Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2018 by Marsel van Oosten

Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2018 by Marsel van Oosten

I am both extremely proud and humbled that I just won the Grand Title ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018’! My image ‘The Golden Couple’ won First Prize in the Animal Portraits category and then suddenly also won the grand title. I did not see that one coming, which explains why I then gave the worst speech in the history of WPY. The image features two golden snub-nosed monkeys that I photographed in south-west China.
The Qinling golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana qinlingensis) is an Old World monkey in the Colobinae subfamily. It is endemic to a small area in the temperate forests of the Qinling Mountains at elevations of 1,500-3,400 m above sea level. These beautiful animals are listed as Endangered by the IUCN as only some 3,800 individuals still exist. Most people have never seen these creatures, and awareness is a critical first step towards the successful conservation of any species. This is why I think it is important to show these images to the world. Their main threat, as often, is habitat-loss. For instance, lichens are the main staple of the monkey’s diet and dead trees have the greatest lichen coverage. Unfortunately, dead trees are harvested, thus reducing the quality of the habitat and availability of food. The monkey is a highly selective feeder, so damage to its habitat seriously impacts the species. The males have large bodies covered with very long, golden guard hairs on their backs. Females are about half the size of the males, and their golden guard hairs are shorter. The golden snub-nosed monkey is found in groups ranging in size from 5-10 individuals to bands of about 600. The males often stay solitary, remaining away from the rest of the group members as they rest, but females or juveniles sometimes join them. Congratulations to all the other winners, and a big thank you to Daniella – my voice controlled mobile light stand 🙂 And thank you to WPY, the judges (I’ll be wiring your money tomorrow), and all the people who have worked so hard to make this such a great event – you’re the best. – – – If you would like to photograph these amazing monkeys yourself, then join us on our 2019 China’s Endangered Wildlife photo tour from 30 March – 12 April. If you’re interested, please check the dedicated tour page and the online brochure:
China’s Endangered Wildlife photo tour: www.squiver.com/tours-workshops/china-wildlife-2019/
Brochure: slate.adobe.com/cp/uI6nF/ Marsel | squiver.com WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM ©2018 Marsel van Oosten, All Rights Reserved. This image is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.

Marsel van Oosten: Photos