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Mar 30, 2024Brown-throated three-toed sloth

Costa Rica"s lush forests are habitats for two sloth species: Hoffmann"s two-toed sloth and the star of today"s homepage, the brown-throated three-toed sloth. Despite being larger than many tree-dwelling mammals, three-toed sloths have adapted by reducing their muscle mass and size to thrive on treetops. Their large stomachs have four chambers, which can make up to 30% of their body weight when full. These shaggy critters are so sedentary that algae grow on their coats. This symbiotic relationship provides them with a greenish hue, offering effective camouflage within the rainforest canopy. In 2021, these slow-moving creatures were declared national symbols in Costa Rica. Then-President Carlos Alvarado signed the initiative into law in 2021 to emphasise the sloths" importance in the country"s ecosystem.Desktop Version

Mar 31, 2024Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Do you like your eggs boiled or painted? The practice of painting chicken eggs, which originates from Persian traditions, was adopted by Christians in the early 17th century to commemorate this holiday, also called Pascha. Hungarian artist, Tünde Csuhaj—living and working in the small city of southern Hungary, Szekszárd—has mastered the craft. The internationally recognised egg-painter developed her own etching technique to create lace-like patterns. The meticulous designs appear on all sorts of eggs, including chicken, goose, swan and even emu or ostrich eggs. The intricate motifs of incredible craftsmanship are often shown at national and international fairs and exhibitions. Are you inspired? Grab a paintbrush and test your egg-painting skills.Desktop Version

Apr 1, 2024Palazzo Farnese, Rome, Italy

Today"s image shows a trompe l"oeil, or optical illusion, by French street artist JR on Palazzo Farnese in Rome. This trick of the eye makes it look like this Renaissance palace was opened, revealing the building"s past. The palace was originally commissioned by the Farnese family in 1517, but its grandeur expanded under the patronage of Pope Paul III, who ascended to the papacy in 1534. Designed by renowned architects such as Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, Michelangelo, Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola and Giacomo della Porta, the palace embodies the pinnacle of Italian Renaissance architecture. Owned by the Italian Republic, it serves as the French embassy in Italy, a testament to its enduring cultural and historical significance.Desktop Version

Apr 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark

Today"s homepage takes us to Jutland, Denmark, where the arrival of spring showcases the green hues of the European beech, a national symbol of this northern land. The young leaves of these budding trees are significant to the Danish people, as they are harvested from April to May and used in cooking—particularly in salads. In the past, Europeans would often use the smooth bark of beech trees for writings texts. In fact, in the modern Dutch language, the term for "book" directly translates as "beech tree." As the sun shines through the forest canopy, wild anemones brighten up the woodland with their white petals. These blooms, representing delicate beauty and sincerity, have even starred in masterpieces by artists such as Monet and Vincent van Gogh.Desktop Version

Apr 3, 2024Munnar, Kerala

Embark on a sensory journey through Munnar"s famed tea plantations! Situated amid the misty heights of the Western Ghats Mountain range, Munnar is a hill station and town in the Idukki district of Kerala. At approximately 1,600 metres above sea level, the town boasts a landscape characterised by rolling hills, lush valleys and verdant tea plantations. In the 1880s, European settlers established the first tea plantations in the region, marking the beginning of a flourishing industry that would shape the landscape and economy for decades to come.Desktop Version

Apr 4, 2024Red lechwe, Okavango Delta, Botswana

With their elegant leaps and graceful movements, lechwe are the epitome of agility and poise on the African savanna. These antelopes, known for their distinctive reddish-brown coats and lyre-shaped horns, are native to the wetlands and floodplains of south-central Africa, including the Okavango Delta in Botswana, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lechwe are social animals, often found in herds of thousands. In the heart of the delta, they are an integral part of the region"s rich biodiversity, coexisting with other species like elephants, lions, rhinos and hippos, wading through the water. Their presence adds to the delta"s natural allure, which draws in thousands of safari enthusiasts and is proof of wildlife"s resilience in the face of environmental challenges.Desktop Version

Apr 5, 2024The Bahamas

Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, alfresco dining and tales of pirates—welcome to the Bahamas! With over 3,000 cays, islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, this West Indies archipelago is home to the world"s third-largest barrier reef—the Andros Barrier Reef. The country"s national cultural festival is Junkanoo, where creative expression takes centre stage at the parades, displaying costumes, musical heritage, storytelling and craftsmanship. It is celebrated every Boxing Day and New Year"s Day. For the adventurous souls drawn to nature, Dean"s Blue Hole, a 202-metre-deep marine sinkhole on Long Island, offers a thrilling experience. From the serene pink sand beaches of Harbour Island to the capital city Nassau"s bustling Straw Market and famous wine cellars, the Bahamas is more than just a destination—it"s a captivating tale waiting to unfold.Desktop Version

Apr 6, 2024Himeji Castle, Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan

Today"s snapshot features the largest and most visited castle—Himeji Castle! Dating back to 1333, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an advanced defensive design and five National Treasure structures. The castle has also withstood time and nature"s fury, surviving the bombings of World War II and the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. The castle"s design embodies the quintessential characteristics of Japanese castle architecture, boasting a formidable array of defensive features intertwined with exquisite craftsmanship. In addition to the nearly 700 years of glory, local legends and ghost stories reverberate through the 83 rooms of this hilltop fortress. Would you care to explore?Desktop Version

