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Polar bears in the Arctic
Polar bears in the Arctic
Humans have celebrated the new year since at least 2000 BCE, but various cultures have chosen different days coinciding with equinoxes or lunar cycles. The Romans established January 1 as the beginning of the year in 153 BCE, but this fell out of favour throughout Europe during the medieval era. Since 1582 and the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, however, much of the world now celebrates the new year on the first day of January. In addition to watching fireworks, drinking champagne and making resolutions in the wee hours of the morning, other global traditions include making noise, eating lucky foods and giving gifts.Desktop Version
Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Being the "black sheep" isn"t always a bad thing—just ask the Scottish Blackface, seen here in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. With its striking dark features and a knack for thriving in places others wouldn"t, this British breed has turned the idiom on its head. Far from an outcast, it"s the backbone of Scotland"s rural life and a true champion of the hills and moors. Interestingly, the Blackface sheep didn"t originate in Scotland but south of the Anglo-Scottish border. The breed"s history is fascinating, and varieties such as the large-framed Perth and the medium-framed Lanark types are found across the United Kingdom. Though it"s the most common breed in the region, the Blackface sheep has spread across the world. Its coarse fleece is perfect for making durable products like carpets and tweeds—definitely not your average sweater material.Desktop Version
Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the longest manmade structures in the world. Stretching more than 21,000 kilometres and dating back thousands of years, the ancient marvel in today"s picture is a series of fortifications spanning rugged mountains, valleys and deserts. Although it was originally conceived in the 3rd century BCE, some of its most famous sections were built during the Ming dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries CE. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases advanced ancient engineering and remains a symbol of Chinese history and culture. Featuring steep trenches and watchtowers, parts of it were designed to keep invaders at bay. Hiking the Great Wall offers a unique glimpse into this historical landmark. The experience varies from well-preserved sections like Mutianyu to wild, unrestored parts such as Jiankou. Some steps are so high, they"re more like steps on a ladder! The Great Wall of China isn"t just a wall, but a symbol of perseverance and strength.Desktop Version
Plum-headed parakeet
Plum-headed parakeet
Birds come in many shapes and colours, but few are as striking as the plum-headed parakeet, photographed at Shimoga, Karnataka, India, in today"s image. Native to the Indian subcontinent, these birds are found in forests and open woodlands. Their range spans from the Himalayan foothills to Sri Lanka, though they are absent in the arid areas of western India. There have been reports of plum-headed parakeets making their way to places like New York and Florida in the United States, and even parts of the Middle East. Parakeets are often spotted in flocks, chattering melodiously or indulging in their favourite fruits, seeds and blossoms. Their quick, agile flight and playful nature make them a delight in the wild or as beloved pets. Known for their distinctive calls that echo through the air, these birds are also capable of mimicking human speech.Desktop Version
Fujian Tulou, China
Fujian Tulou, China
Let"s step into a world where mainstream housing is so last season! Fujian Tulou, built between the 12th and 20th centuries, are unique rural dwellings of the Hakka community who live in the mountainous southeastern Fujian region of China. The Hakka are a distinct subgroup of the Han Chinese population. These structures are constructed from clay, sandy soil and grey tiles, with bamboo strips serving as the support. When observed from above, these round dwellings present an image of giant tyres or reels lying on their sides, with light walls, dark roofs and spacious interiors.Desktop Version
Turkey tail mushroom
Turkey tail mushroom
With an often-colourful flower- or umbrella-shaped body, mushrooms are easy to spot in the wilderness. But mushrooms can also be easy to misidentify. For example, poisonous jack-o"-lantern mushrooms are sometimes misidentified as edible chanterelles. But there are various other types that are primarily used for medicine, such as today"s species, turkey tail, named for its likeness, which has been used for treating lung conditions in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research showed them exhibiting anti-tumour properties and helping fortify the immune system. Many make great meal additions, and from portobello to shiitake mushrooms, there are thousands of edible species out there. Sautéed, stuffed, sliced, on a pizza or in soup, it is time to bring some umami fun(gi) to your plate!Desktop Version
Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
Carved by nature over centuries, the Three Natural Bridges in Wulong Karst, China, is a geological wonder. These limestone bridges, towering over a deep gorge, are named after three dragons: Tianlong (Sky Dragon), Qinglong (Azure Dragon) and Heilong (Black Dragon). Tianlong, standing at 235 metres, has a bridge-pier with maze-like caves in it. The Qinglong Bridge, which is 281 metres high, offers breathtaking views when the sun is out. Heilong Bridge is the widest of the three bridges at 193 metres and reaches a height of 223 metres. Visitors can explore the Wulong Karst National Geology Park and visit places like the Furong Cave, a 2,846-metre cave with huge limestone stalactites, which are mineral formations that hang from the ceiling. Standing beneath these magnificent natural bridges, you can"t help but be humbled by the sheer power of time and nature.Desktop Version
The Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
The Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
