Bright-eyed and brushy-tailed! The mini monkey and his tiny friends

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Bottle baby: A crowned sifaka lemur from Madagascar


They’re irresistibly cute. But these gorgeous newborns are actually some of the animal kingdom’s most endangered species — and they’ve been bred specially in zoos across the world. From a baby beluga whale to a pint-size monkey, you can’t help but fall for these mini-marvels . . .


Hello, me old China: Yun Zi the giant panda was born in San Diego Zoo


You'll be all white: This blue-eyed beauty is Durga, a Bengal tiger cub


Birdy dance: Sawyer is actually a tawny frogmouth, not an owl


A quick brush up: Emperor tamarin monkeys have to look their best


Handle with care: The clouded leopard soon becomes powerful


Simply red: Menari, a Sumatran orangutan is one of a critically endangered species


See here: Newborn red pandas Tai and Pip from Edmonton Valley Zoo in Canada


Bath time: Monifa the pygmy hippo is still small enough to bathe in a bowl

G'day sport: Rooby the red kangaroo fell from Mum's pouch, so a fleece must suffice


I'm all ears: The fennec fox evolved to hear insect prey in the Sahara, though this one is Korean


Neck and neck: These chicks will grow into sleek, green-feathered parrots


These Gentoo penguins from Seaworld San Diego will lose their fluffiness


Calf love: Miki the beluga keeps close to his mum in a Chicago aquarium


Don't tread on me, Mum: Mali is the first baby elephant to be born in Melbourne Zoo


In the pink, but this aardvark from Detroit Zoo will grow a hairy coat


Taken from Zooborns by Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland, Constable £8.99. Published on October 7


source :dailymail

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There's a what behind me? Kayaker is oblivious as 36-ton humpback whale leaps out of water next to him

By MAIL FOREIGN SERVICE

It's behind you: The kayaker paddles on oblivious as the giant humpback whale leaps out of the Pacific Ocean


It was a real case of blink and you miss it as this kayaker got a close encounter with an adult humpback whale.

The man was looking the other way as the 36-ton animal leaped out of the water off Sydney Harbour, Australia, before crashing back down again into the surf.

But he soon realised the giant creature was there after hearing the almighty splash as it reentered the water.


Thar she blows: The kayaker turns around as the 36-ton adult whale splashes back into the water


The vast whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, was pictured from the shoreline as it continued its annual migration down the New South Wales coast.

Humpback whales typically migrate up to 15,500 miles every year. They feed only in the summer, whilst in polar waters, and migrate to sub-tropical waters to breed and give birth in the winter.

Once hunted to near extinction, a moratorium on hunting the species in 1966 has helped to see numbers climb back up to around 80,000.

They are commonly spotted off the coasts of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S and feed on krill and herring.

The largest humpback ever recorded was killed in the Caribbean and weighed a staggering 90 tons.


Making a splash: The giant creature was migrating along the New South Wales coast when it made its appearance off Sydney Harbour


Gentle giant: Adult humpback whales migrate up to 15,500 miles a year and can reach up to 56ft in length


source: dailymail

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I've heard of pink elephants, but this is ridiculous: Amazing images of rare pink hippopotamus captured in Masai Mara

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Pink to make the boys wink: The rare pink hippopotamus was spotted last week in the Masai Mara in Africa


Wading through the muddy waters this rare pink-o-pottamus stands out from the crowd.
British brothers and wildlife photographers Will and Matt Burrard-Lucas captured these images of the brightly coloured hippo in the Masai Mara, Kenya, last week.

Visiting the African country on the hunt to photograph the legendary wildebeest migration the Londoners were in for a treat when rumours of a pink hippo surfaced.

'Our guide had mentioned that he had heard rumours of this rare hippo from a fellow guide, however, he was not told where it lived and he had never come across it before,' explains 26-year-old Will.

'After a rather uneventful morning, we stopped on the banks of the Mara River for a picnic breakfast.

'After a while, to our great surprise, we spotted the pink hippo emerge on to the far bank of the river.

'We dropped everything and reached for our cameras!'
Racing up to a bank on the river, the brothers positioned themselves a few hundred yards from the young hippo, so not to disturb it.


'It was a young one as it is much smaller than the other hippos and always stayed close to its mother,' said Will.

'It was nice to see the other hippos treated it no differently to any other.
'The pink hippo seemed perfectly happy as it bumbled around on the shore and other than its skin, was no different to any other hippo.

