A photographer has captured the first-ever image of an eastern quoll glowing in the wild, topping the list of finalists for Tasmania’s premier science photography competition.
Ben Alldridge’s stunning shot shows the endangered marsupial biofluorescing under ultraviolet light in Tasmania’s remote southwest wilderness.
It is said to be the first time this glowing phenomenon has been recorded in the species’ natural habitat.
The photo is one of 12 finalists announced for this year’s Beaker Street Science Photography Prize.
“Where their fur is normally fawn or black, under certain wavelengths of light, they exhibit a process referred to as biofluorescence – like nature’s version of a white shirt glowing at a disco,” Alldridge said.
The image is part of ongoing research into how light pollution affects native wildlife.
Festival founder Margo Adler said this year’s finalists captured the essence of making science accessible.
“These photographs let us see the world differently and in some cases quite literally reveal things we’ve never seen before,” she said.
“This year’s finalists really capture what Beaker Street is all about. Making science visible, beautiful and emotionally resonant.”
The images will go on display at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in August as part of the Beaker Street Festival.
