Make a donation
The Museum is a charity and we rely on your support.
Make a donation today and support our 350 scientists who are working to build resilient habitats, protect vulnerable species and secure a sustainable future for our planet.
Chris Brunskill's Image
Perching in a small motor boat on a fast-flowing river, Chris steadied his long lens on this battle. The jaguar had come across the yacaré caiman by chance – accidentally stepping on the reptile after a failed charge at a capybara. Without hesitation the jaguar pounced, overcoming its monstrously large prey in minutes.
The yacaré caiman and jaguar are both top predators in the Pantanal Wetlands, and struggles like this are not unusual. Though excellent swimmers, jaguars tend to stalk or ambush their prey on the ground, subduing them with their formidable bite. After they have delivered their final blow, they will often drag carcasses to shelter to enjoy their meal in peace.
Behind the lens
Chris Brunskill
UK
Chris is a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience. He has photographed tigers extensively in Ranthambore National Park, India, for the past two decades. He has also worked on various book, film and television projects in that time. More recently Chris has been focusing on wild jaguars and has led small trips to the Pantanal in Brazil.
Image details
- Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
- 400mm f2.8 lens
- 1/2000 sec at f4 • ISO 640
- Pantanal Wetlands, Brazil
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
Support our important work
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.