Ecosystems
View allAll Photos Tagged ECOSYSTEMS
Music:
"Repeat" by CHRIS COMBETTE, in 'Les Enfants de Gorée' (2010)
open.spotify.com/track/5ErThqPZNKTeyITR3fYNL9?si=hRygwwzP...
The word succulent comes from the Latin word sucus, meaning 'juice', or 'sap'. Succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. Succulents are often grown as ornamental plants because of their striking and unusual appearance, as well as their ability to thrive with relatively minimal care. The habitats of these water preserving plants are often in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall, such as deserts. Succulents have the ability to thrive on limited water sources, such as mist and dew, which makes them equipped to survive in an ecosystem which contains scarce water sources. 14482
adult bird found in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
a migratory bee-eater that breeds in semi-arid areas in the southern Sahara and that from October to March can be found in Uganda and parts of Kenya, where it can be seen foraging in woodland, open forest and along the edges of riparian or gallery forest.
Merops albicollis
witkeelbijeneter
Guêpier à gorge blanche
Weißkehlspint
Abejaruco gorjiblanco
Gruccione golabianca
Abelharuco-de-garganta-branca
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Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
a pair found in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
IUCN Red List Status: ENDANGERED with population trend
updated in 2024 as Decreasing
also Grey Crowned-Crane
Balearica regulorum
Grijze kroonkraanvogel
Grue royale
Grauhals-Kronenkranich
Grulla Coronada Cuelligrís
Gru coronata grigia
grou-coroado-cinzento
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All rights reserved. Fons Buts©2024
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission
Eurasian Jays are usually very shy. My experience and encounters with them are more likely by chance or probably where they nested.
Referring to my observation of animals behaviour and food scarcity at one of my usual location shoot yesterday, this particular Eurasian actually came over to ask for food, about 12 feet away. I was very surprised and decided to play it cool pretending not to know its presence whilst feeding the squirrels. However, this Eurasian Jay would moved towards wherever direction I looked at and tried to get my attention. It was actually begging for food. Of course I threw a groundnut over and sure enough it was picked up.
This bird then flew to a nearby branch, cracked the shell and ate it. The brief moment also confirms my observations of the changes in animals behaviour and food scarcity in the bush ecosystem. It actually gave me a nod just before it flew off as if to say thank you. A very interesting game but experience, lots of photos taken during this time for my coming series.
Nikon series-E 1:4 F=70-210 mm (unedited photo)
Brighton 🇬🇧
26th March 2021
flying from the canopy of a fig tree in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Turaco's ( Musophagidae ) are one of the bird families endemic to Africa. These medium-sized birds live in sub-Sahara Africa.
The only large species is the Great Blue Turaco.
Turaco's are difficult to see and to photograph as they spend a lot of time in tree cover while foraging.
Often their presence in areas with riparian or riverine forest is revealed by the raucous calls but then the challenge of locating them remains, especially when you want to take flight shots
Tauraco Schalowi
Schalow's toerako
Touraco de Schalow
Schalowturako
Turaco de Schalow
Turaco di Schalow
Turaco-de-schalow
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Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
White-fronted Bee-eaters in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Merops bullockoides
Witkapbijeneter
Guêpier à front blanc
Weißstirnspint
Abejaruco Frentiblanco
Gruccione frontebianca
abelharuco-de-testa-branca
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Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
Seen in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
also called Black-breasted Snake-Eagle
Circaetus pectoralis
zwartborstslangenarend
Circaète à poitrine noire
Schwarzbrust-Schlangenadler
Culebrera Pechinegra
Biancone pettonero
Águia-cobreira-de-peito-preto
Many thanks for your views, favorites and supportive comments.
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Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
View form Trail Ridge Road (highest continuous paved road in the US reaching elevation of 12,183 feet), Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Driving on this road is little nerve wrecking, but in the end rewarded by breathtaking scenery. Changing elevation takes you from tree lines to alpine tundra which has very fragile ecosystem. Weather up top is ever changing and highly unpredictable.
Bees vital to stable, healthy food supplies and key to the varied, colourful and nutritious diets we need - essential to feed the world. Save bees, save the ecosystem and save the earth, because we have #OnlyOneEarth.