'It was out on the shore for 10 minutes or less. After that we spotted his pink head surface above the water every few minutes as he came up for air.

'It was also very shy and after spotting us it hid behind its mother before disappearing into the water.'


Pretty in pink: Brothers Will and Matt Burrard-Lucas stumbled across this rare pink hippopotamus in Kenya


Rare: The pink hippo is 'leucistic' - a condition characterised by reduced pigmentation in animals and humans


Excited by their discovery the brothers returned to the UK this week, eager to find out more about the rare hippo.

Will continued: 'On returning to the UK I have spent a morning researching the condition in order to find out how rare this creature really is and what caused the extraordinary coloration.

'I found just a handful of recorded instances of pink hippos in Uganda but never in the Mara.

'It turns out the hippo is "leucistic" [a condition characterised by reduced pigmentation in animals and humans], and not an albino since it does have some pigmented spots and dark eyes.

'Usually leucistic and albino animals do not survive in the wild as they are very visible to predators and they get serious sunburn.

'However, once hippos are large enough they are rarely attacked by predators, and uniquely, their sweat acts as a sunscreen which means a pink hippo can survive perfectly well in the wild!'

For Will though, the encounter proved how wildlife can continue to surprise and amaze.


Shy guy: As soon as the hippo notices the brothers snapping away on their cameras, he hides in the water behind his mother


Camera crew: The Burrard-Lucas brothers shown on the other side of the lens for once


'It was very exciting, particularly in Africa, where it seems that every animal has been photographed to death,' he added.

'As we were taking the pictures were not sure if anyone else had already photographed the animal or how rare a pink hippo really is, so it wasn't until we got back to the UK and did some research that we realised how special our pictures really were.

'This was obviously a unique encounter but it never ceases to amaze me how often wildlife surprises us... no matter how much time we spend photographing animals.
'When we are out in the field there is seldom a day that goes by where we don't observe some surprising aspect of behaviour or a unique individual that we have never come across before.

'Ultimately this is one reason why we find watching and photographing wildlife so fulfilling.'

source: dailymail

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Stray Afghan dog that saved British soldiers by sniffing out roadside bombs rewarded with new home in UK

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

On Patrol: Brin in action in Helmand Province before he was flown back to the UK


A stray desert dog who saved soldiers' lives by sniffing out deadly roadside bombs in Helmand has been given a new home in the UK after a campaign to fly him back.

Brin the Afghan Hound was first adopted by the Coldstream Guards at the beginning of the year after he wandered on to their Helmand base.

They handed Brin on to the Gurkha Rifles in May and he soon became so central to their mission the Taliban kidnapped him, prompting a daring raid to get him back.

Brin faced being left to the mercy of the militants when the battalion fly home next month and soldiers feared he could be killed in a revenge attack once they had gone.
But now he is settling into a life of comfort and security in the UK after campaigners raised £4,000 to bring him back.

The dog, which looks like a cross between a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Jack Russell, started following units on dangerous patrols.

Soldiers soon realised he had a natural gift for detecting deadly roadside bombs.
He would stand and bark at suspicious mounds, allowing them to avoid or destroy any explosive devices.

Now, Brin's future is secure after Captain Mark Townsend, who cared for him in Afghanistan, sent a rallying call back to his friends and family in England.

They raised the cash to fly the dog home. Teacher Sally Baldwin, 49, who led the fundraising together with animal rescue charity Nowzad, will give him a comfortable new home in the Sussex countryside once he has completed six months in quarantine.


New home: Brin the stray desert dog with new owner Sally Baldwin


She said: 'He has been back for a week and he is really tired after his 4,000 mile journey, but he's eating well.

'During his battle experience he learned to sleep while standing up. It's so moving when he dozes off and relaxes completely, seeing this adorable refugee dog safe at last. All the soldiers are thrilled he will be home when they get back.

'I know Mark is especially desperate to see him safe after all he has been through. It has been a huge ongoing operation to raise the money and arrange quarantine.

'But everyone agrees this dog is worth all the trouble. I've had a lot of animals but never one like Brin so I understand why they all loved him so much. There's something about him, it feels like he?s looking out for you. He's very special.

'Mark said he played a massive role in lifting morale among the troops as well as sniffing out bombs.'

In July Captain Townsend told the Mirror: 'He's a big morale booster. He's a reminder of our pets in the UK and it's nice to have a bit of a break once in a while and have something that's like a comfort from home.

'Brin was so effective at saving soldiers' lives, the Taliban suspected he was a specially-trained SAS dog.'



