Animal Facts
Caterpillars are insects but have more than six legs. Here’s why
Discover the evolutionary marvels that contribute to a caterpillar's unique locomotion and survival strategies.
I went to Zambia in search of Tripod, a three-legged lioness who survived a poacher’s snare. This is her story.
Seven years ago, a poacher’s snare robbed a lioness of her leg. Against the odds, she lives on in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Mike Dexter goes in search of her
Sperm whales have been seen pooing on orcas in what scientists think may be a form of 'defensive defecation'
Researchers observed orcas fleeing from sperm whale faeces – but was this ‘defensive defecation' a tactic or just a coincidence?
Discover the flatworm that can survive being sliced up by a knife
Nick Baker explores the bizarre life of a freshwater flatworm
Baby elephant suck their trunks, like human babies suck their thumbs. Here's why...
What's new?
Meet the southern grasshopper mouse, the killer mouse that howls at the moon when it strikes
Why the howl of the Southern grasshopper mouse is an eerie warning to its predators
Meet the moon snail, a killer predator who likes to paralyse and liquidise its prey
If you're visiting a sandy beach you may like to reflect on something that might be going on below your feet. Lurking behind the veil of wet sand, a killer is on the prowl. A driller-killer, no less. Let me introduce you to the moon snail
Which animal has the biggest testicles? The results might surprise you...
Karim Vahed takes a look at which species has the biggest testicles
Lord Voldemort ant discovered in Australian outback
The ghostly new species of ant, named after the Harry Potter villain, was found in the Pilbara region of north-west Australia.
Tardigrades: meet these fascinating tiny water bears that are the toughest creatures on earth, able to survive being microwaved and sent to space
Tardigrades are one of the toughest and most intriguing creatures on Earth. Nick Baker takes a look at these microscopic bear-like creatures, also known as water bears
Amphibians
The olm: meet the 'human fish', a blind cave-dwelling predator that lives to 100
Journey deep beneath the ground in search of one of the world's weirdest creatures – the olm, a cave-inhabiting 'dragon' that is as elusive as it is peculiar.
How do newts find ponds?
Ever wondered how newts find their ponds? Jules Howard explains
Lizard vs newt: what's the difference?
Newts and lizards can be mistaken for each other, despite being very different. This guide, from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, explains how to tell them apart.
Animal ID
How to identify wildlife paths and beds
Tall vegetation in midsummer makes it easy to spot the regular paths that wild animals take - and where they rested.
How to identify baby birds
Identify common baby birds with this handy chart
Woodpeckers of the UK
Meet the four woodpecker species that can be found in the UK.
Birds
Meet the strange-looking bird making a spectacular recovery amid the skyscrapers of Singapore
We uncover the unique harmony between urban life and wildlife conservation in one of Asia's bustling cities
How do flocks of birds fly so close together without colliding? The mystery explained
Fascinated by the closely co-ordinated manoeuvres of starling flocks and other birds? Phil Gates takes a look at how birds are able to synchronise so precisely - and avoid crashing
How long do birds live?
Just how long do birds live? Stuart Blackman takes a look at the lifespan of birds
Fish
Fish are mysteriously spinning in circles and dying in Florida. And scientists don't know why
Experts are getting involved to get to the bottom of the worrying phenomenon that is killing Florida's critically endangered smalltooth sawfish.
Schools of fish can swim as quietly as individuals. How 'acoustic stealth' could inspire next wave of submarines
The way fish move has a significant impact on how noisy the school is, according to a new study. Engineers say the finding could lead to the development of stealthier underwater vehicles.
Europe is dismantling its dams at a record-breaking rate – and it's saving rivers
Positive news for fish and other wildlife as 2023 was another record-breaking year for removing dams, weirs and other river barriers, freeing Europe’s rivers and restoring healthy habitats.
Insects & Invertebrates
Ugh there's a tongue-eating parasite? Afraid so, and it grows as big as a cockroach. Meet Cymothoa exigua
What’s grosser than gross? A parasite that eats your tongue – and then lives in your mouth, as your tongue. Meet the nightmarish Cymothoa exigua.
Meet the deadliest and biggest wasp in the world - complete with its scary 6mm stinger - and learn why it's called the murder hornet
This giant wasp would not be a welcome guest at your picnic, says Kitty Aldis
Meet the green banded broodsac, a deadly - and frankly - weird zombie parasite that turns a snail’s eyestalks into colourful, pulsating glowsticks
Nick Baker takes a look at the fascinating life of a green banded broodsac, which turns snails into disco zombies
Mammals
Fascinating facts about our warm blooded friends - the mammals.
"The bait was gone but no culprit inside". Four super-rare quolls caught sneaking around Australian wildlife sanctuary
A cohort of incredibly cute western quolls have been spotted stealing food at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, signifying a landmark moment for the species, say ecologists.
Hyena pseudopenis: why do female spotted hyenas have a fake penis?
Did you know some female spotted hyenas have a pseudopenis? Arjun Dheer explains
Squirrel pox: A guide to this fatal squirrel disease - including symptoms and causes - and its deadly effect on red squirrel populations
Squirrel pox is a deadly disease for red squirrels. The Red Squirrel Survival Trust explain what you need to know
Marine Animals
Giant prehistoric ichthyosaur found in UK might be largest marine reptile ever, say scientists
The ocean titan, identified as a new species of giant ichthyosaur, could have been as big as a blue whale.
1,000 oceanic manta rays seen in the Maldives
Landmark moment as 1,000th individual oceanic manta ray is recorded in Maldivian waters. The Indian Ocean archipelago has the third largest population in the world, after Ecuador and Mexico.
What is a cephalopod?
Cephalopods are an exclusively marine group comprising octopuses, cuttlefish, squids and nautiluses says Stuart Blackman
Reptiles
Largest snake to ever live discovered in an Indian mine
Scientists in India have discovered the remains of an ancient snake species which may have reached lengths of up to 15 metres, according to a new study.
How the devilish water snake, Erpeton tentaculatum, frightens its prey right into its mouth - in less than 0.02 seconds
South-East Asia's tentacled snake Erpeton tentaculatum must be a frightening sight - for fish
Can a green anaconda swallow a human? Learn all about these impressive and feared serpents, including where they live, what they eat and how they mate
Despite its fame and horror film notoriety, very little is known about the anaconda. One man who has got to grips – quite literally – with this giant serpent is Jésus A Rivas... Here he explains what you need to know about this fearsome predator