excellence.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    12points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    I have always loved these dinosaur birds!

    0
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    #21

    Black And White, Silver: Rest Easy By Tom Way

    Sleeping gorilla in an award-winning nature photo, showcasing serene natural beauty.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    12points
    POST
    #22

    Behaviour Invertebrates, Silver: Daisy Daisy By Rory Lewis

    Close-up of a damselfly on a daisy, showcasing stunning detail, from World Nature Photographer of the Year 2025.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    skipscales avatar
    Jay Scales
    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    He looks as if he's trying to explain something to us.... :D

    3
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    #23

    Nature Art, Gold: Run By Marusa Puhek

    Award-winning nature photo of snow-covered vineyard with rows of bare vines and two deer.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    #24

    Nature Photojournalism, Silver: Austfonna Ice Cap By Thomas Vijayan

    Award-winning nature photo of a large iceberg with meltwater flowing into the ocean, showcasing stunning natural beauty.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    #25

    Plants And Fungi, Gold: Fireworks By Marcio Esteves Cabral

    Glowing plants in a field at sunset, captured by an award-winning nature photographer.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    marinam_ avatar
    Still Going
    Still Going
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    WOW!!

    1
    1point
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    #26

    Animals In Their Habitat, Bronze: Black Panther Under The Stars By Rajarshi Banerji

    Award-winning nature photo of a tree silhouette against a starry night sky.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    marinam_ avatar
    Still Going
    Still Going
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Pretty well camouflaged, it took me a moment!

    1
    1point
    reply
    #27

    Black And White, Gold: Five Star Meal By Paul Goldstein

    Award-winning nature photo of cheetahs feeding on prey, arranged in a circular pattern on grass.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    martyturley avatar
    Marty Turley
    Marty Turley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Share and share alike

    0
    0points
    reply
    #28

    Nature Art, Bronze: Visions In Ice By Yasmin Namini

    Vibrant blue ice formations from the World Nature Photographer of the Year 2025.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    #29

    People And Nature, Bronze: Leopard Lounge By John Edwards

    Leopard resting on a couch, captured in an award-winning nature photograph.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    avelineroisseau avatar
    Aveline Roisseau
    Aveline Roisseau
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I like this big kitty but I hope, it is not a pet.

    3
    3points
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    #30

    Planet Earth's Landscape And Environments, Silver: Devghali Beach By Santanu Majumder

    Starry night over rocky coastline in an award-winning nature photo, showcasing vibrant Milky Way and illuminated cave.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    sarah_a_tate avatar
    Upstaged75
    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Isn't that the cave from Harry Potter? ;)

    4
    4points
    reply
    #31

    Plants And Fungi, Silver: Peeping Colours By Indranil Basu Mallick

    Creatively lit mushroom, showcasing details and textures, from the World Nature Photographer of the Year 2025.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    #32

    Underwater, Bronze: Male Paper Nautilus By Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto

    Orange marine creatures in clear water, capturing an award-winning shot in nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    #33

    Behaviour Mammals, Silver: Hippos Fight In Golden Light By Jonathan Hodgetts

    Hippos splashing water at sunset, captured by an award-winning nature photographer.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    9points
    POST
    tobb-1 avatar
    WindySwede
    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Golden light in front, manure spreader in back 🙃

    2
    2points
    reply
    #34

    Black And White, Bronze: Chasing The Storm By Fressia Peng

    Underwater scene with two birds swimming through a swirling school of fish, showcasing nature photography skills.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    9points
    POST
    #35

    Nature Art, Silver: Feathers By Pandula Bandara

    Close-up of vibrant bird feathers in blue and orange, highlighting nature photography excellence.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    9points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Exquisite.

    1
    1point
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    #36

    Planet Earth's Landscape And Environments, Bronze: Grand Prismatic Spring By Brian Creek

    Aerial view of colorful geothermal spring, showcasing stunning natural patterns and vibrant hues for World Nature Photographer.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    9points
    POST
    #37

    Urban Wildlife, Gold: Fueling Resilience By Benjamin Smail

    Small bird perched on barbed wire against a light sky, showcasing nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    9points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Love these!

    0
    0points
    reply
    #38

    People And Nature, Silver: In Another World By Asaf Amran

    Award-winning nature photo of a person walking on layered salt flats at sunset.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    8points
    POST
    #39

    Behaviour Birds, Gold: Red Knots By Clive Burns

    Flock of birds in flight, showcasing nature's beauty. Award-winning World Nature Photographer capture.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    7points
    POST
    #40

    Animals In Their Habitat, Gold: Svalbard By Malini Chandrasekar

    Sea lion on iceberg in dramatic Arctic landscape, showcasing nature's majesty in award-winning photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    6points
    POST
    #41

    Behaviour Invertebrates, Bronze: Robber Fly With A Gift By Pawel Tyl

    Close-up of an insect with vibrant green eyes, showcasing stunning detail, from a world nature photography award.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    6points
    POST
    #42

    Urban Wildlife, Bronze: Natterjack Toad By Christian Passeri

    Close-up of a frog in a dimly lit, blue-hued environment, showcasing its vivid eye. Award-winning nature photography.

    WNPA Report

    Final score:
    5points
    POST
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