Young Iberian Lynx Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award 2026

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award 2026 has been awarded to Austrian photographer Josef Stefan for his captivating image titled "Flying Rodent." The photograph features a young Iberian lynx engaging in playful behavior with its prey, a rodent, in Torre de Juan Abad, Ciudad Real, Spain. Stefan captured this moment during a two-week observation period, where the lynx was seen throwing the rodent into the air and catching it repeatedly for nearly 20 minutes before losing interest and taking it behind a bush to eat. The award was determined by a record-breaking 85,917 votes from wildlife photography enthusiasts worldwide.

Cat-and-mouse game – this playful lynx is your favourite wildlife photoBBC NewsTake a break and reconnect with nature with these amazing photographs

The Iberian lynx is one of the world's rarest wildcats, having faced near extinction in the early 2000s with fewer than 100 individuals remaining. However, thanks to extensive conservation efforts, the population has rebounded to over 2,000, although it is still classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Stefan emphasized the importance of the lynx as a symbol of hope, illustrating the positive outcomes of dedicated conservation work.

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The winning image, along with four highly commended photographs, will be displayed at the Natural History Museum in London until July 12, 2026. The other notable images include a mother polar bear with her cubs, a group of lesser flamingos in Namibia, and a pair of bear cubs play-fighting in Canada. These images were selected from a total of 60,636 entries submitted from 113 countries, showcasing the diverse beauty of wildlife.

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Dr. Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, remarked on the exceptional quality of this year's submissions, stating, “Whether showcasing fascinating behaviour or platforming a powerful story, this year’s selection of images was truly exceptional.” Josef Stefan expressed his joy at winning the award, highlighting that it represents a culmination of his long-standing dream to encounter the Iberian lynx and share its story with the world.

Cat-and-mouse game – this playful lynx is your favourite wildlife photo

While the award celebrates wildlife photography and conservation, some critics argue that the focus on individual species like the Iberian lynx can overshadow broader environmental issues, such as habitat destruction and climate change, which affect numerous species globally.

Cat-and-mouse game – this playful lynx is your favourite wildlife photo

• “Image: Josef Stefan / Wildlife Photographer of the Year He says: “The journey to take this image was more than just another photographic adventure, it was the pursuit of a dream that had been with me for years: encountering the Iberian lynx, one of the rarest and most endangered wild cats in the world.” — Josef Stefan, Photographer

Cat-and-mouse game – this playful lynx is your favourite wildlife photo

• “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. Whether showcasing fascinating behaviour or platforming a powerful story, this year’s selection of images was truly exceptional. Thank you to everyone who voted!” — Dr. Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum

Cat-and-mouse game – this playful lynx is your favourite wildlife photo

This award not only highlights the beauty of wildlife but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to protect endangered species and their habitats.

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