You know you"re in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA, when the sun gives you a warm "welcome"! This arid land is home to various animals such as roadrunners, Gila monsters, and the Morafka"s tortoise. The Sonoran Desert experiences two rainy seasons, which leads to the blossoming of colourful wildflowers such as the brittlebush, seen in today"s image. These hardy shrubs seen here are adapted to the dry climate, with their silvery-grey leaves covered in fine hairs that help reduce water loss through transpiration. Brittlebushes produce bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters at the ends of their branches, adding a splash of colour to the desert landscape. Another drought-loving desert flora is the saguaro cactus, which can live for over 150 years and grow up to 12 metres tall. These cacti offer food and shelter to desert species. The saguaro is also a sacred plant in the culture of the Tohono O"odham people, used for sustenance and rituals.Desktop Version
Burchells zebras
Burchells zebras
It"s time for some black-and-white thinking. While all zebras have the iconic black-and-white stripes, there are actually three different species of zebras: plains, mountain and Grévy"s zebras. Today"s snapshot shows Burchell"s zebras, a subspecies of the plains zebra, in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa. Found across eastern and southern Africa, zebras thrive in savannas, shrublands, woodlands and even mountain regions. They spend most of their time eating—grasses, leaves and shrubs are their favourites—and have been known to travel hundreds of kilometres in search of food and water. Sadly, all three varieties of zebra are under threat from hunting and habitat destruction, however, concentrated conservation efforts can secure a brighter future for zebras and their natural habitats.Desktop Version
Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Germany
Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Germany
If you think a coastline is just a line where land meets sea, the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is here to change your mind. This UNESCO World Heritage Site along Germany"s North Sea coast is a place where the tides redraw the landscape twice a day. When the tide retreats, it exposes vast mudflats, creating an ever-changing terrain that"s home to an incredible ecosystem. With an area of 4,410 square kilometres, it is also the largest national park in Germany. It"s a paradise for migratory birds like oystercatchers and red knots, seals and tiny creatures that thrive in the shifting sands. One of the best ways to experience the park is mudflat hiking. Guided tours let you walk across the seabed, squishing through the soft ground while learning about the creatures beneath your feet.Desktop Version
The Painted Hills, Oregon, USA
The Painted Hills, Oregon, USA
Oregon"s John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, specifically the mesmerising Painted Hills, are one of the most well-known spots in the world to see and study fossils. Layers of vividly coloured clay-rich soils make for a captivating landscape. These hills contain a record of changing climates and ecosystems that spans millions of years. Here, visitors can freely explore a museum that displays fossils of plants and animals that thrived long ago. One can get a glimpse of fossils of opossums, oreodonts, sabre-toothed tigers and turtles by visiting the Clarno unit of the monument. These remnants serve as a reminder of the dynamic and fascinating history our planet holds.Desktop Version
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Forests play a crucial role in supplying essential resources like food, water and medicines. Featured here is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, which is home to 160 species of trees and 100 species of ferns, as well as an extraordinary 50% of the world"s mountain gorilla population. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is characterised by its dense vegetation. The forest has thickets of bamboo growing between the trees, making access on foot difficult, giving this forest its impenetrable name. Apart from the mountain gorillas, the forest is inhabited by various primate species, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, L"Hoest"s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.Desktop Version
Pont St-Pierre across the Garonne River, Toulouse, France
Pont St-Pierre across the Garonne River, Toulouse, France
As the sun sets over the Garonne River, Toulouse reveals one of its most beautiful panoramas: the Saint-Pierre Bridge and the majestic Dôme de la Grave reflected in the water. This bridge, connecting the two banks of the Ville Rose, was built in 1849, then rebuilt in 1927 and 1987 to adapt to modern needs. Opposite it, the Dôme de la Grave, crowning the former hospital of the same name, dominates the landscape. This 19th-century architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Toulouse, visible from afar thanks to its imposing silhouette. Once dedicated to the sick and the poor, the Hôpital de la Grave bears witness to the city"s medical past, and today it remains a centre of research and innovation.Desktop Version
Hadrians Wall, England
Hadrians Wall, England
The occasional muddy soil should not stop you from visiting the long-distance footpath of Hadrian"s Wall Path. The National Trail—a classification gained in 2003—stretches for around 135 kilometres from east to west in the north of England.Desktop Version
Polar bear cub, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Polar bear cub, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Polar bears are native to the Arctic and can be found in Alaska, Russia, Greenland and Svalbard. They"re also found in Canada—like the cub in today"s image, photographed in Churchill, Manitoba. Polar bears spend over half of their time hunting for seals on the sea ice, although they usually catch just one or two for every 10 that they try to catch. Their reliance on sea ice for hunting means that they are highly vulnerable to climate change. Their fur isn"t truly white; it"s translucent, reflecting visible light and allowing them to blend seamlessly into their snowy environment. Sea ice is rapidly disappearing as the planet heats up, and polar bears are at risk of malnutrition and starvation as their hunting grounds vanish. Shrinking ice sheets also mean that these bears have to swim farther to find food, which depletes their energy reserves. Protecting polar bears means protecting their home—let"s work together to slow the effects of climate change and safeguard their future.Desktop Version
Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
