WildCreatures

Peacocks are the national bird of India. Massive creatures, with the most impressive plumage in the world, peacocks are a sight to behold. This peacock had found some food on the ground behind a large rock pile and he was gobbling up as much as he could.

Sally lightfoot crabs are famous for their vivid coloring and beautiful markings. They are a common sight on almost any beach or rocky shore is the tropics.

Sharks are generally far more docile than they are made out to be. With rare exceptions, they are unconcerned with humans and will not pay them a lot of attention. When a group of biologists entered the water in Papua New Guinea to document their behaviour and feeding habits, they knew they would be getting close to these full grown silvertip reef sharks.

Aslan is a lion cub who likes to have a little nap after a good play time. He's been exploring and chasing toys for a few hours and now he's worn out. He's about to get his bottle of milk replacer and then he will be let inside his kennel where he will sleep for the rest of the afternoon. Aslan was born in a zoo that will provide him with excellent care, lots of room to roam, and the company of other lions for socialization. But during his early weeks, Aslan is better to spend his time away from the larger lions in the pride. He is small and easily hurt at this age and lions can be territorial and dominant. Inadvertently, he might be injured if he is kept at the zoo during this time. Aslan will spend at least a month in a foster home to allow him to gain the size and strength that he will need to withstand the rough play of other young lions. Aslan's time in the foster home will also help him gain trust for his human caregivers, which will be important for their safety as they look after him as an adult. Aslan's home is in a facility that provides researchers with access to lions to study their health, development, and reproduction. This knowledge is used for the development of conservation programs that ultimately benefit lions and their populations around the world. He will be part of well controlled outreach and education programs that promote conservation and ethical treatment of animals. Many zoos and captive breeding facilities provide excellent care for their animals and they contribute greatly to the conservation of animals in the wild. Their status and their level of commitment can be easily checked through organizations like Zoocheck. It is important to support only the organizations that provide proper care for their animals.

Shania and Redneck are two baby squirrels that found their way to a very caring home where they were fed and cared for until they could be taken to a proper animal rehab center. But the journey that they unknowingly embarked on was a very long one. These two were living in a nest in a mobile camping trailer, along with their mother until the trailer was moved by the owner, Bowen, who didn't realize he had a squirrel family on board. The trailer was driven over 250 miles to the Havelock Country Music Jamboree in southern Ontario. The mother was left behind and was separated from her babies. Once Bowen arrived at the massive country music festival, he set up his trailer and fell asleep. He awoke the next morning to find a tiny male squirrel snuggled in his sleeping bag with him. He had obviously come out of the nest looking for food and warmth when his mother did not return. The little baby was named Redneck and was turned in to a police officer who knew a local veterinarian, Kristy Hiltz, who had a soft spot for tiny creatures. Later that night, a second squirrel, cold and hungry, came out into the open and Bowen's friend, Kayla went back to the police with the second stowaway. This little female was named Shania (after Shania Twain, country music superstar). The veterinarian made the two hour journey to pick her up and reunite her with her brother, Redneck. The two babies were given electrolytes to treat their dehydration and then they were fed a special infant formula from a syringe. Hungry little squirrels need food every few hours and caring for these two is a big commitment, but who could resist such adorable little faces? Luckily, they caught on quickly and drank eagerly from the syringe. After each feeding, Redneck and Shania instantly became tired and they curled up and fell asleep, in a warm armpit if one was available. They are only a few weeks old and had only just opened their eyes the day after they were found. These squirrels are about to embark on another long journey to the rehab centre where they will be cared for until they can be released into the wild.

Raven is an eight month old Great Dane puppy who is already over 45kg (100lbs). Although she is enormous for a puppy, she has a lot of growing to do. She will be over 70kg (150lbs) when she is fully grown. One might expect that such a huge dog would come with a huge amount of bravery, but Great Danes are known to be adorably cowardly about the most innocuous things. This balloon is a perfect example of this. Raven has never seen an inflated balloon before. She was returning home after a long walk along her country road when the balloon drifted through her yard, blown by the wind. She became instantly aggressive, barking at it and running around it. The moment that the wind blew it toward her, Raven jumped back as if the balloon was a dangerous creature. Raven’s owner let her off the leash so she could investigate the balloon on her own terms. Raven began to relax soon after her owners started recording and she seemed to wonder if the balloon might be something to play with. In her excitement, she began running around the yard with the zoomies. Raven is a very fast runner on her long legs and she covered a great distance in a short time, running at full speed. Soon after the thrill wore off, Raven lay down on her giant dog bed for a long snooze. Great Danes have lovable and funny personalities. They often show a lack of understanding of just how big and formidable they are. They are known for hiding behind their owners or behind couches to avoid things that most dogs would not even be concerned with. Great Dane owners spend a good deal of time laughing at the personality quirks that come with this wonderful breed.