Apr 7, 2024North American beaver

Known as nature"s engineers, beavers have been shaping the world for millions of years. Historically, North American beavers faced challenges from humans. They were hunted for their fur, and their "nuisance" freshwater abodes were destroyed. However, these buck-toothed, paddle-tailed dam builders have been gaining new respect in recent years. These animals have beneficial effects not only on water quality but also on land. With their iron-coated orange incisors, beavers fell trees, diligently constructing not just homes but habitats. Their dams create life-sustaining wetlands for countless species. Meanwhile, their lodges are masterpieces of security and comfort, the entrance strategically submerged to deter predators and provide privacy. The rodents have no trouble getting in, as they can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes. So, "woodn"t" it be nice to give a shout-out to these creatures?Desktop Version

Apr 8, 2024Burrowing owl chicks

In today"s image, we see four burrowing owls in Wyoming, USA, standing near their burrow, looking like a band of mischievous siblings. Known for their distinctive white eyebrows and yellow eyes, these owls are active during the day, hunting insects and small mammals. These resilient species, capable of surviving for at least 9 years in the wild and surpassing 10 years in captivity, face numerous threats in their environment. Predation from various sources, including badgers, coyotes, snakes and both feral and domesticated pets like cats and dogs, poses a constant danger to its survival. The burrowing owl exhibits remarkable adaptive behaviours, such as nesting and roosting in abandoned ground burrows of armadillos, prairie dogs or skunks. When confronted with danger, the owl retreats to these burrows and emits rattling and hissing sounds.Desktop Version

Apr 9, 2024Black bear cub emerges into spring

Welcome to the world, bear cub! After spending the first months of its life inside the den, this frizzy American black bear child may be puzzled by the outside world. The cubs are born between January and February, but they don"t leave their den until about mid-April or the beginning of May. When the young bears emerge into spring, they weigh around 2 kilograms and grow to about 35 kilograms by their first birthday. The weight of black bears—ranging between 45 and 270 kilograms in the case of adults—however, not only depends on their age, sex, and the season but is also based on the diet available in their habitation. Black bears are the only bears found in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, USA, which provides the setting for today"s image.Desktop Version

Apr 10, 2024Dragon waterfall, Venezuela

In the heart of the wilderness, an awe-inspiring sight plummets from a mountain—the Churún Merú waterfall in Venezuela! Also known as Dragon Falls, the cascade featured in today"s image is in a narrow niche at the southern end of the canyon that divides the mountain of Auyan Tepui. Falling from around 396 metres, Churún Merú is joined by a neighboring stream in the wet season. Venezuela is home to some of the world"s most impressive natural wonders, including the highest waterfall on Earth, Angel Falls, found some 6 kilometres south of Churún Marú. James Angel, who is often wrongly credited with finding Angel Falls, may have discovered the Dragon waterfall. Something that supports this theory is the fact that Angel Falls is often misidentified as the Dragon Falls. So, whether you"re after Angels or Dragons, Venezuela has a waterfall for you!Desktop Version

Apr 11, 2024Eid al-Fitr

Rise and shine, it"s Eid al-Fitr! Pictured here is the spiritual submission of devotees at Jama Masjid, Delhi. A festival observed by Muslims worldwide, Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. Ramadan holds profound significance in the Muslim religion, as it serves as a time of introspection and spiritual growth.Desktop Version

Apr 12, 2024Arches National Park, Utah, USA

If you fancy a stroll through time, Arches National Park is the perfect gateway! With over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of tall pinnacles, large rock fins and giant balanced rocks, this park is among the world"s most scenic destinations. In a space of just over five square kilometres, there are spectacular sights including North Window, part of the popular windows section, Turret Arch and Double Arch. Named features such as Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte, a 1,723-metres summit, and Parade of Elephants mean that visitors are never short of spectacular landscapes to visit.Desktop Version

Apr 13, 2024Apple trees in spring, Germany

In this picturesque orchard, spring heralds the blossoming of apple trees. As the chill in the air starts to fade, delicate apple blossoms unfurl, releasing a sweet fragrance that permeates the countryside. This marks the beginning of a process that culminates in the harvest of one of the world"s most beloved fruits. Known for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavour, apples belong to the Rosaceae family. These fruits come in a variety of colours, from vibrant reds to golden yellows and bright greens. Each type boasts its unique flavour profile, from the tangy Granny Smith to the sweetness of Fuji. These fruits are rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants and essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, promoting overall health and well-being. Whether you like them fresh, baked in your favourite desserts or pressed into cider, apples are a classic culinary delight.Desktop Version

