Gear
SUMMARY
Photographer Michiel van Noppen captured a dramatic scene in the Costa Rican rainforest at night, documenting the treatment of a Baird's tapir suffering from screwworm infestation. The image, shot on a Canon EOS R6 with a slow shutter speed and flash, uses darkness to enhance the drama of the conservation effort. This photograph is part of Van Noppen's award-winning series, 'Tales of the Forest Keepers,' and highlights the return of screwworms due to illegal livestock trafficking. Van Noppen will be honored at the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition.
TAKEAWAYS
Photograph captures a tapir being treated for screwworms in Costa Rica at night.
Technique uses a headtorch, flash, and slow shutter speed to create a dramatic effect.
The image is part of Michiel van Noppen's award-winning 'Tales of the Forest Keepers' series.
Screwworm return is linked to illegal livestock trafficking, impacting vulnerable tapirs.