The best animal photos of the year

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Brent Stirton, South Africa: Sunset over the land of rhinos Taken in Hluwhluwe iMfolozi game reserve, Natal, South Africa (© Brent Stirton) Brent Stirton

Charlie Hamilton James, Great Britain: Lookout for Lions Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (© Charlie Hamilton James) Charlie Hamilton

Jasper Doest, The Netherlands: Relaxation A Japanese macaque (also known as snow monkey) in Jigokudani National Park, Japan (© Jasper Doest) Jasper Doest

Steve Winter, USA: Last Wild Picture Fourteen-month-old Bengal tiger cubs in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India (© Steve Winter) Steve Winter

Jordi Chias Pujol, Spain: Turtle Gem Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Tenerife (© Jordi Chias Pujol) Jordi Chias Pujol

Jami Tarris, USA: The Glance Three male Celebes Crested Macaques (Macaca nigra) huddle together for a close-up prior to the outbreak of an argument, in Sulawesi, Indonesia (© Jami Tarris) Jami Tarris

Stefan Huwiler, Switzerland: Snatch and grab Golden eagle and red fox, Sinite Kamani National Park, Bulgaria (© Stefan Huwiler) Stefan Huwiler

Claudio Gazzoli, Switzerland: Evening rays Stingrays off Grand Cayman Island are accustomed to interacting with humans (© Claudio Gazzoli) Claudio Gazzaroli

John Marriott, Canada: Fluff Up A raven in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (© John Marriott) John Marriott

Alessandra Meniconzi, Switzerland: Rocky stranding Polar bear in Northern Norway (© Alessandra Meniconzi) Alessandra Meniconzi

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"Wildlife Photographer of the Year", conducted since 1964, is the world’s most prestigious contest for nature photography. From 48,000 submissions received in 2012, the jury selected the 100 most striking photos of life in the animal world.

The contest, sponsored by the Natural History Museum London and BBC Worldwide, is aimed not only at professional photojournalists but also at amateurs and teenagers, with prizes given in 18 categories. The photos that won prizes and honourable mentions are on exclusive display at the Basel Natural History Museum until March 31, 2013.