Phallus painted on wall of house to ward off evil spirits, Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Bhutanese boy and monks, Paro Dzong, Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Young Buddhist monks, Paro Dzong, Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Male Eastern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus flavirostris), Samburu National Reserve, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Impala (Aepyceros melampus), Shompole, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

African hoopoe (Upupa africana), Zimanga game reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Rarely seen Striped possum (Dactylopsila trivirgata) on tree in the Wet Tropic rainforest of Queensland, Australia, Pacific

A tropical fish on Nungwi beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Female saddle-billed stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis), Kruger National Park, South Africa, Africa

Two chattering lory (Lorius garrulus) in captivity, Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Biological Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America, North America

Leucistic caused by lack of melanin, or blond Antarctic fur seal pup (Arctocephalus gazella) on South Georgia, Polar Regions

Leucistic caused by lack of melanin, or blond Antarctic fur seal pup (Arctocephalus gazella) on South Georgia, Polar Regions

A rare melanistic king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), feeding its okum boy chick at Fortuna Bay, South Georgia Island, Polar Regions

Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis chathamensis), can live for over 100 years, San Cristobal island, Galapagos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

By-the-wind sailor (Velella velella), held in a hand without stinging just outside Newport Beach, California, United States of America, North America

Blue Footed Booby (Sula nebouxii), a marine bird found in the Eastern Pacific whose unusual blue feet feature in courtship rituals, Galapagos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult San Esteban spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura conspicuosa), endemic to Isla San Esteban, Baja California, Mexico, North America

A rare white morph of the southern giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus), English Strait, Antarctica, Polar Regions

A Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, rises to the surface of Crystal River, Florida. This endangered sirenian subspecies migrates to inland rivers during the winter where water temperatures are warmer than the ocean.

A rare roughsnout ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paegnius) hovers above the seafloor in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This beautiful area harbors extraordinary marine biodiversity and is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.

A beautiful nudibranch, Bornella anguilla, crawls over black sand in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This rare nudibranch can swim over short distances quite well.

A rare adult melanistic king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), returning from feeding at sea tin Fortuna Bay, South Georgia, Polar Regions

A Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), with a rare condition, leucism, in the Antarctic Peninsula, Polar Regions

A Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), with a rare condition, leucism, in the Antarctic Peninsula, Polar Regions

Rare New Zealand sea lions at Hoopers Inlet on Otago Peninsula, Otaago, South Island, New Zealand, Pacific

Rare New Zealand sea lions at Hoopers Inlet on Otago Peninsula, Otaago, South Island, New Zealand, Pacific

A Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), with a rare condition, leucism, in the Antarctic Peninsula, Polar Regions

Rare leucistic gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), Gonzalez Videla Station, Waterboat Point, Paradise Bay, Antarctica, Polar Regions

Rare James's flamingos (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), in flight, Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia, South America

Rare leucistic gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), Gonzalez Videla Station, Waterboat Point, Paradise Bay, Antarctica, Polar Regions

Rare leucistic gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) in a colony, Gonzalez Videla Station, Waterboat Point, Paradise Bay, Antarctica, Polar Regions

Rare James's flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), in flight, Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia, South America

Rare leucistic gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) contrasts with another gentoo, Waterboat Point, Paradise Bay, Antarctica, Polar Regions

Rare James's flamingos (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia, South America

Greater doublecollared sunbird (Nectarinia afra), Giant's Castle, South Africa, Africa

Rare James's flamingos (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia, South America

Rare James's flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia, South America

Rare James's flamingos (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia, South America

Rare James's flamingos (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia, South America

Blue headed colibri bird, Ancient Domaine Limbe, Sainte Marie Commune, Martinique, French Antilles, Caribbean, Central America

Rare Arabian Oryx, Oryx leucoryx, endangered species in Qatar, The Gulf States

Black-necked stork, Queensland, Australia

Flight of Spoonbills, Ars en Re, Ile de Re, France

Camel adorned with colourful tassel and bridles, with camelier, Bikaner Desert Festival, Rajasthan state, India, Asia

Glass mosaic peacock dating from the late 19th century, in City Palace (Mor Chowk), Udaipur, Rajasthan state, India, Asia

Spoonbills and herons, Ars en Re, Ile de Re, France

Weka Bird by Lake Kaniere conservation area, Hokitika, South Island,New Zealand

Young woman wearing folk dress on horseback, Ride of the Kings Festival, village of Vlcnov, Moravian Slovacko, Vlcnov, Zlinsko, Czech Republic, Europe

Black-necked stork, Queensland, Australia

Yellow billed hornbill (Tockus flavirostris), Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa

Hoatzin birds at Lake Sandova, Peruvian Rainforest, South America

One of the king's companions wearing folk dress, Ride of the Kings Festival, village of Vlcnov, Moravian Slovacko region, Vlcnov, Zlinsko, Czech Republic, Europe

Naga (sacred snake), on chapel's front porch, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

Close-up of decoration on the walls of the City Palace, built in 1775, Udaipur, Rajasthan state, India, Asia

Puma or mountain lion (felis concolor) running on snow, captive.

Puma or mountain lion (felis concolor) standing on snow looking back, captive.

Puma or mountain lion (felis concolor), walking in snow, captive.

Puma or mountain lion (felis concolor) running in snow, captive.

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) fluke-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) fluke-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) carcass in Holmabukta off the northwest side of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) sub-surface feeding in the rich waters off the continental shelf, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) fluke-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

Flying Fish Species (scientific name unknown) rare unusual image, in mid-air. South Atlantic Ocean. MORE INFO: Note the trail on the surface of the water made by its tail.

