October 2024 biodiversity celebration dates

Cassowary Day 2024
Guam kingfisher
Wild News
Rescued Guam kingfishers returned to the wild
There is good news for a bird called the Guam kingfisher, which was declared extinct in the wild in 1988 due to predation from brown tree snakes.
a hyacinth macaw
Wild News
The world’s largest parrot is threatened by fires in Brazil
Fires have swept through an important breeding refuge for hyacinth macaws.
Scientists used eDNA analysis to identify 125 species of aquatic and terrestrial animals in the remote Corubal River in West Africa.
Wild News
Scientists use eDNA to discover hidden animals in a West African river
Scientists can use DNA left in the environment to survey biodiversity in ecosystems. It is a useful tool in remote areas, where it is hard to watch or capture species.
Home's hinge-back tortoise
Wild News
The tortoise with the back door in its shell
Meet a clever tortoise with a special trick for keeping itself safe from predators!
Indigenous conservationist Merinia Almeida trains Quechua women, such as Sonia de la Cruz Ccaico, and her son in the use of camera traps.
Wild News
Indigenous women in Peru work together to solve human-wildcat conflict
A team of Indigenous Quechua women are using camera traps to do science, building stronger livestock enclosures, and changing attitudes about wildcats.
Maugean skate hatchling
Wild News
An endangered Australian fish skates away from extinction
Good news for an endangered Tasmanian skate. For the first time, a Maugean skate egg has hatched in captivity.
earthworm spot the difference
earthworms dig tunnels
vermiores eat worms
snake babies
The Feature Creature
Sssuper snakes
Introducing our slithery neighbors, the snakes.
An otter
The Feature Creature
There are 13 species of otters
This year World Otter Day is May 25. Let's celebrate these amazing, water-loving, playful, carnivorous mammals.
The Feature Creature
Meet some chameleons of Madagascar, with Dr. Frank Glaw
Madagascar is home to an amazing diversity of chameleons, from the teeny tiny to the large and colorful! Expert Dr. Frank Glaw describes some of his favorites...
hippo birthday party
Nature Lab, Take Action
What do we do with our stuff when we are done with it?
A large amount of recyclable stuff ends up as litter or in landfill instead of becoming new bottles, toys, cans, and other useful things. We can change this!
Nature Lab
What is seagrass and why is it important?
Seagrasses are aquatic plants that are super important for planet Earth. Learn more!
The Feature Creature
World Elephant Day for kids
August 12 is World Elephant Day. Celebrate these awesome giants of the animal world!
a nudibranch
Puzzles and Games
Nudibranch matching game
Nudibranchs come in the most amazing array of shapes and colors! Can you find the matching pairs?
which of these images is a horseshoe crab?
Puzzles and Games, The Feature Creature
Quiz: What is a horseshoe crab?
Horseshoe crabs may not be on your top 10 list of favorite animals, but maybe they ought to be. Take the quiz to learn why!
Puzzles and Games
Giraffe spotter game
This matching game comes with a warning!