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.

The dramatic-looking rockhopper penguin is characterised by its red eyes, upright yellow head feathers along a supercilium stripe and a crest of black feathers on top. They are separated into three sub-species, photographer here by ecologist Dr Eric Woehler (OAM) and located around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic zones.

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

Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah is home to the greatest collection of distinctive spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos on Earth. Its super-ancient sediment layering dates back to the end of the Cretaceous period, more than 66 million years ago.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Imagery from the life of Duco, a Brazilian environmentalist, nature and bird-guide who found redemption in nature

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

Takayna / Tarkine is a hugely diverse wild landscape with an extraordinary history. Largely unprotected this region has huge potential for national park and world heritage status.

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

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

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

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 Scandinavian mountain range, the Scandes, runs through the border between Sweden and Norway. It covers most of Norway and stretches into the north-west regions of Sweden. These mountainous areas form some of Sweden's most remarkable wilderness.

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.

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 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 dramatic-looking rockhopper penguin is characterised by its red eyes, upright yellow head feathers along a supercilium stripe and a crest of black feathers on top. They are separated into three sub-species, photographer here by ecologist Dr Eric Woehler (OAM) and located around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic zones.

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.