Flying Squid Species in mid-air (Ommastrephes bartramii). Extremely rare unusual image. South Atlantic Ocean. MORE INFO: Flying Squid use membranes between their tentacles (visible on pic) & two fins at the rear of the mantle to glide through the air in a similar way to flying fish. These unique adaptations allow them to avoid predation more easily. Ommastrephid squids are among the strongest swimmers in the Cephalopoda. A number of species are fished commercially. This particular species (Ommastrephes bartramii), is commonly known as "Neon Flying Squid" due to its colouration and its ability to glide over the ocean surface as seen in the photographs. Please note that this is a genuine image of a wild animal in its natural environment. It is not a digital manipulation.

Blue Whale (Balaenoptera Musculus) breaching, extremely rare unusual image. Monterey, California, Pacific Ocean. MORE INFO: This Blue Whale was engaging in courting/fighting behaviour with another Blue Whale. Both animals were moving much faster than normal, chasing each other, & breaching repeatedly.

Blue Whale (Balaenoptera Musculus) breaching, extremely rare unusual image. Monterey, California, Pacific Ocean. MORE INFO: This Blue Whale was engaging in courting/fighting behaviour with another Blue Whale. Both animals were moving much faster than normal, chasing each other, & breaching repeatedly.

Flying Squid Species in mid-air (Ommastrephes bartramii). Extremely rare unusual image. South Atlantic Ocean. MORE INFO: Flying Squid use membranes between their tentacles (visible on pic) & two fins at the rear of the mantle to glide through the air in a similar way to flying fish. These unique adaptations allow them to avoid predation more easily. Ommastrephid squids are among the strongest swimmers in the Cephalopoda. A number of species are fished commercially. This particular species (Ommastrephes bartramii), is commonly known as "Neon Flying Squid" due to its colouration and its ability to glide over the ocean surface as seen in the photographs. Please note that this is a genuine image of a wild animal in its natural environment. It is not a digital manipulation.

Northern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) three adult animals surfacing, rare unusual image. Azores, Atlantic Ocean. MORE INFO: This was part of a group of 13 animals seen South of Pico Island, it is extremely rare to see so many Bottlenose Whales together.

Flying Fish Species (scientific name unknown) rare unusual image, in mid-air. South Atlantic Ocean.

Hourglass Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) rare unusual image, adult Male porpoising. Drake Passage, Southern Ocean. MORE INFO: Males of this species can be identified by the huge hooked dorsal fin and post-anal keel, both of which are visible on this animal.

Wunderpus octopus, Wunderpus photogenicus. This rare species of octopus is sometimes found in sandy burrows on shallow slopes in the Coral Triangle. Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Pacfic Ocean.

Flying Squid Species in mid-air (Ommastrephes bartramii). Extremely rare unusual image. South Atlantic Ocean. MORE INFO: Flying Squid use membranes between their tentacles (visible on pic) & two fins at the rear of the mantle to glide through the air in a similar way to flying fish. These unique adaptations allow them to avoid predation more easily. Ommastrephid squids are among the strongest swimmers in the Cephalopoda. A number of species are fished commercially. This particular species (Ommastrephes bartramii), is commonly known as "Neon Flying Squid" due to its colouration and its ability to glide over the ocean surface as seen in the photographs. Please note that this is a genuine image of a wild animal in its natural environment. It is not a digital manipulation.

Captive adult Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes verus Standing in La Vallee Des Singes, Poitou - Charentes France. More info: Status, endangered. This rare sub species of chimp came from a breeding centre in Holland. They were originally rescued from a laboratory when the Netherlands at last made it illegal to experiment on primates.

Captive adult Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes verus in La Vallee Des Singes, Poitou - Charentes France. More info: Status, endangered. This rare sub species of chimp came from a breeding centre in Holland. They were originally rescued from a laboratory when the Netherlands at last made it illegal to experiment on primates.

A wolf pelt in the tannery in Shishmaref, a tiny island between Alaska and Siberia in the Chukchi sea, United States of America, North America

Northern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) five adult animals surfacing, rare unusual image. Azores, Atlantic Ocean. MORE INFO: This was part of a group of 13 animals seen South of Pico Island, it is extremely rare to see so many Bottlenose Whales together.

A rare sighting of a lone adult king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), Barrentos Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, Southern Ocean

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) flukes-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

Leopard Seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, more commonly seen hauled out on ice further South, this is a rare sighting on a South Georgia beach, South Atlantic Ocean

Flying Fish Species (scientific name unknown) rare unusual image, in mid-air. South Atlantic Ocean.

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) flukes-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

Tristan Albatross (Diomedea exulans dabbenena) Juvenile. Endangered. Rare unusual image. Off Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean.

Blue Whale (Balaenoptera Musculus) breaching, extremely rare unusual image. Monterey, California, Pacific Ocean. MORE INFO: This Blue Whale was engaging in courting/fighting behaviour with another Blue Whale. Both animals were moving much faster than normal, chasing each other, & breaching repeatedly.

A rare sighting of a lone adult king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), Barrentos Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, Southern Ocean

Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) carcass in Holmabukta off the northwest side of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) surfacing off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) fluke-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) surfacing off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) flukes-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sub-surface feeding, Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) fluke-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) sub-surface feeding in the rich waters off the continental shelf, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) sub-surface feeding in the rich waters off the continental shelf, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

A rare sighting of a lone adult king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), Barrentos Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, Southern Ocean

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sub-surface feeding, Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

A rare melanistic king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) on South Georgia Island, Southern Ocean.

A very rare sighting of an adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) flukes-up dive off the northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway

Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) sub-surface feeding in the rich waters off the continental shelf, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) sub-surface feeding in the rich waters off the continental shelf, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway