'The moment' by Yongqing Bao, China, Joint Winner 2019, 'Behaviour: Mammals' & 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019' overall winner

'The Moment' which captures a Tibetan Fox and a Marmot in a life and death standoff has been crowned the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 competition overall winner. 

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Photographer Yongqing Bao was behind the lens when the image, which showcases the drama and intensity of nature, was captured and he, along with all of the other winners, received his prize at an award ceremony at the Natural History Museum, London, which develops, produces and exhibits the international competition.

Commenting on the winning image, chair of the judging panel, Roz Kidman Cox, said: "Photographically, it is quite simply the perfect moment. The expressive intensity of the postures holds you transfixed, and the thread of energy between the raised paws seems to hold the protagonists in perfect balance."

"Images from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are rare enough, but to have captured such a powerful interaction between a Tibetan fox and a marmot - two species key to the ecology of this high-grassland region - is extraordinary," Roz Kidman Cox.

Natural History Museum Director Sir Michael Dixon added: "his compelling picture captures nature’s ultimate challenge - its battle for survival. The area in which this was taken, often referred to as the ‘third pole’, because of the enormous water reserves held by its ice fields, is under threat from dramatic temperature rises like those seen in the Arctic. At a time when precious habitats are facing increasing climate pressures, seeing these fleeting yet fascinating moments reminds us of what we need to protect."

'Night glow' by Cruz Erdmann, New Zealand, Winner 'Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019'

Fourteen-year-old Cruz Erdmann took the award for 'Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019' with his serene portrait of an iridescent big fin reef squid captured on a night dive in the Lembeh Strait off North Sulawesi, Indonesia. 

Commenting on Cruz' image, Theo Bosboom, nature photographer and member of the judging panel for WPY55, said: "To dive in the pitch dark, find this beautiful squid and to be able to photograph it so elegantly, to reveal its wonderful shapes and colours, takes so much skill. What a resounding achievement for such a young photographer."

Cruz and Yongqing's images will be on display along with 98 other photographs at the Natural History Museum from 18 October 2019 before touring across the UK and internationally to locations such as Canada, Spain, the USA, Australia and Germany.

Open to photographers of all ages and abilities, the next Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition opens for entries on Monday 21 October 2019. You can take a look at past entries here: First Look At The Incredible Entries For 2018's Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Competition

Take a look at more Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 winning entries below.

'Tapestry of life by Zorica Kovacevic', Serbia/USA, Winner 2019, 'Plants and Fungi', Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'Another barred migrant' by Alejandro Prieto, Mexico, Winner 2019, 'Wildlife Photojournalism: Single Image',  Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'Land of the eagle' by Audun Rikardsen, Norway, Winner 2019, 'Behaviour: Birds', Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'The rat pack' by Charlie Hamilton James, UK, Winner 2019, 'Urban Wildlife', Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'The equal match' by Ingo Arndt, Germany, Joint Winner 2019, 'Behaviour: Mammals', Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'Frozen moment' by Jérémie Villet, France, Winner 2019, 'Rising Star Portfolio Award', Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'Early riser' by Riccardo Marchgiani, Italy, Winner 2019, '15-17 years old', Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'Snow exposure' by Max Waugh, USA, Winner 2019, 'Black and White', Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019

'The huddle' by Stefan Christmann, Germany, Winner 2019, 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio Award 2019'