Nepal has become a global conservation success story. Thanks to years of protection efforts, the country’s vulnerable rhinoceros population has rebounded after once facing the threat of extinction. But now, with the rhino population thriving, daily life can be dangerous for families living among them. People continue with their lives, entering forests to collect firewood, […]
It weighs as much as a car, can sprint at 30mph, has dinner-plate paws armed with 3in claws – and jaws powerful enough to crush a human skull like an egg
Grizzly bears hunting during the annual salmon run in North America has to be one of nature’s greatest spectacles. But there is much more to this species – the grizzly bear is both a skilled hunter and a resourceful forager, a coastal creature and forest dweller. Find out more in our expert grizzly bear guide, including where […]
US miner under further investigation after destroying WA habitat of black cockatoos, quokkas and numbats
US mining company Alcoa’s strip-mining of Western Australia’s jarrah forest is under further investigation after its “deliberate repeat breach” of environmental laws that destroyed habitat for protected species – including black cockatoos, quokkas and numbats – and cost it $40m to avoid prosecution. The ongoing inquiry into Alcoa’s clearing at its Willowdale mine was revealed […]
“Within its beautiful softly fluttering fins are a dozen spines able to deliver a dose of powerful venom.” 10 prettiest, sparkliest sea animals on the planet…
The ocean is teeming with life and animals, many of which are so captivating and colourful they look like tiny, exquisite jewels. We take a closer look at this watery world and explore some of the smaller enchanting sea creatures that call the ocean their home. Prettiest sea creatures Japanese firefly squid Few scientific […]
How AI could save koalas
A new AI-powered camera system could make road crossings less of a nightmare for koalas. Koalas face multiple threats to their survival including deforestation, urbanization, diseases and bushfires. As humans encroach into their habitats, they are forced to cross roads to move across fragmented forests. Because of this, vehicle strikes have also become a major […]
“It’s a sulfurous, eye-watering stench that causes temporary blindness in predators.” Rancid eggs, putrid breath – meet world’s 9 smelliest animals
Many animals rely on their potent natural odour for defense, marking territory, to attract a mate, or communication. From the smell of rotten eggs to a stench that can be smelled a mile away and a reptile bird that chews on decaying bacteria – if that isn’t enough to make your eyes water, here are […]
In Thailand, burned sugarcane plantations become traps for leopard cat cubs
Nuntita Ruksachat, head veterinarian at the Khon Kaen wildlife rescue center in northeastern Thailand, holds up a feline cub no larger than her hand. Part of a litter rescued just days ago, the cub’s fur is patchy, revealing blistered skin underneath. Its whiskers, clearly singed, are short and stubby. “They were rescued from a burned […]
“Its venom disrupts the blood-clotting system, causing haemorrhage and kidney failure. Without prompt treatment bites can be fatal…”
This little desert hunter may not look especially imposing, but its bite can be deadly, and in India it is one of the “Big Four” snakes thought to be jointly responsible for around 58,000 mortalities per year. Those that encounter the saw-scaled viper would do well to heed the rasping warning sound it emits before […]