Make a donation
The Museum is a charity and we rely on your support.
Make a donation today and support our 350 scientists who are working to build resilient habitats, protect vulnerable species and secure a sustainable future for our planet.
Bhavya Joshi's Image
Bhavya Joshi (India) records the drama as keelback snakes seize fish that are trying to outpace the water currents.
Bhavya has been observing these communal feasts at this location for five years.
When he took this photograph, up to 25 snakes were hunting fish at the same time. By contrast, Bhavya was alone, wielding an umbrella with one hand, a camera with the other, and taking care not to fall in.
Checkered keelbacks are found in and around watery habitats.
Adults feed on amphibians, small birds and mammals. Fish are also important in their diet. Pesticides and industrial waste dumped into water can affect populations of both fish and the keelbacks that eat them.
Behind the lens
Bhavya Joshi
India
Bhavya is a professional wildlife photographer and researcher. His passion for wildlife has been a constant companion since childhood. With a keen understanding of various wildlife species and their behaviours, Bhavya and his wife strive to showcase them through wildlife photography and guided mentor tours. Conducting various tutorial workshops in different parts of India, they actively connect with local communities and tribes to gain further insights into wildlife and nature as experienced by those who live closely with them.
Image details
- Nikon D850
- 200-500mm f5.6 lens
- 1/60 at f8 (-0.7 e/v) • ISO 2000
- Near Rajkot, Gujarat, India
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.