Nature Picture Library Feature Stories Night Life

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With the aid of light-enhancing, heat-seeking technologies, film production company Ammonite has developed innovative night-vision cameras that reveal the previously unseen night life of animals from around the world.

Ammonite's arsenal of night-filming technology includes starlight, infra-red and thermal cameras, with which they have revolutionised wildlife film-making, producing ground-breaking television shows such as Nightstalkers and Hunt for the Giant Squid.

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Sleeping African elephants (Loxodonta africana), two adults and offspring, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology without artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Sleeping African elephants (Loxodonta africana), two adults and offspring, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology without artificial light.

Wildebeest {Connochaetes taurinus} under stars at night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Wildebeest {Connochaetes taurinus} under stars at night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light

Thermal image of two Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) at forest waterhole at night. Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. Image taken at night with no artificial light, on location for National Geograp... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Thermal image of two Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) at forest waterhole at night. Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. Image taken at night with no artificial light, on location for National Geograp...

Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) at night, Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken using a ^starlight camera^ without artificial light, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers film. *THIS... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) at night, Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken using a ^starlight camera^ without artificial light, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers film. *THIS...

Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) in threat pose, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) in threat pose, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology without artificial lighting.

Group of lions (Panthera leo) at night, Masai Mara, Kenya.~Photographed using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Group of lions (Panthera leo) at night, Masai Mara, Kenya.~Photographed using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting.

Leopard (Panthera pardus) resting at night. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken with 'starlight camera' using no artificial light, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers film. *THIS... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Leopard (Panthera pardus) resting at night. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken with 'starlight camera' using no artificial light, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers film. *THIS...

Leopard (Panthera pardus) resting at night. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken with infared camera using no artificial light, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers. *THIS IMAGE CAN... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Leopard (Panthera pardus) resting at night. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken with infared camera using no artificial light, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers. *THIS IMAGE CAN...

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Three hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) approaching a resting lion (Panthera leo) at night. Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken using an infared camera with no artificial visible light, on location for... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Three hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) approaching a resting lion (Panthera leo) at night. Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken using an infared camera with no artificial visible light, on location for...

Lions (Panthera leo) hunting hippopotamus, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. ~Can only be used if National Geographic ^Night of t... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lions (Panthera leo) hunting hippopotamus, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. ~Can only be used if National Geographic ^Night of t...

Herd of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) resting at night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Herd of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) resting at night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light.

Pack of hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) feeding on prey at night with black-back jackals (Canis mesomelas). Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Pack of hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) feeding on prey at night with black-back jackals (Canis mesomelas). Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light.

Herd of wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) feeding and resting at night. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Herd of wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) feeding and resting at night. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light.

Lions (Panthera leo) feeding in Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology without artificial lighting. ~Can only be used if National Geographic ^Night of the Lion^ is men... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lions (Panthera leo) feeding in Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology without artificial lighting. ~Can only be used if National Geographic ^Night of the Lion^ is men...

Alex Verner and Clinton Edwards in filming vehicle by moonlight, on location for ^Night of the Lion^, 2009. Thermal camera technology was used to film lions at night.~Can only be used if National Geog... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Alex Verner and Clinton Edwards in filming vehicle by moonlight, on location for ^Night of the Lion^, 2009. Thermal camera technology was used to film lions at night.~Can only be used if National Geog...

Ammonite night filming crew on location for National Geographic Nighstalkers, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, 2010. *THIS IMAGE CAN ONLY BE USED IF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC NIGHTSTALKERS IS REFERENCED* - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Ammonite night filming crew on location for National Geographic Nighstalkers, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, 2010. *THIS IMAGE CAN ONLY BE USED IF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC NIGHTSTALKERS IS REFERENCED*

Martin Dohrn in night filming vehicle, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers, Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken using a thermal camera, without artificial light. *THIS IMAGE CAN O... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Martin Dohrn in night filming vehicle, on location for National Geographic Nightstalkers, Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken using a thermal camera, without artificial light. *THIS IMAGE CAN O...

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Martin Dohrn / Sleeping African elephants (Loxodonta africana), two adults and offspring, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology without artificial light.

Male lion (Panthera leo) feeding on wildebeest carcass, lioness observing. Masai Mara, Kenya. Photographed at night using Thermal Camera technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Male lion (Panthera leo) feeding on wildebeest carcass, lioness observing. Masai Mara, Kenya. Photographed at night using Thermal Camera technology without artificial lighting.

Four nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) resting at night on the banks of the Mara River, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken with infared camera, without any visible artificial light, on location for N... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Four nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) resting at night on the banks of the Mara River, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken with infared camera, without any visible artificial light, on location for N...

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) resting at night on the banks of the Mara River, Masai Mara, Kenya. Two hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) sleeping nearby. Image taken with infared camera, without... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) resting at night on the banks of the Mara River, Masai Mara, Kenya. Two hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) sleeping nearby. Image taken with infared camera, without...

