Swarm of wasps (Angiopolybia pallens) and nest in the forest, French Guiana, Overseas department and region of France, French Guiana, South America

The endemic Galapagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

The endemic Galapagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) underwater at Leon Dormido Island off San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult Swallow-tailed gull (Creagrus furcatus) in flight in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Galapagos brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis urinator) feeding in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) feeding underwater on small baitfish in the Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) feeding underwater on small baitfish in the Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) courtship behavior in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Galapagos sea lion mother nursing pup (Zalophus wollebaeki) in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Snorkeler with Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) underwater in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

View of tropical flora in Giardini la Mortella Botanical Gardens and Forio in background, Forio, Island of Ischia, Campania, Italy, Europe

View of tropical flora in Giardini la Mortella Botanical Gardens and Forio in background, Forio, Island of Ischia, Campania, Italy, Europe

Adult elegant tern (Thalasseus elegans), looking for fish on Isla Carmen, Baja California Sur, Sea of Cortez, Mexico, North America

Yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis), Lake Sandoval, Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado, Peru, South America

Lake Sandoval, Tambopata National Reserve, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru, South America

Adult great egret (Ardea alba egretta) feeding at low tide in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

The endemic Galapagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

The endemic Galapagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii) underwater off the west side of Isabela, Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Great frigatebird (Fregata minor) chick in the nest in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult Galapagos flycatcher (Large-billed flycatcher) (Myiarchus magnirostris) in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Example of the thick foliage and undercut islets, Palau, Micronesia, Pacific

Yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis), Lake Sandoval, Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado, Peru, South America

Town centre, Mindo, a centre for tourism in the Cloud Forest involving zip lining, rafting, bird watching and nature tours, Mindo, Ecuador, South America

An adult anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), taking flight on New River near the Mesoamerican archaeological site of Lamanai, Belize

Mangroves in front of King Leopold Sandstone formations Porosus Creek, Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia, Australia, Pacific

Lava lizard (Microlophus spp) in the Galapagos Islands Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult Swallow-tailed gull (Creagrus furcatus) in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult Galapagos brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis urinator) in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Nazca booby (Sula grantii) downy chick stretching its wings to gather strength for flight in the Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult bull Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) posturing on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirostris), Bird Island, Republic of Seychelles, Indian Ocean, Africa

View of tropical flora in Giardini la Mortella Botanical Gardens, Forio, Island of Ischia, Campania, Italy, Europe

Adult Commerson's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii), surfacing in Stanley Harbor in the Falkland Islands, South America

Galapagos white-cheeked pintail (Anas bahamensis galapagensis) feeding in the Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Oriental Gardens, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Atlantic, Europe

Australasian darter bird (Anhinga novaehollandiae) drying wings, snake bird spreading wings, Poovar Island, Kerala, India, Asia

Sangha River in the Trinational Lobeke National Park, Republic of Congo

Lizard, Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, Pacific

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

Adult yellow-lipped sea krait (Laticauda colubrina) snake, coming ashore at night on the Volivoli Resort grounds on Viti Levu, Fiji, South Pacific, Pacific

View of pink water lilies in pond and tropical flora in Giardini la Mortella Botanical Gardens, Forio, Island of Ischia, Campania, Italy, Europe

Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone chatamensis), can live to 100 years, on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Adult brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), taking flight on a small islet near Isla Salsipuedes, Baja California, Mexico, North America

Florisuga mellivora (White-necked Jacobin) hovering, Soberania National Park, Republic of Panama, Central America

Adult brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), in flight, Isla Carmen, Baja California Sur, Mexico, North America

Chindonan Island, Calamian Islands, Coron, Palawan, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Asia

Adult brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), flying in formation, Isla Carmen, Baja California Sur, Mexico, North America

Lake at Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Atlantic, Europe

An adult female green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), coming ashore to nest on Isla Espiritu Santo, Sea of Cortez, Mexico, North America

Silky Oaks Lodge in the treetops of Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia

Black-necked stork, Queensland, Australia

Black-necked stork, Queensland, Australia

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia

Traditional fishing hauling nets, Nilavelli beach, near Trincomalee, Eastern province, Sri Lanka, Asia

Brolga, Queensland, Australia

Toco toucan (ramphastos toco) close,up of head and beak, captive, brazil

Red,breasted toucan (ramphastos dicolorus) close,up view, captive, brazil.

Toco toucan (ramphastos toco) close,up showing head and beak, captive, brazil.

Toco toucan (ramphastos toco) close,up of head showing blue eyering, captive, brazil.

Toco toucan (ramphastos toco) close,up of head showing colours and blue eyering, captive, brazil.

Capybara (hydrocoerus hydrocaerus) swimming, head above water, pantanal, brazil.

