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JUDGES:
Bittu Sahgal, Sanctuary Asia (Chair)
Steve Winter, National Geographic photographer
Kalyan Varma, NiF, conservation photographer
Ganesh H. Shankar, Fine-art nature photographer
Dr. Anish Andheria, WCT, conservation photographer
Nayan Khanolkar, Naturalist and wildlife photographer
Lakshmy Raman, Executive Editor, Sanctuary Asia
Dr. Parvish Pandya, Head, Photography, Sanctuary Asia
REFEREES:
Sumit Sen, Birder, author and naturalist
Shekar Dattatri, Conservation India, cinematographer
Milinda WattegedaraLOCATION: Yala National Park, Sri Lanka DETAILS: Camera: Nikon D4S,
Lens: Nikon 600 mm., Shutter speed: 1/1250 sec., Aperture: f/5.6,
ISO 900, Focal length: 600 mm.
Forsaken Death is inevitable. A spotted deer struggles furiously and
helplessly as a bask of crocodiles enter into a feeding frenzy. It turns its
eyes heavenwards, but seconds later is ripped to shreds by the ravenous
reptiles. The acute desperation evident in this image captured on the
banks of the Buthawa tank in Yala National Park is enough to trigger
one’s fi ght-or-fl ight response. The ill-fated deer was originally felled by
just one crocodile, but the others were quick to join in. Last year, we
compared Milinda Wattegedara’s equally well-timed special mention image
to a Monet painting, this year it’s reminiscent of a twisted, jungle-themed
Botticelli. With his steady hand, he has framed a staggering, action-
packed image that depicts the gory, no rules apply rule of Mother Nature.