Apr 14, 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA

Welcome to nature"s bowling alley. Bowling Ball Beach on the Mendocino Coast in California is named after the striking rock formations strewn across the shore. These sandstone balls—a phenomenon known as concretions—formed over millions of years as sedimentary layers built up around a central core of sand and stone held together by mineral cements. Erosion gradually wore away the outer layers to expose the spherical shapes we see today. This created a fascinating spectacle that only appears at low tide. Concretions are rare, and there has been plenty of wild speculation about where they come from, with some believing them to be extraterrestrial debris while others wondering if they are dinosaur fossils. The answer, however, is quite simple: it is the forces of nature at play.Desktop Version

Apr 15, 2024Centraal Station, Antwerp, Belgium

Today"s homepage shows the RedBall Project at Centraal Station in Antwerp, Belgium. The station holds significant importance as one of the main junctions in the country and is among the four Belgian stations integrated into the high-speed rail network. This architectural masterpiece, designed by Louis Delacenserie, was built between 1895 and 1905, showcasing a blend of historic charm and contemporary functionality.Desktop Version

Apr 16, 2024Union Square, Manhattan, New York, USA

"These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you." Alicia Keys sure knows how to serenade the vibrant, bustling life of the Big Apple. Today"s homepage image takes us to a spot in the City that Never Sleeps—Union Square in lower Manhattan. At this historic intersection, you can find statues of George Washington—the oldest statue in any park in NYC—and Abraham Lincoln, crafted by the sculptor Henry Kirke Brown. In 1882, workers exercised their rights to free speech and assembly, organising the first Labour Day parade in Union Square. In 1997, United States Department of the Interior recognised this park as a National Historic Landmark due to its importance in US labour history. These days, you"re more likely to see street chess players, musicians, skateboarders, dance crews and vendors of all types in the square.Desktop Version

Apr 17, 2024Rama Navami

Today we look up at the stunning structure of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya! The partially built Hindu temple is known as the birthplace of Lord Rama. The details of Rama"s birth are chronicled in ancient scriptures like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. According to these texts, he was born to Queen Kausalya and King Dasharatha.Desktop Version

Apr 18, 2024International Day for Monuments and Sites

Today is a monumental occasion: International Day for Monuments and Sites. Also called World Heritage Day, the event aims to highlight how important the task of conserving our cultural heritage is. A monument can be anything from an architectural work to a sculpture—something that has outstanding value from a historical, artistic or scientific point of view. Some of the amazing heritage sites around the world include Machu Picchu in Peru and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The stone structure in today"s image is part of the mediaeval city walls of Ávila in Spain. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, these fortifications have a perimeter of over 2,438 metres. When they were first built, they served to defend the city against attacks from outsiders; nowadays, visitors can walk around nearly half of the circumference of the walls, enjoying views of the city and the surrounding countryside.Desktop Version

Apr 19, 2024Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland

At the heart of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in northern Scotland, lies an ancient riddle: the Ring of Brodgar. Dating back to sometime between 2500 and 2000 BCE, this Neolithic henge—a type of ancient circular earthwork—and stone circle measure about 103 metres across. Lying on a narrow strip of land between two lochs, the site initially comprised 60 stones, although today only 36 remain. The exact purpose of the structure is still unknown; in 2008, an excavation project called the Ring of Brodgar Excavation was undertaken to try to learn more about the site, but the project has not yet reached any conclusive results. In 1999, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which includes the Ring of Brodgar, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are planning a trip to Scotland, consider walking amid the echoes of history at the Ring of Brodgar while the crisp Scottish air embraces you.Desktop Version

Apr 20, 2024Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

If you are in Wyoming, you might want to visit Yellowstone National Park, which was the world"s first national park. Established in 1872 after the Protection Act was signed by the then-president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, the park is known for its flora, fauna—including Rocky Mountain wolves and grizzly and black bears—super volcano and many geothermal features, including the one we see in today"s image. The Grand Prismatic Spring is in the Midway Geyser Basin. Its display of colours is caused by microbial mats, multi-layered sheets of microorganisms, ranging from deep blues and greens to fiery oranges and reds. There is so much waiting to be explored out there, so gather your friends, and get out into the wild.Desktop Version

Apr 21, 2024Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA

Let"s take a stroll down Sparks Lane, a gem situated within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA. Established in 1934, the park encompasses over 2114 square kilometres of wilderness. The forests, which cover most of the park, are home to 1,500 species of flowering plants, 952 algae, 65 species of mammals and over 240 species of birds, making it an International Biosphere Reserve.Desktop Version

Apr 22, 2024Earth Day

Today is Earth Day—a day dedicated to celebrating the planet we call home and raising awareness of environmental problems. The seeds of this day were planted back in 1969 when Gaylord Nelson, the then-senator of Wisconsin, USA, witnessed events like the Cuyahoga River catching fire and the Santa Barbara oil spill and decided that the world needed an environmental initiative. A year later, the first Earth Day event was held. Now, it has grown into an annual event with more than a billion people in over 193 countries taking part.Desktop Version

Apr 23, 2024World Book Day

In the heart of Ireland, amidst the storied halls of the Library of Trinity College Dublin, scrolls and tomes whisper tales of long-gone eras. Today, these silent storytellers shine for World Book Day. Established by UNESCO in 1995, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of reading, publishing and copyright. But why April 23? It marks the shared death anniversary of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and several other literary greats.Desktop Version

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