Endangered trinkets

Bruno D'Amicis's Image

These vibrant spirals are the remains of snails. Trading them is illegal, but their appeal and rarity fuels demand. The sale of just one handful to a tourist would make a material difference to the vendor.

Cuban land snails are found in a thin belt of vegetation in Cuba. They mostly eat algae and lichens, which they scrape off the leaves of trees. Alongside habitat protection and law enforcement, local conservationists are raising awareness to prevent their extinction.

Behind the lens

Bruno D'Amicis

Bruno D'Amicis

Italy

Bruno is an award-winning professional photographer, author and environmentalist from Italy, with a background in wildlife biology and worldwide travel experience. He believes in the power of images to raise awareness about nature conservation. His photographs have been published in the industry’s leading media, displayed at events and exhibitions and received recognition in some of the most prestigious competitions. He’s also an author, public speaker and videographer, and has directed and filmed many high-end TV productions.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
  • 24–70mm f2.8 lens at 28mm
  • 1/50 sec at f5.6  •   ISO 800
  • Baracoa, Guantánamo, Cuba
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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