We asked some Neuroparasitologists about the tiny critters that turn animals into zombies
Mindless, wandering creatures whose only remaining purpose in life is to serve their parasitic hosts. No, not the terrifying subject of a new George A. Romero flick, but a genuine natural occurrence caused by fiendish little organisms that have evolved brain-controlling abilities in order to survive. Neuroparasitology is the scientific study of parasites that control … Continued
The most beautiful trees on Earth
Trees are often overlooked in favour of more charismatic mega fauna (normally critters with fur and four legs). But just as there are endangered animals in need of conservation, many tree species are under threat too. Here’s 10 of the most iconic trees from around the world, to remind us that these magnificent species need our love and … Continued
10 of the biggest man-made changes to the natural world
For centuries explorers and pioneers saw the natural world as inexhaustible. From fish stocks to forests, it was thought that no human activity could possibly impact nature on any significant scale. Unfortunately, we now know this is wrong. We can, and have, made vast changes to our world. Here is just a taste of what … Continued
Drunken Monkeys! Booze-loving primates proven to seek out high-alcohol nectar
Some primates actively seek out the booziest treats they can find, and tolerance to alcohol may even have given a few species an evolutionary edge over their lightweight cousins, according to a new study. In tests conducted by researchers at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, aye-ayes, a little loopy looking lemur species from Madagascar, … Continued
Back from the brink: the Mauritius kestrel
In the land of the dodo, endangered endemic species such as the Mauritian kestrel are pulling out of a dramatic death dive to star in an extraordinary story of last-gasp survival. Wander into any gift shop on Mauritius, a verdant green droplet on the vast blue canvas of the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, and … Continued
26 facts about the satanic leaf-tailed gecko you may not know
An odd looking creature with an even odder name, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is a rare lizard species that can only be found on the island of Madagascar. These geckos are noted for their large, flat tail that resembles a leaf. The scientific name of this species, phantasticus, is Latin for “imaginary”, and it was … Continued
Deadly toxic toads invade Madagascar
Madagascar is being invaded by a species of toxic toad that’s placing the African island’s unique native fauna in massive danger, also posing a significant threat to human health and even the nation’s economy, a new scientific study has revealed. The Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), also known as the the Javanese, black-spectacled or black-spined toad, is … Continued
This little lemur loves to leap
Jocelyn, a baby ring-tailed lemur, has a lot of energy and loves bouncing around her exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Lemurs in Kent just got a pretty nifty gift from Sony
The Port Lympne Reserve’s langurs and lemurs are ringing in the New Year like many of us—binging on nature documentaries. As part of the reserve’s ‘Back to the Wild’ project, aiming to return animals born in parks across Europe to their native homes, the primate staff have installed brand-spanking new and state of the art … Continued
YEAR IN REVIEW: A comprehensive look at all the wild things that happened in 2015
As we begin the countdown for the New Year and prepare to bid adieu to 2015, the hottest year ever recorded on Earth, Patrick Kinsella looks back on the discoveries, developments, disasters and decisions that defined the last 12 months, and finds plenty to both cheer and jeer about in the convoluted plot of the … Continued
Gardeners of the forest
Have you ever seen anyone digging with their gardening shovel in the forest or a preparing a seedling germination tray in the woods? Who then plants the teeming and endless variety of vegetation? Forests have their own expert gardeners who carry and spread seeds far and wide, keeping it alive and growing. In fact, 95 … Continued