Wiki Loves Earth – International photo contest of nature protected areas
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The most awaited moment of the international annual photographic competition devoted to natural heritage has come. We are delighted and proud to present
the top 20 best
images of Wiki Loves Earth 2025
, traditionally divided into two categories: macro and landscapes.
This year, we had a record number of
participating countries and territories
, which reached
57
As a result, we received
around 80 000
submissions
from
more than 5 200
participants worldwide.
This year, we received a
record number
of
submitted local winning images
, which reached
618,
and were evaluated on the international level.
Traditionally, each country/territory has chosen up to
15 local winners in two categories
— not more than 10 from each of the two categories:
landscapes
(including individual trees if it’s a nature monument),
and
macro/close-up
(animals, plants, fungi).
13
experienced photographers, visual experts, and Wikimedians from all around the world were part of
the international jury
and devoted their time and efforts to selecting the top 20 international winners.
You can read more
about the jury team
here
We sincerely thank each juror for the time and dedication they devoted to reviewing contest images from around the world — especially this year, when we received a record number of local winning images.
Celebrate this year’s winners with us during the
Wiki
Loves
Earth
2025
Award Ceremony
on
19th December
, at
13:30 UTC
on Zoom.
Check the time with your local timezone
here
If you want to participate, please
register by filling out this
short form
, and we will send you an invitation link after.
After several rounds of voting and review, we are excited to finally announce the top 20 best images in two categories from 13 countries, showcasing the fascinating world of animal and plant species as well as stunning landscapes.
Macro/close-up
1st place
The category of macro images opens with a breathtaking close-up that depicts a posing
green jararaca
Bothrops bilineatus
) on the territory of
Carrasco National Park
in Bolivia.
Photo
by Edunavia1, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jury members were impressed by this image the most and shared:
“This photograph captures a strikingly dramatic moment, highlighting the snake’s elegant yet tense posture. The sharp focus on its textured scales contrasts beautifully with the dark, blurred background, emphasizing depth and mystery. The lighting adds an almost cinematic intensity. Altogether, the composition conveys both beauty and latent power, creating a sense of quiet suspense.”
— Suzanna Tymochko.
“This shot is one of the best submitted to the competition, in my opinion. The snake’s pose, the curves of its body, its scales, its gaze — an unrivaled capture of the reptile’s beauty in a single frame. It seems as if in another moment the snake will strike its prey. Magnificent!”
Inessa Yurovskikh.
“The image is striking! The green snake with yellow accents is posed dramatically, coiled and looking upwards with its head raised. The lighting highlights the snake’s scales and creates a dynamic contrast against the dark background.”
Jhuma Datta.
“The superb color and lighting treatment, as well as the perspective chosen by the photographer — all of which are on point. The resolution is impressively high-quality, and the details are a chef’s kiss to me!”
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez.
2nd place
The next macro image comes from England and illustrates the focus stack of a
common blue damselfly
Enallagma cyathigerum
), found beside a river in the
Norfolk Broads National Park
Photo
by Buggingitout, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Juror Jophel Botero Ybiosa highlighted:
“This stunning close-up shot displays vibrant colors, excellent exposure, and balanced composition”.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez commented:
“One strength of a powerful macro shot is its clarity of detail, and this one more than meets that criterion. The frontal shot, efficiently framed by the photographer, is so on point that it draws viewers into an eye-to-eye, mano a mano interaction with the damselfly. Its high quality and clear depiction make it even more substantial for WLE”.
3rd place
This image captures the feeding process of an
Eurasian hoopoe
Upupa epops
) pair in the
Mittlere Elbe-Steckby
protected landscape area in Germany.
Photo
by Sven Damerow, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez
points out:
“This is a clean shot. The quality is crisp, and the colors are well-balanced across the frame. Moreover, this shot captures the birds in dynamic poses (one appearing more dominant, the other more submissive), telling a different story from the mid-flight shots we saw last season”.
Inessa Yurovskikh added:
“Of all the shots of udots submitted to the competition, this one resonates with me the most. Yes, the birds aren’t in flight. But the scene itself, the interaction between the birds, shows how different these birds are. Even the light falling through the foliage on one of the birds beautifully emphasized this”.
Jhuma Datta
“Love is in the air. Thought-provoking image”.
4th place
A well-timed moment of a
common kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
) hunting on a pond was captured in
Poodří Protected Landscape Area
, Czech Republic.