In a very remote spot in Northern Ontario, Canada, the deer have no reason to fear the humans they come across. They are wild, but they live in a protected area where no hunting is allowed. Over time, the deer have learned to that they do not need to flee when they encounter people. They will usually allow people to watch them from a respectful distance. But this man decided to see what would happen if he sat very still and made no sound, except for the crunching of a carrot. It was a beautiful spring day and the sun was shining. It was the ideal time to sit on a log and enjoy nature. Then, as hoped, the deer wandered through the area where he sat. The deer watched him cautiously from a distance and then ventured closer. They grazed and looked, getting closer over time. They seemed to smell the carrot and understood the sound of him chewing it. Curiosity overcame their fear and they wandered right up to him. At one point, more than ten deer surrounded him on all sides. To his surprise, one of them brought her two fawns out of the trees to check him out. These fawns have likely never been so close to a human before. They watched the older deer carefully for signs of danger and they followed their mother as she ventured very close. This was also this man's closest encounter with deer so young. A doe will nurse her fawns throughout the first spring and early summer. She will hide the fawns in long grass or under branches while she grazes. She will lead danger away from them at the earliest sign of a threat, returning only when it is safe to do so. The doe and her fawns will spend a good part of the day being separated. It is very unusual for a doe to lead her fawns toward a human, or even another animal. The man on the log can barely believe his good fortune, and he gets out his phone to snap a few pictures of the deer and her babies. A few of the deer came close enough for him to share his carrot with them. This beautiful forest is a very peaceful and wonderful place to spend a few hours. To do so with the company of a herd of wild deer is an unforgettable experience.

Humpback whales inspire awe and wonder in anyone who is fortunate enough to see one. But to actually swim with one will take your breath away. This mother humpback has thrilled a few swimmers with a close look at her and her newborn baby. It is a moment that these lucky swimmers will never forget.

Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most unique and diverse animal life on the planet. Among these animals, sea lions are thought to be the most endearing and entertaining. They occupy almost every beach and rocky shore, spending their days swimming in the ocean and lazing in the sun. They hunt for food in the water, preferring octopus, eels, and fish, and then they snooze wherever they can find a spot to stretch out. This large male had flopped on his back in the warm sun, but the flies seemed to be tickling his face too much for him to drift off. He makes some effort to shoo them with his flippers. He wrinkles his nose and snorts. He even twitches and rolls around, but the flies are persistent, and they keep him awake until he gives up and moves off to find another spot. Often, a sea lion will find a crevice or gap in the rocks to wedge their head so the flies cannot bother them. They like to leave their bodies in the sun to soak up the rays in order to dry off and get warm. Sea lions are very social, with a colony that usually consists of one dominant male and as many as 25 to 30 females. The females will often have a pup as well. Other males will be chased away by the dominant male when they reach maturity. Those males will try to establish their own colony. Sea lions are like large dogs, and the yound are very curious and playful. Especially in the water, people often find themselves surrounded by several adolescent sea lions that will dive and spin and invite the clumsy humans to join them in their games. But people are well advised to stay at least six feet away from seal lions on land. This is required by law, and it is also for the benefit of the animals. Although they look friendly and cuddly, the larger sea lions are not likely to permit human interaction and they will become defensive, if not respected. One of the most important reasons to avoid physical contact is that the mothers will usually abandon their young if they are touched by humans.

