The Bermuda Zoological Society has launched a new photography competition to focus on Bermuda's biodiversity.

The year 2001 has been named the `Year of Biodiversity Awareness' by Environment, Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister and BZS has decided to launch the contest in celebration.

The contest's theme focuses on the diversity of life. The principal curator of the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, Jack Ward, explained that diversity includes all the Island's plants and wildlife -- on land, in the air and in the ocean.

"It includes trees, flowers, grasses, mosses, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, shellfish, coral, seaweed, algae and more,'' he said.

"We hope this contest will encourage adults and young people to explore the rich diversity of life in Bermuda, including rare and unusual species of plants and wildlife and the unique ways that species interact and adapt to the environment.'' The contest is open to anyone and will run until July 31 in order to give photographers "ample time to focus on the more than 8,000 species of plants and wildlife that have been recorded in Bermuda.'' Entries will be judged in Professional, Amateur and Young Amateur categories.

More than ten cash prizes will be offered and the Best in Show prize carries a $300 award.

First, second and third prizes in each category will receive $200, $150 and $100 respectively.

There will also be a number of $100 Ecology Awards given in recognition of photos which illustrate the interdependent and high adaptable nature of the environment.

There is no limit to the amount of entries that can be submitted by any particular photographer.

The contest is being sponsored by Daniel's Head Village, RG magazine and Zip-Pix.

Zip-Pix is offering a 15 percent discount on processing to contest entrants and the winning entrants will be published in RG magazine.

The winners will also have their work exhibited at the Bermuda Society of the Arts gallery in City Hall and at BAMZ.

Rules and additional information on the contest can be picked up at the BAMZ front desk or at IBC's main office.