In this category, we asked for photos showing animals in the environment in which they live – this environment could be natural or built, and the animal, either native or feral. The only rule was that the animal must not be captive and has claimed the habitat independently. This shortlist shows the beautiful variety of landscapes and animals we enjoy in Australia. These photos will be exhibited at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide (18 August to 3 October) and the Australian Museum in Sydney (19 August to 9 October).
The Animal Behaviour category asked for photographs of animals engaging in natural activities. These photos will be exhibited at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide (18 August to 3 October) and the Australian Museum in Sydney (19 August to 9 October).
In this category, 30% of the frame had to be taken up by the animal. Creatures of the land, air and sea all feature in this stunning shortlist. These photos will be exhibited at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide (18 August to 3 October) and the Australian Museum in Sydney (19 August to 9 October).
A crested bicycle dragon stops running just long enough to have its portrait taken.
This python wasn’t too happy about being disturbed – which worked in the favour of the budding photographer who captured this striking image.
Scientists have photographed the rare southern cassowary in the Daintree, using a clever ploy.
A curious Quokka and her tiny joey check out photographer Jeanne’s camera gear on Rottnest Island, Western Australia
A sugar glider peeks out from behind a tree in Crater Lake National Park, Queensland
A yellow-tailed cockatoo shows off his colours while feeding in Tasmania