GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2026

I am delighted that two of my photographs have been recognised in the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year competition 2026.

My photo “Climate change losers“ came 6th in the Birds category.

The effects of climate change are already clearly visible in the Alps. Compared to the global average, temperatures here are rising twice as fast. The rock ptarmigan and the glacier in the picture are among those affected by rising temperatures. As a species adapted to cold weather, the rock ptarmigan is suffering as a result of higher temperatures. The only option for the bird is to move to higher altitudes, where it is cooler. However, its habitat is limited by the peaks above. Other animal species from lower regions are moving up, creating pressure. In addition, the tree line is rising, further reducing its habitat. With climate change advancing, we could witness the loss of glaciers and animal species such as the rock ptarmigan over the coming decades. It is up to us to do something about it.

My photo “Dominance “ came 7th in the Mammals category.

Even from afar, I could hear the clash of their horns. Two magnificent ibexes were battling on a snow-covered slope, each determined to prove his strength. Normally, dominance is established in summer to save energy for the December rut, but these evenly matched rivals chose to settle the score once more at the end of November. I watched as they repeatedly locked horns, first one gaining the advantage, then the other. With each clash, they pushed one another farther down the mountainside and closer to me, allowing me to witness their contest at close range. Eventually, the fight subsided, and both ibexes decided it was time to feed. Afterwards, they calmly made their way back up the slope together.