Winners Gallery

“As we gaze at this marine iguana, with half of its body submerged in the waters and the other half emerging above the surface, it's impossible not to marvel at the uniqueness of these creatures. Without a doubt, marine iguanas are living dinosaurs, a testament to the countless stages and transformations life on our planet has undergone,” says Fernández  Caballero. “Native to the Galápagos Islands, marine iguanas are a striking example of nature's incredible adaptability. Unlike other iguanas around the world, these are the only ones that have evolved to swim and feed underwater, holding their breath for up to 60 minutes. Their robust bodies and flattened tails have been perfectly shaped by the marine ecosystem they inhabit. Yet, despite their strength and adaptability, marine iguanas are considered vulnerable. The warm currents of the El Niño phenomenon, combined with rising global temperatures, have reduced the availability of food, forcing these iguanas to travel greater distances to find marine algae.”