Rare Image of Monkey Riding on Deer’s Back Goes Viral
In a surprising turn of events, the U.K. Natural History Museum has released a rare image that has taken the internet by storm. The photograph, capturing a monkey riding on the back of a deer, was taken by renowned wildlife photographer Atsuyuki Ohshima in a Japanese forest.
While such interactions between macaques and deer are not unheard-of, they are certainly rare. According to Atsuyuki, male macaques have been observed attempting to mate with female deer in the past. However, in this particular instance, the macaque in question was a young female simply enjoying a free ride.
The Natural History Museum unveiled this captivating image as a preview of their highly anticipated Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. With nearly 50,000 submissions from 95 countries, the museum selected 100 photographs for display, starting from October 13th. This image of the monkey and deer duo certainly grabbed attention with its unique perspective on wildlife interaction.
The Yakushima macaques, featured in the photograph, inhabit the Yakushima island located off the southern coast of Japan. With an estimated population of about 12,000 macaques and 10,000 to 20,000 deer on the island, it is understandable why such encounters occur. Interestingly, the deer on the island are usually referred to as “Yakushika” and are known for their indifference towards humans.
To manage the deer population on the island, periodic culling is conducted. However, humans are generally considered to be visitors in the animals’ territory, rather than the other way around.
This extraordinary image serves as a reminder of the fascinating interactions that take place within the animal kingdom. Similar instances of monkeys attempting to mate with deer or engaging in playful riding or grooming have been documented in the past. With wildlife photographers like Atsuyuki Ohshima capturing such remarkable moments, we are able to witness the wonders of nature firsthand.
As the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition prepares to display these awe-inspiring images, nature enthusiasts from around the world eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating world of wildlife through the lens of talented photographers like Atsuyuki Ohshima.
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