From breaching humpback whales to backyard birds, WWF-Australia is encouraging Australians to celebrate the wildlife and wild places they love through a new photography competition.
Launching today for National Threatened Species Day, the inaugural Photography for Nature Competition aims to inspire people to look closer at the natural world and help protect it for future generations.
Open to entrants of all ages and experience levels, the competition includes categories for wildlife, wild landscapes, local nature, comedy and a youth category for the next generation of nature photographers.
"Photography has the power to inspire people to care about nature," said Darren Grover, WWF-Australia's Principal Advisor, Thriving Biodiversity.
"Every photograph tells a story. Whether it's an unexpected wildlife encounter, a sunset over a wild landscape or birds feeding in your own backyard, these moments remind us why nature is worth protecting."
The competition launch comes at a critical time for nature.
Australia is home to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, yet more than 2,300 plants, animals and ecosystems are nationally listed as threatened with extinction due to threats like habitat destruction, invasive predators and climate change. Earlier this year another 34 species were added to the national threatened species list.
"National Threatened Species Day is a chance to reflect on what makes Australia so special and what's at stake if we fail to protect it," said Mr Grover.
By taking part in the photography competition, people can turn appreciation for nature into meaningful action.
Every image shared, every vote cast and every dollar raised will help support WWF-Australia's work to protect and regenerate nature, from restoring habitat for koalas to safeguarding whales and the ocean pathways they depend on.
Entrants will also have the chance to take home some great prizes. The overall winner will have their photo featured on the cover of WWF-Australia's 2027 calendar.
Entries are open from 7-30 September. Photos will progress through a series of public voting rounds before the finalists are assessed by an expert judging panel and the winners are announced on 6 November.
