Physicist Stephen Volz had been working with colleagues at the U.S.’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for nearly 10 years to produce a new generation of geostationary satellites — instruments that would provide critical observations about atmospheric conditions, climate patterns and weather. But when Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, this long-term project […]
One of the most interesting traits of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is their colour – or variations that differ between populations, age groups and individuals – from grey to white, even pink. Some look mottled or albino. Their shallow, coastal and estuarine (often murky water) habitat means they have adapted in some fascinating ways. Learn all […]
When it comes to the weirdest birds, we have a rich crop to choose from. For example, there’s the gaudy-hued king vulture, the strange great potoo – and don’t forget the prehistoric-looking shoebill with its unnerving stare. Here are our favourite weirdest birds. 15 weirdest birds Kakapo Although it may look like an owl, the […]
A scientific expedition to Angola’s remote Lisima plateau has uncovered dozens of species that were previously unknown to science. Seen as one of Africa’s last great biodiversity blank spots, the in-depth exploration of the upper Cassai catchment area on Angola’s eastern plateau revealed eight undescribed dragonfly species, three new grasshopper species, and around 60 new moths and butterflies. The findings, […]
We think cats hate swimming – and while many do – you might be surprised to hear that many wild cats swim regularly, and (whisper it) they don’t actually hate it. From jungle rivers to African wetlands, several wild cat species are not only capable swimmers, they actually enjoy it. Whether it’s hunting, cooling off or just exploring their habitat, these felines […]
If you’ve spotted a pale orange butterfly dashing at frenetic pace through streets, fields or gardens, you’ve noticed the new migrants that will add colour to the summer in record-breaking numbers. What is expected to be the largest arrival of painted lady butterflies in Britain for 17 years is under way after heatwaves and favourable winds ushered thousands if […]
The alligator snapping turtle looks as though it could have been created for a Sci-Fi/Dinosaur crossover film or conjured from the imagination of a child. The troughs and pointed peaks of the shell look like armour (or a burnt meringue), while the long claws and scaled, studded tail would befit a dragon. While at […]
The great white shark is the only extant species in the genus Carcharodon and the largest predatory fish in the world. Why are they called great white sharks? Great white sharks belong to the family Lamnidae, which also includes porbeagle sharks, salmon sharks and mako sharks, which are the fastest shark in the ocean. A type of mackerel […]