Giant Galapagos Tortoises are unbelievably large animals. Fully grown, they would fill the passenger compartment of a small car. Weighing up to 227kg (500lb), they are slow moving, but very powerful. These tortoises are believed capable of living up to 200 years. This means that a large specimen like this one might have been alive when Charles Darwin made his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835, leading him to discoveries that shaped his theories of evolution. Tortoises lay eggs each year, although few survive, due to their vulnerability when they are young. They cannot outrun even the slowest of predators, and they are not equipped to fight. Their only defense is to retreat inside their thick shells and wait for the predator to tire and leave. Capable of going without food and water for up to one year, they can out-wait any creature on the planet. What ensures the survival of this species is their longevity. It is only due to the fact that a mature tortoise has so many breeding seasons that it can lay enough eggs for an adequate number to survive the early years. This enormous male tortoise has found a receptive female partner in the woods on San Cristobal Island. It is a rare sight to see tortoises breeding in the wild. The male lets out loud groaning and grunting sounds that can be heard more than 1.5km (1 mile) away. Their enthusiasm is so great that they don't seem to even notice that a wildlife videographer has quietly followed the sound and taken up a position near them. He arrives just in time to see them knock over a small tree. The female Galapagos tortoise can carry the sperm with her for as long as four years before she allows her eggs to be fertilized. It will be another six weeks after fertilization before she lays her eggs. She will trek to the coast of the island to find a suitable spot for a nest. Hunted almost to extinction for their meat, these tortoises are slowly making a comeback, largely thanks to protective laws and conservation efforts.

This is Toby, an eight week old puppy who will do almost anything for a chin scratch. Toby is part of a litter of nine fluffy puppies who live on a beautiful farm in a country neighbourhood in Ontario, Canada. Toby's mother, Stella, is a Bernese Mountain dog with a wonderful disposition. His father is Dexter, a strapping and handsome Maremma who is also friendly and good-natured. On a warm spring day, just before they were both scheduled for a trip to the veterinarian to have a small preventative surgery, the two of them found some private time and began a little family. The result of their love tryst is this adorable collection of nine fluffy puppies. Toby is taking a break from playtime to have a little affection. He loves approval and attention and he seems to have a perpetual little itchy spot under his chin. The rest of the puppies are full of energy and they wake up each morning, eager for breakfast and playtime. Stella will nurse the pups for a few more days and she will play with them and teach them what they need to know. But very soon, they will off to their carefully selected forever homes with nearby families.

Aslan is a very happy little lion cub who is living in a foster home. He was born at a wonderful zoo in Ontario, Canada, but at such a young age and vulnerable size, he is better in the care of his foster mother than he is with the other lions in his zoo for the next few weeks. Allowing Aslan to build trust with humans will also help him respond well to his caregivers. At this age, Aslan loves to cuddle with his foster family. He wanders around the house like a big housecat. After a day of playing and exploring, Aslan gets sleepy and he lies down wherever he feels like sleeping. Aslan also enjoys being petted and a little stroking of his soft fur had him purring like a contented housecat. He drifted off to sleep with what appeared to be an adorable grin on his face. Aslan was named after the heroic lion character in the Chronicles of Narnia. He will grow into a large and majestic lion in the months to come, but for now, he is small and cute, like a stuffed toy. Aslan is also spotted at this age, although his fur will change colour as he matures. Aslan will return to join the other lions when he is a little older. He will socialize with his own kind and live in a large, forested area with lots of room and excellent care. Few things are as adorable as a cuddly and sleepy, purring lion cub.

Raven is a nine month old Great Dane puppy who is big enough to take up the entire couch. Although she is already enormous at 75kg (125lbs), she has a lot of growing left to do.

Scuba divers are an adventurous bunch, willing to strap on tanks of compressed air and slip beneath the waves to explore a world that few have the privilege of seeing. It is a world of indescribable beauty and strange sights. Animals of all kinds live among the corals and most are completely unlike anything found above the surface. Scuba divers in Papua New Guinea had come across what appeared to be an inverted anemone, a venomous creature that looks like a plant. It uses its sting to paralyze and then eat small creatures and fish. But closer inspection of the anemone revealed something even more fascinating. There was a small, transparent shrimp crawling across the anemone. Impervious to the venom, the shrimp was able to walk on the surface without being harmed. Amazingly, this tiny shrimp had luminescent patches of bright yellow on its shell. This shrimp had found a home far below the surface where light was dim. Its glow-in-the-dark ability may have had something to do with attracting potential mates, or attracting food. It was not much bigger than a common ladybug. Shrimp are found in great numbers at night when they come out to feed. Their highly reflective red eyes make them easy for scuba divers to see with the aid of a dive light. But it is rare to see one in the open during the day. It is even more rare to see one that actually glows. Each time a diver enters the water, it is inevitable that they will see something very different than the dives before. The creatures on the reef are incredibly diverse and many are difficult to even see. Scuba diving is not without risks, but with proper training and guidance and appropriate precautions, it can be a very safe sport that will open up a world of complete wonder.

