Respect, Kronotsky nature reserve, Russia. The photographer’s cat, Ryska – her name means little lynx in Russian – stands outside their cabin and with aggressive posturing warns off a fox. In winter, foxes would regularly visit the cabin searching for food. If one peered in at the window, possible when the snow was deep, Ryska would sit on the other side, fur raised, and growl. When outside, she would hold her ground. The foxes were not always frightened and so encounters could be a sort of dance. (Photo by Igor Shpilenok/Unforgettable Behaviour/NHM)
The Stampede, Victoria Island, Canada. Muskoxen stampede over frozen tundra, unusual behaviour for these Arctic animals unless a pack of wolves is chasing them. The more common reaction of muskoxen is to face a predator in a line. If attacked by wolves, the group forms a compact circle, all facing out, with calves in the centre. What the wolves want to do is to spook the muskoxen and make them run, knowing that the weaker animals can be picked off by the pack. (Photo by Eric Pierre/Unforgettable Behaviour/NHM)
Mother’s Little Headful, Chambal River, India. A female gharial hangs out in the water while her babies use her head as a basking perch. She is one of a colony of gharials that have nested at this riverbank site. The mothers keep watch from the river, with the female acting as chief guard for 100 or so hatchlings. Adults will protect the young for at least a month until the monsoon rains arrive and they move down river to feed in deeper water. Gharials are under pressure from illegal sand‑mining in nesting areas, illegal fishing, egg collection and pollution. (Photo by Udayan Rao Pawar/Unforgettable Behaviour/NHM)
A Little Swinger, India. It’s the end of the day and a group of black-footed grey langurs settle into a tree for the night. But this infant has decided it’s playtime. Swinging on the tails of two juveniles, he makes a characteristic play face. His mother takes little notice, and the adolescents tolerate his acrobatics. Langurs are very social and youngsters play as often as they can, which helps develop bone and muscle, and also develops social bonds and communication skills. (Photo by Thomas Vijayan/Unforgettable Behaviour/NHM)
The Penguin Protector, Antarctica. An Adélie penguin attempts to drive off a giant petrel. The chicks have gathered for protection while their parents are at sea finding food. The petrel appears smaller than it is because of the perspective, but it is larger than the squawking, flipper-waving Adélie and capable of pecking to death a young penguin. Usually, southern giant petrels act like vultures, feeding on the carcasses of the young. But when carrion is not available, they will pick off any chicks separated from their parents. (Photo by Linc Gasking/Unforgettable Behaviour/NHM)
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