Ecosystems
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A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
The black skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a tern-like seabird.
The Pantanal is a tropical wetland and the world's largest wetland of any kind. The Pantanal ecosystem is also thought to be home to 1000 bird species, 400 fish species, 300 mammalian species, 480 reptile species and over 9000 different subspecies of invertebrates.
Brazil, Pantanal
Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.
Music:
"Repeat" by CHRIS COMBETTE, in 'Les Enfants de Gorée' (2010)
open.spotify.com/track/5ErThqPZNKTeyITR3fYNL9?si=hRygwwzP...
Elephants are among the most intelligent of the creatures with whom we share the planet, with complex consciousnesses that are capable of strong emotions. Across Africa they have inspired respect from the people that share the landscape with them, giving them a strong cultural significance. As icons of the continent elephants are tourism magnets, attracting funding that helps protect wilderness areas. They are also keystone species, playing an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which they live.
During the dry season, elephants use their tusks to dig for water. This not only allows the elephants to survive in dry environments and when droughts strike, but also provides water for other animals that share harsh habitats.
When forest elephants eat, they create gaps in the vegetation. These gaps allow new plants to grow and create pathways for other smaller animals to use. They are also one of the major ways in which trees disperse their seeds; some species rely entirely upon elephants for seed dispersal.
On the savannahs, elephants feeding on tree sprouts and shrubs help to keep the plains open and able to support the plains game that inhabit these ecosystems.
Wherever they live, elephants leave dung that is full of seeds from the many plants they eat. When this dung is deposited the seeds are sown and grow into new grasses, bushes and trees, boosting the health of the savannah ecosystem.
Sidenote: (This kind of digital art is certainly not one of my strengths, I don't use photoshop so cutting out the model to place into a background wasn't as easy as I thought. I still have much to learn with this but felt proud enough with what I had achieved to publish this with regards to the subject. Elephants face so many more threats than loss of habitat, as do many more wild life species.)
Thankyou in advance for your support, faves, comments and awards!
I do appreciate you all ❤️
Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
Little Bee-eater
merops pusillus
dwergbijeneter
guêpier nain
Zwergspint
Abejaruco Chico
Gruccione minore
abelharuco-dourado
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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.
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
belonging to the River Pride, the largest Lion pride in Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
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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
this young eagle is looking at an adult at the other side of a floodplain in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Haliaeetus vocifer
Afrikaanse Zeearend
Pygargue vocifer
Schreiseeadler
Pigargo Vocinglero
Aquila pescatrice africana
pigargo-africano
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All rights reserved.
Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
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
If insects and bees disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live. The insects are very important in our ecosystem. They have a number of features that we people depend on. In Europe, the spread of insects is greatly reduced. This is serious because nature and we humans are completely dependent on the insects coming to work.
This male had been in a fight with the male in the image
" Lions, a mating pair " shown in the first comment box and posted 2 weeks ago. This one was lost the fight and had some injuries, mainly on his back.
During the 3 days that I was in the area he kept on following the mating couple
Lemek Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem , Kenya
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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
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.
The Mighty Pico Paraná
I'm from São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil. Pico Paraná, Brazil's 41st tallest mountain, is a 6-hour and 41-minute drive or about 471 kilometers south of where I live.
Having scaled the 3rd to 7th highest mountains in Brazil, I can say that Pico Paraná, the 41st tallest, was by far the most challenging climb I've done so far.
I've scaled numerous mountains, from the snow-capped peaks of Africa to the technical climbs of the Andes, but nothing could have prepared me for the raw, primal challenge of Pico Paraná. Standing at a towering 1,877 meters (6,158 feet), it's the highest point in southern Brazil.
A Night to Remember I began my ascent at 11 PM on a Saturday night, aiming to catch the sunrise at 6:34 AM. Armed with nothing but determination and a headlamp, I plunged into the dense, primordial forest. The initial three hours were a relentless battle against the unforgiving terrain, as I leaped over massive, exposed tree roots and slogged through muddy trails.
A Vertical Dance As I gained altitude, the challenge intensified. The trail transformed into a series of vertical dance floors, where I navigated sheer rock faces using metal rungs and ropes. I climbed one peak after another, each offering breathtaking panoramas but demanding every ounce of my strength.
The Final Push The final ascent was the most grueling. Without a natural water source, I carried a heavy pack, and the lack of sleep was starting to take its toll. Yet, the allure of witnessing the sunrise from the summit kept me going.
Image: A close-up of the climber's hands gripping a rock face, with a backdrop of lush vegetation.
