Playful Lynx Claims Top Spot in Wildlife Photography Competition

A stunning photograph of a young Iberian lynx has taken home the People's Choice Award at the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Captured mid-play, this remarkable image highlights the beauty and rarity of the species.

The striking image, titled Flying Rodent, was taken by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan during a two-week stay in Torre de Juan Abad, in Spain's Ciudad Real province. Stefan spent several days in a hide before the young lynx appeared with its prey, repeatedly throwing it into the air and catching it with remarkable agility.

For nearly 20 minutes, the lynx remained absorbed in its behaviour, at times standing on its hind legs with its gaze fixed on the rodent, he shared. 'To me, it looked as if the rodent could fly.'

The moment concluded when the lynx carried its prey behind a bush to eat it, evidencing the natural instincts of this incredible creature.

The Iberian lynx is one of the world's rarest wildcats, having faced near extinction in the early 2000s with fewer than 100 individuals left. Due to extensive conservation efforts, their population has since rebounded to over 2,000, yet they are still classified as vulnerable.

This year's competition saw a record-breaking 85,917 votes cast by wildlife photography enthusiasts globally. Alongside the winning image, several finalists received commendations and will be displayed at London’s Natural History Museum until July 12, 2026.

In addition to the winning image, the panel of judges praised the submissions of four other finalists for their exceptional storytelling through photography.