Perfectly timed pictures of flamingos at nightfall, a shoal of fish parting as a predator comes near, penguins standing to attention and a geckoe which proves it can stick to anything have been shortlisted in the Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

The images join a shot of a pelican devouring its prey of tiny fish, a puffin popping his head between flowers and a capercaillie showing of its assets in front of the rising sun.

The incredible finalist entries wowed the judges, who had the difficult task of shifting through 42,000 images from both professionals and amateurs, from almost 100 countries.

And the images shortlisted by the jury are currently on display at the Natural History Museum in London, until the vote closes on January 5 2016. The winner of the vote will then be showcased until the exhibition closes on April 10 2016.

Judged by a panel of industry-recognised professionals, the breathtaking photos were marked on their creativity, artistry and technical complexity.

Here are the amazing finalist entries, which set out to reveal the diversity of natural life and to challenge the way we think about the world.