ANIMATION For animals in the Arctic, life is a balancing act. Seasonal cues, such as warmer spring temperatures or cooler temperatures in the fall, tell animals when to migrate, when to mate, and when and where to find food. Predators and prey, birds and mammals alike follow this natural schedule, […]
Most of the world’s leopards are endangered and generally, the number of these shy and stunning cats is decreasing. However, according to a recent study by a researcher from University of Copenhagen and colleagues from China, leopard populations in northern China are on the mend. Discover why below. Leopards are […]
Recent years have witnessed a widespread and catastrophic decline in the number of forest elephants in protected areas in Côte d’Ivoire, according to a study published today (October 14, 2020) in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Sery Gonedelé Bi of Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny d’Abidjan-Cocody, and colleagues. In precolonial and colonial times, […]
Many wild animals lose their fear of predators rapidly after they start encountering humans. Most wild animals show a suite of predator avoidance behaviors such as vigilance, freezing, and fleeing. But these are quickly reduced after the animals come into contact with humans through captivity, domestication, or urbanization, according to […]
A chimpanzee mother’s presence and support throughout the prolonged childhood years allow their offspring time to learn the skills they need to survive in adulthood. Credit: Liran Samuni, Tai Chimpanzee Project Male chimpanzees who lose their mother early in life are less competitive and have fewer offspring than sons who […]
A new species of freshwater Crustacea has been discovered during an expedition of the desert Lut, known as the hottest place on Earth. Credit: M. Pallmann SMNS / Pallmann A new species of freshwater Crustacea has been discovered during an expedition of the desert Lut, known as the hottest place […]
The mystery of why zebras have their characteristic stripes has perplexed researchers for over a century. Over the last decade, Professor Tim Caro at the University of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences has examined and discredited many popular theories such as their use as camouflage from predators, a cooling mechanism through […]
Overall Winner: “Sick” by David Costantini. Viruses are a significant ecological concern because they are responsible for a variety of pathological effects in wildlife. This picture shows a chick of Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) with clear signs of a viral disease that gives low chances of recovery. Credit: David Costantini […]
The research team analysed rock juggling in Asian small-clawed (Aonyx cinereus) and smooth-coated (Lutrogale perspicillata) otters found in zoo environments. Hunger is likely to be the main driver of stone juggling in otters, new research has shown. Researchers from the University of Exeter have carried out an extensive study into […]