Renowned amphibian and reptile photographer Matthijs Kuijpers has released his first book, “Cold Instinct”. Kuijpers says the aim of the work is “for the viewer to abandon the fear and negative thoughts that often surround these animals”. What’s left is the bizarre beauty of these creatures in their simplest form – no backgrounds and no distractions. Here: Mossy frog (Theloderma corticale). (Photo by Matthijs Kuijpers/The Guardian)

A fuzzy caterpillar on a basil plant in west Bengal, India on December 25, 2023. The caterpillar’s defence system is its hair, which has microscopic barbs that break off easily in the skin of would-be predators. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Underwater photographer of the year – winner. Dancing Octopus by Gabriel Barathieu (France). Location: Island of Mayotte, off the coast of south-east Africa. “Balletic and malevolent”, one judge said of this octopus, hunting in a lagoon. Barathieu waited until spring tides when there was just 30cm of water on the flats and plenty of light in the shallows. (Photo by Gabriel Barathieu/UPY2017)

This adventurous husband and wife who are PAID to explore the world will give you a serious case of wanderlust. The Best Job in the World author, Ben Southall from Petersfield, Hampshire and his stunning Australian wife, Sophee are the definition of couple goals. The loved up pair with a taste for the extreme, launched, The Best Life in the World, last year with an incredible 34,000 mile journey from Singapore to London – in a mustard Land Rover. Here: Ben Southall’s wife, Sophee, takes a moment in Turkmenistan . (Photo by Ben Southall/Caters News Agency)

A construction worker sweeps up as the final touches are completed on “Comedy Carpet” by British artist Gordon Young, the latest art installation on Blackpool's promenade on October 7, 2011 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Manchester United goalkeeper Emily Ramsey celebrates with team mates Millie Turner and Jackie Groenen after winning the penalty shoot out at the FA Women's Continental League Cup match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village on November 19, 2020 in Leigh, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus)

A candle burns during a vigil in Aotea Square to remember victims of the Paris attacks on November 14, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. According to reports, over 150 people were killed in a series of bombings and shootings across Paris, including at a soccer game at the Stade de France and a concert at the Bataclan theater. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The British Wildlife Photography Awards winners have been revealed, with Lee Acaster from Suffolk taking home the top prize for his shot of a Graylag Goose in London. Acaster, who received £5,000, photographed the animal against an ominous London skyline, with The Shard clearly visible in the background. Here: “Urban Tourist (Graylag Goose)”. Urban category and overall winner. (Photo by Lee Acaster/British Wildlife Photography Awards 2014)