From neotropic cormorants to the 99 Domes Mosque - these are today's best pictures

Take a look at some of the best images from around the world in the past 24 hours

Neotropic Cormorants return at dusk to roost near the Paraguay River, in Asuncion, Paraguay. They are found throughout the American tropics and subtropics. AP Photo

An ancient tree burns from the inside as a forest fire blazes out of control in the foothills of Table Mountain, above the University of Cape Town, in Cape Town, South Africa. AFP

A minaret stands tall among the skyscrapers in Barsha Heights, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A spectator looks on as a horse and rider perform at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo in San Angelo, Texas, US. This was the first rodeo with no restrictions in San Angelo since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. AFP

The first trans-Tasman bubble flight from Australia to Wellington lands at Wellington Airport in Wellington, New Zealand. From Monday, people can travel between the two countries without needing to quarantine. Getty Images

Members of the Canaan Riverside Green Peace voluntary group plant a tree on the bank of the Nairobi River, in Dandora slum in Nairobi, Kenya. The environmental group has planted 500 trees in two years. AFP

Swimmers compete in the Women's 100-metre Freestyle final during the German Olympic qualifications, at the Europa-Sportpark, in Berlin, Germany. AFP

Riot police stand by as protesters gather in front of the Russian embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. The Czech government is expelling 18 Russian diplomats, claiming they are secret services personnel. EPA

An aerial view of the 99 Domes Mosque during Ramadan in Makassar, Indonesia. AFP

More from The National:

From cosmonauts returning to Earth from space to British policemen dancing - Sunday's best pictures

From a Grand Prix crash to children dressed as Ekeko - Saturday's best pictures

From a tiger in Havana to student protests in Athens - Friday's best pictures

From New Year celebrations in Nepal to Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge - Thursday's best pictures

From a perfect sunset bringing in Nepali New Year to a horse racing accident in Ireland - Wednesday's best pictures