Breathtaking images are on display in Tring after the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013 exhibition was unveiled.

Winners of the world-renowned competition can be viewed at the Natural History Museum, with 100 awe-inspiring images featured, from fascinating animal behaviour to breathtaking wild landscapes. Now in its 49th year, the internationally recognised annual competition drew around 43,000 entries from 96 countries, from amateur and professional photographers. The rigorous selection process brought together a panel of esteemed international judges to choose the best entries based on creativity, artistry and technical complexity.

The grand title winner was Greg du Toit from South Africa with his striking photograph, Essence of Elephants, taken at a waterhole in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Greg used a slow shutter speed to create the atmosphere and “to depict these gentle giants in an almost ghostly way”.

Grand title winner of the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013 was Udayan Rao Pawar from India, who snapped hatchling gharials on the back of an adult, from the banks of the Chambal River.

Chair of the panel Jim Brandenburg says: “These talented photographers have made capturing wildlife on camera a true art form. They have given us a rare glimpse into moments in nature and places on our Earth that are constantly changing but, through their photographs, can be enjoyed by future generations.”

The exhibition at the Natural History Museum at Tring forms part of a tour to 10 venues across the UK.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is co-owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide.

The Natural History Museum at Tring, Akeman Street, Tring, until March 10, 2014, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. Details: 020 7942 6171, nhm.ac.uk/tring