A Celestial Reward Finally, I reached the summit just in time to witness the sunrise. As the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, I stood on top of the world, overwhelmed by a sense of accomplishment. The panoramic view was nothing short of spectacular, stretching as far as the eye could see.
The descent was equally demanding, but the euphoria of reaching the summit carried me through. After 18 grueling hours, I finally made it back to the trailhead. Exhausted but elated, I knew I had conquered one of the most challenging climbs of my life.
Key Points About Pico Paraná:
*Highest point in southern Brazil: 1,877 meters (6,158 feet)
*Part of the Ibitiraquire mountain range: Known for its rugged beauty
*Demanding climb: Requires a high level of physical fitness and technical climbing skills
*Multiple summits: Including Pico Paraná, União, and Ibitirati
*Unique ecosystem: Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna
If you're seeking a truly unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend tackling Pico Paraná. Just be prepared for a challenging and rewarding experience.
PS. The photo I shared captures the moment of descending or returning from the peak, bathed in the warm glow of daylight. In contrast, the ascent of Pico Paraná was an adventure undertaken in complete darkness, guided only by the beams of our headlamps. I'll be sharing breathtaking sunrise photos from the summit very soon.
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.
“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.
Mountain goats Oreamnos americanus graze in a mountain meadow along the Beartooth Hiway in the Beartooth Mountains of Wyoming. Though not native to Wyoming, these goats (Oreamnos americanus) descended from small groups introduced to the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains in the 1940s and 1950s. They were brought in from western Montana were they are native. Some consider the species a compliment to the ecosystem. As their numbers grow, others worry about the effect of the goats on the alpine vegetation and the native mountain sheep population. Regardless of the concern that always accompanies introduced species, It is always fun to see them.
Gonna start a series from the Oregon coast.
Nothing quite like the sounds of flying birds and surging waves against a rocky shore. This was taken near Depoe Bay.
Mountains and their ecosystems are my primary passion but I've felt the pull of the surf more recently. Years in the Navy provided some great surf time when younger. I enjoyed a trip to the southern Oregon coast last year, which I'll post soon. Here's some from an earlier trip to the central OR coast.
Have a wonderful week!
Picturesque framing of great egrets hunting in a rich intertidal ecosystem, algae-covered rocks and tide pools.
These birds are characterized by their entirely white plumage, long legs, long necks, and pointed beaks
They are typically found in shallow waters, including coastlines, marshes, and lagoons, where they wade to hunt for fish and other small aquatic animals.
Great egrets are known for their elegant and graceful landings, often described as smooth and deliberate, with their long legs and wings outstretched as they approach their landing spot
The calm, clear water of the sea stretches out to a distant horizon under a partly cloudy sky. Shot from Nabq National Park during low tide.
The Mycothera Gigantea Ecosystem is a remarkable and unique biosphere located on the alien planet Mycoterra (Planetis Mycoterra). This planet, situated in the Andromeda Galaxy, hosts an environment dominated by colossal fungal structures that form the primary vegetative landscape.
Ecosystem Overview:
The Mycothera Gigantea, named for its immense size, is the predominant species within this ecosystem. These fungal organisms can reach heights of up to 50 meters and diameters of 20 meters, creating a canopy that rivals the largest trees on Earth. The ecosystem is characterized by a dense mist that envelops the landscape, providing the necessary moisture for these fungi to thrive.
Planetary Conditions:
Mycoterra's atmosphere is rich in nitrogen and carbon dioxide, with trace amounts of oxygen, creating an environment ideal for fungal growth. The planet's gravity is slightly lower than Earth's, contributing to the towering height of the Mycothera Gigantea. Temperatures on Mycoterra average around 15°C (59°F), with high humidity levels maintained by frequent mist and light rain.
Fungal Structure:
The Mycothera Gigantea possesses a robust and intricate network of hyphae, which form a massive underground mycelium. This mycelial network connects individual fungi, facilitating nutrient exchange and communication across vast distances. The cap of the fungus, or the sporocarp, is supported by a thick stipe that can store water and nutrients, ensuring the organism's survival during drier periods.
AI creation
Cosmos
Photo faite avec un vieil objectif russe, Helios 85mm ici ouvert à f/2. Cet objectif donne un bokeh tournant que l'on voit bien ici. La prise de vue ne fut pas facile car il y avait du vent, et bien sur l'objectif est entièrement manuel...
Plougonver (22)
P1210078w
Salado Culture, 13th to early-15thC - Upper Sonoran Desert ecosystem - saguaro cactus 'Carnegiea gigantea'
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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonto_National_Monument
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