He was captured and held by the enemy, then dramatically rescued after Afghanistan Army commandos seized him back in a raid.

Life will be much more peaceful for Brin, named so because of his brindle colouring, once he relocates to the sedate Sussex countryside with Sally, her husband Ray and their menagerie of rescue pets.

Animal lover Captain Townsend could not offer him a home because of his deployments, but he can't wait to be reunited with the mutt when he gets home.

Sally said: 'Mark is already planning his visit to see Brin and he is absolutely thrilled. He says he owes me a pint for getting him to the UK .

'Brin is loved by so many people and will have lots of visits from his army pals which will no doubt delight him.'

She admits it will be not be easy for the dog to adjust to his new life and plans to help him settle in gradually.

She said: 'This is a dog who will have never seen grass, who it took the troops weeks to teach how to fetch a ball and who has lived all his life surrounded by the sound of gunfire.

'I know it will be difficult and I am prepared to provide the specialist care he will need. I live in a nice big house with a big garden and I am near plenty of lovely country fields so in time he will be a very happy dog.'



source: dailymail

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Ruff luck: Devastated Sheridan Smith appeals for help after thieves steal her Shar-Pei dog for the SECOND time

By JODY THOMPSON

Dog gone: Sheridan Smith and her Shar-Pei dog Enid, who also went missing earlier this month and was found in Dagenham, miles from the actress's north London home


Gavin And Stacey and West End star Sheridan Smith has been left devastated after her beloved dog Enid was stolen from her home for a second time, she has revealed.

The 29-year-old actress - currently starring in the musical Legally Blonde - was only recently reunited with the black female Shar-Pei after she went missing earlier this month.

Smith has taken to Twitter to appeal for help in finding Enid yet again, but wrote earlier today: 'I don't know how to get through this.'


Dog-nuts: Sheridan Smith taking doughnuts into Radio 1 for Chris Moyles and his team last week for their help in recovering her dog Enid the first time she went missing


Posting on her official Twitter page (http://twitter.com/sheridansmith1) last night after discussing the matter with police, she revealed the dog was stolen from her London home on Thursday.

Smith, who's previously also starred in Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps and Jonathan Creek, posted up pictures of the pooch in a bid to help the search.
The originally Chinese breed are known for their wrinkled skin and blue-black tongues and puppies for anywhere between £300 and £1,000 depending on their breeding.

Smith revealed: 'The police are convinced that it is a repeat offence and that last time was no accident. On their advice, I can't give too much information.
'She needs daily medication and I'm worried about her health and safety.'
Talking to MailOnline this afternoon, a spokeswoman for Sheridan said there was still no news as to Enid's whereabouts. She added: 'She is distraught as you can imagine.'

When Enid went missing earlier this month, Smith appealed to her Twitter followers for help, and Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles spoke about her disappearance on the radio.
The dog, who is micro-chipped for identification purposes, was found in Dagenham and taken to Battersea Dogs Home where staff recognised her from the appeal.

But staggeringly, some Twitter users have been less than sympathetic about this second disappearance.


Dog days: Sheridan as Elle Woods with her onstage canine chum in the West End musical version of Legally Blonde


One follower called Daniel Butler wrote: 'Got no sympathy. To get it stolen once is terrible, but twice is completely stupid on your part. Didn't u learn u lesson.'

Smith, who split from comedian James Corden last year after a lengthy on-off relationship last year, blasted back to her detractors: 'She was stolen from my home! How could I stop them?! You heartless cruel human being.

'I genuinely hope no one ever breaks into YOUR home and steals something u love.'


source: dailymail

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Vets are accused of overcharging by up to 500% for pet medicines

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Rip off: Some vets are charging 500% more for pet medicene than high street stores (stock picture)


Vets have been accused of overcharging for pet medicine, in some cases by more than 500 per cent.

Buying the same medicines online or in High Street stores is half the price on average, research reveals.

Marketing group The Best Organisation compared the costs of best-sellers including flea control treatments and worming tablets, anti-stress medicine, eye drops and animal nutrition supplements.

A six-pack of Frontline flea tablets is currently available online from as little as £16.33, while the same product is sold in veterinary practices for up to £38.95.

Similarly, 3.5g of Optimmune eye ointment is available online for £23.86, while a practice in North London charges £59.50.

Asda currently offers a six-pack of flea treatment for £25, while prices for the same medication at vets range from £32.20 to £59.81.

Andrew Evans, of online veterinary pharmacy Vet-Medic, said: ‘This research offers huge insight into the pricing structures of pet medication.

