Larger, dynamic animal species like rhinoceroses and elephants get a lot of well-deserved attention. But they also get the lion’s share of global conservation funding, leaving threatened species that are not as well-known to fend for themselves. A 25-year study led by researchers at University of Hong Kong (HKU) has found that, of the nearly […]
Tag: lizards
Colombian tree frog found by Sheffield florist highlights invasive species threat
A tiny tree frog hitchhiking in a bunch of roses to Sheffield from Colombia has inspired a study into invasive species reaching the UK’s shores. Dr Silviu Petrovan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s zoology department and a senior author of a paper published today in the journal BioScience, had his interest piqued when […]
Almost extinct Caribbean lizard makes a comeback after island restoration
A tiny lizard found only on one tiny Caribbean island has seen a dramatic 1,500% increase in its population, after just a few years of island restoration efforts. In 2018, researchers estimated there were fewer than 100 individuals of the critically endangered Sombrero ground lizard (Pholidoscelis corvinus) on the small hat-shaped Sombrero Island, part of […]
Yes, some animals can have babies without a mate. Here’s how
A boa constrictor in the U.K. gave birth to 14 babies—without a mate. Is it a miracle? The result of a secret rendezvous? Probably not. Females of species have the ability to reproduce asexually, without sperm from a male. The process is called parthenogenesis, from the Greek words for “virgin” and “birth.” Some plants and […]
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 […]
Animals that can walk on water
Animals can walk, crawl, swim, or fly. Some animals have incredible abilities, such as walking on water. It’s something that humans consider a miracle. But for these animals, it’s just a basic ability. You can skip the section where you hire a dissertation writer to learn about them, and instead learn about the most amazing […]
Tracking lizard habitat
For the majority of wild species trying to make it in the city (or even in the suburbs), human travel corridors pose an enormous existential threat. This is particularly true for reptiles and amphibians. I suspect nearly everyone, at some point in their driving career, has come face-to-face with this fact while watching and often […]