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Published April 9, 2013
A file photo shows a chameleon extending its tongue to catch a cricket during feeding time at the Melbourne Museum. Chameleons took to the waves to migrate from Africa to Madagascar about 65 million years ago, according to a study published on March 27, 2013 that seeks to resolve a roiling biological debate.  Chameleons are famous for the extraordinary ability of some species to change color, and for a lightning-fast talent to catch prey with their tongue. Biologists, though, are bemused by a wider question: Where
A file photo shows a chameleon extending its tongue to catch a cricket during feeding time at the Melbourne Museum. Chameleons took to the waves to migrate from Africa to Madagascar about 65 million years ago, according to a study published on March 27, 2013 that seeks to resolve a roiling biological debate. Chameleons are famous for the extraordinary ability of some species to change color, and for a lightning-fast talent to catch prey with their tongue. Biologists, though, are bemused by a wider question: Where
Easter fire is seen on March 30, 2013 in Visselhoevede.
Easter fire is seen on March 30, 2013 in Visselhoevede.
People stand on a balcony at the "Salto del Nervion" waterfall, near Osma, in the province of Burgos. The Salto del Nervion is the highest waterfall of Spain, it takes its origin from the confluence of three streams, Iturrigutxi, Ajiturri and Urita.
People stand on a balcony at the "Salto del Nervion" waterfall, near Osma, in the province of Burgos. The Salto del Nervion is the highest waterfall of Spain, it takes its origin from the confluence of three streams, Iturrigutxi, Ajiturri and Urita.
Afghan villagers are reflected mirror as they ride in a traditional cart along a street in Heart. Some nine million Afghans or 36 per cent of the population are living in "absolute poverty" while another 37 per cent live barely above the poverty line, according to a UN report.
Afghan villagers are reflected mirror as they ride in a traditional cart along a street in Heart. Some nine million Afghans or 36 per cent of the population are living in "absolute poverty" while another 37 per cent live barely above the poverty line, according to a UN report.
The claws of a chicken are seen at a yard in central Beijing, April 5, 2013. All of the 14 reported infections from the H7N9 bird flu strain have been in eastern China and at least four of the dead are in Shanghai, a city of 23 million people and the showpiece of China's vibrant economy.
The claws of a chicken are seen at a yard in central Beijing, April 5, 2013. All of the 14 reported infections from the H7N9 bird flu strain have been in eastern China and at least four of the dead are in Shanghai, a city of 23 million people and the showpiece of China's vibrant economy.
A Palestinian demonstrator kicks a flaming tire during clashes with the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Hebron on April 3, 2013. Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza were observing a general strike, with prisoners refusing food to mourn the death of a fellow inmate in an Israeli jail.
A Palestinian demonstrator kicks a flaming tire during clashes with the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Hebron on April 3, 2013. Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza were observing a general strike, with prisoners refusing food to mourn the death of a fellow inmate in an Israeli jail.
A woman weaves a traditional carpet, also known as "sukul" in Nepali, using dried hay in Lalitpur.
A woman weaves a traditional carpet, also known as "sukul" in Nepali, using dried hay in Lalitpur.
Rain drops on a window reflect the setting sun as it goes down above the central business district of Hong kong.  According to the Hong Kong observatory, a trough of low pressure is bringing unsettled weather to the coast of southern China.
Rain drops on a window reflect the setting sun as it goes down above the central business district of Hong kong. According to the Hong Kong observatory, a trough of low pressure is bringing unsettled weather to the coast of southern China.