‘When we commissioned the research to help us keep our own pricing competitive, we made an assumption that online shopping should come out cheaper but were staggered by how much.’

Harvey Locke, president-elect of the British Veterinary Association, described the accusations of price inflating as ‘unfair’.

He said: ‘Veterinary practices will mark up the cost of the medicines they supply in order to cover the costs of keeping and dispensing them.’


source: dailymail

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I dyed my cat to match MY hair admits owner of 'pink panther' found wandering the streets

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

'Like a red rag to a bull': Animal experts have warned that the cat's colour could cause problems for her as other animals perceive any shade of red as a 'warning'


The owner of a pink cat who was tracked down after a nationwide hunt has admitted she dyed her pet to match her hair.

Defiant Natasha Gregory said she was proud of her actions - and would even do it again.

The 22-year-old mother-of-two admitted using food colourant to turn the short-haired cat's fur a vivid shade of pink.

The fluorescent feline, named Oi! Kitty, is now so bright that she glows in the dark.
'It's my favourite colour, I just love it,' said Miss Gregory at her tiny terraced home in Swindon, Wiltshire.

'I've dyed my own hair pink and I adore wearing pink clothes. Turning Oi! Kitty pink just seemed like a good idea.

Oi! Kitty's shocking appearance sparked an RSPCA investigation after she was found roaming in a back garden.

A nationwide appeal was launched to find the person responsible for dyeing her white fur, with animal welfare officers believing it was a sick prank.

But after seeing the widespread media coverage, Miss Gregory contacted officials to claim back her pet, which had gone missing days before.


Defiant: Natasha Gregory, 22, insists she would dye her cat pink again as 'it is my favourite colour'. The cat's appearance sparked an RSPCA investigation


The self-described 'animal lover' who lives with her boyfriend of five years Michael Dennis, along with his daughter and their own two children, then confessed to dyeing the cat pink.

'I read the instructions on the bottle of food colouring and there was nothing to say that it was harmful to humans or animals. We eat the food the dye is used on, so I knew it wasn't toxic.

'I just poured some of the liquid over my hands and robbed them together and then over the cat. I was careful to avoid her face and eyes though,' added Miss Gregory, who is unemployed.

'She didn't seem to mind and I think she looked lovely.'

Miss Gregory said Oi! Kitty used to belong to her sister Lisa who had dyed her once before.

'I took over looking after Oi! Kitty last week. She is a house cat and a year old and doesn't normally go out,' she said.

'Last weekend I let her out to go to the loo and she sat on the fence and wouldn't come back in, so I decided to let her stay there. Then she disappeared and I was very worried about her.


Row: Vet Penny Gillespie, left, branded the dyeing of the cat 'cruel', but Miss Gregory claims there is nothing in food colouring that can harm animals


'I advertised the fact she was pink and had vanished on my Facebook page and then, all or a sudden she is a media star and is all over the news.

'I have contacted the RSPCA to get her back and the lady I spoke to said she didn't think it would be a problem. But I'm going to have to wait until they go back to work today.'

Despite being branded cruel by vet Penny Gillespie, who has been caring for the cat since she was found in a back garden, Miss Gregory said she doesn't regret doing it.

'People have made this massive cruelty thing out of just food colouring. People do it to dogs. You often see it with dogs on TV so what's the difference with a cat?
'I would never hurt an animal. It's just food colourant. I would never put proper dye on an animal but I know food colourant is alright.'

Asked if she would dye Oi! Kitty again she said: 'Yeah, I love pink. I'd love a cat that's always pink.'

Claire Guest, an animal behavioural expert, warned of the danger of colouring animals.

'My feeling would be that if she was a very bright colour other animals might react to her differently because anything based on red is an alarm colour in nature,' she said.

'The saying "red rag to a bull" is real stuff. Horses, dogs and bulls see red more strongly, especially moving reds. They see it and start to get agitated - it is a warning colour for them.'


source :dailymail

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Sparkling Kelly Osbourne is the belle of the ball at PETA dinner... but bleary-eyed Pamela Anderson is the dog's dinner

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Belle of the ball: Kelly Osbourne and Pamela Anderson at PETA's 30th Anniversary Gala and Awards


Posing for pictures alongside a perfectly poised Kelly Osbourne did Pamela Anderson absolutely no favours last night.

The pair were photographed together at PETA's 30th Anniversary Gala and Humanitarian Awards.

