A remarkable 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 captivating image, titled "Out of the Darkness," showcases the intense stare of South America's only native bear species in a way that reveals the animal's compelling personality.
The photograph was captured using a camera trap that García had strategically positioned near Colombia's Chingaza National Natural Park. García expressed his satisfaction with the images produced by his camera trap setup, noting that this particular shot stood out among the collection. The high humidity conditions and a fortunate arrangement of raindrops on the camera lens contributed significantly to the photograph's distinctive artistic effect, creating an almost ethereal quality as the bear appears to materialize from the misty forest environment.
The image was taken at the Ecopalacio Nature Reserve near Bogotá, Colombia, using sophisticated equipment including a Nikon D7200 camera with an 18-55mm f3.5 lens. The technical specifications reveal García's expertise: the shot was captured at 1/80 second at f11 with an ISO setting of 800, utilizing two Camtraptions Z Pro flashes housed in specialized Camtraptions housing with a motion sensor trigger system.
Andean bears, scientifically known as Tremarctos ornatus, range across much of the tropical Andes region and represent a critically important species in South American ecosystems. These omnivorous and opportunistic animals feed primarily on plants, playing a crucial role in their mountain habitat environments. However, the species faces increasing threats as habitat loss from cattle farming has led to escalating conflicts between bears and human communities, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent.
García, who maintains an active presence on social media through his Instagram account @santiagomonroywildphoto, brings both scientific expertise and artistic vision to his wildlife photography. As a trained biologist, he has co-authored a comprehensive guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Chingaza National Park and has actively collaborated on various research projects focusing on migratory birds and evolutionary studies. His work extends beyond photography into community engagement, as he has participated in training projects designed to help local communities produce audiovisual material and develop sustainable ecotourism initiatives.
The photographer's mission extends far beyond capturing beautiful images. García aims to inspire concrete conservation action and highlight the dedicated efforts of small communities that have committed their lives to preserving fragile ecosystems. His work serves as a bridge between scientific research and public awareness, demonstrating how powerful imagery can advance scientific knowledge while nurturing a global appreciation for nature.
This recognition in the Animal Portraits category of the Adult Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition represents a significant achievement in García's career. The category specifically seeks to reveal the personality of individual animals or intimate groups in thought-provoking and memorable ways, criteria that García's image clearly fulfills. The photograph will be featured in an upcoming exhibition that encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world through images that celebrate nature's awe-inspiring beauty while urging protection of threatened species and habitats.
