Category: Nature and wildlife

2025, Mammal, Spain Selection

Grooming Behavior of the Eurasian Otter

Grooming Behavior of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra), Spain

After a dive, a Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) shakes itself to maintain its fur, which is essential for insulation and survival in an aquatic environment.

Discreet and elusive, the Eurasian otter is a valuable bioindicator: its presence is a sign of a healthy river.

As a top predator at the apex of the food chain, it must consume around 10 to 15% of its body weight each day, roughly one kilogram of food (fish, crustaceans, amphibians). Such abundance is only possible in rich aquatic environments, where good water quality allows microorganisms and insects at the base of the food web to thrive.

Furthermore, the otter is extremely sensitive to bioaccumulation: chemical pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides concentrate along the food chain until they reach it. Its active presence and successful reproduction therefore provide a particularly reliable biological indicator, revealing an aquatic ecosystem that is functional and well preserved.

2023, Bird, Spain Selection

The Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus): Acrobat of the Undergrowth

Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) perched in the soft light of the undergrowth

In the soft light of the undergrowth, a Blue Tit pauses for a brief moment.

A burst of color and energy, the Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) brings a vital spark of life to the silence of the forest.

This small, agile acrobat plays a crucial role as a natural regulator within its ecosystem. During the breeding season, a single pair can collect up to 10,000 insects and larvae—particularly defoliating caterpillars—to feed a single brood. Its presence indicates a diverse woodland environment that provides both essential nesting sites and a rich, sustainable food source.

2010, Insect and Arachnid, Mainland France Selection

The Apollo: A Glacial Relic of the High Peaks

Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo rhodopensis) unfolding its wings in the mountains

A slow and powerful flight, carried by the thermal currents of the summits.

A true survivor from the glacial eras, the Apollo is one of the few butterflies capable of thriving at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters.

Its sturdy body is covered in fine black hairs that act as a thermal coat, allowing it to absorb every bit of solar heat from the earliest light. Unlike many other butterflies, its flight is heavy and somewhat bird-like, alternating between steady wingbeats and gliding. This energy conservation is vital in an environment dominated by wind and cold. Seeing this white silhouette against the deep blue of the alpine sky remains one of the most magical moments for a mountain photographer.

2025, Ethiopia Selection, Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), Mammal

Ethiopian Wolf, Nose to the Wind

Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) catching a scent in the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia

Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) catching a scent – Bale Mountains, Ethiopia

The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), also known as the Simien jackal, is the world’s rarest wild canid, endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia. A rodent-hunting specialist, it moves gracefully through alpine meadows.

In this image, an individual lifts its head into the morning breeze—perhaps tracking prey or simply attuned to the subtle cues of its environment. With fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild, every observation is a profound privilege. Its russet coat, slender muzzle, and poised silhouette make it a quiet but powerful symbol of Ethiopia’s unique natural heritage.

2025, Bird, Ethiopia Selection

Blue Sparkle of the Male Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus)

Male Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) perched in a thorny bush, Ethiopia

A bright turquoise flash amidst the thorny thickets of the Ethiopian savannah.

Perched in a thorny bush, this male Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) reveals its stunning plumage.

Its vibrant turquoise-blue breast and belly are highlighted by a distinctive red patch on the cheek. In females, these colors are more muted, with the blue being less extensive and the red cheek patch absent. This contrast allows for easy identification of the sexes. Widespread across the savannahs and scrublands of sub-Saharan Africa, this small, graceful bird enlivens the Ethiopian landscape with its vivid colors and energetic movements, often found in pairs or small groups.

2023, Algeria Selection, Bird, Sahara

The Pale Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne obsoleta): Messenger of the Sands

Pale Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne obsoleta) in flight over the Algerian desert

Silent and light, it pierces the scorching air like a brown arrow.

Silent and light, the Pale Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne obsoleta) pierces the scorching air like a brown arrow.

It traces arabesques above the dunes, a faithful companion to the wind and the light. Its fleeting silhouette seems to float between sky and earth, a reminder that even in the heart of the mineral vastness, life finds its place and dances with grace. Perfectly adapted to arid environments, this species often nests in the rocky walls of Saharan canyons and wadis.

