Stunning Nature Images Captured in 2024 BMC Ecology and Evolution & BMC Zoology Photo Competition
The 2024 BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology Image Competition showcased an array of breathtaking nature photographs, highlighting the extraordinary beauty and complexity of the natural world. This year’s competition featured a diverse collection of images, from two long-horned bees gracefully perched on a flower to a close-up view of a fossilized dinosaur bone through a microscope, and even a scientist administering medicine to a bird. Each photograph offered a unique glimpse into nature’s wonders.
However, the standout winner of this year’s competition was an awe-inspiring photograph of a feeding frenzy. The image, captured by marine biologist Jorge Fontes, depicts a dramatic scene off the coast of Portugal’s Azores islands. In the photograph, a majestic whale shark is seen engulfing a dense swarm of snipefish, which have been herded into tight groups by predatory tuna.
Jorge Fontes, who is affiliated with Okeanos-UAc and the Institute of Marine Sciences, shared insights into this remarkable feeding event. “When the baitfish are clustered together, whale sharks utilize their powerful suction to scoop up vast amounts of food. This type of feeding interaction between sharks and tunas is relatively rare elsewhere but is a common phenomenon in these islands when both species are present,” Fontes explained.
Christy Hipsley, a senior editorial board member of BMC Ecology and Evolution, described the image’s impact, saying, “The photograph vividly captures the chaos of the scene contrasted with the slow, graceful movement of the whale shark. The swirling fish navigate to avoid being consumed, while the largest predator of all makes its presence known.”
Jennifer Harman, editor of BMC Ecology and Evolution, emphasized the photograph’s significance: “This captivating image not only tells a compelling story but also underscores the importance of further research into the effects of human activities, such as the tuna industry, on whale sharks.”
In addition to the grand prize winner, the competition recognized exceptional entries in four categories: Research in Action, Relationships in Nature, Protecting Our Planet, and Life Close-Up. To explore these remarkable images, visit the gallery linked at the top of the page.