
Shark experts took DNA from Welsh waters and were amazed at what they found
A new study suggests the decline in critically endangered angelsharks in Wales may have been overestimated.
Scientists stunned to see humpback whales trying to send messages to humans
Could humpback whales be trying to communicate with us?
“The ocean remains a battlefield.” How an unusual alliance is forming to save Sri Lanka’s remarkable gentle giants
New dangers are emerging for whales found off the Sri Lankan coast – but hope remains that they can be saved

Why The Gambia should be your next birdwatching holiday destination
Diverse landscapes, incredible weather and over 600 species of birds. Read on to discover what makes this West African country ideal for birdwatching trips.

“It’s effectively ripping apart the water.” It's only an inch long but this creature creates shockwaves of over 200 decibels which generate heat AND light
Despite its size, the pistol shrimp boasts one of the best (and loudest) weapons in the ocean.
There’s a lake in the Pacific Ocean that’s home to millions of ‘sunbathing’ creatures – and you can snorkel in it
On a tiny Pacific island, millions of creatures follow a strict schedule for their daily sun worship
It stinks of manure, has claws on its wings and eats tree leaves – meet the strange hoatzin, the 'flying cow' of the Amazonian swamps
This avian marvel is also known as the stink bird, the skunk bird and the reptile bird
A blue whale's tongue weighs the same as an elephant – but is it the longest tongue in the animal kingdom?
Ever wondered which animal has the longest tongue? Well, it depends on how you measure it, explains Stuart Blackman
Why do iguanas have three eyes?
The iguana's third eye is a useful way of detecting danger says Alex Morss
Deadly, toxic caterpillars on the move pose health threat to animals – particularly dogs – and humans
While the caterpillars are a known issue in parts of London and the South East, experts report that they are spreading to other parts of the country

Birds

The poisonous hooded pitohui is the world's most toxic bird - able to exude some of the most powerful poisons in nature
Just how poisonous is the hooded pitohui?

Faking it: Watch what happens when BBC cameras capture a peacock faking a mating call to try and entrap females
BBC cameras catch peacocks competing for attention from peahens – some turning to desperate measures

Are there vultures in Europe?
Reviled by some, vultures are an essential part of many ecosystems around the world. There are four native breeding species in Europe, with another regularly visiting. Learn more about these fascinating birds in our expert guide by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF).
Feared and wildly misunderstood – the dark truth behind nature’s most vilified bird and its chilling reputation as a harbinger of death
Discover fascinating facts about this group of ecologically important birds.
What's the most common bird in the world?
From agricultural pests to garden favourites, these are the most common and widely seen birds around the world – both wild and domestic
It sleeps while flying, cannibalises the young and forces other birds to vomit up their food – then eats its sloppy seconds
This bird also has a rather bizarre (and incredibly vocal) mating display that involves an inflating pouch
How to identify wildlife
Save 30% when you subscribe to BBC Wildlife Magazine, plus receive Simon Barnes’ latest release, Spring is the Only Season
Save 30% when you subscribe to BBC Wildlife Magazine, plus receive Simon Barnes’ latest release, Spring is the Only Season
How to identify mammal skulls - and work out the creature they once belonged to
Skulls can be found virtually anywhere, but skull identification can be difficult. Learn how to identify common mammal skulls in our expert guide.
Toad vs frog: How to tell the difference between a common frog and a common toad
Two of the UK's most familiar and widespread amphibian species are the common frog and the common toad, but do you know how to tell them apart?
How to identify animal droppings: Our guide to the wildlife poop you might find in your garden or out on a walk
Droppings or scats can tell us a lot about which animals have been visiting our gardens, parks and countryside, including hedgehogs, foxes and badgers. Our expert guide explains how to identify which poos belong to which species. Plus, animal droppings from species from around the world – and fungi and insects you might spot on droppings.
Swift or swallow: what's the difference between these two incredible long-distance migrants?
Know your swallows from your swifts? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at some of the differences…
Heron vs egret: what's the difference between these two leggy, long-necked, elegant birds?
Know your herons from your egrets? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at some of the differences…
Plants
Nectar vs pollen: what's the difference between these two substances that bees love?
Nectar and pollen are loved by pollinators such as bees – but what exactly is the difference between them?
This country is the most biodiverse on Earth – although scientists don't know exactly why
Ever wondered which country has the most species? Stuart Blackman takes a look
Spitting deadly venom and launching ‘bullet-like’ blobs – these are the most lethal projectiles in the natural world
Plenty of animals, plants and fungi launch explosive projectiles – here's how they do it
8 of the world's most dangerous trees – including the exploding 'dynamite tree' that fires seeds at speeds up to 160mph
From tropical terrors to coniferous killers – here are some tree species you might want to avoid the next time you’re walking in the woods.