Photo
by Lukas Kott, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jhuma Datta shared her thoughts about this image:
“Composition and timing bring this fleeting instant to life, making it a compelling image. The splash of water adds dynamic energy, while the blurred background beautifully isolates the bird’s striking features”.
Inessa Yurovskikh commented
A magnificent dynamic shot. The hunter is bright and fast, and so is his prey. The splashes of water, the light, the color of the image, the blurred background — everything is perfect and so appropriate
”.
Jophel Botero Ybiosa added
This captivating image is a result of the photographer´s patience and precision. Excellent timing, great composition, and vibrant colors! Fantastic job!
”.
5th place
On this image, a swirling ball of countless reef fish named
yellowstripe scad
Selaroides leptolepis
) forms a mesmerizing bait ball beneath the clear waters of Tawi-Tawi,
Sibutu and Tumindao Islands
, the Philippines, and was captured amid vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Photo
by Rauxilian, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez
described:
“This is a strong entry. One of WLE’s missions is to unravel the many unseen wonders of our planet, and this one fits the bill. While it’s not the first time I’ve seen such a shot of the underwater environment, it’s still not an everyday scene. Its inclusion here is a breath of fresh air, especially considering the sameness of many other entries. This shot captures the dynamics of the natural world”.
Inessa Yurovskikh
added:
“A beautiful swirl of fish in the underwater world. Our planet is so diverse and delightful, but unfortunately, there were very few photographs from the underwater kingdom. Of the remaining shots, this one could be a wonderful addition to the winning images”.
Jhuma Datta
“Breathtaking image. The way the fish moves in unison, creating a swirling vortex, is truly captivating”.
6th place
This photograph was taken in the
National Botanical Garden
of Bangladesh. A
black carpenter ant
Camponotus compressus
) was tearing flesh from the carcass of a
Bengal monitor
Varanus bengalensis
). As the life of the monitor ends, the small ant struggles to survive by feeding on it. This is a remarkable example of nature’s food chain.
Photo
by A. H. M Ibnul Arabi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Juror Rakesh Baro shared:
“Beautiful lighting and a compelling natural history moment. I love the perspective, the photographer skillfully went down to eye level to achieve excellent subject separation. The image tells a wonderful story”.
Jophel Botero Ybiosa highlighted:
“Striking image with the use of contrasting subjects to tell a story!”.
7th place
The next macro shot depicts
Glanville Fritillary
Melitaea cinxia
) in the
Wittenberge-Rühstädter Elbniederung Nature Reserve
in Germany.
Photo
by Sven Damerow, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Johan Jönsson
draws attention to:
“One of those photos which feel like they are made for an encyclopedia, or for a well-illustrated book on the topic”.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez
“This work is one of the best examples of how simplicity, when coupled with efficiency and clarity of purpose, can keep pace with, if not outshine, others. Even when you zoom into the frame, the details of the subjects remain crisp and clear, thanks to its high-quality dimensions”.
Suzanna Tymochko
“We can see every detail of a butterfly’s wings — the scales, the hairs, even the structure of its eyes. This photo is a great example of macro photography”.
Jophel Botero Ybiosa
“A stunning image with details and vibrant colors. The plain background effectively highlights the subject”.
8th place
This image shows us an illustration of
weevil
Metapocyrtus reyesi
) in
Northern Negros Natural Park
, the Philippines. As the author said, this unique coloration may indicate a potential case of natural variation or localized adaptation, and it adds new insight into the phenotypic diversity within the species.
Photo
by Mark Kineth Kasindac, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Inessa Yurovskikh commented:
“A stunning shot of a weevil! Everything about this frame is beautiful. This wonderful little creature is perfectly focused, allowing you to examine it in exquisite detail. Every hair on the insect is visible. The muted background and chocolate-colored tree bark perfectly complement the incredible color of the weevil’s back”.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez mentioned:
“This is one of the very few macro shots of the small world this season that is exceptionally clean in framing (the consideration of negative space works for me) and remarkably clear in detail (no need to zoom further). The color treatment is on point and very contextual, as the photographer effectively contained the elements of the environment presented — particularly the colors of the weevil — in such an aesthetic approach that naturality is preserved. As a STEM teacher, this is one of those works that I could use as an effective instructional material. Another plus factor of this entry is its detailed description, which adds to its high potential for usability by Wiki users”.
9th place
The next image showcases a very rare moment when a
Great Crested Hoopoe
Upupa epops
) flew in with a caught lizard for a female that was sitting on eggs. Photographed in the
Pálava Protected Landscape Area
, Czech Republic.
