Alpine Revelation

Andrea Zampatti's Image

When Andrea spotted one ibex, the more he looked, the more he saw. A herd of around 50 was loitering in the shadows, a few younger ones fighting listlessly. Andrea captured this small group against the cliffs, the rich scenery splashed with colourful minerals and lichens.

Although the Alpine ibex was once hunted to the brink of extinction, it has since been reintroduced to much of its former home in Europe. Yet, as a result, there is little genetic variation across the population and small colony sizes put the ibex at risk from disease and inbreeding. Disturbance from tourism is also a threat.


Behind the lens

Andrea Zampatti

Andrea Zampatti

Italy

Andrea has loved wildlife and nature since childhood. His great passion is big mammals and birds, with a particular love for the species of his beloved Alps, the northern hemisphere and the mountains of the world. The aim of his work is to place aesthetics, emotions and nature on the same level.

Image details

  • Nikon D750
  • 300mm f4 lens
  • 1/320 sec at f10  •   ISO 640
  • Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy
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.

Donate now

Discover more

Sign up to our newsletter

Receive email updates about Wildlife Photographer of the Year news, events, science, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.