Ghost frog - Edwin Giesbers - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2006

2006: Animal Portraits - Specially Commended

Edwin Giesbers Enlarge image Ghost frog

Edwin Giesbers (The Netherlands)

Ghost frog

Many species of frog in Costa Rica have disappeared over the past couple of decades, probably a combination of a deadly fungus and the stresses of climate change. Ghost glass frogs are still relatively widespread, but are difficult to find. Edwin's guide hadn't seen one for a year, and so the discovery was even more exciting than the mountain lion footprints in the mud nearby. 'I stood in a stream to get as close as I could,' says Edwin. 'The frog remained motionless as I took its portrait, completely confident in its ability to morph into the plant it was attached to.' Ghost glass frogs get their name from the transparent skin on their bellies through which you can see their organs and even their circulating blood.

Nikon D70 with Tamron 90mm macro lens; f4; 400 ISO.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.