Wildlife photographer stripped of award

2009 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Jose Luis Rodriguez has been stripped of his award, after evidence surfaced that his chosen subject was not a wild animal.

Rodriguez made the headlines when his image of a wolf jumping over a frosty gate snatched the award from a strong field of competitors.

Judges now believe the photograph depicts Ossian, a tame wolf living at the Cañada Real Center near Madrid. The use of undeclared models is prohibited by the competition rules.

Rodriguez maintains his innocence, but has been banned from the competition for life. He is also to lose the £10,000 winner's prize, while keeping £500 in lieu of royalties.