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Jul 3, 2024Meerkat family

Everybody say, "Hakuna Matata." Today let"s celebrate these adorable creatures known for their instantly recognisable upright position. But don"t be fooled by their names; meerkats are not cats. They"re small carnivores of the mongoose family, native to the deserts and grasslands of southwestern Africa. Meerkats are highly social animals, living in tight-knit groups called mobs, which can consist of up to 30 individuals. These groups are a cooperative effort, with meerkats foraging together, grooming each other, babysitting and taking turns as sentinels to watch for predators. These critters create extensive burrows where they spend the night and retreat to escape the midday heat–meerkats love their afternoon siesta.Desktop Version

Jul 2, 2024Italica, an old Roman city in Santiponce, Andalusia, Spain

It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the Battle of Ilipa, Roman general and statesman, Publius Cornelius Scipio, built a settlement for the veterans who helped defeat the Carthaginians. Located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, it was named Italica, after the Italian origin of its inhabitants. The city was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and played a significant role in the Romanisation of the region, then known as Hispania—today Spain. Italica flourished in the centuries following its founding, especially during the rule of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, who were born there.Desktop Version

Jul 1, 2024Fisgard Lighthouse, Colwood, British Columbia, Canada

Canada is the second-largest country by landmass after Russia and every corner abounds in natural treasures—like the Great Bear Rainforest, the Northwest Passage, the Columbia Icefield or the Haida Gwaii archipelago—with 80% of its land being unoccupied. Looking out at the pleasant waters of Colwood"s natural harbour is the Fisgard Lighthouse, seen here. The tower was the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada, built on the Fisgard Island in the Esquimalt Harbour, British Columbia, in 1860. It was named after HMS Fisgard, a British Navy ship that spent 60 years on duty. The beacon was constructed in 1860 to assist vessels entering Esquimalt Harbour in British Columbia. The lighthouse is 17 metres tall.Desktop Version

Jun 30, 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version

Jun 29, 2024Beech forest in Nienhagen, Germany

In Nienhagen, in the north of Germany"s Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, lies a unique treasure: the Ghost Forest, a mixed forest of beech, oak and ash trees on the Baltic Sea. Summer comes to life between its mysterious trees, which seem like watchful ghosts. The small rolling hills and the sound of the sea form the backdrop for this magical scenery. Here, where the air is salty and earthy, the season unfolds in all its splendour. The gnarled beech trees stretch their branches towards the sky as if celebrating the change of time. Their leaves dance in the gentle breeze and fill the air with mysticism. Between moss-covered paths, the trees whisper past stories while the waves of the sea sing a song of renewal. Welcome to the Ghost Forest of Nienhagen, where summer spreads its fingers over the earth and envelops the soul in the infinite beauty of nature.Desktop Version

Jun 28, 2024Chausey Islands

The Chausey Islands, located north of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, form a Norman archipelago known for its unique tidal landscape. At low tide, numerous islets and sandbanks become accessible. The largest island, known as the Big Island, features stone houses and a small fishing community. The fishermen prepare their boats there, while seagulls provide a soundtrack to the sunrise. The islands are rich in history and local legends, with many stories of sailors and hidden treasures. Visitors can explore walking trails, secret beaches and crystal-clear waters of this pristine paradise. The Chausey Islands are a natural spectacle that changes constantly with the tide, offering a dynamic isolated experience!Desktop Version

Jun 27, 2024Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance! Let the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore transport you through time. More than just a church, this Gothic structure, with its red-tiled dome, is steeped in centuries of history. Built over an older cathedral dedicated to Santa Reparata, construction began in 1296 under the supervision of architect Arnolfo di Cambio. Filippo Brunelleschi, an Italian architect and designer, engineered its dome, which is the largest brick dome ever constructed. It was built without the support of traditional wooden frameworks; its completion in 1436 was the final stage of the cathedral"s construction. It"s not just the outside that dazzles; inside there are artistic treasures to discover, from Giorgio Vasari"s fresco "The Last Judgement" to Paolo Uccello"s intricate clock face.Desktop Version

Jun 26, 2024Banggai cardinalfish

Dive deep beneath the waves surrounding the Banggai Islands in Indonesia and meet the Banggai cardinalfish. Cardinalfish can grow up to 8 centimetres and have tiny shimmery bodies with black vertical stripes and white-edged fins, which help them disguise. Unlike some finned creatures that migrate long distances, these pint-sized fish inhabit a small world, rarely straying far from their local reefs.Desktop Version

