15 marvelous Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 images

Photographer Paolo Della Rocca waited six hours in freezing temperatures to capture a riveting moment between two snow leopards. The resulting image (seen below) took top honors at the Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.

“Games Between Siblings” by Paolo Della Rocca
Winner, Mammals
“In northern India lies a region called Spiti Valley, home to one of the most elusive wild animals on Earth—the snow leopard. Since childhood, this journey has been a dream of mine, and the snow leopard has always been my favorite wild animal. This year, during my search for this mysterious feline, I was lucky enough to encounter a pair of sub-adult siblings and to capture them at different moments in their lives. The most incredible day of this experience was February 1st. This image was anything but easy to obtain. I waited over six hours at the edge of a canyon as the two siblings rested in a cave. The cold—reaching -25 degrees and intensified by a snowstorm—seeped into my bones. When calm finally returned, the snow leopards began to move, chasing each other up the snowy slopes, playing in front of my astonished eyes. I remember thinking, ‘This isn’t happening; it can’t be real!’ And then, I captured this frame. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine photographing such a moment. I’m so glad and grateful that the jury of NPOTY 2024 appreciated this photograph!”
Credit: Paolo Della Rocca / NPOTY 2024

“In this extraordinary photograph, the photographer has captured what many consider the holy grail of wildlife photography—not just one, but two snow leopards in a dramatic confrontation” NPOTY Chairman Tin Man Lee explains. “The image freezes a breathtaking moment as these elusive cats rear up on their hind legs, their powerful forms perfectly separated against the snowy landscape, creating a scene of raw power and natural drama. What elevates this image beyond a mere sighting is the technical excellence in capturing such explosive behavior in challenging mountain conditions, combined with the artistic merit of a composition that places these mysterious cats in their ethereal, high-altitude habitat.”

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