Plants are considered a food source for animals. But in a very recent, and astonishing discovery, one of Canada’s most popular Provincial Parks has been found to contain predatory plants that eat animals. The northern pitcher plant is a carnivorous species that has long been known to eat insects. But a recent find by Algonquin Provincial Park researchers shows that the plants are actually devouring juvenile salamanders. Their surprising diet that may even be the reason why this population of pitcher plants in a park in Canada has been growing surprisingly large. A group of scientists from the Algonquin Wildlife Research Centre has been studying these plants and their feeding habits for over a year. Patrick Moldowan, a PhD student from the University of Toronto had been documenting spotted salamanders in Algonquin Park. Alex Smith, an integrative biologist from the University of Guelph had been researching his findings that the spotted salamanders were a substantial part of the pitcher plant's diet. The plants were growing substantially larger than normal in a part of Algonquin Park and it had raised questions about the reasons. It was then found that these meat-eating plants were capturing a lot of salamanders. One in five plants had salamanders trapped in one or more of their pitchers at the time of the study. This study has gained national attention in what seems to be the first recorded discovery of a plant eating a vertebrate animal. In an effort to capture nitrogen and other nutrients where the soil does not provide enough, northern pitcher plants evolved into carnivores. The plants have developed digestive enzymes that are held inside their specialized leaves that resemble a small water pitcher. The salamanders and insects are attracted to the plant basins for water and possible refuge from predators. But the plants themselves are effective predators, and the animals remain trapped until they die and are ingested. Another factor in the demise of the salamander might be their short front limbs and long heads. Their shape prevents the trapped salamander from obtaining sufficient grip to climb out of the wet basin. Once trapped, they are unable to escape. This study has excited biologists and naturalists all over North America in an unexpected reversal of the relationship between plants and animals.

Stella is a loving mother who lives on a beautiful farm in the country in Ontario, Canada. She is a Bernese Mountain dog with a wonderful disposition. She also lives with Dexter, a strapping and handsome Muremma who is also friendly and good-natured. On a warm spring day, just before they were both scheduled for a trip to the veterinarian to have a small preventative surgery, the two of them found some private time and began a little family. The result of their love tryst is this adorable collection of nine fluffy puppies. The puppies are full of energy and they wake up each morning, eager for breakfast and playtime. Stella greeted the babies at the door to their kennel and counted each one as they escaped from the cage into the meadow beside the house. Stella will nurse the pups for a few more days and she will play with them and teach them what they need to know. But very soon, they will off to their carefully selected forever homes with nearby families. A this young age, the pups are adorably clumsy, falling over the door to the cage, over each other, and even tripping over their own feet as they play.

The Galapagos Tortoises are famous for being enormous animals. Weighing as much as 225kg (500lbs) when full grown, they could completely fill the passenger compartment of a small car. They are so slow moving that we would expect them to be easy prey for almost any creature. But the truth is much more complex. They have evolved in a way that provides them with an ingenious defense against being eaten. They cannot outrun any other creatures. They don't have teeth or claws that could be used as weapons. They have almost no ability to fight. But what they do have is the ability to use time and outwait any other creature on earth. The giant tortoises eat and drink in quantities that allow them to go without food and water for over a year. Their shells are an impenetrable armor, and their leathery arms and legs are also like armor. They retract their head into their shells, pull their limbs in tight against their bodies and rest their incredible weight flat on the ground. Most predators would realize after a few minutes, or possibly hours, that there is nothing they can do to eat such a well defended animal as the tortoise. Once they have become large enough that they cannot be flipped over easily, the giant tortoise merely has to remain in this position until the threat goes away. Galapagos Tortoises could wait until a predator actually dies of starvation, or becomes threatened by another, larger predator, having to abandon its attempt to eat the tortoise. This thirsty giant demonstrates how much water they can take in at once as he gulps for several minutes without stopping. His throat moves rhythmically as the water is swallowed. It is obvious that this much water would last a tortoise for a long time. Tortoise have a tough, scaly skin that prevents water loss through evaporation. They can also limit their urine production in times of drought, further lessening their need to drink. The Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos are descended from the African Giant Tortoises, believed to have made their way to these islands accidentally on large rafts of drifting vegetation. Few species would survive such a long journey without food and water, but the giant tortoises were able to do just that. They have adapted well to life on the Galapagos Islands and have even overcome the troubles created by long droughts and lack of green vegetation. Needing to reach the higher leaves, the tortoises with deeper indentations on their carapace (upper shell) were able to stretch their long necks higher. Survival of specific tortoises led to evolution of this trait and they became the Galapagos Tortoises that we know today. They all have different shell shapes, depending on which island they are from, but they all differ greatly from their ancestors on the African continent.