2025, Oman Selection, Reptil and Amphibian

The Gulf Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes): A Night Watchman of Oman

Gulf Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes) photographed at night in the desert, Oman

A small marvel of adaptation to the extreme conditions of the Omani desert.

The Gulf Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes) is a discreet and elusive inhabitant of Oman’s arid regions.

Recognizable by its large eyes adapted for night vision, it emerges mainly at night to hunt small insects. Its slender legs allow it to move with agility over loose sand, while its pale coloration helps it blend seamlessly into its environment. A true watchman of the sands, this small reptile is a fascinating example of adaptation to the harshest climatic conditions of the Arabian Peninsula.

2025, Ethiopia Selection, Gelada (Theropithecus gelada), Mammal

Young Gelada female on a Cactus

Young female Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) perched on a cactus, Ethiopia

A unique specialization among primates to survive in high-altitude grasslands.

The Gelada, a primate endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, is distinguished by an almost exclusively herbivorous diet.

Unlike most monkeys, it spends the majority of its day grazing on grass, much like a ruminant. Over 90% of its diet consists of shoots, seeds, roots, flowers… and even cacti, from which it consumes the tender, water-rich parts. This unique specialization allows it to thrive in altitude prairies where resources are seasonal but abundant. In this photograph, a young female nimbly explores the resources provided by the local flora, showcasing the species’ incredible adaptation.

2025, Bird, Oman Selection

Skimming Flight, Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) – Oman

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) flying low over the waves, Oman

The gull skims the crest of the waves, in perfect balance between sky and sea.

In perfect harmony with the water, the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) performs a silent dance above the ocean.

A remarkable long-distance migrant, identifiable by its slate-grey mantle and yellow legs, it travels thousands of kilometers annually to reach the shores of the Indian Ocean from Northern Europe or Russia. Its low-altitude flight is more than just aesthetic: it utilizes the ground effect to conserve energy during long coastal journeys. In Oman, it is a regular visitor to the coastlines, where its elegant silhouette stands out against the deep blue of the Arabian Sea.

2025, Ethiopia Selection, Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), Mammal

The Ethiopian Wolf, Sentinel of the Abyssinian Highlands

Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis) standing in the tall grass, Ethiopia

A silhouette that stands still, watchful, in the silence of the high plateaus.

At the edge of dawn, across the vast expanses of the Ethiopian highlands, the Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis) embodies elegance and discretion.

Its silent steps lead it through the high-altitude pastures, where it scans every movement in the grass, stalking its favorite prey—primarily endemic rodents. This image reveals the profound harmony between the animal and its environment: soft lines, diffused light, and a suspended silence. As a critically endangered species, this solitary predator of the Simien and Bale mountains is a symbol of the raw and fragile beauty of Abyssinia.

2018, Fish, Underwater Pictures from Djibouti

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) – Djibouti

Whale

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) – Djibouti

 

In the deep, dark waters of the Gulf of Tadjourah, off the coast of Djibouti, emerges a majestic silhouette: the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the world. With its enormous mouth agape, it filters thousands of liters of water each hour, harvesting plankton and tiny prey suspended in the ocean. Despite measuring between 12 and 18 meters long, this gentle giant is completely harmless to humans.
Its feeding strategy is simple yet remarkably efficient: it swims slowly with its mouth wide open, filtering up to 6,000 liters of water per hour. Each day, it can consume several dozen kilograms of plankton, fish larvae, and small crustaceans. The nutrient-rich waters of Djibouti, especially between October and February, attract these giants in search of food, offering rare and unforgettable encounters.

2025, Ethiopia Selection, Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), Mammal

The Abyssinian Wolf, Watcher of the Ethiopian Highlands

The

The Abyssinian Wolf, Watcher of the Ethiopian Highlands

 

Alone on the highlands of Abyssinia, the Ethiopian wolf scans the horizon. This slender predator, perfectly adapted to life at high altitude, is now one of the most endangered mammals on the African continent. Threatened by habitat fragmentation and diseases transmitted by domestic dogs, only about 500 individuals remain in the wild.

2025, Oman Selection, Shellfish, Stars

Bioluminescence of Krill Rising to the Surface at Nightfall (likely Euphausia sibogae) – Arabian Sea, Oman

Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence of Krill Rising to the Surface at Nightfall (likely Euphausia sibogae) – Arabian Sea, Oman

 

At nightfall, krill rise from the depths to the surface, driven by the planet’s largest daily animal migration. There, tossed by the waves, they emit a cold, bluish light. Their bioluminescence, produced by tiny organs called photophores, creates brief flashes across the surface of the sea. This shimmering glow — both camouflage and communication — sometimes turns the night ocean into a living sea of stars, drifting and silent.