A pedestrian walks across a rainbow pedestrian crossing painted on Sydney's Oxford Street, the city's main gay district. Officials have ordered the removal of the rainbow pedestrian crossing painted on a street in Sydney's main gay district, setting off fierce debate in a city known for its annual Mardi gras gay pride event, one of Australia's main tourist draws. Controversy over the crossing, painted in February to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the annual gay festival, is pitting those proud of Sydney's reputa
A pedestrian walks across a rainbow pedestrian crossing painted on Sydney's Oxford Street, the city's main gay district. Officials have ordered the removal of the rainbow pedestrian crossing painted on a street in Sydney's main gay district, setting off fierce debate in a city known for its annual Mardi gras gay pride event, one of Australia's main tourist draws. Controversy over the crossing, painted in February to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the annual gay festival, is pitting those proud of Sydney's reputa
Visitors walk in the cathedral of Siena during the presentation of "The Gate of Heaven" tour on April 5, 2013. Following lengthy restoration, visitors will be able to admire from April 6 to October 27, the
Visitors walk in the cathedral of Siena during the presentation of "The Gate of Heaven" tour on April 5, 2013. Following lengthy restoration, visitors will be able to admire from April 6 to October 27, the
A Muslim woman salvages items from her home damaged in riots in Meikhtila March 26, 2013. Ethnic hatred has been unleashed in Myanmar since 49 years of military rule ended in March 2011. And it is spreading, threatening the country's historic democratic transition. Signs have emerged of ethnic cleansing and of impunity for those inciting it.
A Muslim woman salvages items from her home damaged in riots in Meikhtila March 26, 2013. Ethnic hatred has been unleashed in Myanmar since 49 years of military rule ended in March 2011. And it is spreading, threatening the country's historic democratic transition. Signs have emerged of ethnic cleansing and of impunity for those inciting it.
Participants dance and throw colored chalk during the Holi Festival of Colors at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. According to organizers 50,000 people were expected pack the temple grounds to celebrate Holi, the passing of winter to spring, and throw colorful powder throughout the day.
Participants dance and throw colored chalk during the Holi Festival of Colors at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. According to organizers 50,000 people were expected pack the temple grounds to celebrate Holi, the passing of winter to spring, and throw colorful powder throughout the day.
Supporters of acting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro attend a campaign rally in Valencia, Carabobo state. Venezuelans will elect a new president on April 14.
Supporters of acting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro attend a campaign rally in Valencia, Carabobo state. Venezuelans will elect a new president on April 14.
A child plays on the "sliding rock" in Qunu, South Africa on April 5, 2013. Former South African President Nelson Mandela as a child used to play on the sliding rock and it has been kept as an attraction in Qunu where he spent his childhood. Mandela is "fine" and improving after more than a week in hospital, his wife has said in the latest positive update on the 94-year-old icon's pneumonia treatment. Admitted for a lung recurring infection, Mandela's latest health scare has sparked an outpouring of wishes and pray
A child plays on the "sliding rock" in Qunu, South Africa on April 5, 2013. Former South African President Nelson Mandela as a child used to play on the sliding rock and it has been kept as an attraction in Qunu where he spent his childhood. Mandela is "fine" and improving after more than a week in hospital, his wife has said in the latest positive update on the 94-year-old icon's pneumonia treatment. Admitted for a lung recurring infection, Mandela's latest health scare has sparked an outpouring of wishes and pray
A Palestinian demonstrator throws a petrol bomb towards Israeli security forces during clashes in the West Bank city of Hebron. Clashes rocked the West Bank as thousands attended the funerals of a prisoner and two teenagers shot dead by Israeli troops and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said the killings jeopardised US efforts to rekindle peace talks.
A Palestinian demonstrator throws a petrol bomb towards Israeli security forces during clashes in the West Bank city of Hebron. Clashes rocked the West Bank as thousands attended the funerals of a prisoner and two teenagers shot dead by Israeli troops and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said the killings jeopardised US efforts to rekindle peace talks.
A herd of deer runs through a snowy field in a village near Czestochowa, southern Poland, at sunset.
A herd of deer runs through a snowy field in a village near Czestochowa, southern Poland, at sunset.
A leopard (Panthera pardus) looks up from within a well in a residential area of Guwahati, before it was tranquilsed and taken to Guwahati Zoo.  The fully grown leopard is the second within a week to have been rescued from the same area of the city in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, highlighting the continuing conflict between humans and indigenous animals as rapid development encroaches into already shrinking habitats.
A leopard (Panthera pardus) looks up from within a well in a residential area of Guwahati, before it was tranquilsed and taken to Guwahati Zoo. The fully grown leopard is the second within a week to have been rescued from the same area of the city in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, highlighting the continuing conflict between humans and indigenous animals as rapid development encroaches into already shrinking habitats.
