American bison during snowfall, in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. European colonials slaughtered an estimated 50 million bison during the 19th century, reducing their population to hundreds and close to extinction. Extensive ranching began in 1910 and have continued (with excellent success) to the present day, increasing the bison's population to nearly 150,000, and it is officially no longer considered an endangered species. However, from a genetic standpoint, these ranch animals are actually hybrids with domestic cattle and only two populations, in Yellowstone National Park in the United States and Elk Island National Park in Canada, remain as genetically pure bison. These genetically pure animals account for less than 5% of the currently extant American bison population, reflecting the loss of most of the species' genetic diversity.

Springtime at Claude Monet's garden, in Giverny, France.

Glass frogs (only found in South and Central America) are great at camouflage.

The eucalyptus-loving koala bears from Australia, including some with their young.

Emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. So cute! ❤

Leopards from Botswana.

The awesome blue-footed booby, a marine bird native to subtropical and tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean, is easily recognizable by its distinctive bright blue feet, which is a sexually selected trait and a product of their diet. Males display their feet in an elaborate mating ritual by lifting them up and down while strutting before the female.

Monarch butterflies are very widespread in the United States, but they can also be found in other countries throughout the world.



Though their larvae eat only milkweed, adult monarch butterflies feed on the nectar of many plants. The name "monarch" is believed to have been given in honour of King William III of England, as the butterfly's main colour is that of the king's secondary title, Prince of Orange.



You may wish to check out these butterflies' cute cocoons here: zafoid.com/post/view/7800