Leoma Williams
Animal behavior researcher and science writer
Leoma Williams is an animal behavior researcher and science writer. She is currently studying for a PhD at the University of Manchester, investigating the evolution of sociality in primates, with a focus on cooperation in monkeys and apes, as well as studying social birds such as ravens. In autumn 2019, she was an editorial intern at BBC Wildlife, writing news articles, fact-files, and quizzes for the website, as well as news articles for the magazine. She now writes periodically for both the website and print magazine, mostly as a frequent ‘ask an expert’ in the Q&A section, answering questions like “Can other animals lie?” and “Is trade unique to humans?”. She is interested in figuring out how animals think and interact, and what guides their behavior. In her spare time she can be found cooking, painting, and talking to her cat.
Recent articles by Leoma Williams
King penguin guide: species facts and where they live
Learn about the spectacular aquatic flightless bird known as the kind penguin in our expert guide, including essential species facts, diet and habitat. Plus, the mystery of the shrinking colony.
9 most poisonous mushrooms: deadly fungi you don't want to mess with
Mushrooms can be a great and tasty source of food, but foragers beware, some should be avoided at all cost!
World's most venomous spiders: Are these deadly spiders as fearsome as their reputation?
Here are the most venomous spiders in the world, but just how deadly are they really?
10 animals named after food: chocolate chip sea star anyone?
Evolution has produced some curious and comical-looking animals, including some that look uncannily like food! Here are some of our favourites, from a fried egg jelly fish to a chocolate chip sea star
Top 10 Arctic animals: what animals can survive this freezing landscape?
Although the Arctic may be a cold and harsh place to live, it is home to many fascinating animal species. Here are our top 10 Animals that live in the Arctic
10 Ice Age animals: meet the extraordinary beasts that thrived when the world was frozen
The temperatures were low, but the animals were immense! Our expert guide examines some of the truly massive animals that dominated Ice age landscapes
Cannibal animals: 10 creatures that eat their own species - there may be some surprises...
It may seem gruesome, but many animals have been recorded feeding on their own species. Here are 10 cannibalistic animals, including some that might surprise you.
What are primates?
Find out all about primates, the extraordinary group of animals to which we belong!
10 biggest spiders in the world: meet huge arachnids as big as dinner plates
Meet the ten largest spiders in the world - you wouldn't want to see these scuttling across your carpet!
15 weirdest animals: meet the weird freaks and oddballs of the natural world
Often it is the cute and cuddly animals that get the most attention, but let's spare some time and love for the freaks and oddballs of the natural world! Meet our 15 weirdest animals
What animals mate for life? Meet the most devoted couples in the animal kingdom
We meet some of the animals that mate for life, but are monogamous relationships in animals as sweet as they seem?
The biggest birds in the world (by maximum weight): Discover 10 towering, weighty avian giants
You wouldn’t want to find these beasts at your bird feeder…
10 of the world’s most poisonous plants to steer clear of
There is an incredible number of dangerous and deadly plants around the world. Discover some of the most toxic plants and other fascinating facts from the team at BBC Wildlife magazine.
10 animals named after Star Wars characters, from Jedi ants to Skywalker apes
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are quite a few Star Wars fans among biologists. These ones have used their opportunity to name a new species to make reference to their beloved franchise.
10 desert animals that thrive in hostile conditions
From the deathstalker scorpion to the screaming hairy armadillo, meet the desert animals that thrive in extreme conditions
10 most venomous animals: there may be a few venomous creatures you weren't expecting...
It's not just particular snakes and spiders you have to watch out for! Here are our top ten venomous animals, from surprising sea creatures to primates.
10 most poisonous animals, from frogs to sharks. There may be some surprises...
From frogs and toads to butterflies and beetles, there is no shortage of toxicity in the animal kingdom. Read on to discover our list of poisonous animals - some you may know well, others may surprise you.
10 deadliest animals to humans - you don't want to get too close
Think you might know what the 10 deadliest animals might be? Our expert guide rounds up the animals causing the most number of human deaths per year – and some of them might just surprise you.
Smallest birds in the world: discover 10 tiny avian wonders
Birds vary enormously in size and shape. The ostrich can grow up to 9ft tall. But what about at the other end of the spectrum? Here are the world’s 10 very smallest birds.
Weirdest birds: meet 12 strange and weird wonders of the avian world
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
Can animals be gay? Homosexual behaviour in animals examined
Humans are definitely not the only species to exhibit same-sex sexual behaviour. But is it the evolutionary conundrum it’s made out to be? Can animals be gay?
10 deadliest insects: The most dangerous insects to humans
Small but deadly! From disease spreaders to stingers to voracious swarms, read all about the world’s most deadly and dangerous insects.
Weirdest fish: 12 of the strangest fish in the world
Our seas are brimming with strange and wonderful creatures. Meet 12 of the weirdest fish in the world, which sport everything from super-long noses to golfball heads
Do honey bears actually eat honey?
We take a look at the diet of honey bears, also known as a Kinkajou