Joshua Tree National Park was once described by early explorers as a “profitless locality” and that it “shall be forever unvisited”.
A bit of time, visitation by those with a more discerning eye and the efforts of a determined woman resulted in the protection of a treasured place.

At twice the size of the Great Barrier Reef and more than three times the size of Great Britain, the waters around Christmas Island have been officially recognised as part of Australia’s Marine Parks. Photo: Rohan Newton

The dusky dolphin is one of the smaller dolphin species with a maximum weight of about 85 kilograms and a length, of just over two metres. The dusky dolphin is a social species, known for its agility and coordinated acrobatic abilities.

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most biodiverse forests in the world including almost 1000 bird species. Here are a few of these birds from photographer Marcio Conrado.

The triangle-shaped island of Panay is the sixth-largest of the Philippines archipelago, and has an amazing array of landscapes and biodiversity hotspots, including the Central Panay Mountain Range. As the fourth-most populous island of the Philippines, it is also facing conservation challenges.

The aurora australis lights the skies of Southwest Tasmania. The next Dark Sky Sanctuary? Image: Dan Broun

The winter in Sweden is long, dark and hard. But also incredibly beautiful. 

Snow leopards, golden marmot, markhor, golden eagles, lynx, and other wildlife species frequent the extraordinary region of Chitral & Gilgit Baltistan in Northern Pakistan

Dozens of species of native animals frequent the remnant moist gullies and bushland of the Mosman peninsula, from the Eastern Water Dragon to Peron's Tree Frog and the endangered Powerful Owl

Antartica, the Southern Ocean and the sub-Antarctic islands host a rich variety of extraordinary life, including penguins, seals, and whales

Bruny Island has an intricate, complex, beautiful and varied coastline, ranging from sheltered inlets, shallow bays, mudflats, lagoons, and grand sea-cliffs, through to long sandy ocean facing beaches.

The wild and special continent of Antarctica - captured by outdoor educator and guide Ewan Blyth. 

The aurora australis lights the skies of Southwest Tasmania. The next Dark Sky Sanctuary? Image: Dan Broun

The triangle-shaped island of Panay is the sixth-largest of the Philippines archipelago, and has an amazing array of landscapes and biodiversity hotspots, including the Central Panay Mountain Range. As the fourth-most populous island of the Philippines, it is also facing conservation challenges.

Bruny Island is an island, off an island, off an island, surrounded by islands. Image: Nick Monk

Snow leopards, golden marmot, markhor, golden eagles, lynx, and other wildlife species frequent the extraordinary region of Chitral & Gilgit Baltistan in Northern Pakistan

Kunanyi is shaped by ancient dolerite rock formations, sculpted over millions of years by ice, wind and rain. From towering cliffs to scattered boulders and caves, these photographers captures its beauty. 

Bruny Island is a haven for rare and unique birds and animals, and is one of the best bird-watching spots in Australia.

The two thousand-foot deep red sandstone canyon through Zion National Park is a majestic masterpiece, carved out over ancient time by the Virgin River. Known for its intense seasonal colours and dramatic vistas and established in 1919, Zion is Utah's first National Park.

Antartica, the Southern Ocean and the sub-Antarctic islands host a rich variety of extraordinary life, including penguins, seals, and whales

The winter in Sweden is long, dark and hard. But also incredibly beautiful. 

Southwest National Park in Tasmania is a vast, mostly trackless wilderness containing ancient forests, the wildest rivers, a glaciated and mountainous landscape and a spectacular coastline with rich aboriginal history.

The fairy tern is a similar size to a hooded plover - so tiny, it would sit comfortably in the palm of your hand. They lay just two eggs, onto the beach sand. See these remarkable images from Tasmanian-based bird ecologist Dr Eric Woehler.

Tasmania's marine environment is globally significant, with a rich mix of ecosystems and habitats fostering marine life found nowhere else on Earth