Story perspectives

Josef Stefan Wins 2026 Wildlife Photographer Award with Iconic Lynx Shot

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Austrian photographer Josef Stefan won the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award for the image 'Flying Rodent' showing a young Iberian lynx tossing a rodent in Ciudad Real, Spain.
The photo earned a record 85,917 public votes from 24 shortlisted entries.
The Iberian lynx population has risen from under 100 in the early 2000s to over 2,000 due to successful conservation efforts.

History

Historical Context

The Iberian lynx, once critically endangered with fewer than 100 individuals in 2002, has seen a remarkable recovery due to conservation efforts led by organizations like WWF. By 2026, the population surged to over 2,000, demonstrating the success of targeted wildlife preservation initiatives. This resurgence emphasizes the vital role of public engagement in conservation efforts, as highlighted by Josef Stefan's award-winning photograph of a lynx in Ciudad Real.

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Story summary

Austrian photographer Josef Stefan won the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award for the image 'Flying Rodent' showing a young Iberian lynx tossing a rodent in Ciudad Real, Spain.
The photo earned a record 85,917 public votes from 24 shortlisted entries.
The Iberian lynx population has risen from under 100 in the early 2000s to over 2,000 due to successful conservation efforts.

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