Sebastian Di Domenico
The Heart of the Andes
Andean bear at the top of a tree in the páramo, Colombia, 2023
Category - Into the Forest
Páramos are high mountain ecosystems characterised by vegetation adapted to extreme conditions of cold and high altitude. Generally located between 3,000 and 4,500 metres above sea level, these biotopes are unique: veritable natural sanctuaries, they play a key role in the production and distribution of water by capturing moisture from fog and rain, and are home to a rich biodiversity. Concentrated in the Andean region of South America, the páramos stretch from Venezuela to Peru. This juvenile Andean bear was spotted during a wildlife research expedition in the Colombian páramo. As we walked through the forest, the bear detected our presence and uncovered itself to observe the intruders. It is extremely rare to be able to capture an image like this in Colombia because the high-altitude ecosystems are not home to many large trees and, although they are remarkable climbers, bears are generally seen on the ground.
200-600 mm f/5.6-6.3 Lens - 1/640 sec at f/6.3 ISO 3200