Sea slugs are one of the ocean’s most diverse and beautiful creatures. Intensely coloured and unique in shape, size, and texture, they are a sight to behold. With more than 3,000 species known, and more being discovered every year, there is an almost endless variety to catalogue and study. Their diminutive size makes them difficult to find, and many scuba divers and underwater photographers work exceptionally hard to find more than a few on each dive. Slugs are wonderful subjects for photography and videography as they are slow moving and easy to keep track of once found. Their bright colours help in locating them, although some of them blend in so well with their surroundings that they are nearly perfectly camouflaged. Much like snails, sea slugs appear similar in movement, feeding, and shape, except that they lack the external shells. This is a Chromoris strigata Rudman, one of many sea slugs that can be found in the Pacific Ocean. It was found making its way slowly over the coral in Papua New Guinea, approximately 10m (30 feet) from the surface. Its bright colouring makes it very conspicuous, and easily found by predators, but those colours actually suggest to most fish that the slug is distasteful, or even toxic for them to eat. Many sea slugs accumulate the poisons from their diet of algae and se sponges and they truly do taste awful for predators. Sea slugs are highly specialized and often eat only one type of food, whether it be coral, sea anemone, sponge, or even other slugs. This specialized diet may contribute to their inedibility in many cases, which is a perfect means of survival. Amazingly, some species of sea slugs are capable of making sounds with a rapid opening of their mouths. This sharp intake of water creates a sound which is similar to a small piece of metal striking a glass surface. The sound is reportedly audible from as far as 4m (12 feet) away. Scuba divers are fortunate to experience a world that is indescribably beautiful. Sea slugs as colourful as this one are a perfect example of the strange and fascinating sights awaiting those who are adventurous enough to descend beneath the waves.

Ghostrider is an anonymous philanthropist and exotic car owner who loves his Lamborghini AVentador SV. And being a big kid at heart, he likes to have fun with his car in unusual ways. When he discovered that the exhaust heat from his 700hp machine could light objects on fire, he decided to show his friend, Dave. Dave is also a big kid at heart, so it wasn't a surprise that he readily agreed to bring his GoPro and see what the two of them could accomplish. Ghostrider had an empty case and Ace of Spades Champagne bottle. He decided to have a toast of a different kind. Placing the case and bottle behind the car, he revved the engine until flames shot out and lit the box on fire. The material inside caught quickly and created a bonfire that was almost three feet high. They didn't realize this right away and they also didn't realize how close the flames were to the paint. In a mild panic, Ghostrider hopped in and moved the car forward. Dave and Ghostrider laughed at the situation and at their unexpected near catastrophe. Ghostrider has been using his cars to do more than just toasting things and revving his engine. He is one of the most enthusiastic members of a big-hearted car club called The North Face Rally. Together, this club has organized one of the biggest toy drives in Canada, collecting so many toys that they need two armoured cars to deliver them to the children at Christmas. Ghostrider has also organized car events that have raised money for cancer research and he has donated his cars for a Down Syndrome Gala to raise money for their community support. In one of the most touching moves ever, he has handed over the keys to his Lamborghini so that Dave could chauffeur two cancer survivors around to make their dreams come true. Ghostrider remains anonymous, allowing Dave to do the driving and share in the fun. It was actually their love of cars and their mutual love for charity and community support that solidified their friendship after they met on the road in a small Ontario city called Peterborough. Dave was a police officer on patrol and Ghostrider was on his way through town with The North Face Rally. Their traffic stop turned viral when they were captured on film as Ghostrider handed over his keys and urged Dave to take the Lambo for a spin. VICE was filming the club and they kept the cameras rolling for this surprising turn of events. It's not every day that a police officer gets a chance to drive a Lamborghini and Dave's excitement was obvious. In typical Ghostrider fashion, even his videos accomplish good things with the proceeds funding the purchase of cancer medication for a three year old girl in South America. There is no end to the good that can be done with a heart as big as Ghostrider's.

