Heart of the ecosystem
In Svalbard reindeer must withstand up to nine months of snow cover and limited food availability. In wintertime the reindeer carcasses make up an important part of the arctic foxes' diet. The climate of Svalbard is changing. Summers and winters have been wetter and warmer. Rain-on-snow is an extreme situation that locks the deep-frozen arctic tundra under a sheet of ice. The ice keeps reindeer from grazing on their winter pastures. The result is that populations crash in the winter and spring after the extreme weather. In this situation, almost no reindeer carcasses will be available for foxes to eat during the following winter, mainly because the reindeer that survived the previous winter are stronger, and less reindeer are competing for the food that is available. The result is a deep reduction in the arctic fox numbers one year after the grazers die off.
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Biography
Dutch photographer Jasper Doest creates visual stories that explore the intricate relationship between humanity and nature and is a contributing photographer to National Geographic Magazine. In an era where the impact of human activity on the environment is becoming increasingly apparent, Doest uses his photography to inspire us all to appreciate the wonder of our natural world and take steps towards its preservation. His accolades include four World Press Photo Awards and in 2023 he was named Environmental Photographer of the Year by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
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Awards
World Press Photo (Second Prize: 2017)
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Creative Visions (First prize: 2013)
European Wildlife Photographer of the Year (First prizes: 2009, 2014, 2015)
Travel Photographer of the Year (First Prizes: 2013, 2015)
Zilveren Camera, Natuur & Milieu (First Prize: 2016)
