Global heating is pushing mountain goats into a more nocturnal lifestyle that could expose them to more predators, scientists have found. A team of researchers at the University of Sassari, in Sardinia, used GPS collars equipped with motion sensors to track the activity of the Alpine ibex, a species of mountain goat, between the months […]
California’s mountain lion population is worse than expected – as census reveals there are only 3,200-4,500 left – nearly 3,000 fewer than thought
Scientists have estimated the number of mountain lions, also known as cougars in California, which may be lower than they had hoped. Officials concluded that there are 3,200-4,500 total mountain lions, thousands fewer than expected. State and university scientists calculated the total number using GPS collar data and genetic information from shoreline samples. The scientists […]
5 of the Most Intricate Nests Built by Birds: From Weaving to Sculpting
Ever wondered how birds make their nests so cool? Well, turns out, they’re not just throwing sticks together. Some birds are like real architects, using crazy skills to build nests that are way more than just a place to crash. 1. The Montezuma Oropendola Source: Cornell Lab of Orinthology/Youtube Montezuma Oropendolas live in large colonies […]
9 Famous Orcas Who Died in Captivity and Why it Should Never Happen Again
Orcas are one of the most used whales when it comes to marine-based shows. For years they have been kept in enclosures that are far too small in less-than-satisfactory conditions. Due to this, many orcas – which should be free to roam the ocean – ended their days in tanks. The untimely deaths of 9 […]
Jervis Bay: Fresh tragedy as an entire FAMILY of blue gropers are slaughtered by spearfishermen after ‘Gus the Groper’ kill saga: ‘So sad and so angry’
A spear fisher has sparked new outrage after illegally killing a family of blue gropers, just days after fury erupted over the death of a fish feared to be Gus The Groper in Sydney. Photographs on social media have revealed NSW fisheries officers intercepting a spear fisherman with three dead gropers at Plantation Point, Jervis […]
I collect roo poo – and our research could save many marsupial lives
I thought convincing my husband of the merits of my returning to study just as he had retired would be a tricky sell. So his enthusiasm for the idea caught me by surprise. He helpfully suggested several interesting topics: sea turtles, dugongs and coral reefs. If it involved a boat in a warm climate, he […]
More than 160 elephants die in Zimbabwe, with many more at risk
At least 160 elephants have died as drought conditions hit Zimbabwe, and with hot, dry weather likely to continue, conservationists fear there could be more deaths to come. The elephants died between August and December last year in the 14,651 sq km Hwange national park, which is home to endangered elephants, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, giraffes […]
Crime syndicate attempting to smuggle $1.2 million worth of Australian reptiles to Hong Kong dismantled by NSW Police
More than 250 lizards worth around $1.2 million on the black market in Hong Kong have been found during the bust of a crime gang, police say. A criminal syndicate planning to export over $1 million worth of Australian reptiles to Hong Kong has been busted, NSW Police say. Strike Force Whyaratta was established in […]