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David ‘Billy’ Herman's Image
At dusk the herd of 40 guanacos grew increasingly nervous. Using his thermal camera to scan the area, Billy noticed the presence of pumas – guanacos’ main predators. Spread in small groups, dominant guanacos, like this one, were getting ready to defend their grazing territory.
Though abundant in Patagonia, guanaco populations in other regions are threatened by habitat degradation, competition with livestock and hunting. Recently, mining as well as gas and oil exploration have also increased the threat.
Behind the lens
David ‘Billy’ Herman
Belgium
Billy is a passionate biologist and naturalist. He likes to explore Belgium , Europe and the world for birds, mammals and other fauna, and landscapes and flora. In 2014 he established STARLING, a travel agency for nature observation and photography. He sees himself as a nature guide, not photographer, as observation is still more important to him - but photography has also become a passion.
Image details
- Nikon D4S
- 500mm f4 lens
- 1/13 sec at f4 • ISO 1250
- Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
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