Smashing

“ Ayrakty Mountains “ // © Dastan Mukhamedrakhim

“ Floating Predator “ // © Paul Nicklen

“ Like many of our planet’s top predators, crocodiles are often cast as villains in media headlines and popcorn movies, creating a reputation they just don’t deserve. They have served a vital function in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems across the world for millions of years. Sadly, their populations have been steadily pushed out of their home habitats by rampant development projects and poaching. Recent efforts to protect American crocodiles like this one have helped their numbers recover, but they still remain vulnerable as threats to their environments continue to grow. In Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen, however, crocodiles can enjoy the area’s strict protections along with an incredible diversity of healthy wildlife.”

“ Billowy Crystal ” // © Pat Webster