Lalmatia, Dhaka
Bicentennial Park is a 40-hectare of parkland located 16 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of City of Parramatta. Bicentennial Park is situated on the shores Homebush Bay and is a part of the Sydney Olympic Park in New South Wales, Australia. The Park is a natural heritage site featuring an important wetland ecosystem and parklands. It offers visitors recreation, nature-based tours, environmental education and outdoor event experiences. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, pathways and cycle ways, access to the wetlands, salt marsh and bird hides. It also features Lake Belvedere, Peace Monument, Treillage Tower, Sundial, 'Cyrus the Great' statue, the Silent Hearts Memorial Garden and water features. Powells Creek runs through the eastern side of the park. The Homebush Bay wetland is occupied by animals that thrive in the salt water wetlands. Bicentennial Park was created by the state and federal governments during the 1980s, to celebrate Australia's Bicentenary in 1988. The project involved recycling 47.4 hectares of former rubbish dump into a regional recreation area and the conservation of 53 hectares of a wetland ecosystem on the Parramatta River. The park was officially opened on 1 January 1988. 52556
Mono Lake, nestled in California's eastern Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its extraordinary saline environment, dramatic tufa towers, and the incredibly productive ecosystem it sustains.
This highly alkaline lake provides a unique habitat for brine shrimp and alkali flies, which in turn support millions of migratory birds.
The striking tufa towers, formed by mineral deposits, stand as iconic, otherworldly sentinels around its shores.
Even in the frigid winter, Mono Lake remarkably remains unfrozen, a testament to its high salt concentrations.
Adding to its geological intrigue, the Mono Lake volcanic field, with vents on its northern shore and on Paoha and Negit Islands, was last active mere centuries ago.
(Nikon Z6III, Nikon 28-400/f4-8, 1/800 @ f/13, ISO 500, edited to taste)
FROM WIKIPEDIA:
Yellowstone National Park is a national park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho.
It was established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone, widely held to be the first national park in the world, is known for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most popular features in the park.
It has many types of ecosystems, but the subalpine forest is most abundant. It is part of the South Central Rockies forests ecoregion.
Amid the misty embrace of Cameron Highlands, this striking bird perches on a moss-laden branch, a silent sentinel of its pristine montane forest habitat. The rich biodiversity of this region provides a sanctuary for countless species, showcasing the delicate balance of nature in this cool highland ecosystem. A true gem of Malaysia's natural heritage.
L’ART POUR SE RECONNECTER À LA NATURE
Dans cette exposition proposée au cœur du 9e arrondissement de Paris, les sculptures
monumentales d’ours et de gorilles de Michel Bassompierre se font les représentants
emblématiques des espèces en danger de disparition. Les nombreuses menaces qui pèsent sur ces espèces révèlent leur extrême fragilité. Leurs habitats, forêts et banquise, sont mis à mal par la pression du changement climatique et celle des humains. Lorsque les populations de ces « animaux totémiques » déclinent, c'est que
déjà la survie des milliers d'espèces végétales et animales qui composent leurs écosystèmes est compromise
.
Le Poursuivi
Passé Maître dans l’Art de représenter les animaux, Michel Bassompierre est le plus
talentueux sculpteur animalier contemporain. L’artiste transcende le bronze et le marbre pour créer ses ours et ses gorilles tout en courbes et en rondeurs.
Si ses œuvres sont le plus souvent réalisées en bronze ou en marbre de Carrare, certaines de ses pièces monumentales peuvent être en résine.
Michel BASSOMPIERRE est l’un des artistes les plus importants dans le champ de la sculpture animalière contemporaine.
Ses ours, chevaux, éléphants et autres gorilles peuplent son atelier, les galeries et les collections du monde entier.
Séduisante et attachante, son œuvre a parcouru le monde, laissant échapper son bestiaire de marbre et de bronze aux quatre coins du globe.
Michel BASSOMPIERRE a su générer une œuvre puissante témoignant d’une maitrise exceptionnelle du dessin, d’une compréhension parfaite des volumes, d’une approche de la lumière où jamais la lumière ne vient heurter l'ombre.
Michel BASSOMPIERRE se débarrasse de l’anecdote pour aller à l’essentiel : une forme pure, des courbes délicates, une lumière enveloppante qui souligne la rondeur des masses dont émanent tendresse et poésie.
Cigüeñuela común, Parque Nacional Las Tablas de Daimiel, Villarrubia de los Ojos, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, España.
