Alex Neal-Bullen during an Adelaide Crows match against Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Matt Turner/AAP)

Is it a leaf? Is it tree bark? No, it’s the Satanic leaf-tailed gecko. Cleverly disguised as a rotting leaf, Madagascar’s camouflage king has red eyes, pointy horns and a taste for night hunting: it’s nature’s most devilish deceiver. The twisted body and veiny skin echo the detail of a dry leaf, which ensures the gecko blends in with its forest home. The mottled tail appears to have sections missing, as though it has withered over time. This mini-monster epitomises survival of the fittest, having adapted gradually to become today’s extraordinary leaf impersonator. (Photo by Thomas Marent/ARDEA)

The arctic hare, or polar rabbit, is a species of hare which is adapted largely to polar and mountainous habitats. The arctic hare survives with a thick coat of fur and usually digs holes in the ground or under snow to keep warm and sleep. Arctic hares look like rabbits but have shorter ears, are taller when standing, and, unlike rabbits, can thrive in cold climates. They can travel together with many other hares, sometimes huddling with dozens or more, but are usually found alone, taking, in some cases, more than one partner. The arctic hare can run up to 60 kilometres per hour (40 mph). Its predators include the arctic wolf, arctic fox, and ermine.

We are all drawn to fire, entranced by its beauty and ferociousness. Its brilliance draws us in like moths to a candle flame. Thus, many of the celebrations that humans have involve lighting fires. They can be big or small; there could be many little lights or one giant inferno; they may float on water, burn on land, or rise high into the skies. Loi Krathong is a festival that is held each year in Thailand and a number of other places. During this festival thousands of little fires are lighted, presenting a marvelous sight for all the onlookers. It is believed that this tradition is an adaptation of Brahmanical festival, which was adopted by Thai Buddhists to honor Buddha.

In this November 27, 2019 photo, Wadlande Pierre, right, talks on her mobile phone as she helps her mother, Vanlancia Julien, center, at their fruit and vegetable stand on a sidewalk in Delmas, a district of in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Pierre, 23, said she temporarily moved in with her aunt in the southwest town of Les Cayes to escape the violent protests in Port-au-Prince. However, she had to move back to the capital because there was no gas, power or water in Les Cayes, and food was becoming scarce. (Photo by Dieu Nalio Chery/AP Photo)

People protest to demand the departure of the Transitional Presidential Council due to insecurity and gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on March 26, 2025. While authorities, including the National Palace and several ministries have all left downtown to escape the armed gang attacks in Port-au-Prince. Meanwhile, the people continue to fall victim to gang bullets. (Photo by Guerinault Louis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

People inspect hookahs shaped like rifles on display for sale in a souk at the port city of Sidon, southern Lebanon, December 23, 2015. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Reuters)