Snap-happy outdoor types have been urged to submit their best photos of local fauna in a bid to be named Malta's 2017 wildlife photographer of the year.

The competition, which is being run by Heritage Malta through the National Museum of Natural History, has been launched following an increase in the number of wildlife photography enthusiasts.

The photographs submitted will be judged by a panel of professional or well-known wildlife photographers, and winning images will be displayed at a two-month exhibition to be held at the Museum of Natural History in September. 

Participants may submit up to five images in each prize category and photos must must portray plants and animals found in a wild state in the Maltese islands. Both colour and monochrome photos can be submitted.

The closing date for submissions is April 30. Entrants to the competition must be aged 14 or over on the closing date. An entry fee of €10 for a total of up to 10 images submitted will be charged.

To read the rules in full, visit the competition website. Photos or queries can be sent to wildlifephotography@heritagemalta.org.