Josef Stefan has been awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 for his stunning photograph titled “Flying Rodent.” The announcement was made on March 25, 2026, at the Natural History Museum in London, where the exhibition showcasing the winning images will remain open until July 12, 2026.
This year, the award garnered a record-breaking 85,917 votes, reflecting the public’s enthusiasm for wildlife photography. Stefan’s winning image features a young Iberian lynx playfully tossing a rodent into the air, captured in Ciudad Real, Spain. The moment, which lasted about 20 minutes, highlights the playful nature of this endangered species.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has a rich history, celebrating its 61st year in 2026. This year’s entries were particularly impressive, with 60,636 photographs submitted from 113 countries and territories. The shortlisted works included four highly commended images from photographers 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 photograph not only showcases the beauty of the Iberian lynx but also underscores the successful conservation efforts that have helped the species recover from the brink of extinction in the early 2000s, with the current population exceeding 2,000 individuals.
Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, noted the excitement surrounding 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 engagement illustrates the public’s growing interest in wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving such species.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year award continues to inspire photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, shining a light on the beauty and fragility of our natural world. As the exhibition runs until mid-July, visitors will have the opportunity to view not only the winning image but also a diverse array of stunning wildlife photography from around the globe.