Looking immaculate in a cutaway draped metallic silver dress, newly-svelte Kelly's glamorous look only served to highlight where a bleary-eyed Pamela was falling short.


Fab and drab: Kelly wowed while Pam disappointed at the annual event for the animal lovers charity


Kelly, 25, teamed her outfit with black platform heels, wearing her hair swept up in a chic side do, and looked the epitome of elegance.

Pamela Anderson on the other hand looked a lot less polished, wearing a loose-fitting and unflattering coral pink dress with clashing red shoes.

The 43-year-old Baywatch actress looked unkempt with messy hair and trashy-looking make-up.

She also wore sunglasses while on the red carpet at the event, held at the Palladium Theater, despite the fact it was dark outside, and looked sloppy as she posed for pictures with the a serene Kelly.


Stunning: Lea Michele won a humanitarian award at the event


The annual even was this year hosted by 30 Rock actor Alec Baldwin and celebrated the charities 30th year in business.

The animal-loving organisation marked the occasion with a luxurious dinner and awards ceremony which honoured high profile individuals and their charitable achievements.

Winners included director Eli Roth, actresses Olivia Munn, Anjelica Huston, Lea Michele, Eva Mendes and Joanna Krupa, rocker Dave Navarro and actor Kellan Lutz.

Also at the event was Sophia Bush, Jenna Dewan, Abbie Cornish and Cheryl Hines while Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck also turned up for the festivities.


Other winners: Eva Mendes and Anjelica Huston both wore red to pick up their humanitarian awards






source: dailymail

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Roly-poly bear enjoys a tumble in the snow while hunting for lemmings

g for lemmings


Step One: The polar bear dips downwards as he prepares to take the plunge


When living in the wilds of northern Canada, miles from the nearest icy pool, what's a bear to do when he wants to have a wash?

One athletic polar bear solved his dilemma by rolling in the snow... but he was so enthusiastic he ended up toppling head over heels.


Step two: The bear's head disappears into the snow as he bends in half


His escapades were captured on film by photographer John Tangney who was on holiday with wildlife enthusiasts on Hudson Bay, Canada.

The adroit gymnast then performed the trick three more times, to the delight of the tourists who applauded his efforts.

The visitors had been watching the young male hunt during a Tundra Buggy tour in Cape Churchill.

Mr Tangney from Portland, Oregon, US, said: 'Our guide told us the polar bears would sometimes hear lemmings or voles moving under the snow, and poke their heads down to catch a quick snack.

'So when we saw this bear putting his head down, we thought that's what he must be doing. But instead of coming up with food, his head suddenly popped up between his legs.

'We really did not know what was going on - it was very strange and he looked so funny.


Step three: The bear propels his legs over his head in a quick movement


Step four: The bear finishes his tricky manoeuvre with a triumphant grin


'He rolled all the way over, head over heels, just like he was doing a somersault, then sat up and looked right at us.

'The funniest thing was, he actually did another two or three somersaults after this and kept looking over at us.'

Although they can be fierce predators, polar bears from Hudson Bay have previously been snapped playing with sled dogs.

The 60-year-old added: 'It was like he felt he was getting attention doing this and was having fun with it.

'I just love the expression on his face at the end - I'm not sure whether he's waiting for a round of applause or wondering what all the fuss is about.'

source: dailymail

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Pig tales: Meet the house-trained micro pigs

By JANE CROFT

Cute, clever, and surprisingly low-maintenance, these little piggies don’t need taking for walks and won’t leave fur on your furniture. Meet the micro house pigs who are fast becoming the suburban family pets of choice

This little piggy stays at home

Happy pigs make perfect pets…


Pigs enjoy company, so two are better than one. They’ll quickly become part of the family and, if you pick micro pigs with docile personalities, they’ll mix well with children, and with other pets too.


But they can be little trotters


Pigs make less demanding pets than dogs, and are happy to get their exercise in a good-sized garden. But they’re also notorious escape artists, so strong, secure fencing is essential. Check it regularly to make sure there are no breaks or gaps.


Not so high on the hog


Little piggies can live for up to 15 years, and can grow very big if they’re not true miniatures, so always buy from a reputable dealer. At their largest they can be the size of a labrador, but they should be no taller than 40cm to 45cm.


Pigs need pampering


Contrary to popular opinion, pigs are very clean animals and love a good hose-down. Add a tiny amount of baby shampoo as a treat and then wrap your pig in a soft towel to complete the experience.


