Animal Facts
“It’s hard to imagine a more wasteful way to catch fish” David Attenborough narrates never-before-seen footage of destructive bottom trawlers
The widespread fishing practise has been filmed for the first time in such detail as part of a new Attenborough-narrated documentary.
80 years ago, a cargo ship struck a mine and sank to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. Then something staggering happened
Over time, the wrecked ship began to corrode and crumble – attracting some extraordinary creatures.
Why are snails so slow?
Snails aren't built for speed – that much is obvious. But why are they so slow? Stuart Blackman takes a look.
World's most venomous spiders: Are these 10 deadly spiders as fearsome as their reputation?
Here are the most venomous spiders in the world, but just how deadly are they really?
We don’t know how great white sharks have sex, but what we do know about their mating ritual is terrifying
All we know about great white shark sex
What's new?
Crocodile experts just made a huge discovery in the Caribbean Sea
A new DNA study has revealed two previously unknown species of crocodile, both hiding in plain sight on the islands of Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro off the Yucatán Peninsula.
It's longer than a bed, covered in slime and has teeth in its throat – meet this giant hunter of the reef
This 30-kilogram predator hunts mostly at night, ambushing prey before swallowing it whole with its specially adapted jaws.
Why do ostriches have two knees?
Stuart Blackman explains why an ostrich's legs look so strange
How do whales breastfeed underwater?
Do whales produce milk? Do whales have nipples? How does it all work underwater? Read on to find out all the whale nursing facts you've been wondering about.
"It gives some hope": new population of near-extinct tiny chameleons discovered in Madagascar
The discovery of the Belalanda chameleons offers "a rare opportunity" to help conserve the species, say researchers.
Amphibians
It breaks its own bones in the battle for a mate, can regenerate and is oddly hairy – meet this bizarre 'Wolverine'-like creature
Meet the amphibian with hair, claws and the ability to regenerate.
11 bizarrest frogs you (probably) haven't heard of - from ultrasonic screamers to a species that glue themselves together when mating
Discover the weird and wonderful oddballs from the world of frogs
This strange animal survives winter by stopping its heart for 8 months and 'dying' before leaping back to life in spring
This frog survives winter by spending it frozen solid - literally
Animal ID
10 animals with the wrong names: Discover misleading monikers and curious cases of mistaken identity
Common names for animals are often easier to remember than their Latin names, but they can often lead to confusion. Here are 10 animals with some very misleading names.
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.
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.
Birds
This 'karaoke queen' uses its song to fend off rival mates from vicious nest vandalism
The female superb lyrebirds have a voice – and a taste for vandalism – which they aren't afraid to use.
They can jump, lay half-eggs and never get cold feet: 14 penguin facts that prove just how incredible these seabirds are
From minuscule fairy penguins to half-egg-laying oddities, the world of penguins is full of surprises. Here are some fascinating facts about these remarkable seabirds.
“Unbelievable thing to see”: Drone captures never-seen-before footage of penguin chicks plunging 50 feet into Antarctic Ocean
The dramatic footage was filmed for National Geographic's series Secret Lives of Penguins.
Fish
Incredible shark facts: 34 hard-to-believe facts that celebrate this fascinating, yet much-maligned fish
Celebrate the wonder and variety of sharks, an ancient and much-misunderstood fish.
How deadly are sharks to humans?
People often worry about the risk of shark bites but how dangerous are these predators to humans in reality?
Are there great white sharks in UK waters?
British seas have temperate waters and lots of seals – perfect conditions for great white sharks. But is the iconic species found here?
Insects & Invertebrates
BBC Earth records rare footage of burrowing bee’s violent mating frenzy – watch nature’s brutal race to reproduce
After spending a year underground, the female Dawson’s burrowing bee emerges from her colony – only to be pounced on by hundreds of potential mates
This bizarre Australian bug looks ‘like a chipolata sausage’, has cannibalistic tendencies and swims through sand
Meet the seldom-seen subterranean insect that swims beneath your feet in Australia.
Scientists just solved one of Yellowstone’s greatest animal mysteries
For two decades, researchers have been trying to work out how a remarkable animal can survive among the scalding thermal springs of Yellowstone National Park. Now they finally know.
Mammals
Fascinating facts about our warm blooded friends - the mammals.
How many legs does a kangaroo have?
Scientists say kangaroos have a third leg masquerading as a tail.
Sea otters are suddenly flourishing along the Monterey Peninsula – for a surprising reason
The otters appear to be benefiting from the dramatic disappearance of another marine predator.
This creature might be tiny but it sure is mighty as it has a backbone strong enough to withstand being stood on by a 70kg human
Is there really a shrew that can survive being stood on by a 70kg human for five minutes? Nick Baker investigates
Marine Animals
“Our silver bullet”: Experts are racing to save these native crayfish from invasive species that bring a fungal ‘plague’
The white-clawed crayfish is disappearing from Britain’s waterways. But we’re not giving up on this little crustacean just yet.
From venomous sex to maternal sacrifice: 7 fascinating facts about octopuses
From venomous mating rituals to post-birth starvation, these remarkable facts reveal just how weird and wonderful octopuses really are
“It was pure chaos!” Diver stumbles across huge tentacled animal in Australia
Underwater videographer shares incredible footage of the moment he discovers an enormous lion's mane jellyfish.
Reptiles
This deadly giant lizard can kill a human, yet Indonesian villagers let them roam on school playing fields
On the remote reaches of Komodo island, people live alongside dragons. We find out how they do it – and why they're willing to take the risk.
13 deadliest snakes: Meet the world's most venomous snakes whose lethal bites can kill a human...
Snake bites constitute a major cause of animal-related deaths, with the WHO describing it as a “a neglected public health issue”. Here is our list of the deadliest snakes with bites that can kill...
9 weirdest snakes in the world, from flying serpents to spider-tailed vipers. There's even a spiky species that looks more like a dragon...
Discover the planet's most bizarre and frankly weird snakes, including one that can glide through the air