Will Lawler , Antarctic Animals in their Environment (Animal & Nature 2021)

These images depict a range of species that have evolved perfectly over millions of years to take advantage of their remote, inhospitable and extreme environments. Unfortunately they are all at threat due to climate change which is already being observed by scientists. Increasing temperature is affecting the distribution of sea ice and consequently the quantum of foundational ecosystem species such as krill upon which the Antarctic food chain in dependent. Highly evolved though they may be, these magnificent animals (depicted) don't have the capacity to adapt quickly. The photographer experienced some of the hottest days ever recorded on the Antarctic Peninsular in January 2020 and personally observed tens-of-thousands of Adelie Penguin chicks laying flat on ice to cool, with beaks open panting. It was only two weeks later the official hottest temperature was recorded on the Antarctic Peninsular of 18.3 degrees C.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.