A manatee and its calf drift underwater in Hunter Springs, Florida.

An algal bloom in the area had caused a decline in the eelgrass beds that provide them with food, but the local community restored the habitat, resulting in more manatees being recorded than ever before.

The photo taken by Dr Jason Gulley, who is also a geologist, is among several highly commended in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Twist and Jump by Jose Manuel Grandío, Spain

Jose saw this stoat jump mid-air as an “expression of exuberance” as the small mammal hurled itself around in a fresh snowfall.

Highly Commended, Behaviour: Mammals

Location: Athose, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

Deadly Bite by Ian Ford, UK

The radio alerted Ian that a jaguar had been spotted prowling a tributary of the São Lourenço river. Kneeling in the boat, he was in the perfect position when the cat delivered the skull-crushing bite to the unsuspecting yacare caiman.

Highly Commended, Behaviour: Mammals

Location: Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Going with the Floe by Tamara Stubbs, UK

A standout moment on Tamara’s nine-week expedition in Antarctica’s Weddell Sea was when two seals bobbed up to the surface to take a deeper breath after falling asleep alongside the ship.

Highly Commended, Animals in their Environment

Location: Weddell Sea, Antarctica