A tiny creature, a fleeting moment and a photographer’s keen eye have brought international recognition to Maharashtra’s Sitaram Dinkar Raul. Originally from Ghotgewadi in Dodamarg taluka of Sindhudurg district, Raul has won the Winner – Behaviour: Invertebrates title at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) competition for capturing a fascinating survival behaviour in the Thar Desert.

Organised by London’s Natural History Museum, the globally recognised competition celebrates exceptional wildlife photography. Raul’s photograph stood out among more than 65,000 entries submitted from around the world, placing his work among the competition’s celebrated images.

A Scorpion’s Race Against the Desert Heat

Captured in the Thar Desert in India, Raul’s winning photograph reveals a scorpion burrowing into the sand in the early morning hours. The image captures the tail of a Buthacus scorpion as it uses its pincers to dig into the dunes.

These scorpions are active during the cooler hours of the night, when they venture out in search of prey. As the sun rises and temperatures begin to climb, they burrow into the sand to escape the heat. Raul noticed this remarkable behaviour and captured a moment that offers a glimpse into the survival strategies of a creature that often goes unnoticed.

Rather than photographing a dramatic hunt or a large wild animal, he focused on a small desert inhabitant responding to its harsh surroundings. His image transforms an everyday survival instinct into a compelling wildlife story, revealing how even the smallest creatures have evolved ways to cope with challenging environments.

Fourteen Years Behind the Lens

Currently residing in Badlapur, Raul has spent 14 years pursuing photography. His interests include wildlife, macro photography and creative nature photography, through which he explores details and behaviours that might otherwise escape the human eye. His artistic sensibility is also shaped by his interest in painting. An understanding of colour, composition and lighting helps him capture unusual moments and present familiar subjects from fresh perspectives.

Raul credits the encouragement of his family, fellow photographers and mentors for supporting his journey. His fine arts teacher, Suresh Bhosale, helped him develop a deeper appreciation for artistic composition and visual storytelling. His connection with the natural surroundings of Konkan and Badlapur has also influenced his work.

Bringing the Unseen World into Focus

Raul’s international recognition goes beyond a personal milestone. It draws attention to invertebrates such as scorpions, insects and other small creatures that play important roles in their ecosystems. By documenting their behaviour, wildlife photographers help people understand the complexity of nature and the importance of protecting the habitats these creatures depend on.

With one carefully observed moment in the Thar Desert, Raul has shown that extraordinary wildlife stories do not always involve the biggest or most celebrated animals. Sometimes, they are hidden in the sand, waiting for someone to notice.