Each year, around 100 of the ocean’s deadliest predators gather off the coast of Australia. Scientists have now worked out why
Orcas are known for their teamwork and close-knit pods, but do they get together in greater numbers?
Deep-sea scientists visit one of Earth's least-explored places. What they discover is astounding
The researchers filmed an octopus that's almost never seen alive – and discovered a host of new marine species.
“That innocent question hit me like a lightning bolt." Scientist's two-year-old son inspires discovery of new type of worker honeybee
Secrets of the hive unlocked thanks to child’s question.
This cave lion was unearthed from Siberian permafrost. Scientists analysed its DNA – and made an unexpected discovery
It turns out there’s a lot more to extinct cave lions than scientists first thought…
An extensive list of best nature documentaries to watch, from the iconic Life on Earth to new releases
Find the best nature documentaries of all time to stream from the comfort of home with our ultimate TV guide. Plus, where to buy the accompanying books and DVDs.
"That’s the length of a double decker bus!" 10 metre monster tops biggest snakes in the world list
Discover the biggest snakes in the world including the reticulated python and green anaconda
Puffins vs hedgehogs: The 18 animals that could feature on UK banknotes – and the public can now vote
The Bank of England has released a shortlist of creatures that could feature on the next round of banknotes
A gobsmacking 500,000 babies born at one time in one place... That's one colossal delivery room
Almost half a million wildebeest are born within a few weeks in the Serengeti
Expedition to remote Angolan plateau reveals dozens of dazzling new species
Numerous species previously unknown to science have been discovered in a ‘biodiversity blank spot’ in Angola on the west coast of Southern Africa.
"Stop, prevent your death! Go no further." 9 deadliest, most terrifying caves on the planet
For those who chose to explore them, caves are a source of fascination, but these can be dark, inhospitable places, full of twist and turns and tunnels and chambers says Helen Pilcher.
Birds
Masturbation in birds is “healthy, natural and widespread”, say scientists
The research challenges the widely-held belief that stress and captivity encourages the behaviour
A blood-sucking fly was driving this Galápagos bird to extinction. Then conservationists stepped in
The Critically Endangered Galápagos mangrove finch has had its most successful breeding season on record, with 25 fledglings recorded.
"It has a lethally large inner toe tipped by a deadly dagger-like claw..." 15 weirdest, strangest birds on the planet, including one that reeks of fresh cow manure
There are plenty of contenders for the weirdest bird list from the 'stinky' hoatzin to the strange-looking secretary bird. Here are our favourite weirdest birds
"While she is doing the needlework, the male brings the threads. Little by little she laces it up to form a cup using dozens of stitches."
The little bird that's a very adept seamstress
This elusive bird can be heard up to 5km away – and the sound it makes is extraordinary
The song of the male bittern – the king of the reedbed – sounds like a foghorn.
White-tailed eagle vs osprey: what's the difference between these two majestic, powerful birds of prey?
Although the osprey and white-tailed eagle look similar and are sometimes both called fish eagles, the two birds of prey are quite different, says Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger Sara Rasmussen
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
This may be the most photographed tree on the planet. Here's how it got so famous
The Wānaka Tree, rising from the shallow waters of Lake Wānaka in New Zealand, is a must-photograph for many nature-lovers. But why?
“It’s like being electrocuted and set on fire at the same time…” Discover one of the world's most dangerous trees
This tree is considered one of the world’s most venomous plants, and its painful effects can last for years.
"It drops large cones that weigh 40 pounds apiece – more than heavy enough to kill a passer-by..." 8 most dangerous trees on the planet
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.
“The cordyceps erupts from the ant’s head.” Deadly parasitic fungus infiltrates an ant’s body and mind in this BBC Planet Earth clip
In footage captured for BBC’s Planet Earth, an ant is infected by deadly zombie fungus.
