Nearly 12,000 species of birds exist in the wild, and every day, humans document their sightings of the animals. But a handful of avian species haven’t been spotted in years—or, in some cases, in more than a century. Now, scientists have compiled an up-to-date list of “lost” birds—and they’re asking members of the public to […]
Humpback Whale Migration Sparks Cultural Festivities on Colombia’s Pacific Coast
In the tranquil waters of Colombia’s Pacific Coast, the annual migration of humpback whales from the chilly seas near Chile to the warmer breeding grounds near Colombia is more than a natural spectacle; it’s a celebration of culture and heritage. Each July, the seaport of Buenaventura becomes a hub of activity as thousands of tourists, […]
Tiny Fossil Illuminates Penguin’s Surprisingly Useful Wings and How They Evolved
Sometimes, certain aspects of an animal’s biology can seem completely redundant, such as the tiny arms of a T. rex, or wings on a flightless bird. But thanks to a recent study of fossilized penguin wings, researchers were able to pinpoint when these birds had turned their seemingly pointless wings into powerful diving aides. A […]
Scientists find unexpected biodiversity in an African river, thanks to eDNA
When Manuel Lopes-Lima set out to survey aquatic biodiversity on the Corubal River in 2022, he’d set his expectations very low. The river that straddles the West African nations of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau was, after all, very remote and grossly understudied. Two expeditions later, the story has turned on its heels. With the help of […]
Pink Amazon Dolphins at Risk as Biologists Investigate Impact of Climate Change
In response to last year’s devastating drought in the Amazon, which led to the death of over 200 river dolphins, a team comprising biologists, veterinarians, and local fishermen has embarked on a crucial mission. Coordinated by the Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development, this project aims to assess and safeguard the health of the endangered Amazon […]
Petition: Demand Iceland Ban Whale Hunting
Whale hunting is an extremely painful and cruel way to kill animals. Animals that haven’t even done anything wrong – they’re simply living their lives, swimming in their waters, when suddenly humans attack them with harpoons, leaving them to bleed out and suffer. Yet the government of Iceland has just approved a new license for […]
Badger culling to end in England by 2029, government says
Badger culling will end in England by 2029, the government has said. Some culls under existing licences will continue until 2026, according to sources at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), but it is highly unlikely any new ones will be granted. The National Farmers’ Union has been lobbying government to keep […]
Humpback Whale Freed After Rescue at Sydney Harbour in Australia
A young humpback whale has been successfully freed after becoming entangled in ropes at Sydney Harbour in Australia. The rescue operation, confirmed by Jessica Fox, the second vice president of the volunteer organization Orrca, took place over two days. The whale, estimated to be between 10 to 15 meters long, was first spotted by a […]