Amit Eshel (Israel) witnesses a dramatic cliffside clash between two Nubian ibex.
After hiking to a clifftop vantage point, Amit slowly crept closer. Using a wide-angle lens, he set the action of two clashing Nubian ibex against the dramatic backdrop. The battle lasted for about 15 minutes before one male surrendered and the pair parted without serious injury.
Wildlife and Conservation Photographer and Competition Judge Stefano Unterthiner mused that the image fascinated him ‘perhaps because in my photographic career I’ve dealt with so many ungulate species around the world. It’s a memorable shot of a fascinating species, masterfully done.’
In the run-up to the mating season, the neck muscles of the males thicken and part of their coat darkens. Rivals begin by sizing each other up, then raising up on their hind legs and ramming their heads together. In some cases, the impact can be so great that their horns break as they collide.
Israel
Wildlife has been a source of interest and curiosity for Amit since his early childhood when he spent days looking for animals in the fields and forests next to his home. After graduating with honours with a BA in illustration, animation and graphic design, he decided to try to combine his two biggest passions - animals and art - into a professional career as a wildlife photographer and jewellery designer.
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