Scuba divers are well aware of the risks that they take when they enter the ocean. Strapping on tanks of compressed air and descending 100 feet or more beneath the surface requires acceptance of certain hazards. The effects of nitrogen buildup and prolonged pressure can be dangerous if not properly managed. Divers are also aware that they are guests in this domain, and the creatures here are much more agile and equipped for the hostility of this world. These divers in Belize had ventured out on a wall dive near the Great Blue Hole. They had been drifting along and watching the endless variety of corals and sea fans that they were swept past. They were seeing coloured fish of incredible variety and indescribable beauty. But unexpectedly, they were surrounded by curious sharks. Most were reef sharks, scavengers of the ocean that seldom bite humans. They are generally wary enough to keep their distance, and are usually not harmful unless provoked. But some of the sharks were bull sharks, a much more unpredictable animal. Bull sharks are much larger than reef sharks and their personalities are much less friendly. The group of scuba divers that was ahead of the group in the video had been spearing lionfish. This is a practice that has been going on for years to try to eliminate the invasive lionfish that are a threat to the health of the reefs in the Caribbean. They are not a natural species and they have no natural predators, so they breed and feed without limitations. The spearfishing group were also feeding the sharks with the lionfish, a particularly dangerous practice that triggers feeding behaviour and aggression. This group of scuba divers did what they had been trained to do to reduce the risk of shark attack. They closed their group tighter after the sharks appeared and they maintained a vertical position, making them appear less like fish. This makes it less likely that the sharks will view the humans as food. Swimming with sharks is a fascinating and even exhilarating experience. These divers were fortunate that the improper behaviour of the other group did not get anyone hurt, but they were disappointed that this disregard for the rules took place. The underwater world is peaceful and serene most of the time, but creatures who live here can be predators one moment and prey the next. The balance is delicate and can change in an instant. Humans are clumsy and awkward in the water and improper behaviour here can have drastic and immediate consequences. Scuba diving should only be done after receiving proper training from qualified experts.

Monkeys live in the wild in many parts of India. They also live among the buildings in populated cities as well. Check it out as this one finds some water to play in while on a rooftop. Awesome!

Scuba diving is a sport that allows the adventurous to slip beneath the waves, descending 100 feet or more to explore the reefs and the coral. It is a world of indescribable beauty and wonder. The animals are strange and beautiful, and every dive is different. For those who have the nerve to trust their equipment and breathe compressed air from tanks on their backs, the sights are well worth it. Observing animals in their natural environment is a wonderful experience, but to get a close look or interact with an animal on its own terms is simply magical. Kristy is a seasoned diver who has explored the depths in several different oceans. She has dived in Mexico, Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Galapagos Islands, and here, in Papua New Guinea. She has been up close with whale sharks, turtles, fish of all kinds, stingrays, and countless other sea creatures. But her favourite is the hawksbill sea turtle. Critically endangered, these turtles have been hunted to near extinction for their beautiful shells. Hunting them now is illegal, and their numbers have started to rebound. They are still a rare sight on the reefs and divers are always happy to see one. Imagine Kristy’s delight when a large hawksbill sea turtle came gliding down from above and swam right up to look in her eyes. It seemed as curious about her as she was about it. It calmly swam beside her as it looked for sponges to eat. Munching away happily, it paused and swam up to her as if to check on her every few minutes. Kristy and the turtle swam together for almost half an hour before she was low enough on air that she needed to say goodbye. She returned to the surface with photos, videos, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Titan Trigger Fish lives up to its name. It is a giant among reef fish, reaching a length of 75cm (30 inches) and a weight of more than 8kg (20lbs). Ordinarily solitary, and wary of humans, the females can be very aggressive when guarding a nest. They have enormous teeth and a formidable bite, so scuba divers are very careful around these animals. Venturing into a nesting area is likely to get a scuba diver attacked in a very aggressive fashion and a bite will often require medical attention. Nesting females vigorously guard their nests with territorial behaviour against any creature that ventures into a cone shaped area above the nest. Scuba divers are advised to swim horizontally away from a titan triggerfish to avoid and intended escape that takes them into a danger zone. Vividly coloured and beautiful to watch, these fish will often go about their business without being disturbed by a respectful approach. This scuba diver has come upon one munching away happily on a star fish, 20m (60 feet) beneath the surface. The starfish sits on a ledge and the titan triggerfish has found a small cave nearby, allowing it to retreat into the cave to finish a mouthful, and then return to bite off another. The triggerfish will eat mostly sea urchins and crustaceans. They use a jet of water propelled from their mouth to flip the urchin over. This technique exposes the vulnerable centre where the sea urchin's mouth is, allowing the triggerfish to bite it and kill it without being injured by the venomous spines. This fish lives on a coral and rock pillar that extends almost straight up from the ocean bottom in Papua New Guinea. The sea life on these reefs is stunning and the creatures are as varied and unique as anywhere else on earth. Scuba diving opens up a world that the adventurous are lucky enough to experience.