Photo
by Lukas Kott, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Suzanna Tymochko shares:
“A wonderful contrast between the calmness of the pose and the dynamics of the moment”.
Ajeigbe Rukayat added
“The image captures the essence of life, and also the provision of food to the other animal”.
Jhuma Datta
“The composition of this frame effectively conveys an interesting story”.
10th place
The last image in еру macro category illustrates a
Tawny Cat Snake
Boiga ochracea
) peering through the dusk captured during the calm of evening in the lush greenery in
Godawari National Botanical Garden
of Nepal. As the author of the photo said, this image celebrates the quiet elegance of Nepal’s often-overlooked reptilian fauna.
Photo
by Nishant Sharma Parajuli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez commented on this shot
: “This portrait frame of a Tawny Cat Snake is beautifully captured. Its warm coppery-brown to orange hues remain intact even after the post-processing contrast adjustments. The water droplet clinging beneath its lower jaw adds an enticing touch of detail to the overall composition. In terms of reusability, the image maintains excellent quality in both dimensions and resolution. And that gaze from the snake… it’s almost a chef’s kiss shot for me”.
Jhuma Datta
: The close up shot brings out the details of its coppery-brown scales and those piercing eyes. Good composition, sharp and overall very well done.
Ajeigbe Rukayat
: The close-up image of the snake shows the intense gaze and its charisma, the contrast and the lighting complement each other.
Suzanna Tymochko:
A good composition creates the effect of presence and a sense of tension.
Landscapes
1st place
The first place in the landscapes category goes to a beautiful image of a
European beech
Fagus sylvatica
) with autumn leaf color in the
biosphere reserve Rhoen
in Germany.
Photo
by Markusmachtphotos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez shared:
“This perspective on the subject works well, and I love how the vibrant orange contrasts with the dreamy white tones within the frame”.
Suzanna Tymochko:
“This perspective creates an immersive effect. A very atmospheric photo”.
Rakesh Baro
“Beautifully composed. The photographer effectively uses the surrounding trees as leading lines to draw the viewer’s attention to the vibrant canopy of leaves”.
2nd place
This photograph documents the effects of climate change, shown by the rise in the Atlantic Ocean’s sea level, which increasingly floods areas of Ilha do Cardoso that were previously occupied by mangroves. It is located in the
State Park of Ilha do Cardoso
, Cananéia, São Paulo, Brazil.
Photo
by Thiagomarcelcampi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jhuma Datta highlighted
“High resolution and dimensions of this lone tree is high in usability . The image evokes a sense of environmental starkness. Such landscapes often highlight the impacts of climate change and about fragile ecosystems and the needs for sustainability”.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez added
“This is such an interestingly beautiful entry with an alarming backstory. The context that this frame carries is highly valuable, especially in raising awareness about the lasting effects of climate change and how this global concern could drastically transform many of the planet’s landscapes”.
3rd place
The next place goes to a magnificent aerial photography of
Sulaibikhat Marine Protected Area
in Kuwait.
Photo
by Di7ane, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jhuma Datta described
“The aerial perspective adds an intriguing layer to the image. Usability level of this image is very high”.
Jophel Botero Ybiosa
“A stunning, paint-like image that exemplifies the grandeur of landscape”.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez:
“The abstract treatment of this photo is effective without compromising its context as a framed landscape”.
4th place
The next place goes to another aerial image from the same author. This one is taken in
Al-Khuwaisat (Al-Jahra) Natural Reserve
in Kuwait.
Photo
by Di7ane, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jhuma Datta highlights:
“Beauty of contrasting landscapes, with the vibrant blue river water juxtaposed against arid earth tones, evoking a sense of serene isolation. Dimension and resolution of this entry have high usability”.
Jophel Botero Ybiosa added
“This landscape image has a painterly feel with striking earth tones. The river leads the viewer’s eyes across the image, enhancing the impact”.
5th place
A warm image taken near Federa lake in the Natural regional park of Dolomiti d’Ampezzo,
Monte Pelmo – Mondeval – Formin protected area
, Italy.
Photo
by Missoni Francesco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jhuma Datta marks:
“The contrast between the golden foliage and the evergreen trees adds depth to the image”.
6th place
The next place goes to a beautiful landscape of a Glaciated valley called High Cup Nick in the
North Pennines
, England.
