From alpine cliffs to Indian skies, photographers from across the globe have turned their lenses toward one of nature’s most misunderstood animals — vultures. After hundreds of entries and thousands of public votes, the results are finally in.

As part of the International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) initiative, the World of Vultures Photography Contest invited photographers to share their most striking vulture moments. Judged by both expert photographers and the public, the contest aimed to spotlight these birds not just as scavengers, but as essential, powerful players in the ecosystem.

Winners

🥇 First Place

Lamandé Mike – Griffon Vulture, France (2025)

🥈 Second Place

Miriam van Dun Fotografie – Griffon Vultures, Spain

🥉 Third Place

Thomas Remmits / @wildfocus_thomas – Egyptian Vultures Mating, Spain

Finalists

4️⃣ Thomas Remmits / @wildfocus_thomas – Griffon Vulture, Spain (2024)

5️⃣ Adrien PETIT – Bearded Vulture, French Alps (2023)

6️⃣ Stéphane Aubry – Bearded Vulture, Switzerland (2024)

7️⃣ Nitish Agrawal / The Last Vulture – Indian Vulture, India (2025)

8️⃣ Paul Monar B. / FCA – Andean Condor, Ecuador (2024)

9️⃣ Lamandé Mike – Bearded Vulture, France (2024)

🔟 Nitish Agrawal / The Last Vulture – Indian Vultures, India (2024)

A big congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Your photos help change the way people see vultures — not as dark or grim, but as striking, essential birds that play a vital role in nature.

Follow IVAD on Facebook and Instagram to help spread the word about the importance of vultures.