2014, Fish, Portugal Selection, Underwater Pictures from Azores

Mobulas Rays (Mobula tarapacana), Sea Devils or Gentle Giants? – Azores, Portugal

Mobulas

Mobulas Rays (Mobula tarapacana), Sea Devils or Gentle Giants? – Azores, Portugal

 

Mobula rays, close relatives of the majestic manta rays, have long been nicknamed “devilfish” by fishermen around the world.
Their imposing silhouette, the two horn-like cephalic fins on their heads, the tail spine at the base of their dorsal fin, and especially their habit of leaping spectacularly out of the water have all fueled fear and superstition.

Among the most far-fetched tales, it was said that mobulas could seize a ship’s anchor with their curled horns and drag entire boats into the depths.
Despite being completely harmless to humans, they were also accused of wrapping pearl divers and freedivers in their vast “mantle” to drown them.

These legends, born of fear and imagination, now contrast with the awe we feel in the presence of these graceful, peaceful giants — vital players in the balance of marine ecosystems.

2025, Ethiopia Selection, Mammal

Male Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) – Bale Mountains, Ethiopia

Male

Male Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) – Bale Mountains, Ethiopia

 

Shy and elusive, the mountain nyala lives only on the Ethiopian highlands, among misty heather forests, alpine meadows, and shadowy clearings. Fewer than 4,000 individuals remain in the wild, most of them confined to the Bale Mountains — the species’ last stronghold.

Males are especially striking: larger and darker than females, they bear long, spiraled horns and a dark crest along their back that stands erect during tension or display. These features make them elegant, ghost-like figures of the high-altitude forests — rare, silent, and hard to glimpse.

2024, Ethiopia Selection, Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), HD, Mammal

Pack of Abyssinian Wolves on Patrol in the Bale Mountains (Canis simensis), Ethiopia


Pack

Pack of Abyssinian Wolves on Patrol in the Bale Mountains (Canis simensis), Ethiopia

Click to see the complete picture in a virtual tour

 

Abyssinian wolves feed almost exclusively on rodents. Their habitat is limited to the high plateaus and mountains of Ethiopia, where rodent density is particularly high. In the Bale Mountains, where this photo was taken, up to 6,000 rodents can be found per square kilometer.

This diet has shaped their behavior: unlike other wolf species that hunt large prey in packs, Abyssinian wolves hunt alone.
Yet each morning, before spreading out to search for food, clan members carry out a joint patrol across their territory.

On this particular day, six wolves from the Meguiti clan were roaming their land, ensuring no intruders had trespassed.

2012, Fish, Underwater Pictures from Indonesia

Ornate Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) – Indonesia

Ornate

Ornate Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) – Indonesia

 

Strange and delicate, Solenostomus paradoxus defies the eye. This harlequin ghost pipefish, a master of camouflage, blends perfectly among gorgonian branches or seagrass beds, mimicking the shapes and colors of its surroundings. Hanging head-down, it seems to vanish into the background, eluding predators with ease. Its spectacular mimicry makes it one of the most fascinating illusionists of tropical reefs.

2023, Bird, Spain Selection

Pair of White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) – Spain

Pair

Pair of White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) – Spain

 

A small bird of fast-flowing rivers, the white-throated dipper fascinates with its aquatic lifestyle. Able to walk underwater against the current, it hunts aquatic insects, larvae, and small crustaceans along the stream bed. In this discreet dweller of cool waters, the bond between mates is strengthened through food exchanges: the male sometimes feeds the female — a gesture that seals their union before nesting begins.

2015, Japan Paper, Mammal, Paper

Japan: A Monkey with a Surprising Habit

Snow monkeys (in Japanese, nihonzaru 日本猿), also known as Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), are the only species of primate living in the wild in Japan. This species is also endemic to the Japanese archipelago. These monkeys are mainly found in mountainous regions, at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2,500 meters. In winter, when temperatures become harsh, these monkeys have developed a surprising habit: soaking in natural hot springs to keep warm!

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