News
We bring you the latest from around the World in wildlife and conservation news.
Bowhead Whale Has 200 Year Lifespan
The bowhead whale has the longest life span of all Earth’s mammals and can live for over 200 years according to the results of a new study. With scant evidence of disease as a result of its age, researchers hope the longevity of the whale can offer some insight into how humans can live longer and healthier lives. The findings of the study were published recently in the journal Cell Reports.
Rare Albino Dolphin Spotted Off The Coast Of Florida
According to recent reports, a rare albino dolphin was seen in waters off the coast of Florida. If the reports are to be believed, this would be the first time in nearly fifty years an albino dolphin has been spotted. According to biologists albinism has been confirmed in 20 species, of porpoises, dolphins and whales and there have been only 14 previous sightings of an albino bottlenose dolphin.
Weddell Seals May Use Earth’s Magnetic Field As GPS
Antarctic seals whilst hunting, may make use of the Earth’s magnetic field which functions as a kind of natural GPS according to the results of a new study. Weddell seals are uniquely adapted biologically speaking to deep dive whilst hunting, but they also have an amazing ability to locate the breathing holes they need on the ice surface.
Rare Elephant Twins Born At South African Game Reserve
Last month an elephant in South Africa named Curve and aged 31 delivered a set of twins at the Pongola Game Reserve. The birth left conservationists and experts amazed because they say elephant twins are an incredibly rare occurrence. Scientists at the Kruger National Park say that twins occur in less than 1 per cent of elephant births.
Why Do Cats Purr?
The results of a new study has revealed the changes to the genome of felines that cause kitty cats to purr for treats and snuggle up to their human owners. Genetic changes have reduced the cat’s fear of new situations and altered their motivation to actively seek out rewards according to Dr. Wesley Warren the co-author of the study.
The Intricate Mating Dance Of The Flamingo
Thanks to its distinctive feathers, the flamingo is one of the most recognisable birds in the world. Flamingo feathers range from bright red to light pink which lends a certain sense of flamboyance to the species in general. However did you know the mating habits of these birds are just as flashy as their looks?
Robot Helps Scientists Study Wild Penguins
If we want to understand why wild animals behave the way they do, then studying them is critical. However one problem this raises is what if the passive act of observation ends up changing the way animals behave? Behavioural ecologists have worried about this problem for decades but according to a recently published paper in Nature Methods, there is a clever new technique for collecting data from wild animals without causing them unnecessary stress.
Orphaned Baby Sea Otter Rescued
In October a sea otter pup that had been orphaned was rescued from a beach in California. The camera friendly critter has been given a new start in the Midwest of the United States and will be receiving 24 hour care at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.