One of the most, if not THE most, prestigious nature photography competitions, the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012 competition, is now open for entries. Closing date for entries is 23 February 2012. In addition to 11 categories (including B&W and creative visions) special awards include the Eric Hosking Portfolio Award for a young wildlife photographer 18-26 years old, the Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Species, the World in Our Hands, and the Wildlife Photojournalist Award for a series of six images telling a story.
Complete description, rules, instructions, and digital guidelines are available here.