Clown fish are gorgeous and colourful and they have captured our hearts since seeing the adorable Nemo finding his way home in the Disney superhit from 2003. Their unique colouring and dramatic striping makes them one of the most recognizable fish on the reef. There are actually many varieties of clownfish, and even more varieties of anemonefish that share the clownfish's amazing ability. What makes them truly unique is a little known adaptation that allows them to hide among the venomous, stinging anemones that grow among the corals. Clownfish are covered in a mucous that protects them from the stings. The mucous is based on sugars instead of the usual proteins that make up the mucous of almost all other fish, and the anemone fails to recognize the clownfish as food. This symbiotic relationship provides the clownfish with protection from predators that cannot touch the anemone. The clownfish also benefits from scraps of food left from the anemone's meals. In return, the clownfish wards off predators that would eat the tentacles of the anemone. Loyal to the anemone that it adopts, the clownfish will remain and defend the anemone. The anemone also benefits by consuming the excrement of the clownfish. Clownfish must constantly produce their protective mucous to be able to nestle among the tentacles. By constantly rubbing their skin on the tentacles, they also accumulate mucous from the anemone, which combines with the own to help them produce a thicker and more effective coating. Clownfish have another surprising adaptation. They begin their lives as males. In a colony of clownfish, the dominant pair mate but the others do not. The non-breeding males will remain small and submissive in order to not pose a threat to the dominant pair and be evicted from the colony. If the dominant female dies, another male will become female and take her place for reproduction. Clownfish are the most popular of the aquarium fish, making up nearly half of the global ornamental marine trade.

Giant Galapagos Tortoises are one of the most recognizable animal species on earth. Their enormous size and their slowness, along with their extremely gentle disposition make them a very endearing creature. They are also very vulnerable because they move in slow motion and would have no hope of escape. Their only defense is to retreat into their shells and patiently wait for predators to become bored or too hungry to wait for them to emerge. These Galapagos Tortoises are believed to be capable of reaching 200 years of age. They can weigh over 227kg (500lb) and reach a size that would fill the passenger compartment of a compact car. They can go a year or more without food or water so it's no wonder that retreating into their shell is a successful means of avoiding being eaten. The people of the Galapagos have worked very hard to help these tortoises rebound from near extinction. They have sanctuaries and captive breeding programs to ensure the survival of the species, and they have strict laws about protecting them from interference from humans. In fact, the people of the Galapagos Islands understand better than anyone how important it is to allow nature to look after its own creatures. They respect the delicate balance and they also appreciate the need to reduce the impact of humans on habitat and the natural behaviour of the wildlife. This fully grown tortoise happily munches away on some grass and other vegetation outside one of the sanctuaries on San Cristobal Island. Possibly as old as 200 years, he might have been on this expanse of land back when Charles Darwin made his legendary voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835 that brought him to these islands and led him to publish his theories of evolution. Darwin's understanding of the unique adaptations of the animals here taught him a great deal about evolution. It was these theories that changed the way we looked at history, at our planet, and even at ourselves. The tortoises of the Galapagos have evolved to have higher and deeper indentations in their carapace (shell) that allow their necks to extend higher. This allows them to reach vegetation growing higher off the ground. This adaptation is crucial to survival on these islands where water is scarce and vegetation is hard to find during dry seasons.