Week in Wildlife: A Tiny Harvest Mouse, Bagel Cats, and a Rhino Out for a Stroll
This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world capture remarkable moments, from a harvest mouse making itself tall in York, UK, to a wild Indian rhino ambling down a main street in Sauraha, southern Nepal. The rhino, which came from nearby Chitwan National Park, highlights the success of Nepal’s conservation programme, which has seen the wild rhino population increase more than sevenfold. However, this has led to more human-wildlife conflicts, sometimes fatal, prompting officials to educate residents on safety.
Osprey Returns to Scotland
In Scotland, Louis the osprey has returned to Loch Arkaig pine forest just in time for breeding season. He became a fan favourite during the 2020 Covid lockdown via a live nest camera. His return, more than two weeks later than expected, was a relief to fans, who watched him see off a rival osprey nicknamed the “toyboy” that had been eyeing Louis’ current mate, Dorcha.
Pink Spoonbill and Sunbathing Alligator
In Florida, a roseate spoonbill chick sits with its parents in a rookery in St Augustine, while an alligator soaks up the sun on the Mississippi River in Harahan, Louisiana.
Baby Fox Rescued Near Paris
A tiny female fox cub, found alone in a garden on the outskirts of Paris, is being treated at the Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Maisons-Alfort. Volunteers care for her around the clock to ensure she gains enough weight.
Wildlife Thrives in Chernobyl
In Ukraine, a wild deer walks in front of a camera trap in the Chornobyl exclusion zone. High radiation prevents human habitation, but wildlife populations have rebounded, with wolves, horses, lynx, moose, and dogs thriving. Researchers note some changes due to radiation, such as birds developing cataracts, but populations have not died off en masse.
Capybara Cooling Off in Brazil
A capybara and its cub cool off in the Pinheiros River in São Paulo, Brazil.
Grasshopper’s-Eye View in Oregon
An extreme closeup offers a grasshopper’s-eye view of a rain-speckled clover leaf in Oregon, US.
Baby Rabbits Rescued from North Sea Rig
Two of three baby rabbits were rescued after being found on a drilling rig in the North Sea. They likely took up residence in an offshore container in Dundee.
Wild Yak in China
A well-insulated wild yak roams the Bamoqongzong extinct volcanic cluster area in the Changtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region.
Bagel Cats in Istanbul
Stray cats curl up in an abandoned simit cart, once used to sell bagel-like snacks on Istanbul’s streets, Turkey.
Sportive Lemur in Madagascar
A sportive lemur, named for its agility, perches on a tree in the Spiny Forest, Madagascar, one of the world’s 200 most important ecological regions according to the World Wildlife Fund. This species is found only on the island.
Wild Boar in Shenzhen
Wild boar roam in Shenzhen, southern China, where the urban area encourages wildlife through ecological trails and eco-friendly facilities.
Grey Seals at Sunset in Poland
Grey seals rest on a sandy islet in the Baltic Sea as the sun sets near Mikoszewo, Poland.
Barbary Macaque Eating Soil in Gibraltar
A Barbary macaque chews on soil in Gibraltar. A Cambridge University study suggests monkeys there swallow soil to quell upset stomachs caused by eating sweet and salty snacks from tourists. The dirt may line the gut and provide bacteria and minerals absent from junk food.
Baya Weaver Bird in India
A baya weaver bird works on its impressive nest in Assam, India.
Przewalski’s Horses in China
Przewalski’s horses, once extinct in the wild in China, thrive in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in northwest China thanks to a reintroduction programme.
Walrus Rests in Scotland
A walrus rests in a harbour in north-east Scotland, believed to be the same one recently seen injured in Orkney. It has now swum to mainland Scotland, and the public is warned to stay away to let it recover.
Zebras in Kenya
Zebras graze at Hell’s Gate National Park in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya.
A tiny harvest mouse makes itself tall in York, UK, captured by photographer Tony Nellis.
