Breed vs species: what's the difference between these two terms?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things
From coral reefs to songbirds, the natural world is losing its colour. Here’s why scientists are worried
Colour is far more than beauty – it's a powerful indicator of ecosystem health. And the planet is losing its hues
Odd-looking, tiny killers, expert underwater swimmers and the grumpiest cats: 10 weirdest wild cats in the world
From tiny but deadly hunters to grumpy-looking felines, the world is home to some truly bizarre wild cats
This unusual Asian gem is this summer's must-visit destination for elusive wildlife
See it before everyone else
"The blow was unbelievably powerful, like being hit with a baseball bat. To make it worse, one of her talons pierced my neck, leaving it numb and bleeding."
The harpies were mythological spirits that took the dead to hell, but this harpy eagle was intent on taking James out.
“Torture. You are chained in the flow of an active volcano.” One scientist was stung by over 150 insects over 35 years. Why?
Entomologist Justin Schmidt decided to find out just how painful the stings of venomous insects were
"They attack without hesitation and can rake down the front of a frail human body in seconds, with horrifying consequences" 10 violent birds that attack humans
Watch out folks! There’s an angry bird about!
"I was filming in the Coral Sea when a huge shark rocketed up from the deep and came straight for me..."
marine photographer Tony Wu talks close shaves at sea and whale poo moments
It's the size of a small car, weighs as much as an e-bike – and can live for an amazing 100 years...
The biggest crab in the world has a leg span of nearly 4 metres and weighs 13.6kg
Why do beavers build dams? And how on Earth do they do it?
All you need to know about why beavers make dams
Birds
A rapidly melting ‘Doomsday Glacier’ and a monstrous deep-sea fish: 6 of nature’s signals that could warn of the end of the world
Whether these signs are rooted in science (like the Doomsday Glacier) or simply popular myth, they have been associated with the end of the world – or at least life as we know it
It existed 800 years ago, was home to 100,000 people – and was powered by poop
New research suggests that seabird guano may have been one of the main driving forces behind the rise of Peru's Chincha Kingdom.
Why is oil so deadly for birds' feathers?
Oil spill incidents always involve birds being rescued and cleaned – but why is oil so damaging, and in many cases fatal, to birds?
Weighing a tonne and packed with hundreds of rooms – each home to a family — it can house a staggering 500 households. Is this the ultimate apartment block?
It’s the heaviest, largest, most densely populated bird nest… that's been built and extended over decades
9 brutal photos of the world’s most powerful bird that can rip monkeys and sloths from branches
These incredible images reveal the power and brutality of this extraordinary eagle
11 ferocious vulture photos that demonstrate the power and brutality of life for these scavenging predators
These striking images highlight the brutal (yet essential) behaviour of vultures
How to identify wildlife
Red squirrel vs grey squirrel: Think you know how they differ? Think again as the differences between these two squirrels will surprise you
We take a look at how the red squirrel differs to its American grey cousin
Brown rat or water vole: How to tell the difference between these two lookalike-rodents
When all you've seen is a flash of brown fur, it can be hard to know whether it was a water vole or rat. Though the two species tend to live in different habitats, there are areas where they overlap, potentially leading to cases of mistaken identity. So how do you tell rats and water voles apart?
Mink or otter? What's the difference between these two slippery, semiaquatic lookalikes?
How do you tell the difference between otters and mink?
LRPs, PG Tips and Jizz: Cracking the secret language of birders
You’re sitting in a hide and overhear other birders talking. The conversation ranges from ‘LRPs’ and ‘roosting Leos’ and you scratch your chin as you try to decipher their code – welcome to the world of birding jargon.
It's the fastest animal in the world and its deadly claws can catch prey mid-air: Meet one of the world's most incredible birds of prey
Peregrines are the ultimate urban predator. Learn all about them, including how to spot them ‘stooping’ to catch prey
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
Plants
Does a tree know it's being eaten?
Can a tree protect itself if being eaten?
It weighs up to a whopping 30kg, has a diameter of 50cm and is the biggest seed on the planet
BBC Wildlife section editor Sarah McPherson answers your wild question.
1.6 million years ago, a bird flew over this mountain range in Haiti. It helped create a plant wonderland
Research reveals the flight paths of ancient birds kickstarted the evolution of an exceptionally biodiverse mountain range in the Caribbean nation.
Why wildfires are essential for some species’ survival
For some plants fire can help them survive
