Cape vultures in southern Africa are using expanding networks of pylons and power lines to extend their range, say scientists. At the same time these lines are also contributing to this threatened bird of prey’s decline through fatal collisions and electrocutions. The study involved a team of experts from the UK and South Africa tracking […]
Tag: BBC Nature
Fewer bat sightings spark breeding fears
Britain’s bats could face difficulties this summer following two cold springs in a row, a charity suggests. Latest figures from the National Bat Monitoring Programme revealed that fewer of the flying mammals were counted in 2012 than the previous year. The Bat Conservation Trust is concerned that this year’s “unseasonable start” could mean that bats […]
Nightingales’ tags reveal habitat change on migratory routes
The decline of the nightingale in the UK could be due to changes in its habitat along its migratory route to Africa, a study has shown. Last year Anglian Water and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) fitted 10 birds at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire with tracking devices. Seven birds have come back with data […]
‘Vampire’ sea lampreys heat up for sex
Male sea lampreys heat up special fat deposits during sexual encounters, scientists have found. The bizarre vertebrates are best known for their blood-sucking mouths filled with teeth and a razor sharp tongue. Males also have a raised bump of tissue along their back which they rub against females during courtship. US researchers discovered that this […]
In pictures: Rare Siberian tigers caught on camera
Endangered Siberian tigers have been filmed by a BBC documentary crew. The team travelled to the Russian Far East to record the efforts of scientists working to preserve the subspecies, also known as Amur tigers. Estimates suggest there are only around 350 of the big cats remaining in the wild and 90% of them live […]
UK’s rare spring butterflies make a late show
The UK’s spring butterflies are being welcomed by enthusiasts, but weeks later than they usually arrive. The second-coldest March on record contributed to the delayed emergence of many rare species, according to the charity Butterfly Conservation. “First sightings” recorded by the public showed the insects typically appeared a fortnight later than normal. One rare species […]
Ice Age bowhead whales’ survival surprises scientists
Ancient DNA shows that bowhead whales bucked the trend to survive the last Ice Age, say scientists. The demise of cold-adapted land mammals such as mammoths has been linked to rising temperatures around 11,000 years ago. But researchers were surprised to find a contrasting population boom for whales living off the coast of Britain. Their […]
Why do ‘single’ birds dance?
“Mesmerising and with a little bit of mystery about it.” That is how aviculturist Amy King describes the graceful leaping, bowing, running, spinning and grass-tossing of dancing cranes. This unique and spectacular behaviour has been imitated in various human cultures since the Stone Age and the purpose of such elaborate displays is widely understood to […]