Women's Voices Unite to Protect Earth's Biodiversity: Stunning Photography Exhibition Revealed

Stunning Images Highlight Fight to Save Earth's Rich Biodiversity LONDON - A collection of breathtaking photographs showcasing the world's most vulnerable species has been unveiled at the Natural History Museum's 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, opening on October 17. The display features eight stunning images, including a striking shot of a tropical flat-faced longhorn beetle in Malaysia, which highlights the urgent need to protect Earth's rich biodiversity. The photographs, past entries to the competition, were chosen for their exceptional quality and ability to inspire action. "We want visitors to care enough that they later take action," said Hannah McCartney, who runs the competition. "These images can have a powerful impact." One of the featured photographs is "Alien" by Kim Hui Yu, which captures the eerie beauty of a flat-faced longhorn beetle perched on a branch in Malaysia's Gunung Jerai forest. The image was taken during a family trip and has become an iconic representation of the importance of preserving biodiversity. "I want people to know that all creatures, even small ones, count," said Kim Hui Yu. "So don't destroy the forest." Her photograph is part of a larger display that includes a table-sized map of biodiversity levels, as measured by the Biodiversity Intactness Index created by the museum's researchers. The exhibition also features a poignant image, "Innocence Betrayed," taken by Hilary O'Leary, which showcases a 4-month-old black rhino calf. The photograph serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of human activities on wildlife populations. The Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has been running for over two decades and has become a platform for photographers to showcase their work and raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. This year's exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors, with the hope that it will inspire action to protect Earth's precious biodiversity. Background: The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) measures the level of biodiversity in different regions around the world. The index takes into account factors such as species richness, endemism, and ecosystem services. According to the museum's researchers, the BII has shown a decline in biodiversity levels globally over the past few decades. Additional Perspectives: The exhibition also highlights the critical role that women play in conservation efforts. "Women are often at the forefront of conservation work," said McCartney. "They have a deep understanding of the natural world and are often more effective in engaging local communities in conservation initiatives." Current Status and Next Developments: The 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is set to open on October 17 at the Natural History Museum in London. The display will run until April 2026, with a new set of photographs being added each month. Visitors can also explore the museum's website, which features an online version of the exhibition and provides additional information about the featured images and the Biodiversity Intactness Index. The exhibition is part of a larger effort to raise awareness about biodiversity loss and inspire action to protect Earth's precious ecosystems. As Kim Hui Yu's photograph "Alien" so poignantly captures, every species counts, and it is up to us to ensure their survival. *Reporting by Newscientist.*