Photo
by Miura-photo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez shared
“One of my favorite entries in the landscape category. I love how wide the scale covered within the frame is, and the color treatment effectively showcases the natural beauty of the terrain”.
Jhuma Datta added
“Beautiful landscape image. High resolution making it a great entry. Striking composition, contrast of green and yellow hues of the hills adding depth to the scene”.
Elena-Tatiana Chiș
: “Beautiful landscape composition. The sky makes it a little bit dramatic but keeps the soft touch of the warm sun”.
Suzanna Tymochko
: “Heavy, dark clouds, lighting, deep relief, and harsh nature create a dramatic atmosphere. The quality of the photo is also good. Probably one of my favourite landscape shots presented here”.
7th place
The next mysterious landscape image is taken in Čigota,
Zlatibor
protected area, located in Serbia.
Photo
by Svjetlopis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez commented:
“This photo proves that impressive landscapes are not only defined by bold and explosive colors. Many aspects of this frame, such as the way the earthy tones of the rolling hills complement the dramatic play of light and shadow, and how the lone cabin evokes a sense of nostalgia, paint a different picture of Serbia in my mind, replacing the snowy impression I’ve always associated with the region”.
Inessa Yurovskikh:
“A very cozy and peaceful landscape. The photograph conveys a sense of solitude and oneness with nature. The brown tones suggest completion, but there’s no sense of sadness, melancholy, or despondency. The light pouring onto the ground perfectly complements this”.
8th place
This image illustrates a cold morning — day break on Bessy Boot above Tarn at Leaves looking to High Raise in the south east,
Lake district National Park
, England.
Photo
by Glenn Wilks, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jhuma Datta draws attention to:
“The serene winter landscape is breathtaking. The frozen lake and sunset hues add to the tranquil ambiance”.
9th place
This image depicts Sagres Lighthouse that is located in
Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
in Portugal.
Photo
by José Nuno Rosado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lloyd Ericson Castro Rodriguez accents
: “Another visually powerful photo of a protected area. I love the photographer’s decision in terms of framing and color treatment. Such places are also what I look for to further the goals and purposes of the WLE event”.
Jhuma Datta added
“Beautiful foreground, absolutely gorgeous landscape”.
10th place
And the top of landscape images closes with a photo of Garibaldi Lake at dawn on New Year’s Day, taken in
Garibaldi Provincial Park
, Canada.
Photo
by David Egan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Jhuma Datta highlighted
“The composition is well balanced creating a good layered image”.
Jophel Botero Ybiosa added:
“Breathtaking scenery with a sense of serenity! Well done!”.
Congratulations to all the winners for their incredible contributions and dedication to capturing the beauty of our planet, while inspiring greater awareness of natural heritage sites around the world!
See more:
Winners in the
“Video” special category
for Wiki Loves Earth 2025
Winners in the
“Human Rights and Environment” special category
for Wiki Loves Earth 2025.
Past
Wiki Loves Earth winners from
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
If you want to know more about this year’s winners and the detailed methodology of the international evaluation process, look for the full
jury report
, which will be published and available on Wikimedia Commons soon.
Follow our channels to keep up with updates:
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How to participate?
Check
if your country is taking part in the contest and its specific timeline.
Register on Commons
or
, using your personal account.
Find
the lists of natural objects
for your country.
Check
eligibility criteria
for your pictures, prepare your submissions and upload your photos from protected areas!
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Wiki Loves Earth
@WikiLovesEarth
Wonderful images from Wiki Loves Earth took place at the top in the competition "Picture of the Year 2022"!🥳
There are images from WLE in Nepal, Bangladesh, Germany, Ukraine, Portugal, Kenya, and Turkey.
Check the full results here👉
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14:43 · May 22, 2023
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@WikiLovesEarth
Wiki Loves Earth 2023 is announcing the special nomination “Human rights and environment”!🌍
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11:41 · May 6, 2023
Wiki Loves Earth
@WikiLovesEarth
Dear WLE community!
Great news! Wiki Loves Earth 2023 international photo contest has started!🥳
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Good luck to each local team and each participant.
Let’s love Earth together💚
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14:53 · May 3, 2023
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@WikiLovesEarth
Dear WLE organizer!
The contest is starting very soon and this message is for those, who are still hesitating: to join or not to join?🤔
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13:51 · April 20, 2023
Wiki Loves Earth
@WikiLovesEarth
Wiki Loves Earth 2023 is coming soon!😎
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Feel free to check the participating countries here: 👉
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14:31 · April 13, 2023
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