Jo Caird
Jo Caird is a freelance journalist who lives in East London and writes for newspapers, magazines and the web. She specialises in citizen science and conservation with a strong community focus. Read more about her work at jocaird.com
Recent articles by Jo Caird
Campaigners want this pod of dolphins to be granted the same legal rights as humans. Here’s why
The rights of nature movement recognises that natural entities and ecosystems are rights holders in law – here's how it works.
10 smartest animals on the planet: Discover the world's cleverest creatures, including some unexpected species redefining intelligence
Which are the cleverest animals in the world? And how do we even rate intelligence? We take a look
The 10 grumpiest animals on the planet, including the crotchety-looking Pallas’s cat and the unfortunate blobfish
Eastern screech owls, red-lipped batfish and thorny devils are some of the moodiest-looking animals on the planet. But are they really as crabby as they appear?
Head-butting, drowning and dive-bombing – discover 10 most aggressive, badass animals on the planet that aren't afraid to put up a fight
These sometimes cute-looking animals have a hostile side and aren't afraid to strike
World's 11 deadliest sea creatures: Meet the most dangerous animals in the ocean
Sharks aren’t the only danger in the ocean. Here are our top 10 most deadly sea creatures, from those that sting to those that bite
The mega-cute cat that thinks it's a monkey, which can hang from a branch by a single foot and catch itself mid-fall
This small cat is known for its acrobatic abilities in the rainforest
10 desert plants that thrive in hostile and inhospitable conditions – often in extreme temperatures
Deserts are home to some of the most extraordinary plants on Earth. Here are our top 10 species, from Antarctica flowers to delicious date palms
One of the world's fiercest warriors, this is a formidable predator with powerful jaws capable of crushing bone
All you need to know about one of the world's most aggressive animals - the wolverine
This innocent-looking insect delivers the most painful sting in the world and can leave you in agony for 24 hours or more
It may only be 2.5cm but it sure packs a punch. Here's all you need to know about bullet ants
It has one of the most painful stings on Earth and can eat a tarantula alive from inside out - meet the deadly tarantula hawk wasp
Meet the wasp that has a taste for tarantulas
It barks like a dog, has razor-sharp teeth and is a horror movie favourite – but is this scary-looking fish just misunderstood?
It's been made famous in horror films for its ferocious nature, but is this creature really that deadly? We find out once and for all.
Can fish drown?
Can fish drown? What about other species that spend their lives underwater? We explain the science of breathing underwater and what can go wrong
Discover the world of the beautiful, yet much-feared, sea snake: do these venomous serpents deserve their deadly reputation?
All you ever needed to know about the much-feared sea snake
Ultimate red panda guide: Uncover the secrets of the world’s cutest, most elusive animal – and why they're at risk of disappearing
All you need to know about the charismatic red panda
Joro spider guide: what are they, do they bite and are they poisonous? Here's everything you need to know
What are Joro spiders, are they dangerous to humans and how did they come to make a home for themselves in North America, far from their east Asian native range?
Invasive Joro spiders are spreading up the US east coast. Experts reveal what to expect
The venomous spiders, native to east Asia, are predicted to inhabit most of the eastern US in coming years.
Cicadas are coming: scientists to bring singing bug back to Britain
Conservationists announce plan to reintroduce species once found across the New Forest but not seen in the UK since the 1990s.
Scientists are a step closer to bringing the dodo back from extinction. And it may save existing wildlife on Mauritius
Back in 2022, the dodo's genome was sequenced from a DNA sample. Now the company trying to resurrect the long-extinct flightless bird is working with Mauritian conservationists to restore habitat ready for eventual re-wilding.
Could the dodo come back from extinction?
Back in 2022, the dodo's genome was sequenced from a DNA sample. Now the company trying to resurrect the long-extinct flightless bird is working with Mauritian conservationists to restore habitat ready for eventual re-wilding.
Grasshoppers: all you need to know
Learn all about grasshoppers in our quick-reference guide.
New study reveals evolutionary origins of masturbation in primates
Masturbation shown to increase reproductive success and reduce incidence of sexually transmitted infection in primates
The IUCN Red List: what it is, how it works - and just why it's so important
The IUCN Red List tracks the conservation status of species worldwide, but how are they assessed and does it really help their survival?
Why does a bee die after it stings you?
Just what happens to a bee after it stings you? Why do some species die and some survive?
How to watch Frozen Planet II
Bundle up warm to discover the landscapes and wildlife of Earth’s coldest regions in Frozen Planet II, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.