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)

Benfica's Portuguese forward Goncalo Ramos (R) vies with Portimonense's Japonese goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura (L) during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and Portimonense SC at Luz stadium in Lisbon on January 6, 2023. (Photo by Patrícia de Melo Moreira/AFP Photo)

American actress Alison Brie is seen exiting “Watch What Happens Live” studio on February 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Models wait backstage ahead of the Carolina Herrera Fall/Winter 2023 collection show during the New York Fashion Week in New York City, U.S., February 13, 2023. (Photo by Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

English TV personality Chloe Burrows attends the National Television Awards 2023 at The O2 Arena on September 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by David Fisher/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

American model Emily Ratajkowski flaunted her figure in a tiny crop top and leather pants on September 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by emrata/Instagram)

A woman wades throug a flooded Main Street as she makes her way to work in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, Ireland on October 18, 2023. (Photo by David Creedon/The Irish Times)

Sara Sorribes Tormo of Team Spain plays a back hand in the Women's singles match against Beatriz Haddad Maia of Team Brazil during day one of the 2024 United Cup at RAC Arena on December 29, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)