Jun 25, 2024Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, USA

Amid the arid expanse of the Mojave Desert in Nevada, USA, lies the natural grandeur of the Valley of Fire State Park. This park, which stretches across 18,615 hectares, is named after the fiery red Aztec Sandstone, an Early Jurassic geological formation of made up of ancient sand dunes. The park"s highlight, Fire Wave, is a geological marvel that appears like a frozen wave with its red, pink and white stripes.Desktop Version

Jun 24, 2024Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia

You might have seen lakes with some unique colours before, but the Indonesian island of Flores, with its volcano Kelimutu, may steal the show. Home to three lakes, each with its own hue and folklore, this natural wonder attracts travellers seeking an otherworldly experience. Volcanic vents deep within the Earth release steam and gas, which alter the lakes" mineral compositions, causing reactions that transform their appearance periodically.Desktop Version

Jun 23, 2024Dhaka, Bangladesh

Cultural opulence, bustling economy and spirited locals—welcome to Dhaka in Bangladesh! This megacity on the Ganges Delta, home to over 10.2 million people, is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet. Once known as Jahangirnagar after ruling emperor Jahangir, Dhaka was the provincial capital of the Mughal Empire for 75 years in total. Dhaka has been nicknamed "City of Mosques" because of the hundreds of elegant minarets that dot the city.Desktop Version

Jun 22, 2024Amazon rainforest, Brazil

Fresh air, lush foliage, rustling leaves and calls of thousands of species of animals and birds—welcome to the Amazon rainforest. Covering nearly 7 million square kilometres, this ecological treasure in South America extends its branches across nine nations—Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. Today, the Amazon has over 30 million human inhabitants, but it also carries secrets of lost civilisations, hinting at the existence of prehistoric humans. Earlier this year, archaeologists discovered an extensive network of cities here dating back 2,500 years.Desktop Version

Jun 21, 2024Reticulated giraffes

Giraffes have fascinated travellers from around the world for a long time. These animals were viewed as symbols of status and treasured as pets among royalty. Featured here are reticulated giraffes. Their coats feature large, polygonal-shaped spots that extend onto the lower legs, tail and face. Unfortunately, only around 16,000 reticulated giraffes remain in the wild, less than half of the approximately 36,000 recorded in the 1980s. Nevertheless, recent years have observed a promising trend in northern Kenya, where populations are rebounding thanks to places like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. So, let"s pledge to protect these creatures and their habitats.Desktop Version

Jun 20, 2024Kokino, North Macedonia

Today"s image features the Kokino megalithic observatory. The ancient location is part of the Kokino archaeological site, approximately 30 kilometres from the town of Kumanovo, in North Macedonia. It is believed that Kokino observatory marked the position of the sun during summer and winter solstices, as well as the equinox, and consists of two platforms. A stone block on the upper platform of the observatory indicates the summer solstice sunrise direction when seen from a seat on the lower platform. So, when in North Macedonia, don"t miss out on experiencing this ancient astronomical wonder!Desktop Version

Jun 19, 2024Water tower in Cuxhaven, Germany

As the summer mood takes over, we might imagine ourselves lying on the beach or bathing in the sea. Did you know that Cuxhaven has the largest seaside resort in Germany? This city on the North Sea"s coast also boasts one of the largest fishing ports in the country.Desktop Version

Jun 18, 2024Lupine fields, Snæfellsnes, Iceland

As spring gives way to summer in Iceland, the rugged landscape puts on a colourful parade. Lupines were introduced to Iceland in the 1940s for soil erosion control due to their roots" soil-binding properties. The plant flourishes in sandy and salty soils and propagates rapidly, painting the countryside with hues of purple, pink and blue. Although some consider lupine to be an invasive species that threatens native plants, its arrival is welcomed by locals and tourists as a cherished characteristic of the summer landscape. You can find lupine fields in various regions, including Reykjavík and near the Skógafoss waterfall. These flowers also line the road leading to the Hellissandur Church in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as seen in today"s image.Desktop Version

Jun 17, 2024Green-crowned brilliant

Let"s celebrate the small heroes who help plants flourish! The green-crowned brilliant hummingbird in today"s image, also known as the green-fronted brilliant, inhabits Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama. They usually feed in the middle and upper layers of the forest. Adult males of this striking species, belonging to the nominate subspecies, boast a mesmerising plumage: their heads and breasts shimmer in shades of green to blue-green, accentuated by a vivid, metallic violet-blue patch at their throats. These tiny jewels of the forest measure between 11 to 12 in length and tip the scales at a mere 8 - 9.5 grams. Their favourite nectar comes from the Marcgravia vines. Should we care? Absolutely! From fruits and veggies to nuts, chocolate or sugarcane, there are plenty of ingredients in our diet that are brought to us by these pollinators.Desktop Version

