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Earth News
The latest stories from the News section of the BBC Nature web site.
Updated: 14 min 59 sec ago
VIDEO: 'Tough times for toads'
A "stocktake" of UK nature suggests 60% of animal and plant species have declined in the past 50 years - and one in 10 could end up disappearing.
'Worrying declines' for UK species
A stocktake of UK nature suggests 60% of animal and plant species studied have declined in the past 50 years.
2013 cold start may mean fruit boom
UK fruit growers could enjoy a much better harvest of apples and pears this year, following the dismal crop in 2012, experts believe.
Ant abilities could aid robot design
A study showing how ants tunnel their way through confined spaces could aid the design of search and rescue robots, say scientists.
Flightless penguin puzzle 'solved'
The underwater prowess of the penguin may have cost the bird its ability to fly, scientists believe.
First crane egg in 400 years laid
A nesting crane lays the first egg laid by that breed of bird in southern Britain in more than 400 years.
Late arrival for rare butterflies
The UK's spring butterflies are being welcomed by enthusiasts, but weeks later than they usually arrive.
Farne Islands 'puffin census' starts
A three-month long study to determine the puffin population on the Farne Islands in Northumberland gets under way.
Alien invaders wage 'biological war'
An Asian insect is destroying native species around the world by unleashing a lethal biological cocktail.
Big picture: Belated bluebell bloom
The UK's bluebell bloom is thought to be several weeks late
Malaria parasite 'controls mosquito'
Mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite are more attracted to human body odour than uninfected insects, scientists report.
Most distinct species mapped
For the first time scientists have developed a map that shows the world's unique and endangered species.
Black widow spider found in Aberdeen
A black widow spider is found in Aberdeen in a shipment from America.
Tigers 'lacking variety' in mates
India's tigers face extinction due to a collapse in the variety of their mating partners, say Cardiff University researchers.
Can giant eagles spread their wings?
The reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to Britain has been hailed as a conservation success, but will they ever fly beyond Scotland?
Return of the elusive movie star
With populations in decline, an otter made an unlikely screen star in 1969 but now spotting opportunities are improving.
VIDEO: Dung science causes rhino baby boom
How studying droppings has led to the patter of tiny rhino hooves
Ancient bone-headed dinosaur found
Scientists have announced the discovery of a new species of bone-headed dinosaur, which is the oldest in North America, and possibly the world.
Wildcat camera trap snaps rare bird
A camera set up to capture images of Scottish wildcats in Sutherland has photographed a bird species rarely seen in Scotland.
Cold War hope for bats under attack
Cold War bunkers are the latest attempt to save bats from white-nose syndrome, a disease that has killed up to 6.7 million bats in the US and Canada.
