Nature/Wildlife
We live busy lives, often in urban settings, so when the time comes for a vacation, many of us know that the best thing to do is to turn to nature. Nothing blows the cobwebs away more than a trek in the mountains or communing with creatures in the deep forest. Whether peering into a volcano, riding horseback along a trail, or spotting wildlife on a river cruise, something deep within us needs to feel connected to the natural world. All regions of the world present opportunities for enjoying nature.
In cooler temperate climates you may seek out snow-capped mountains such as the Alps, while equatorial regions offer the dense jungles of Asia or the vast plains of Africa. Anywhere animals live free offers us the chance to witness their majesty and understand better our place in the natural order. We can give ourselves privileged memories of seeing lions, elephants and gorillas on safari, or witness orangutans, monkeys and birds in the trees of the rainforest. The oceans and coastlines of the world offer opportunities for encounters with whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and more. Nature is always good for the soul.
Hawaii – Home To World’s Largest National Park
United States President, Barack Obama, has focused on his home state of Hawaii as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. The White House announced the monumental decision to increase the size of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine...
Lionfish Invade The Americas
The alluring lionfish draws in both photography enthusiasts and prey alike. These unique fish are native in the Indo-Pacific, here they have natural predators and their numbers are kept in check. Unfortunately there are now established populations across a vast...
See Where Cenderawasih Whale Sharks Are Now!
"The Galapagos of Indonesia’s reefs", Indonesia’s Cenderawasih Bay earned its name due to the diversity of marine species that calls this incredible area ‘home’. An innovative project by Conservation International has highlighted that many young male whale sharks,...
Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet
Last week there were many reports and posts across social media acknowledging World Oceans Day. Some highlighted the beauty and majesty of our planet's oceans, its animals and plants; others were focused on how we are slowly killing this life giving resource. This...
‘Shellebrating’ World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day was started in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue organisation. The aim of this special day is to share information about this species and create respect for tortoises and turtles that will enable them to survive and thrive. Here are ten fascinating...
Is The Term Jewfish Offensive?
Jewfish has been the colloquial name for the goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) for quite some time. Is it still being used? Is this naming a bit out of step with our politically correct times? Do you think that the term is offensive? Have we ‘evolved’ into such a...
Gardens of the Queen – Cuba’s Underwater Garden of Eden
Today's trending dive destination is Cuba and the diving hotspot is Jardines de la Reina. This incredible dive destination has been a marine park for over 20 years and the protection has paid off. The area resembles the Caribbean at the time when Christopher Columbus...
South Africa’s Marine Protection – Have Your Say!
South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs is lobbying to establish 22 marine protected areas (MPAs) along the coast. This move is a long time coming; currently less than 0.4% of South Africa’s coastline is protected! World famous Aliwal Shoal is set to be...
The ‘bends’ treatment for Tucker the Turtle
An olive ridley turtle was near death and stranded on the shores of Oregon, USA. Since his rescue, he has been receiving treatment traditionally used to cure divers suffering from the bends. Tucker, as his carers at the Seattle Aquarium affectionately call him, was a...