Colliding Views

Justin Gilligan's Image

A red kangaroo, killed by a vehicle, lies in the middle of an outback road. Driving past, Justin noticed how it was framed by the orange dust of its natural environment and positioned as though suspended in mid-leap. He used a drone to capture a graphic image that highlights the amount of roadkill on Australia’s outback highways.

Despite being a symbol of Australia, their abundance today means that some farmers consider kangaroos to be pests. They say the ‘roos’ damage crops and compete with livestock for scarce resources. Culling takes place in four states where the kangaroos are harvested for their meat and hides. Thousands of others, like this one, are killed on the roads.


Behind the lens

Justin Gilligan

Justin Gilligan

Australia

Justin is a natural history photographer, photojournalist and member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. His recent photojournalism work focuses on ecosystem-based conservation stories in Australia and he’s contributed to more than 23 feature articles for Australian Geographic magazine. Justin’s images have been awarded in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition on seven occasions, including three category wins.

Image details

  • DJI Phantom 4 Pro
  • 24mm lens
  • 1/2000 sec at f4  •   ISO 100
  • Denham, Western Australia, Australia
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.

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