2006: Behaviour: Mammals - Highly Commended
Christophe Courteau (France)
Hyena at bay
Christophe discovered four spotted hyenas eating an elephant's foot by a lagoon in Botswana. So did a pack of 20 or so African wild dogs. Without hesitating, the dogs charged the hyenas. All fled - except one. 'All hell broke loose,' says Christophe, 'but the action was in the grass, and I found myself wishing they would all move to a more open dusty patch'. As though following director's orders they did, the swirling dust and backlighting improving the drama no end. The hyena avoided the snapping jaws by facing the dogs full on. But finally, after more than 15 minutes, she fled, her persecutors quickly giving up the chase.
Canon EOS 1D Mark II with 500mm f4L IS lens; 1/640 sec at f4; 800 ISO.
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Adult awards Beast of the sediment Göran Ehlmé
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Adult awards Dolphin in its element John Johnson
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Adult awards Fatal trip Joe Mcdonald
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