This category encompasses photographs of wild animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and marine life) captured in their natural and free habitat.

Focus: Judging emphasizes authentic animal behavior, biology, action, the struggle for survival, intra-species interaction, or portraits of wild individuals. The image must possess high documentary value.

Ethical Standard: Animal welfare is paramount. Photography must not endanger, disturb, or alter the natural behavior of wild species (especially at nesting or denning sites).

Not Allowed: Images of domesticated animals, pets, or wild animals kept in zoos, cages, or under any form of human captivity and restraint (falconry, game farms). Human-made elements (fences, roads, buildings) must not be visible unless they are vital to telling a story of a wild species adapting to its environment. Heavy digital manipulation (adding or removing elements) is strictly prohibited.