Elephant creation

This elephant is the first to indulge in a head-to-toe spa in this overflowed waterhole in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Focusing on the centre of the action, the photo depicts an explosion of texture and colour.

Photo taken in Botswana
By: Ben Osborne (UK)

Monkey moment

These monkeys that are frolicking are called squirrel monkeys. They feed on berries, fruits, seeds, insects and small invertebrates. Like many other New World species, they are vulnerable to habitat loss.

Photo taken in Costa Rica
By: Patrick Corning (UK)

Beast of the sediment

Gorging on bivalve shells, the walrus first uses its facial bristles to brush away the sediment. Then it roots, pig-like, with its snout or beats a flipper, to whip up the sediment.

Photo taken in Greenland
By: Göran Ehlmé (Sweden)

The dilemma

A distressed Hispaniolan treefrog, being caught by a green vine snake, later escapes from its doom because the snake is unexpectedly scared by a naturalist who is unable to resist helping the poor treefrog.

Photo taken in Dominican Republic
By: Rick Stanley (USA)

Snowy landing

A snowy owl comes in to land, showing its elegant body with a beautiful symmetry. The soft grey-blue sky provides the ideal backdrop to show off its "sheer perfection".

Photo taken in Canada
By: Vincent Munier (France)

Turtle grooming

Pure bliss for a green turtle – a full-body cleanse and massage, courtesy of the local fish, whenever it turns up at the designated spot. Busy are the fish - several turtles are hanging around waiting for their service.

Photo taken in Hawaii
By: Andre Seale (Brazil/USA)

Zebra crossing

This ant’s eye-view of herds of zebras fleeing from danger reveals a sense of powerful and flighty nature of the herd.

Photo taken in Tanzania
By: Anup Shah (UK)

Owl glare

The long-eared owl can see and hear extremely well. Do not be mistaken that the tufts on its head are ears. They are simply feathers the owl raises when alarmed.

Photo taken in France
By: Régis Cavignaux (France)

Seascape

Patterns in nature have inspired many impressionist artists, but also photographers. The bands of sky, ocean, surf and sand turn the moonlit night into an artistic masterpiece.

Photo taken in Australia
By: Gary Steer (Australia)