In the vast wetland systems that make up the Congo Basin in Africa, there swims a fish that could have finned its way from the set of a horror movie. The goliath tigerfish might be unremarkable in form, with a sleek, muscular body that is perfectly weighted for powerful river currents, but its mouth is […]
AI-altered images on birdwatching forums putting research at risk
For many birdwatchers, recording a species outside its normal range is the holy grail. In the UK, the discoveries often make national headlines. The western reef heron, for example, usually found in Africa and southern Europe, was spotted in a seaside town in north Wales in June, and widely celebrated on birding forums. But a new scourge […]
It looks like a friendly garden bird, sings like one too – but it’s one of the most toxic creatures alive
What do a poison dart frog from South America and a perching bird from New Guinea have in common? Well, both exude neurotoxins that are, gram for gram, some of the most powerful poisons in nature. That Phyllobates poison dart frogs are highly poisonous is well known – it’s in their name, after all, and a single frog can […]
How to stitch a massive wildlife corridor through the Rocky Mountains
BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada — On a sunny Thursday in May, Kent Kebe had to scrape yet another bighorn sheep carcass off Highway 93/95 running through Radium, British Columbia. The necropsy confirmed what Kebe, the village’s protective service manager, already knew: A car collision killed the ram. Roadkill deaths hit this community hard. Residents love their […]
It might be called a fox, look like a fox and act like a fox – but don’t be fooled, this is no fox
South America’s most abundant wild canid belongs to the genus Lycalopex, also known as ‘false foxes‘. Widespread and resourceful, it slips though the grasslands, scrub and farmland of the Southern Cone, feeding on whatever the season provides. Unfortunately, its appetite for livestock, including poultry and lambs, means its presence has not always been welcomed by its […]
As Australia expands seismic testing, experts warn of profound effects on sealife
It was spring, 20 years ago now, but he remembers it clearly. On the deck of the Geco Resolution, wind tearing spray from the waves, Robert McCauley stood gazing out onto an ocean blackened by night. The ship had been firing seismic airguns all day, thunderous blasts punching through the water and into the seabed. Over […]
“The thought of them lurking under the water is enough to give you the shivers – After drowning its victim it rapidly rolls it to remove its limbs…
Saltwater crocodiles are one of the world’s most famous and deadliest predators. Just the thought of them lurking under the water is enough to give you the shivers. We named it one of the most deadliest animals in the world Learn about more about saltwater crocodiles in our expert guide, including whether crocodiles really sleep with […]
5 New Marine Reserves to Protect Dolphins and Kelp Forests off New Zealand’s South Island
In what is being described as an “important first step,” for marine protections in the island nation of New Zealand, 5 new marine preserves will enter into force next month. Surrounding a district called Otago near the southeastern tip of the South Island, 308 square miles of key marine habitats filled with charismatic species will […]