While trekking through Uganda's jungles, Federica Cordero, a wildlife photographer, had a lucky encounter. She found a young chimp relaxing on a vine. From its grumpy expression, you could tell his nap was disturbed, resulting in a charming photo. This image, "The Canopy Watcher," secured the top spot in the Animal Portraits category at this year's Nature inFocus Photography Awards.

This contest is an annual event which celebrates photographers, documenting important moments in nature and highlighting critical conservation issues. It's really amazing how they capture these instants.

Amit Eshel, another wildlife photographer, captured a dramatic scene in the Canadian tundra of Ellesmere Island. He showed how muskoxen form a protective circle around their calves when a wolf is nearby. Unfortunately, the wolf pack managed to snatch a few young ones. The photo highlights the harsh realities of Arctic life.

Tinnapat Netcharussaeng, a young underwater photographer, amazed everyone with an otherworldly image taken during a night dive in the Philippines. The subject was a female paper nautilus. Actually, it's not a nautilus, but an octopus with a nautilus-like shell. It was seen clinging to a leaf, using it as a raft in the open sea. Isn't that amazing?

Rajat Chordia captured a stark image in Udaipur, India. It showed a leopard feeding on a cow carcass next to a busy road amid garbage. This scene highlighted the challenges faced by the city's leopard population due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts are more important than ever.

Sarthak Agrawal spotted a flock of flamingoes against Dubai’s skyline at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This urban wetland provides a vital refuge for migratory birds. Even in black and white, the flamingos are unmistakable with their long necks and curved bills. It's impressive how wildlife manages to thrive even in urban settings.

Bidyut Kalita's macro shot of a crane fly in India is like an abstract art piece. He used special lighting techniques to capture the insect in sharp focus, revealing the motion of its legs. It's fascinating how photography can turn tiny creatures into art.

Lastly, Sergey Bystritsky staged a haunting scene in Georgia’s Vashlovani National Park. He used lights and fabric to guide a fox into the frame, capturing it as it prowled across the foreground. The park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife made for a stunning photo. I think that wildlife photographers have a very hard, but admirable job. It requires a lot of effort, patience and dedication.