A captivating photograph of an Andean bear emerging from dense vegetation has earned Colombian biologist and wildlife photographer Santiago José Monroy García high commendation in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The striking image, titled "Out of the Darkness," showcases the intense stare of South America's only native bear species through a compelling camera trap shot.
The photograph was captured near Colombia's Chingaza National Natural Park using sophisticated camera trap equipment. García had strategically positioned his Nikon D7200 camera with an 18-55mm lens in the Ecopalacio Nature Reserve near Bogotá, utilizing motion sensors and specialized Camtraptions housing with dual Z Pro flashes. The technical specifications included settings of 1/80 second at f11 aperture with ISO 800, demonstrating the challenging low-light conditions of the bear's natural habitat.
What makes this particular image especially remarkable is the fortuitous combination of environmental factors that enhanced its artistic impact. The high humidity in the area, combined with an unexpected arrangement of raindrops on the camera lens, created a unique atmospheric effect that adds depth and drama to the bear's emergence from the darkness. García expressed his satisfaction with the results from his camera trap setup, noting that this image stood out among the collection he captured during his fieldwork.
The photograph falls under the Animal Portraits category of the competition, which aims to reveal the personality of individual animals or intimate groups in thought-provoking and memorable ways. García's work successfully captures the essence of the Andean bear, scientifically known as Tremarctos ornatus, showcasing the animal's powerful presence and mysterious nature as it moves through its forest environment.
Andean bears, ranging across much of the tropical Andes throughout South America, represent a critical species facing significant conservation challenges. These omnivorous and opportunistic animals feed primarily on plant matter, playing an important ecological role in their mountain forest habitats. However, their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat loss resulting from cattle farming expansion, which has led to escalating conflicts between bears and human communities.
García, who serves as co-author of a comprehensive guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Chingaza National Park, brings extensive scientific expertise to his photography work. His background includes collaboration on research projects focusing on migratory birds and evolutionary studies, providing him with deep knowledge of the ecosystems he documents. Additionally, he has been actively involved in community training projects designed to produce audiovisual educational materials and promote sustainable ecotourism initiatives.
The photographer's ultimate goal extends beyond creating visually stunning images to inspiring concrete conservation action and highlighting the dedicated efforts of small communities working to preserve fragile ecosystems. Through his lens, García aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness, demonstrating how wildlife photography can serve as a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and education.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition continues to showcase exceptional work that celebrates nature's awe-inspiring beauty while urging viewers to protect the natural world. García's achievement represents not only personal recognition but also brings international attention to the conservation needs of Colombia's unique wildlife and the ongoing efforts to protect species like the Andean bear for future generations.