Nile crocodile (crocodylus niloticus) shire river, malawi, close-up of head.

Toco toucan (ramphastos toco) iguacu, brazil

Toco toucan (ramphastos toco) close,up of head showing colours and blue eyering, captive, brazil.

Red,breasted toucan (ramphastos dicolorus) close,up showing head and beak, captive, brazil.

Nile monitor. Varanus niloticus. Climbing tree. Chobe, botswana

Green kingfisher (chloroceryle americana) perched on branch, pantanal, brazil.

Common troupial oriole (icterus icterus) on tree branch looking for food, pantanal, brazil

Common troupial oriole (icterus icterus) on branch, pantanal, brazil.

Common troupial (icterus icterus) perched amongst vegetation, pantanal, brazil.

Olive ridley turtle hatchling, Lepidochelys olivacea, Costa do Sauipe, Bahia, Brazil (South Atlantic)

Crab preying on dead portuguese man-of-war, Physalia physalis, Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil (South Atlantic)

Olive ridley turtle hatchling, Lepidochelys olivacea, Costa do Sauipe, Bahia, Brazil (South Atlantic)

Mexican aztec dress gods at Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya, Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Caribbean Coast, Mexico. Aztec clothing was generally loose fitting and did not completely cover the body. When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the people were surprised to see them in their full armour, with only their faces exposed. Aztec clothes were generally made of cotton (which was imported) or ayate fiber, made from the Maguey Cactus (also called the Century Plant or American Aloe). Women would weave the fibers into clothing, a task girls were taught as young teenagers. Because of their vast trading network, the Aztecs were able to make use of a beautiful array of dyes, creating the brilliant

Aerial view of Punta Allen Sian Ka'an Reserve, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Red lagoon near Boca Paila Bridge. In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means Origin of the Sky. Located on the east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna comprising more than 300 species of birds, as well as a large number of the region's characteristic terrestrial vertebrates, which cohabit in the diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system. Along its roughly 120 kilometres of coastline, the property covers over 400,000 hectares of land ranging from sea level to only ten m.a.s.l. The property boasts diverse tropical forests, palm savannah, one of the most pristine wetlands in the region, lagoons, extensive mangrove stands, as well as sandy beaches and dunes. The 120,000 hectares of marine area protect a valuable part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and seagrass beds in the shallow bays. The lush green of the forests and the many shades of blue of the lagoons and the Caribbean Sea under a wide sky offer fascinating visual impressions.

Aerial view of Punta Allen Sian Ka'an Reserve, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Red lagoon near Boca Paila Bridge. In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means Origin of the Sky. Located on the east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna comprising more than 300 species of birds, as well as a large number of the region's characteristic terrestrial vertebrates, which cohabit in the diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system. Along its roughly 120 kilometres of coastline, the property covers over 400,000 hectares of land ranging from sea level to only ten m.a.s.l. The property boasts diverse tropical forests, palm savannah, one of the most pristine wetlands in the region, lagoons, extensive mangrove stands, as well as sandy beaches and dunes. The 120,000 hectares of marine area protect a valuable part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and seagrass beds in the shallow bays. The lush green of the forests and the many shades of blue of the lagoons and the Caribbean Sea under a wide sky offer fascinating visual impressions.

Aerial view of Punta Allen Sian Ka'an Reserve, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Red lagoon near Boca Paila Bridge. In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means Origin of the Sky. Located on the east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna comprising more than 300 species of birds, as well as a large number of the region's characteristic terrestrial vertebrates, which cohabit in the diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system. Along its roughly 120 kilometres of coastline, the property covers over 400,000 hectares of land ranging from sea level to only ten m.a.s.l. The property boasts diverse tropical forests, palm savannah, one of the most pristine wetlands in the region, lagoons, extensive mangrove stands, as well as sandy beaches and dunes. The 120,000 hectares of marine area protect a valuable part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and seagrass beds in the shallow bays. The lush green of the forests and the many shades of blue of the lagoons and the Caribbean Sea under a wide sky offer fascinating visual impressions.

A Mexican staff member holds a tucan at Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya, Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Caribbean Coast, Mexico

Palms and old pier in Punta Allen Sian Ka'an Reserve, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means Origin of the Sky. Located on the east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna comprising more than 300 species of birds, as well as a large number of the region's characteristic terrestrial vertebrates, which cohabit in the diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system. Along its roughly 120 kilometres of coastline, the property covers over 400,000 hectares of land ranging from sea level to only ten m.a.s.l. The property boasts diverse tropical forests, palm savannah, one of the most pristine wetlands in the region, lagoons, extensive mangrove stands, as well as sandy beaches and dunes. The 120,000 hectares of marine area protect a valuable part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and seagrass beds in the shallow bays. The lush green of the forests and the many shades of blue of the lagoons and the Caribbean Sea under a wide sky offer fascinating visual impressions.