Afghan Children play Ghursai, a traditional boy's game played in the countryside in Jalalabad. Children hold one foot in one hand and then try to knock down the other opponent.
Afghan Children play Ghursai, a traditional boy's game played in the countryside in Jalalabad. Children hold one foot in one hand and then try to knock down the other opponent.
Kenyan police stand guard at dusk in Nairobi's Huruma area, where unrest erupted on March 30 following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld Uhuru Kenyatta's victory in the presidential elections on March 4 over his main rival outgoing Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kenyan police beefed up security on March 31 after Odinga's supporters took to violent protests that left two dead. Odinga had challenged the poll outcome hoping for a repeat but while begrudgingly accepted the Supreme Court's decision youths in his s
Kenyan police stand guard at dusk in Nairobi's Huruma area, where unrest erupted on March 30 following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld Uhuru Kenyatta's victory in the presidential elections on March 4 over his main rival outgoing Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kenyan police beefed up security on March 31 after Odinga's supporters took to violent protests that left two dead. Odinga had challenged the poll outcome hoping for a repeat but while begrudgingly accepted the Supreme Court's decision youths in his s
The "Old Bridge" in the historical core of the Southern-Bosnian town of Mostar is seen after the level of the Neretva river has rose approximately 3 meters compared to it's normal summertime levels, on April 3, 2013. Water levels have dramatically risen countrywide due to snow-melt and large quantities of rain in the past seven days.
The "Old Bridge" in the historical core of the Southern-Bosnian town of Mostar is seen after the level of the Neretva river has rose approximately 3 meters compared to it's normal summertime levels, on April 3, 2013. Water levels have dramatically risen countrywide due to snow-melt and large quantities of rain in the past seven days.
An Afghan Local Police (ALP) personnel looks through a hole from a rocket fired previously by insurgents at the Budyali check post, during a patrol by 2nd Platoon Bravo Company, 1-3271 Infantry of Combined Team Bastogne (Nangarhar), 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Kush Kunar district, situated in the province of Nangarhar.   US-led coalition forces are winding down their operations before a scheduled withdrawal of the bulk of their 100,000 troops by the end of 2014, and racing to p
An Afghan Local Police (ALP) personnel looks through a hole from a rocket fired previously by insurgents at the Budyali check post, during a patrol by 2nd Platoon Bravo Company, 1-3271 Infantry of Combined Team Bastogne (Nangarhar), 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Kush Kunar district, situated in the province of Nangarhar. US-led coalition forces are winding down their operations before a scheduled withdrawal of the bulk of their 100,000 troops by the end of 2014, and racing to p
People of the Roma community who were evicted from their camp receive food before sleeping, in front of Lyon's administrative court, prior to a hearing regarding the ruling on their eventual rehousing.
People of the Roma community who were evicted from their camp receive food before sleeping, in front of Lyon's administrative court, prior to a hearing regarding the ruling on their eventual rehousing.
A picture shows the St Peter's basilica at sunset on the eve of the conclave at the Vatican. Catholic cardinals had a final day of jockeying for position the same day before shutting themselves into the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope after Benedict XVI's shock resignation, with an Italian and a Brazilian who both head powerful archdioceses among the top contenders.
A picture shows the St Peter's basilica at sunset on the eve of the conclave at the Vatican. Catholic cardinals had a final day of jockeying for position the same day before shutting themselves into the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope after Benedict XVI's shock resignation, with an Italian and a Brazilian who both head powerful archdioceses among the top contenders.
The "Silver Bullet" airstream trailer (C) carrying US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is pictured inside a US Air Force C-17 aircraft transporting him and his staff from Kabul to Ramstein Airbase in Germany. US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's first trip to Afghanistan was overshadowed on March 10 by a contentious speech by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and a security scare that forced their press conference to be cancelled.
The "Silver Bullet" airstream trailer (C) carrying US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is pictured inside a US Air Force C-17 aircraft transporting him and his staff from Kabul to Ramstein Airbase in Germany. US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's first trip to Afghanistan was overshadowed on March 10 by a contentious speech by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and a security scare that forced their press conference to be cancelled.

This gallery is a compliation of fine images from around the world, taken by photographers working with various agencies.

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