El parque nacional de las Tablas de Daimiel es un espacio natural protegido español que protege el humedal homónimo. Se encuentra situado en los términos municipales de Daimiel y Villarrubia de los Ojos, en la provincia de Ciudad Real, comunidad autónoma de Castilla-La Mancha. Es además una zona de especial protección para las aves (ZEPA) y parte de la Reserva de la Biosfera La Mancha Húmeda. Con 192 025 visitantes anualmente (2015), las Tablas de Daimiel es el decimotercer parque nacional más visitado de España.
Las Tablas son uno de los últimos representantes de un ecosistema denominado tablas fluviales que se forman al desbordarse los ríos en sus tramos medios, favorecidos por fenómenos de semiendorreísmo y la escasez de pendientes. El humedal se forma en la confluencia del río Guadiana y su afluente Cigüela y es uno de los ecosistemas acuáticos más importantes de la península ibérica por la variedad y calidad de la fauna y flora que habitan en ella, así como por aquellas aves que la emplean en los pasos migratorios. Las Tablas sirve de refugio a más de 2.000 especies (plantas, aves, insectos, peces, réptiles... ).
Las Tablas son el último representante de un ecosistema denominado tablas fluviales que se forman por los desbordamientos de los ríos en sus tramos medios, favorecidos por fenómenos de semiendorreísmo y por la escasez de pendientes.
El parque cuenta con unos humedales formados a partir de la confluencia del río Guadiana y su afluente Gigüela y es uno de los ecosistemas acuáticos más importantes de España debido a la fauna y flora que habitan en ella. También es importante por el gran número de aves migratorias que pasan por la zona como los ánades y los ánsares.
Las Tablas de Daimiel pueden considerarse, dentro de una clasificación hidrológica-estructural de los humedales, como un "hidrohumedal de recarga"; en teoría, con disposición plurianual de agua superficial, que recarga constantemente el acuífero infrayacente. Aunque en los tiempos actuales, a veces se asemeja más a un "higrohumedal", de recarga temporal.
Las Tablas de Daimiel están formadas por las aguas de dos ríos de diferente naturaleza, lo que las convierte en un ecosistema privilegiado: el agua del río Gigüela que procede de los páramos de Cabrejas en la serranía conquense aporta aguas salobres, mientras que el río Guadiana aporta aguas dulces que surgen de sus ojos aproximadamente a unos 15 km al norte del parque nacional, en el término municipal de Villarrubia de los Ojos.
The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is a protected natural area in Spain that protects the wetland of the same name. It is located in the municipalities of Daimiel and Villarrubia de los Ojos, in the province of Ciudad Real, autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. It is also a special protection area for birds (ZEPA) and part of the La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve. With 192,025 visitors annually (2015), the Tablas de Daimiel is the thirteenth most visited national park in Spain.
The Tablas are one of the last representatives of an ecosystem called river tables that are formed when rivers overflow in their middle sections, favoured by semi-endorrheism phenomena and the lack of slopes. The wetland is formed at the confluence of the Guadiana River and its tributary Cigüela and is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula due to the variety and quality of the fauna and flora that inhabit it, as well as the birds that use it for migratory passages. Las Tablas serves as a refuge for more than 2,000 species (plants, birds, insects, fish, reptiles...).
Las Tablas is the last representative of an ecosystem called river tables, which are formed by the overflow of rivers in their middle sections, favoured by semi-endorheism phenomena and by the lack of slopes.
The park has wetlands formed from the confluence of the Guadiana River and its tributary Gigüela and is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in Spain due to the fauna and flora that inhabit it. It is also important because of the large number of migratory birds that pass through the area, such as ducks and geese.
The Tablas de Daimiel can be considered, within a hydrological-structural classification of wetlands, as a "recharge hydro-wetland"; in theory, with a multi-year supply of surface water, which constantly recharges the underlying aquifer. Although in current times, it is sometimes more similar to a "hygro-wetland", with temporary recharge.
The Tablas de Daimiel are formed by the waters of two rivers of different nature, which makes them a privileged ecosystem: the water of the Gigüela river that comes from the Cabrejas moors in the Cuenca mountain range provides brackish water, while the Guadiana river provides fresh water that emerges from its springs approximately 15 km north of the national park, in the municipality of Villarrubia de los Ojos.
Un wapiti au Zoo sauvage de St-Félicien, 2230 Bd du Jardin, Saint-Félicien, Québec, Canada. Une vue obtenue lors du parcours du Train boréal.
Le wapiti (Cervus canadensis) est une espèce de mammifères herbivores de la famille des cervidés. Wapiti, mot d’origine autochtone signifie « croupe blanche ». Cela caractérise bien l’espèce qui arbore un arrière-train beaucoup plus pâle que le reste de sa robe. Il fait partie des plus grands cervidés du monde avec le sambar mais après l'élan ou orignal. Il est presque identique au cerf élaphe d'Europe dont il a longtemps été considéré comme une sous-espèce, mais en 2004, des indices du génome mitochondrial donnent fortement à penser qu'il s'agit de deux espèces distinctes.
Son habitat est la forêt et sa lisière. Il se nourrit essentiellement de poacées, de plantes, de feuilles et d'écorces. Son aire de répartition couvre l'Amérique du Nord et l'Asie mais il s'adapte bien dans des pays où il a été introduit comme la Nouvelle-Zélande ou l'Argentine. Cette forte capacité d'adaptation constitue une menace pour les espèces endémiques et les écosystèmes où les wapitis ont été introduits.
Le Zoo sauvage dédié aux espèces de la Boréalie est constitué de deux parties. Une partie que l’on visite en se déplaçant dans un train grillagé qui permet de partager l’intimité de près de 1000 animaux vivant dans de grands espaces naturels. Une deuxième partie pédestre plus conventionnelle. L’ensemble du zoo propose une sorte d’intégration à la biodiversité boréale. Les animaux du Zoo sauvage vivent en milieu ouvert, très souvent en cohabitation avec d’autres espèces et dans des habitats qui ressemblent le plus possible à leur milieu naturel.
Artist: www.lulagoce.com
Lula Goce is a prominent Spanish Contemporary urban artist bringing powerfully evocative photorealistic scenes. She merges people with nature adding a fresh inspiration to her creations.
She is very much connected to her environment: “Feelings, sensations, people, the surroundings, a ray of sun or some morning mist, laughter and tears. Love”.
Le syrphe ceinturé Episyrphus balteatus, espèce indigène abondamment retrouvée dans nos agro-écosystèmes, possède de nombreux atouts en tant qu’agent de lutte biologique. En effet, ce Diptère, polyaphidiphage au stade larvaire, est retrouvé sur une large gamme de végétaux et se nourri de nombreuses espèces de pucerons. Particulièrement voraces au second et au troisième stade, les larves peuvent consommer jusqu’à 1200 pucerons. Les adultes présentent aussi un grand intérêt puisqu’ils participent activement à la pollinisation de nombreuses espèces végétales. Par ailleurs, les femelles d’Episyrphus balteatus peuvent pondre jusqu’à 1000 œufs pour assurer leur descendance. Très sélectives quant à leur site d’oviposition, elles privilégient les plants infectés de colonies de pucerons en pleine expansion : ceci assure une lutte biologique optimale sur le terrain et l’éradication des aphidiens dommageables à nos cultures.
All photos copyright 2015-2025 by Gerd Michael Kozik No further use of my photos in any form such as websites, print, commercial or private use. Do not use my photos without my permission !
Maya Bay liegt auf der Insel Phi Phi Ley und ist weltberühmt für ihren halbkreisförmigen Strand, der von bis zu 100 Meter hohen Kalksteinfelsen umgeben ist. Der Ort wurde durch den Film The Beach mit Leonardo DiCaprio weltbekannt und zieht seither Besucher aus aller Welt an. Nach einer mehrjährigen Schließung zum Schutz der Natur ist der Zugang mittlerweile streng reguliert, um das empfindliche Ökosystem zu bewahren.
Maya Bay is located on the island of Phi Phi Ley and is world-famous for its crescent-shaped beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs up to 100 meters high. The bay gained global recognition as the filming location of The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. After being closed for several years to protect its fragile ecosystem, access is now strictly regulated to ensure sustainable tourism.
Thank you for your visit!
A bridge, and many species of birds, trees, grasses and aquatic plants in, around, and over Creekfield Lake in Brazos Bend State Park, Needville, TX.
For the Remote theme of Flickr Friday.
