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Symbiosis

Jochen Maes

Belgium

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A cape buffalo quenching its thirst at a watering hole under the cover of darkness.

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Nominee

Nighttime thirst

Red-Billed Oxpeckers can often be found near Cape Buffalo (feeding on ticks and other parasites on the buffalo’s skin), creating a natural symbiosis between the two species.

The wing position of the bird and the whole scene being backlit by a setting sun gave this just that little bit extra.

Silver

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with these critically endangered white-backed vultures. In this specific shot, the birds are somehow managing to look affectionate and very intimidating all at the same time.