Scientists have discovered the Egyptian Jackal may actually be more closely related to the wolf. As long ago as the 19th century, biologists raised this question because they look remarkable similar to the grey wolf but it’s only now with advances in DNA sequencing the link has been proven. More interestingly, a recent photo shows a wolf hanging out with some side-striped jackals, showing the complexity of the relationships between the species.
Scientists tracking polar bears have discovered one bear’s incredible journey as she swam for 9 days to reach some ice to rest on. Her yearling cub didn’t survive the ordeal and while polar bears swimming isn’t new, this GPS tracking allows us for the first time to see the true results of global warming.
The National Trust has stepped in to offer to take over most of the forests up for sale by the Government. The National Trust could protect important heritage sites such as the Forest of Dean as well as smaller areas, still important to their communities. Currently, 288,000 people have signed up to protest at these sites being sold off at all.
Photo : Tim Ireland/PA
Big Garden Birdwatch 2011 TV ad from The RSPB on Vimeo.
It’s nearly time for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch! The RSPB have been doing this for 30 years and it’s a brilliant way to find out how our feathered friends are getting on. All you need to do is spend an hour this weekend to see what flutters into your garden! Find out more and use their handy identification sheet from their website.
Scientists have discovered why the enigmatic and mysterious seahorse has its unusual S-shape. The seahorse has evolved from the straight pipefish as its curves allow it to reach more distant prey. They both eat tiny marine life but while the pipefish has to actively seek out food, the seahorse hooks its tail and waits…and when it pounces, the forward movement of its head helps suck in more marine life.
Brilliant news for Chester Zoo and the Asian Elephant breeding programme! This weekend this little girl was born after the long 22 month pregnancy. She’ll stay with her Mum for the next 2-3 years before being weaned.
This incredible picture is the result of 6 years work following these powerful bears as they hunted and walked for miles through forests. Despite this reputation, bears are actually well adapted for a more vegetarian diet and are mostly opportunistic hunters…making good use of their powerful sense of smell to detect prey like this unfortunate fish.
Photo : Sergey Gorshkov/ Solent News
Scientists have found that the rare Sunda Clouded Leopard has two subspecies; for Borneo and Indonesia. The species was only discovered in 2007 and this recent news means zoos and wildlife researchers must be careful with any breeding programmes. It’s thought the different species evolved after being separated by rising sea levels after the last Ice Age. The big cat remains on the endangered list as they need large hunting areas which are currently threatened by logging and plantations.
Some good news…Wibble, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s longest feline resident, has finally found a new home. In her 299 days at the rehoming centre, she watched 1,200 other cats find their new families until she was discovered by a lovely couple.
The Battersea staff spent those days bringing out the shy and nervous cat that arrived
It’s the Battersea staff Wibble has to thank…spending hours working with her to make the shy, nervous cat who arrived into the big ball of purring fur who eventually left.
Find out how you can help this invaluable charity…!
No, not a typo, this is the heaviest flying animal in the world! Males can grow up to a metre high with a wingspan of 2.4 metres but became extinct in this country mainly from hunting. Now plans to reintroduce the bird to the UK have been boosted with a grant from the EU. Chicks were brought over from Russia in 2004 and only five years later, the first birds were hatched in the wild in 177 years!