Thermal camera image of hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius), crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus, far left) on the banks of the Mara River, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image take... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Thermal camera image of hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius), crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus, far left) on the banks of the Mara River, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image take...

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Chital / Spotted deer herd (Axis axis), Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken at night using infa red camera technology without artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Chital / Spotted deer herd (Axis axis), Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken at night using infa red camera technology without artificial light.

Asian elephant family feeding (Elaphus maximus), Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken at night using infa red camera technology without artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Asian elephant family feeding (Elaphus maximus), Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken at night using infa red camera technology without artificial light.

Spotted hyaenas at night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light, composite - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Spotted hyaenas at night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light, composite

African elephant herd {Loxodonta africana} at night, Masai Mara. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / African elephant herd {Loxodonta africana} at night, Masai Mara. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light.

The Southern Cross star constellation shining above Ballenites trees in Masai Mara, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / The Southern Cross star constellation shining above Ballenites trees in Masai Mara, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light.

Group of hyena (Crocuta crocuta) playing in deep rain puddle at night. Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya.~Image taken using ^starlight camera^ with no artificial light, on location for National Geographic... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Group of hyena (Crocuta crocuta) playing in deep rain puddle at night. Topi Plain, Masai Mara, Kenya.~Image taken using ^starlight camera^ with no artificial light, on location for National Geographic...

Lions (Panthera leo) approaching rhinoceros, Masai Mara, Kenya. Photographed at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lions (Panthera leo) approaching rhinoceros, Masai Mara, Kenya. Photographed at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting.

Hyaenas threatening lions who have stolen kill. Serengeti NP, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology and infra red light. Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Hyaenas threatening lions who have stolen kill. Serengeti NP, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology and infra red light. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Spotted hyaenas harrass lioness. Serengeti NP, Tanzania, East Africa. Infra-red image taken at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Spotted hyaenas harrass lioness. Serengeti NP, Tanzania, East Africa. Infra-red image taken at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. Ngorongoro Conservation Area,

Indian elephants (Elephas maximus) at night, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken using thermal camera technology with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Indian elephants (Elephas maximus) at night, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Image taken using thermal camera technology with no artificial light.

Lionesses (Panthera leo) killing zebra, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal Camera technology without artificial lighting. ~Can only be used if National Geographic ^Night of the Lion... - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lionesses (Panthera leo) killing zebra, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal Camera technology without artificial lighting. ~Can only be used if National Geographic ^Night of the Lion...

Lionesses resting, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lionesses resting, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using thermal camera technology, with no artificial light.

Bioluminescence - pool with Snook, Snapper and a Stingray fish. Puerto Rico. Central America. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Bioluminescence - pool with Snook, Snapper and a Stingray fish. Puerto Rico. Central America. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light.

Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates {Pyrocistus sp.} flashing at night. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates {Pyrocistus sp.} flashing at night. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light.

Starry night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Imagetaken using starlight camera technology without artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Starry night, Masai Mara, Kenya. Imagetaken using starlight camera technology without artificial light.

Stampeding Wildebeest {Connochaetes taurinus}. Heads held low to see ground in pitch black night. Serengeti, Tanzania, East Africa. Infra red image from 'Starlight' camera, from film. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Stampeding Wildebeest {Connochaetes taurinus}. Heads held low to see ground in pitch black night. Serengeti, Tanzania, East Africa. Infra red image from 'Starlight' camera, from film.

Wildebeest running {Connochaetes taurinus} in pitch black night. Serengeti, Tanzania, East Africa. Infra red image from 'Starlight' camera. Image from film - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Wildebeest running {Connochaetes taurinus} in pitch black night. Serengeti, Tanzania, East Africa. Infra red image from 'Starlight' camera. Image from film

Lioness killing Zebra, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lioness killing Zebra, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken at night using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting.

Male Lion portrait in moonlight, Serengeti NP, Ngorogoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Male Lion portrait in moonlight, Serengeti NP, Ngorogoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting

Lioness head portrait in moonlight Serengeti NP, Tanzania, East Africa. Note dilated pupils. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lioness head portrait in moonlight Serengeti NP, Tanzania, East Africa. Note dilated pupils. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting.

Lioness at night with dilated pupils, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Lioness at night with dilated pupils, Kenya. Starlight image intensifier camera image taken with no artificial light.

Maasai warriors the night before a hunt. Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Maasai warriors the night before a hunt. Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using 'Starlight Camera' technology without artificial lighting.

Maasai warriors celebrate the night before a hunt. Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using Starlight Camera technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Maasai warriors celebrate the night before a hunt. Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, East Africa. Image taken using Starlight Camera technology without artificial lighting.

Zebras (Equus quagga) and wildebeest (Conochaetes taurinus) grazing together, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using Thermal Camera technology without artificial lighting. - Martin Dohrn

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Martin Dohrn / Zebras (Equus quagga) and wildebeest (Conochaetes taurinus) grazing together, Masai Mara, Kenya. Image taken at night using Thermal Camera technology without artificial lighting.