Pigsty-le

Wooden pig houses should be cool in summer and warm in winter. Make sure the structure doesn’t leak and is draught-free. Add plenty of straw bedding (barley is best) and ensure that there is a constant supply of clean, fresh water


Personal space
Micro pigs can live either indoors or in the garden, space permitting. They will quickly master your cat or dog flap, and learn to let themselves in and out without supervision





Adapted from This Little Piggy by Jane Croft, published by Kyle Cathie, price £9.99. To order a copy for £8.99 with free p&p, contact the YOU Bookshop on 0845 155 0711, you-bookshop.co.uk
Please note you need a licence to keep pigs of any kind.


source: dailymail

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Spectacular view of thousands of Devil Rays as they mass off the Californian coast scoops top photography prize

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Winner of the Under 21 group: 'The Fortune Teller' by Radoslav Radoslavov Valkov. This picture of a fly was taken Radoslav's back garden in Bulgaria


Packed fin to gill as they swim in tight formation, this incredible picture of rays swimming through the ocean in a colossal school has scooped a top photography prize,
The thousands-strong group of Munkiana Devil Rays were spotted in Baja California Sur, Mexico, by German conservation photographer Florian Schulz.

The remarkable photo won the Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 awards.
Schulz, who went on to become the overall winner after topping the Underwater World pool, described how he was able to capture his jaw-dropping image named Flight of the Rays.

Schulz said: 'During an aerial expedition I came across something I had never seen before. Not even my pilot, who has surveyed this area for 20 years, had seen anything like it.

'As we got closer we started to discover its nature: an unprecedented congregation of rays. The group was as thick as it was wide, all heading towards the same direction.

'I have asked around why this took place but no one has been able to explain it to me.

'After such a unique sighting, I realise there are so many marvels in the oceans that we are yet to understand. Our knowledge of the oceans is so limited. I just hope that we are in time to rescue it before it collapses from pollution and over fishing.'


Winner of the Underwater group and overall winner of the competition: 'Flight of the Rays' by Florian Schulz from Germany, which shows an unprecedented congregation of Munkiana Devil Rays in Baja California Sur, Mexico


Finalist in the Underwater group: Bela Nasfay's picture titled 'Birthplace' In one of the small spring-fed lakes of an Hungarian mountain, the European Common Brown Frogs have already laid their eggs on the bottom by April. The tadpoles are waiting for the moment of their birth.


Finalist in the Changing Climate group: Sue Floods' picture of the North Pole sign in melting ice and meltwater


Organised by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the contest this year received over 4,500 entries from photographers in 97 countries.

The competition is an international showcase for the best in environmental photography, honouring amateur and professional photographers who use their ability to raise awareness of environmental and social issues.

The Young Environmental Photographer of the Year title was taken by Radoslav Radoslavov Valkov.

Amateur Radoslav, 20, created his stunning macro image of a fly drinking from a dew drop on a blade of grass in his back garden in Bulgaria.

udges gave their verdicts on eight categories made up of 'Mott MacDonald's Changing Climates', 'The Natural World', 'Quality of Life', 'Innovation in the Environment', 'The Underwater World', 'A View From the Western World' and the 'Young Environmental Photographer of the Year' for under-16s and under-21s.


Winner of Natural World group: Winner Bence Mate's picture of a Hummingbird attacking a green pit viper



Finalist in the Under 16 group: Alex Marttunen's picture titled 'Home Sweet Home' which shows a Hermit crab using a bottle top in place of a shell.


The panel of judges spent all of August going through every entry, shortlisting images that were contemporary, creative, resonant, original and beautiful. The winners are sharing a prize fund of nearly £5,000.

Other winners included Brit Ashley Cooper, from Cumbria, for his picture of the UK's largest climate change protest, which saw him topping the 'Mott MacDonald's Changing Climates' group.

Mott MacDonald is a consultancy with an active role in helping organisations and communities around the world mitigate the causes of climate change and adapt to its impacts.

Further pictures winning or being shortlisted included of a Pit Viper ready to strike a hummingbird, 15-year-old sex worker 'Nodi' in Bangladesh, and a hermit-crab using a broken bottle-top as a makeshift shell.

Winning photographers will have their images showcased in a free international exhibition, which launches at The Air Gallery in London from October 25-30. For more information visit www.epoty.org.


Finalist in the Underwater group: Kaido Haagen's picture titled 'Hide and Seek'. A Grey Seal near the island of Vilsandi, Estonia


Finalist for the Natural World Group: Julienne Bowser's picture of a wave at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

source: dailymail

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