Ecologists are keen observers of biological life, the environment, and the many ways that they influence and interact with one another. In our daily lives, however, most people don’t have the chance to appreciate the remarkable diversity and activity in our surroundings that ecologists are trained to seek out.

For this reason, BMC Ecology created the annual Ecology Image Competition as a chance for ecologists to share their research and photographic skills, and demonstrate the beauty of the natural world. The 2016 Ecology Image Competition launched on February 23, 2016, and we invite you to participate by sending in your best photos.

Winners of the past years have brought us some particularly memorable moments, from the impressive local biodiversity converging on a single flower, to the grandeur of cascading rice paddies in China.We even had a striking showcase of one of Ecology’s most enduring symbols – the Galapagos tortoise.

We are calling for ecologists around the world to submit their images, to celebrate the intersection of art and science and highlight the breadth and diversity of ecology across the planet. Judging the competition will be members of the BMC Ecology Editorial Board, who are experts in biodiversity, ecosystems, ecological models, and behavioral ecology. Our special guest judge is Dr. Matthew Palmer of Columbia University, who is active in many New York City ecology organizations and specializes in urban ecology and ecosystems.

We will be accepting image entries from February 23-May 29, 2016 – check here for the full description of the contest, how to apply, and what you can win.

We can’t wait to see what great images 2016 will bring, and in the meantime you can check out the winners from the first three competitions at the BMC Ecology website: 2013, 2014, 2015.