Guardian of the Mangroves – Overall Winner. Tanya Houppermans, Cuba. A curious American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) swims right up to Tanya, at Gardens of the Queen (Jardines De La Reina), an archipelago off the coast of Cuba. It has been strictly protected since 1996, and is one of the most untouched marine ecosystems in the world. “The healthy population of American crocodiles is down to the pristine condition of the mangroves and I wanted to capture close ups of this gentle giant in its natural habitat. I hope this image can illustrate that protecting areas like this is so critical”. (Photo by Tanya Griffin Houppermans/Mangrove Photographer of the Year)
In this November 17, 2014 photo, Pancho, a domesticated huitia, confronts a camera, in Bainoa, Cuba. With their rope-like, dark tails, long front teeth, and whiskers that appear to be vibrating, huitias look like giant rats. They measure nearly a foot long (about 30 centimeters), with the largest ones weighing in bigger than a small dog. (Photo by Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo)
A street in the Cuban capital, Havana, is home to 12 sets of twins, ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. Some say it could be something in the water. Others point to a tree with mystical significance for locals. And maybe it's just chance. Photo: In this September 29, 2013 photo, nine-year-old twin sisters Camila, left, and Carla Rodriguez pose for a portrait along their street in Havana, Cuba. 12 sets of twins live along two consecutive blocks in western Havana, ranging in age from newborns to senior citizens. “We love living on this block because we have twin friends”, said Carla. (Photo by Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo)
Locals watch from the beach as waves hit an Indonesian tanker that ran aground near Narathiwat in southern Thailand December 19, 2014. The tanker loaded with palm oil, previously hijacked by its crew members and then seized by Thai authorities, was anchored some 400 meters from the beach but strong wind and waves broke it free, according to local media. (Photo by Surapan Boonthanom/Reuters)
These surfing penguins are making waves as they glide gracefully across the ocean.They are showcasing their talent as they arrive on the East Coast beach of New Island in the Falklands.The penguins are of the gentoo species, characterised by their bright orange bills and the distinctive white stripes on their heads. The dazzling images were captured by amateur photographer Shanu Subra, during a 26 day ecology expedition. Here: a lone penguin balancing cooly on a single foot as it catches a wave. (Photo by Shanu Subra/Solent News/SIPA Press)
Dramatic aerial image show a Scots vessel slowly sinking beneath the waves after it hit a “black spot” in the North Sea mid-voyage. Ocean Maid BA55 capsizing amidst the waves after it ran aground off the shore of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, area of Scotland on yesterday morning, October 24, 2022. Fraserburgh Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescued the four crew members from the shipwreck at 5:56 am, guiding them into lifeboats as they escaped the keeling ship. (Photo by Deadline News)