European Wildlife
Are there vultures in Europe?
Reviled by some, vultures are an essential part of many ecosystems around the world. There are four native breeding species in Europe, with another regularly visiting. Learn more about these fascinating birds in our expert guide by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF).
Feared and wildly misunderstood – the dark truth behind nature’s most vilified bird and its chilling reputation as a harbinger of death
Discover fascinating facts about this group of ecologically important birds.
The deadly Asian hornet: how to identify, what they like to eat, why they are a grave worry- and how to report a sighting
Considered a pest, and a particular threat to honeybees, Asian hornets were accidentally introduced to Europe in 2004.
Why do female reindeer grow antlers?
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, but that makes them unique in the deer world. Why are reindeer different? Biologist Craig Roberts has the answers.
The best wildlife livestreams to watch around the world
Thanks to the wonders of technology and the dedication of conservationists, it's now possible to watch a range of wildlife around the world via webcams from the comfort of your home. Here is an extensive list of species you can livestream, including eagles, owls, puffins, hummingbirds, elephants and manatees and how to watch.
From wild herds to festive favourites: how reindeer became part of Christmas
Reindeer may now be famed for their Christmas associations, but their history with humans goes back thousands of years
Alpine newt guide: how to identify, and how they arrived in the UK
How were alpine newts introduced to the UK, and where is their native range? Learn about this non-native species in our expert guide by PhD scientist Steve Allain.
Eurasian beaver guide: how to identify, why they became extinct in the UK, and where they've been reintroduced
Learn more about Eurasian beavers, including what they eat, why they build dams, and where they have been reintroduced in the UK in our expert guide by the Beaver Trust.
New Big 5 wildlife species revealed: what are they and where to see them
Shooting with cameras rather than guns is the idea behind a new international initiative to promote the synergy between wildlife photography and conservation.
Polar bear guide: where they're found, what they eat, and why they're threatened
As the world's largest bear, and largest land carnivore, polar bears are impressive mammals. They are adapted to living in the harsh Arctic environment, and threatened by climate change.
A Vulture Landscape – 12 months in Extremadura
A Vulture Landscape – 12 months in Extremadura follows a year in the lives of these huge, magnificent birds that make this part of southern Europe their home.
Global Bird Weekend: when it is, and how to take part
Take part in this new global birdwatching event and join naturalists around the world in submitting your bird sightings.
Origins of bearded vulture in the UK revealed
Genetic analysis of the visiting bearded vulture has shown that it is a wild-born female, who hatched in the French Alps last year.
A swim in the sea with an inquisitive octopus
When holidaymaker Dave Musgrove ventured down to the coast, he stumbled across a curious cephalopod.
New beetle species named after The Beatles
A beetle species new to science has been discovered by citizen scientists – and named after the legendary music group The Beatles.
Monkey business: if macaques want your food, they're not going to ask for it!
Barbary macaques are thriving on the Rock of Gibraltar. But is there enough space for both people and monkeys?
When is Snow Cats and Me on TV?
In his latest "and Me" series, wildlife cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan helps a Russian scientist to rehabilitate lynx.
Iberian lynx guide: species facts and where they live in the wild
Discovering fascinating factsl about one of the world's most endangered cat species.
Conserving the Iberian lynx
Captive breeding and translocation are key to the ongoing effort to conserve the Iberian lynx, and have brought the species back from the brink of extinction.
Climate change causes invasion of Mediterranean butterfly in the UK
Record-breaking numbers of long-tailed blue butterflies have been seen in the last few weeks.
Lynx translocated to save endangered population
The translocations are part of the LIFE Lynx project to help increase the genetic pool of the lynx population in the Dinaric Mountains.
Everything you need to know about ash dieback
We asked Dr Andrea Harper at the University of York to answer some questions about ash dieback, which is devastating trees across Europe.
Iberian ibex: the rock stars of Granada
In Spain's Granada province Iberian ibex are skilled climbers capable of jumping over canyons, sheltering on tiny ledges and walking on sharp ridges. Photographer Ugo Mellone spent time documenting (and trying to keep up with) these wild goats.
A year in the life of European brown bears
Growing to between 100-350kg, the European brown bear is Europe's largest land predator.