Pronounced MOH-noh, this "is a large, shallow saline soda lake in Mono County, California, formed at least 760,000 years ago as a terminal lake in an endorheic basin. The lack of an outlet causes high levels of salts to accumulate in the lake. These salts also make the lake water alkaline. This desert lake has an unusually productive ecosystem based on brine shrimp that thrive in its waters, and provides critical nesting habitat for two million annual migratory birds that feed on the shrimp and blackflies (that also feed on the shrimp)." Source: wikipedia.org
“Urban Ecosystem Restoration” mural painted by Millo for Street Art For Mankind
From the Street Art For Mankind instagram post:
It features the artist’s signature clumsy character in a surreal setting, attempting to reclaim his space in an urban jungle that has forgotten our primary needs. It poetically and powerfully underscores the importance of green spaces in urban environments. The character demonstrates the strength of these spaces, their transformative impact on our reality, and how they enhance our well-being. It’s a clear invitation to reconnect with nature in our cities.
During the peak of the fish throw used to attract birds on the pelagic trip, among the hundreds of circling gulls, a uvenile (grey-billed, barely visible) and an adult black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) raced for the fish, showing that the quickest and most skillful get the prize.
• Albatros de ceja negra
• Black-browed albatross
• Albatroz-de-sobrancelha
Scientific classification:
Superdomain: Neomura
Domain: Eukaryota
(unranked): Opisthokonta
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
(unranked): Bilateria
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Clade: Tetrapoda
Clade: Amniota
Clade: Diapsida
Clade: Archosauria
Class: Aves
Subclass: Neornithes
Infraclass: Neognathae
Clade: Neoaves
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Diomedeidae
Genus: Thalassarche
Species: T. melanophris
Pelagic waters off the coast of Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay (35.1073°S, 54.9380°W)
The Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus), also known as the Antarctic giant petrel, is a formidable seabird native to the Southern Ocean. It is among the largest members of the Procellariidae family, with a wingspan of up to 2.1 meters and a body length of up to 90 cm. This species exhibits two distinct color morphs: dark and light. It is an opportunistic feeder, voraciously scavenging on marine mammals, other seabirds, and fish. It is often seen trailing fishing vessels to feed on discarded bycatch. The petrel breeds in small colonies on subantarctic islands, laying a single egg per season. A remarkable defense mechanism is vomiting a foul-smelling stomach oil when threatened, which deters predators and has earned them the nickname "stinkers" among sailors.
• Petrel gigante del sur, Abanto marino antártico
• Southern giant petrel, Antarctic giant petrel
• Petrélao-gigante-do-sul
Scientific classification:
Superdomain: Neomura
Domain: Eukaryota
(unranked): Opisthokonta
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
(unranked): Bilateria
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Clade: Tetrapoda
Clade: Amniota
Clade: Diapsida
Clade: Archosauria
Class: Aves
Subclass: Neornithes
Infraclass: Neognathae
Clade: Neoaves
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Procellariidae
Genus: Macronectes
Species: M. giganteus
Pelagic waters off the coast of Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay (35.1073°S, 54.9380°W)
Posidonia oceanica è una pianta marina endemica del Mediterraneo, della famiglia delle angiosperma, importantissima per la conservazione degli ecosistemi del Mediterraneo.
Questo ecosistema è in grado di catturare CO2 dall’atmosfera, cambiando l’acidità dell’acqua e svolgendo un ruolo fondamentale nella regolazione dell’equilibrio ecologico del mare.
Cresce nei fondali marini a 2 – 40 m di profondità, anche lontano dalle coste. Forma delle praterie sottomarine che hanno una notevole importanza ecologica, costituendo la comunità climax del mar Mediterraneo, proteggendo la linea di costa dall’erosione e ospitando molti organismi animali e vegetali.
......
Posidonia oceanica is a marine plant endemic of the Mediterranean, of the angiosperm family, very important for the conservation of Mediterranean ecosystems.
This ecosystem is able to capture CO2 from the atmosphere, changing the acidity of the water and playing a fundamental role in regulating the ecological balance of the sea.
It grows in the seabed at 2 – 40 m depth, even far from the coasts. It forms underwater meadows that have considerable ecological importance, constituting the climax community of the Mediterranean Sea, protecting the coastline from erosion and hosting many animal and plant organisms.