Get more than a little wild... the 2009 edition of the Pirelli calendar is here.

Pirelli has been publishing the sexy "calendar of all calendars" since the early 1960s. This year, photographer Peter Beard pays homage to Africa in a drop-dead gorgeous artistic mix of fashion photography along with quotes and musings about his beloved land.

Oh, and did we mention the models featured? Emanuela de Paula, Isabeli Fontana, Lara Ston, Rianne Ten Haken, Malgosia Bela, Mariacarla Boscono and Daria Werbowy are the icons of beauty who were chosen for 2009.

In addition to being a truly beautiful and intriguing collector's item, the calendar has a message as voiced by Mr. Beard: "My real concern is the destruction of nature on a global scale. We've totally lost track of what evolution is based on, and how important diversity is in nature. This concept is the very foundation of survival".

Page through the images from the calendar at the Pirelli website... and do view the unforgettable behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot on YouTube as well.