Jun 16, 2024Red fox father and kit, Washington, USA

There are dads, and then there are great dads, much like the foxy father seen in today"s image. Male red foxes are often referred to as tods or dogs, while their female counterparts are known as vixens. The younger generation is affectionately called cubs or kits. Female red foxes need to stay in their dens with their young after giving birth, so males spend their time going out to bring their food. When the pups are a little older, their father takes time to play with them, teaching them survival skills they"ll need in later life, like hunting and scavenging. The foxes seen here are melanistic, a condition in animals that results in darker colouring. Whether prowling through urban settings or hunting in the wild, this creature continues to captivate and intrigue those who encounter it.Desktop Version

Jun 15, 2024Surfer riding a wave in Nazaré, Portugal

Today"s image shows an intrepid surfer riding a wave at Nazaré, Portugal. Nazaré on the west coast of Portugal is a popular tourist destination, with people flocking from all over the world to enjoy its sandy beaches in summer. It is on the Atlantic coast and is known for its giant waves, which can reach over 30 metres in height. Come winter, the surfers take over. Thanks to an underwater canyon, enormous waves form off the coast, making it a surfers" paradise. Several surf records have been broken here, including the biggest wave ever surfed—an incredible 26 metres. Surfing has a long history; around 5,000 years ago in Peru, people used reed watercraft to surf the waves when they were out fishing. It was in pre-colonial Hawaii, however, that modern surfing was born. Here, people started to stand on their boards and to surf for fun. So, wax down your surfboards and go out and catch some waves!Desktop Version

Jun 14, 2024Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Canada

Perched on a rugged granite outcropping, Peggys Point Lighthouse is a stoic guardian of Nova Scotia"s coast. Built in 1914, the 15-metre-tall lighthouse embodies the enduring spirit of maritime Canada. Its beacon was first turned on in 1915. The current lighthouse replaced a wooden structure made in 1868 that was damaged by Hurricane Edna in 1954. The ground floor of the building served as a post office during the summer months until 2009, when Canada Post shut down the service, citing mould growth as a hazard. The lighthouse, now automated, attracts visitors eager to glimpse into Canada"s seafaring past and feel the ocean"s spray.Desktop Version

Jun 13, 2024Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Gather "round, explorers, as we tiptoe into the Registan Square in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan! Meaning "sandy place" or "desert" in Persian, Registan was the centre of activity during the Timurid Empire. The square embodied the essence of the Timurid Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival, which spread throughout the Muslim world between the 14th and early 16th century CE.Desktop Version

Jun 12, 2024Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Ready to channel your inner nature enthusiast? Let"s explore Big Bend National Park in West Texas, United States, which is the largest protected area in the Chihuahuan Desert, covering over 3,240 square kilometres. The Big Bend State Park was established on June 12, 1944, when the state of Texas transferred this land to the federal government.Desktop Version

Jun 11, 2024A group of Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana, USA

Horns up, heads high! Featured here is a group of gemsboks, a large antelope, reigning over the sprawling savannahs in southwestern Africa. Indigenous to the arid territories of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and parts of Zimbabwe, they thrive mainly within the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. They can survive in extremely dry conditions and can go without water for weeks, getting moisture from the food they eat. Moreover, gemsboks are adept runners, achieving speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour. Their distinguishing trait is their notably elongated, straight horns. Although both genders possess these formidable defences, the females" horns tend to be slightly longer and sleeker while the males" horns are thicker with broader bases. So, if you ever find yourself in the sandy plains of the Kalahari, keep an eye out for these desert gems.Desktop Version

Jun 10, 2024The city of Osaka at night, Japan

In the heart of Japan, where the past and future intertwine, lies a city pulsating with life and culture—Osaka. Traditionally an economic hub, Osaka has twice served briefly as the imperial capital, once in the 7th and once in the 8th century. It flourished culturally during the Edo period (1603–1867) and became a major industrial centre after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, which restored imperial rule to Japan.Desktop Version

Jun 9, 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain

Within the scenic landscape of Navarra, northern Spain, the Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park is like a surrealist painting come to life! This park is renowned for its desert-like landscapes sculpted by millennia of erosion. Featuring rocky plateaus, canyons and whimsically shaped clay structures called cabezos, the park is a playground of geological wonders.Desktop Version

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