STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity. He bobs his eyes above the water and surveys the scene, ready for his close-up. These photographs were captured by French marine biologist Mathieu Foulquie, 39, after he spotted the friendly toad in the resurgence of a little river near Montpellier, France. Mathieu, of Montpellier, France, was investigating underwater in a river named 'la Bueges' when he put his hand on the river bed and the toad grabbed his fingers.
FROM A mini table and chairs to a detailed violin, it’s hard to believe these incredible sculptures are all carved into the nib of PENCILS .
THIS RING of fire in the sky is the annular solar eclipse that wowed our cousins down-under .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
A curious red squirrel takes a break from collecting nuts and tries her hand at photography .
PUCKERING up and enjoying some quality time, these are the most lovable monkeys on the planet .
COVERING themselves in ash and face paint, these are the holy men who live their lives away from everyday society .
TOMORROW (Saturday) marks the 28th anniversary of the nuclear disaster that left the city of Chernobyl devastated .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - FUNKY BUMP: FROM MIRROR bellies to rainbow bumps these pregnancy casts of stone and bronze could be the funkiest way to preserve your bump for posterity .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .