In Photos: 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Kitten combat by Julius Kramer, Germany. Highly commended, Behaviour: Mammals Like many solitary wildcats, the males have expansive home ranges, within which one or more females live. Most active at dawn and dusk, they are powerfully built, with slightly longer hindlimbs for pouncing on prey. They hunt mainly herbivores, such as deer, which brings them into conflict with hunters.

Photograph: Julius Kramer/2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Trailblazer by Christian Wappl, Austria Highly commended, Behaviour: Invertebrates A large firefly larva, about 8 centimetres (more than 3 inches) long, emitting continuous glow from four light organs at its rear. Fireflies spend most of their lives as larvae, feeding mainly on slugs and snails. This one can even tackle invasive African land snails many times its own size. Its glow – the result of a chemical reaction in its light organs – is most likely a warning to predators that it is unpalatable (whereas, the flashing lights of adult fireflies are for courtship).

Photograph: Christian Wappl/2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Cool cat by Isak Pretorius, South Africa Highly commended, Animal Portraits A lioness drinks from a waterhole in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. She is one of the Mfuwe Lodge pride – two males, five females and five cubs. Lions kill more than 95 per cent of their prey at night and may spend 18–20 hours resting.

Photograph: Isak Pretorius/2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year