In brief
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 People's Choice Award goes to Austrian photographer Josef Stefan for his remarkable image of a young Iberian lynx mid-play, titled 'Flying Rodent.' This year's nominees received an unprecedented amount of public engagement, leading to a record-breaking 85,917 votes, showcasing the global appreciation for wildlife photography and conservation efforts.
In pictures: Playful lynx snatches top prize in photo competition
A young Iberian lynx caught mid play has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award 2026, captivating audiences with its playful antics.
The stunning photograph, titled 'Flying Rodent', was captured by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan during a two-week trip to Torre de Juan Abad, in Spain's Ciudad Real province. The moment features the lynx repeatedly tossing its prey into the air and catching it, providing a delightful spectacle.
Stefan spent several days in a hide waiting for the ideal shot when the lynx unexpectedly appeared and engaged in this fascinating behavior for nearly 20 minutes. To me, it looked as if the rodent could fly, he recalls.
This award recognizes not just the artistic talent of photographers but also the importance of wildlife conservation. The Iberian lynx is one of the world’s rarest wildcats, having recovered from the brink of extinction due to successful conservation efforts, although it is still classified as a vulnerable species.
Alongside the winner, 24 other nominated images garnered a remarkable 85,917 votes from fans of wildlife photography, underscoring the global interest in various pressing environmental issues.
All images will be featured online and displayed at London’s Natural History Museum until July 12, 2026.
