THE FILE 180,000 35mm, panoramic and large-format transparencies; more than 120,000 images scanned and searchable online.

OVERVIEW Nature Picture Library (NPL) was launched in April 2002 and incorporates the BBC Natural History Unit Picture Library collection. The Library maintains close links with the Unit's cameramen and producers. It represents more than 250 wildlife photographers from 15 countries, including England, Scotland, Belgium, France, Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden, China, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Ecuador and the U.S. The collection covers nature in the broadest sense but is especially strong on animal portraits and behavior.

NATURAL HISTORY Portraits and behavior of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and other invertebrates, both marine and terrestrial. Butterflies and bats in flight. Insect life cycles. Landscapes worldwide, especially national parks. Domestic pets.

GENERAL STOCK Wildlife filmmakers at work (e.g., David Attenborough) and filming techniques. Indigenous peoples, especially from Papua New Guinea, Amazonian Ecuador, West Africa (pygmies), Southern Africa (bushmen and himba). Environmental and conservation issues, nature abstracts, ecotourism, and national parks of the world. Includes panoramics.

MARINE AND SAILING Nature Picture Library has taken over management of the sailing and marine image library of Bluegreen Pictures (formerly based in the Isle of Wight). NPL is based in Bristol, which has a rich shipping heritage of its own, and NPL's team of experienced staff will continue to provide quality personal service to new and existing Bluegreen customers. NPL is delighted with the quality and variety of the images and have already put together a gallery of some of our favorites. Please note Bluegreen's new contact details: Tel: +44 (0)117 911 4698; email: info@bluegreenpictures.com; website: www.bluegreenpictures.com

SPECIALTIES Wildlife from around the world. Portraits and behavior (including flight) suitable for commercial and editorial use, including cards and calendars. Wildlife filmmakers and photographers at work. Natural habitats. Marine life. Portraits and behavior of big cats and large primates. European birds, mammals and insects. National parks of the world, especially the United States, India, east and southern Africa. Seasons. Nature abstracts. Environmental issues. Tropical rainforests. Britain's wildlife and landscapes. Polar regions. Indigenous peoples, especially from Papua New Guinea, southern Africa and South America. NEW! Sailing, boats and additional marine images.

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS Worldwide, especially Alaska, Antarctica, Australia, Bhutan, Borneo, Canada, Central America, China, Congo/Zaire, East Africa, Ecuador, England, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, France, Galápagos, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Russia (Kamchatka, Primorskiy Kray), Scandinavia, Scotland, Seychelles, Siberia, South Africa, South East Asia, South America, Spain, United States.

CREDITS Magazines: BBC Wildlife, Geo Saison, National Geographic, Natural History, Nature, New Scientist, Ranger Rick, Smithsonian, Wanderlust, Focus, more. Books: BBC Books, Cambridge University Press, Dorling Kindersley, Franklin Watts, Harcourt Education, HarperCollins, Oxford University Press, Reader's Digest, Rosen, Scholastic, Toucan, more. Paper Products: Barnes & Noble, Bemrose, Brunel Promotions, Country Cards, Jarrolds, Moments Calendars, more.

COMMENTS A rapidly growing and well-edited collection of work. Full-time experienced staff provides a quick response to photo requests. Website includes more than 120,000 images searchable by keyword. High-resolution files for reproduction can be ordered and downloaded directly from the Nature Picture Library website.