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

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

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

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

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

Adult gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) with minutes-old newly hatched chick at Gold Harbor on South Georgia

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

A rare sighting of an adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sub-surface feeding in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

A rare sighting of an adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sub-surface feeding in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

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

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

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

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 male long-tailed meadowlark (Sturnella loyca) in breeding plumage on New Island in the Falkland Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in captivity, Thousand Nights Camp, Sharqiya Sands, formerly Wahiba Sands, desert region, Sultanate of Oman, Arabian Peninsula

Flying Hybrid Scarlet x Great Green Macaw (Ara macao x militaris), Costa Rica

Curious southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) weaner pup inspects the spotting scope at Gold Harbour, South Georgia, Polar Regions

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

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

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 and endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Port Lympne Zoo, Kent, England, United Kingdom, Europe

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

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

The rare hairy rhino (Sumatran rhino), smallest type of rhino at Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary, near Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo, Southeast Asia, Asia

Female Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

Tourists watch female Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

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

Female Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

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

Black-necked stork, Queensland, Australia

Black-necked stork, Queensland, Australia

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

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

Female Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

Female Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

Hoatzin birds at Lake Sandova, Peruvian Rainforest, South America

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

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

Female Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

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

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

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

The rare, Norwegian six-toed Lundehunde, a dog used to the hunt for puffins, Vaeroya, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

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

Potato groupers (Epinephelus tukula) are very large and rare due to being fished for food, and diver

Rare Chinese Meisham pig, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe

Man leading Beef Shorthorn rare breed bull at the Singleton Show, Singleton, Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia, Pacific

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

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

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

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

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

Rare albino loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) breathing, Center for sea turtle protection, TAMAR project, Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil, South America

Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris), endemic and rare blue morphotype, St. Peter and St. Paul's rocks, Brazil, South America

Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris), endemic and rare white morphotype, St. Peter and St. Paul's rocks, Brazil, South America

A Fiji banded iguana, Fiji, Pacific

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.

Rare breed Ruby Red Devon cattle, UK

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.

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.

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.