The tiny, colourful Cuban tody can only be found on Cuba and its neighbouring islands. Its vibrant outfit gives it a unique look: sparkling green back, pale grey underparts, red throat, pink flanks, blue ear patches and a black and red beak. Despite their colourful plumage, their size makes them hard to see; however, they are easy to hear. The soft sound of "pprreeee-pprreeee" or a short "tot-tot-tot-tot" will tell you there"s a tody somewhere nearby.Desktop Version
Yellow-billed hornbills in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Yellow-billed hornbills in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Today"s image features the southern yellow-billed hornbill, a bird found throughout Southern Africa and commonly spotted in Kruger National Park in South Africa. This medium-sized bird measures about 48 to 50 centimetres in length with a wingspan of 60 centimetres and weighs 150 to 200 grams. Recognisable by its bright yellow, curved bill, this bird is often seen hopping on the ground in search of food. Its diet includes insects, seeds, fruits, berries, nuts and small reptiles, making it a key player in the ecosystem as both a predator and seed disperser. Social creatures, these hornbills are usually found in pairs or small groups, often foraging together. They nest in natural tree cavities, with the female sealing herself inside using a mud wall, leaving only a small slit through which the male feeds her and the chicks. Their calls—whistling, grunting and cackling—echo across the savannah.Desktop Version
Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
Awe-struck by this white winter expanse? That"s exactly what visitors feel when they witness the Bernina Pass in the Alps, in the Graubünden region of Switzerland. It attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world and stands tall at an elevation of 2,328 metres. This pass may be home to ski areas now, but it was a vital trade route during the Middle Ages. Fun fact: The first evidence of skiing dates to around 6000 BCE in Russia. Boasting excellent snow conditions from November to March, the Bernina Pass is a must-visit spot on every skier"s bucket list!Desktop Version
Fireworks over Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada
Fireworks over Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada
New Year"s Eve, also known as Old Year"s Day, is celebrated around the world with revelry, fireworks and for some, religious and cultural observances. Many countries celebrate with foods symbolic of prosperity, long life and good fortune for the coming year, and many people sing Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne" at the stroke of midnight to remember old friends and past experiences. The new year is often personified as a baby, a tradition that dates back to ancient Greeks, often paired with an old man who represents the previous year.Desktop Version
Sunrise at a vineyard in Bordeaux, France
Sunrise at a vineyard in Bordeaux, France
The Bordeaux wine region, in southwestern France, is renowned for its illustrious viticultural history. Characterised by a maritime climate with Mediterranean influences, the region offers a diverse range of reds and whites, including the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. In this region, the sprawling vineyards of the Médoc produce some truly exceptional wines. September marks the start of grape harvesting, with famous appellations like Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe preserving ancient winemaking traditions.Desktop Version
Verdon Gorge, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Verdon Gorge, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Stretching nearly 100 kilometres, the Verdon Gorge is Europe"s largest canyon, with majestic cliffs climbing up to 750 metres in height. The emerald hue of the Verdon River"s waters, hidden far below this blanket of clouds, lends its name to this spectacular natural site, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Visitors or residents of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Hiking in the southeast of France can visit the canyon for rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding—the adventure options are endless. If you find yourself in Marseille or Nice, a day trip may be in order.Desktop Version
Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland
Ring 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
Masoala National Park in Madagascar
Masoala National Park in Madagascar
Pictured here is Madagascar"s Masoala National Park, part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park, which covers nearly 2,300 square kilometres, is a wildlife haven, harbouring 10 lemur species like red ruffed lemur and aye-aye, birds like red owl and helmet vanga, as well as other species such as Madagascar day geckos and tomato frogs. In times past, illegal rosewood loggers threatened this region, but the strength of unity and conservation has made a stand. So, let"s take inspiration from Masoala and champion the planet that cradles us all. After all, there is no planet B!Desktop Version
Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
Desert-dwelling camels have been central to lives in the United Arab Emirates for generations, upholding Emirati heritage and customs. A key mode of transportation for Bedouins to access water and supplies, camels are invaluable in traversing the sweltering sands. These dromedaries have even been used as currency to fulfil various obligations such as dowries or zakat, an annual charitable fee in Muslim communities. They provide nourishment: camel milk is a valuable and nutritious ingredient in many recipes. Finally, camels have successfully entertained Bedouin tribes and travellers through camel racing, further showcasing the versatility of these hardy creatures.Desktop Version
Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim, Ireland
Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim, Ireland
Glenariff Forest Park, nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, hosts an array of wonders for nature enthusiasts. Famously known as "the Queen of the Glens," the park boasts a wealth of panoramic landscapes, serene riverside strolls and three magnificent waterfalls. Covering over 10 square kilometres, the park is under the care of the Northern Ireland Forest Service. Apart from being a recreational haven, it supports timber production and is a site of conservation for animals such as the red squirrel and Irish hare. Whether you"re exploring the serene Scenic Trail or delving into the heart of the glen on the Waterfall Walk Trail, these journeys promise that you"ll experience some of Northern Ireland"s finest natural splendour.Desktop Version