Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) are the largest freshwater mammal in Brazil. They can grow to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weigh 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). They are herbivores and they feed on a diet of aquatic plants. Although they are big, they are…
Scientists used genetic signals in elephant poop to learn that there are about about 95,000 forest elephants in Gabon.
Let’s talk about canine teeth! Today, we’re talking about the research of scientist and canine tooth expert, Tahlia Pollock. Tahlia has studied the canine teeth of many different kinds of carnivores and we’ll find out what she learned in a moment. But first, a quick…
Honk if you have seen a bear, wolf, coyote, or bobcat crossing the road in front of you while you’re in the car. You may not have a very high chance of seeing carnivores crossing the road during the day … Wildlife researchers in Michigan…
A female hoolock gibbon photographed in the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. Image by Miraj Hussain via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). There is only one type of ape in India, the hoolock gibbon. Several families of hoolock gibbons live in Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in India’s northeastern state of…
The California condor is a beautiful large bird that is very important to the Yurok Tribe of Northern California. The California condor features prominently in Yurok stories, ceremonies, and traditions. In the Yurok language, the condor is known as prey-gon-eesh. A released California condor with…
Michael Parsons studies rats in cities. Most people find rats yucky, so why would anyone want to study them? Lab logo. Image courtesy of Michael Parsons. One reason is that rats cause billions of dollars a year in damage through loss of food, starting fires…
An eastern barred bandicoot in Australia. Image: Zoos Victoria It’s an exciting day for the eastern barred bandicoot! After a more than 30-year effort by a dedicated team of people (with some help from a few dogs), this adorable Australian animal has an opportunity to…
Jaws is a famous movie about sharks, and it has been scaring some people for almost 50 years since it came out in 1975. A new study by shark researchers analyzed 109 shark movies and showed that all but one of them, Finding Dory, showed…
What’s the story? Humans create vaccines to help defend ourselves against diseases like rabies, influenza, and coronavirus. We also use vaccines to help protect our pets and livestock – cows, sheep, goats – from disease. Could we use vaccines to help endangered wildlife, too? Scientists…
Mice, rats, hedgehogs, solenodons, moles, muskrats… Are these animals gross and frightening, cute and cuddly, or just plain cool? Today, we want to talk about the little mammals. The ones that most people don’t know much about. Let’s change that. Let’s all get excited about…
This is Tammy, a green turtle who visits the waters around Sri Lanka: Tammy, a female green turtle, was the first turtle to be identified under the program. Image courtesy of Krysztof Bargiel. The Sri Lankan public is being asked to help build a database…