Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006

A remarkable image of the mimic octopus renowned as a brilliant master of disguise has won Sydney-based photographer, Michael Aw, the underwater category in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 competition. Michael’s stunning image is one of 92 featured in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 exhibition at the Australian Museum from 9 December to 18 March 2007 Now in its 42nd year, the exhibition showcases the winning and commended images from the world’s largest wildlife photography competition which attracted over 18,000 photographs from 55 countries this year. From a shy mountain gorilla baby transfixed by his first human encounter to an eagle in full flight above the Alaskan snow – the popular exhibition showcases evocative images and incredible stories which capture the beauty, drama and diversity of the natural world.

Michael’s image ‘The great mimic’ is one of two works featured by Australian photographers, the other being 17 year old Daniel Tregeagle of Yowie Bay, NSW whose ‘Survivor’ image of a trumpet vine – an invasive alien plant threatening Australia’s native fauna – received a highly Commended in the 15 -17 years age category. Michael Aw of Baulkham Hills, NSW was diving in Indonesia when he met the illusive Indo-Malayan mimic octopus. Only discovered in 1998, the octopus takes intelligence to a new level with its ability to discern which dangerous sea creature to imitate to present the greatest threat to any predator it’s confronted with. “I spotted what I thought was a strange eel and swam with it for an hour as it hunted over the sand, assuming the movement and shape of various marine creatures – from a sole to a ray and even a sea snake,” said Michael. “At the time when I captured the image, I am sure the animal was telling me that it was really a featherstar (crinoid). It sort of scowled at me to leave and I smiled at the very clever impersonator of the sea,“ he said.

Other highlights of the exhibition include a dramatic aerial image of northern Australia’s great Kimberleys wilderness; a group of rockhopper penguins skating across the ice; and, the powerful image of a big male leopard staring into the camera lens. Photographers inspired by the 2006 winners will have until the end of March 2007 to submit their entries to next year’s competition. Entry forms are available from the Natural History Museum, London website – www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition is owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is on show at the Australian Museum from 9 December 2006 to 18 March 2007. The exhibition is FREE with general Museum entry ($10 adult, $5 child/ concession/ senior). For more information, please call (02) 9320 6000 or visit www.amonline.net.au. MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Britton, Publicist, Australian Museum Phone: 02 9320 6181 Fax: 02 9320 6068 Mobile: 0421 617 019