Mexican aztec dress gods at Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya, Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Caribbean Coast, Mexico. Aztec clothing was generally loose fitting and did not completely cover the body. When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the people were surprised to see them in their full armour, with only their faces exposed. Aztec clothes were generally made of cotton (which was imported) or ayate fiber, made from the Maguey Cactus (also called the Century Plant or American Aloe). Women would weave the fibers into clothing, a task girls were taught as young teenagers. Because of their vast trading network, the Aztecs were able to make use of a beautiful array of dyes, creating the brilliant

Strawberry Poison Frog (Dendrobates pumilio), adult, Bastimentos National Park, Bocas del Toro, Panama. The strawberry poison frog or strawberry poison-dart frog (Oophaga pumilio or Dendrobates pumilio) is a species of small amphibian poison dart frog found in Central America. It is common throughout its range, which extends from eastern central Nicaragua through Costa Rica and northwestern Panama. The species is often found in humid lowlands and premontane forest, but large populations are also found in disturbed areas such as plantations. The strawberry poison frog is perhaps most famous for its widespread variation in coloration, comprising approximately 15���30 color morphs, most of which are presumed to be true-breeding. O. pumilio, while not the most poisonous of the dendrobatids, is the most toxic member of its genus. The species is most diverse in Panama with varieties in vivid shades of all red, orange, blue, yellow or green, green and yellow, white with red, orange or black and spotted varieties. The most colorful mix is found in Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park though not all in one place. Colors vary by location. A beach on the north side of the island is named after the species. Two of Southern Explorations' Panama tours visit red frog habitat. Both the eight-day Panama Adventure trip and eleven-day Panama Highlights trip spend time in Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park and the former also goes to Red Frog Beach. The red frog is not as poisonous as some of its cousins and is not a threat to humans. It subsists on a diet of ants that dine on poisonous plants, providing the red frog its protective skin toxin. Males attract females with a loud quick chirp. To hear the distinctive sound before you depart on your Panama tours, go to the University of Michigan Museum's biodiversity website (www.animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu.) After birth, the tadpoles climb aboard the mother who deposits them in different protected areas where she retu

Wave breaking over shallow coral reef, Ailuk atoll, Marshall Islands, Pacific

Starry night octopus, Octopus luteus, foraging on coral reef at night, Malapascua, Cebu, Philippines, Visayan Sea.

Green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, gets cleaned by yellow tangs, Zebrasoma flavescens and lined bristletooth, Ctenochaetus striatus, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, (N. Pacific)

Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, Namu atoll, Marshall Islands (N. Pacific).MID0042

Beaked Whale stranded on coral reef during low tide, Mesoplodon sp., Mili, Marshall Islands (N. Pacific)..

Pink anemonefish on sea anemone, Amphiprion periderion, Rongelap, Marshall Islands (N. Pacific).

French angelfish, Pomacanthus paru, Ilha rata, Fernando de Noronha national marine sanctuary, Pernambuco, Brazil (S. Atlantic)

Green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, (Pacific)

Aerial view of Punta Allen Sian Ka'an Reserve, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Red lagoon near Boca Paila Bridge. In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means Origin of the Sky. Located on the east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna comprising more than 300 species of birds, as well as a large number of the region's characteristic terrestrial vertebrates, which cohabit in the diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system. Along its roughly 120 kilometres of coastline, the property covers over 400,000 hectares of land ranging from sea level to only ten m.a.s.l. The property boasts diverse tropical forests, palm savannah, one of the most pristine wetlands in the region, lagoons, extensive mangrove stands, as well as sandy beaches and dunes. The 120,000 hectares of marine area protect a valuable part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and seagrass beds in the shallow bays. The lush green of the forests and the many shades of blue of the lagoons and the Caribbean Sea under a wide sky offer fascinating visual impressions.

Underwater close up view of open coral polyp during a dive, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, gets cleaned by yellow tangs, Zebrasoma flavescens and lined bristletooth, Ctenochaetus striatus, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, (N. Pacific)

Pennant butterflyfish, juvenile, schooling Heniochus diphreutes, Portlock, Oahu, Hawaii (N. Pacific).

Nene or Hawaiian Goose; Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii.

Longsnout Seahorse

Komodo Waran, Komodo-Waran und Frau, Komodo dragon, Komodo dragon and woman, Varanus komodoensis

White-lipped Tree Frog (Litoria infrafrenata), rainforest, Iron Range National Park, Cape York Peninsula, northern Queensland, Australia

White-lipped Tree Frog (Litoria infrafrenata), rainforest, Iron Range National Park, Cape York Peninsula, northern Queensland, Australia