Playful Lynx Captures the Heart of Wildlife Photography Award

Wed Mar 25 2026 12:54:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An astonishing photograph of a young Iberian lynx in action has won the People's Choice Award at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 2026. The image, taken by Josef Stefan, showcases the unique behavior of this rare species and sheds light on its conservation status.

The People's Choice Award for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 has been won by Josef Stefan for his captivating shot titled 'Flying Rodent.' This photograph features a young Iberian lynx energetically tossing its prey in the air, highlighting its playful nature. Stefan spent two weeks in Spain to capture this moment, which reflects both the beauty and fragility of wildlife. The Iberian lynx, once critically endangered, shows signs of recovery through conservation efforts, with the award bringing renewed attention to its ongoing vulnerabilities.

Playful Lynx Captures the Heart of Wildlife Photography Award

A young Iberian lynx caught mid play has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award 2026.

The striking image, titled Flying Rodent, was taken by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan during a two-week stay in Torre de Juan Abad, in Spain's Ciudad Real province. He had spent several days in a hide when the young lynx suddenly appeared with its prey, repeatedly throwing it into the air and catching it again. For nearly 20 minutes, the lynx remained absorbed in its behavior, at times standing on its hind legs with its gaze fixed on the rodent, capturing a moment of sheer playfulness.

The moment ended when the animal lost interest, carrying its prey behind a bush to eat it. The Iberian lynx is one of the world's rarest wildcats and was on the brink of extinction in the early 2000s, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining.

Thanks to long-term conservation and reintroduction efforts, the population has recovered to more than 2,000, though it still remains vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's classification.

This award brought recognition to not only the winning image but also to the other 24 nominated works. A record-breaking 85,917 votes were cast by wildlife photography and nature fans worldwide, showcasing the public's appreciation for wildlife conservation through the lens of art.

All five images, including the winner and four highly commended finalists, will be displayed online and at London's Natural History Museum until the exhibition closes on Sunday, July 12, 2026.