A new joint study by RMIT and the University of Bristol has revealed secrets to the remarkably steady flight of kestrels and could inform future drone designs and flight control strategies. The study, “Steady as they hover: kinematics of kestrel wing and tail morphing during hovering flights,” was published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. […]
Category: Wildlife
Petition: Help Protect Endangered African Elephants
There are only a few species of animals – that we know of – that use unique names to refer to each other. Humans obviously fall into this category, as do dolphins and even sometimes parrots. And now we’ve learned there’s another majestic species that has this rare ability: wild African elephants. But African elephants […]
She’s the Oldest Common Loon in the World. She Just Had Her 42nd Chick
The soap opera continues: The world’s oldest common loon hatched two chicks this year, lengthening her record-setting streak as a successful mother. Fe (pronounced “fay”), a female loon who is at least 38 years old, had another fruitful breeding season at Seney National Wildlife Refuge on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Already the world’s most […]
Natural Disasters Put Some Species at Greater Risk of Extinction
Humans aren’t the only ones at risk from natural disasters. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes can affect wildlife, too. For species already at risk of extinction, these natural disasters can add new perils. In a recent study, researchers identified species particularly at risk from natural hazards as well as the management actions that could protect […]
Petition: Help Save the Borneo Pygmy Elephant from Extinction
In tragic news, the Borneo pygmy elephant – the smallest living elephant – is teetering on the brink of extinction. With only about 1,000 of these majestic creatures left in the wild, urgent action is necessary. Deforestation, human-wildlife conflict, and increasing agricultural pressures threaten their survival. While the Malaysian and Indonesian governments have plans to […]
Komodo dragons have iron-tipped teeth, new study finds
A team of scientists have discovered that the teeth of Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are coated with iron. This protective layer keeps the serrated edges of their teeth sharp, meaning the 80kg lizards can tear quickly and efficiently through the flesh of their prey. The discovery, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, may also provide […]
Vaccinations Work Better Than Culling for Bovine Tuberculosis in Badgers, Study Finds
Rather than culling animals amidst major disease outbreaks, a new study has found a potentially more effective alternative: vaccinations. At least that’s what researchers confirmed for curbing bovine tuberculosis in badgers in research recently published in the journal People and Nature. The findings are promising for not only protecting badgers but also cattle, which have […]
New Research Shows That Flamingos Don’t Spend More Time Preening Than Other Water Birds
Recent research challenges the long-held belief that flamingos preen their feathers more than other waterbirds. A study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science by the University of Exeter and WWT Slimbridge Wetland Center examined the feather care habits of five flamingo species. Contrary to popular belief, flamingos‘ preening habits are average compared to other waterbirds. […]