65 Rare And Extraordinary Photos Of Animals That Prove Nature Still Has Its Secrets

As more and more animals are being left high and dry because of our deeds, capturing them on camera becomes far more than a visual curiosity.

If done right, photography can actually be a very useful tool for awareness and conservation.

These wildlife images can help us realize that threats are not part of some parallel universe, but present all around us.

Many of the animals that seem rare or extraordinary are also struggling to survive, whether they’re on the land, in the sea or the sky.

Scientists believe that before a species disappears entirely, it generally becomes rare first.

More than 47,000 species worldwide are now considered at risk of extinction (this includes Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered categories).

However, this list only includes species that have been evaluated, which is a very small portion of all living species on this planet.

Not all insects, deep‑sea organisms, microbes or phytoplankton have been formally assessed yet.

The ocean is home to some of the strangest life forms on Earth. Its pitch-black depths, murky waters, crushing pressure, and icy temperatures means there are always new and extraordinary species lurking somewhere.

As of early 2025, around 247,418 valid marine species have been identified and named.

Yet, the known count represents only a fraction of the ocean’s biodiversity as scientists estimate there are anywhere between a few hundred thousand to more than ten million species still waiting to be discovered.

Some of the rarest animals are still being discovered and rediscovered.

Just earlier this month, two marsupial species — that scientists believed had vanished more than 6,000 years ago — were discovered alive in the remote rainforests of Western New Guinea.

Recently, the seven-arm octopus, one of the most elusive species, was seen off California. It was only the fourth sighting in nearly 40 years.

A study found that human activities like cutting down habitats, overfishing, polluting, and climate change are wiping out wildlife across the planet.

In a lot of places graced by us, there are almost 20% fewer species than in untouched areas.

You can see it in the Amazon, where logging is shrinking habitats for jaguars and macaws, or in coral reefs, where rising water temperatures are bleaching reefs and destroying fish species.

Looking at these images can maybe make us appreciate nature more, and all the surprises it keeps on giving.

A study published last month found that some features in wildlife images — like visible faces or cues that make you feel like you can understand what the animal is thinking or feeling — can create emotional connections.

These features can even drive people to engage online or give money to conservation.

“If you want to encourage people to protect an animal, you might depict it in a way that evokes a social or emotional connection. For instance, emphasizing face-like features or attention to the viewer,” said study coauthor Brian Knutson, a professor of psychology at the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences.

He added: “Social media is a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and encouraging environmental behavior. Neuroscience tools could offer insights into what motivates people to support wildlife conservation efforts.”

Different photography competitions from around the world show how a single powerful image can raise awareness and even help protect endangered species.

Most organizations that hold these contests contribute funds towards conservation projects around the world.

Many winning entries also tell real stories about threats facing species and ecosystems, since the contests encourage photographers to become advocates for wildlife protection. They are usually required to submit detailed background information such as conservation status and habitat challenges.