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Animals News
Warden Wounded in Africa's Oldest National Park Had Enemies
April 18, 2014
Emmanuel de Merode, chief warden of Virunga National Park, is recovering from gunshot wounds suffered in an attack Tuesday.
Convicted Drug Dealer Indicted for Selling Rhino Horns
April 17, 2014
U.S. undercover investigation nets an alleged rhino horn trafficker with ties to former Medellín drug cartel.
Can World's Rarest Bear Be Saved?
April 17, 2014
Fewer than three dozen of the desert-dwelling Gobi bears survive in one of the harshest places on Earth.
Chimpanzees Make Beds That Offer Them Best Night's Sleep
April 16, 2014
Chimpanzees choose tree branches that give them the most firm, stable, and comfortable place to sleep, a new study says.
Why Are Black Bear Attacks Up in Florida?
April 15, 2014
After a woman was attacked in her garage by a black bear and officials kill five animals, we talked to an expert about why such incidents are on the rise.
One in Three Fish Imported Into U.S. May Be Illegal
April 9, 2014
A new study says 20 to 32 percent of wild-caught imported seafood comes from pirate fishing around the world.
Belgium Crushes its Elephant Ivory As Europe Takes Harder Look at Wildlife Trafficking
April 9, 2014
Belgium's ivory crush outside Brussels comes the day before an EU conference on measures to reduce wildlife trafficking.
Gulf Oil Spill "Not Over": Dolphins, Turtles Dying in Record Numbers
April 8, 2014
Four years after the biggest oil spill in U.S. history, the Gulf of Mexico's wildlife species are still struggling to recover, according to a new report released today.
Two Prairie Voles Walk Into a Bar... Then Scientists Study Alcohol's Effects on Couples Bonding
April 7, 2014
A new study reveals how alcohol affects the brain chemistry of pair-bonding prairie voles.
Q&A: Pets Are Becoming People, Legally Speaking
April 6, 2014
Cats and dogs are gaining more rights, reports author David Grimm in his new book Citizen Canine.
Getting to Know Afghanistan's Huge New National Park
April 4, 2014
Wakhan National Park protects mountains, snow leopards, and traditional ways of life.
Researcher Explains How Crows Solved a Challenge From "Aesop's Fables."
April 3, 2014
In a new study, crows solved a challenge from Aesop's Fables, showing scientists how their minds work.
Rescue Dogs Tested by Washington Mudslide Recovery: Q&A With a Handler
April 2, 2014
After the March 22 mudslide in Oso, Washington, sniffer-dogs' efforts to find victims are hampered by packed mud, rushing water, and poor weather.
Q&A: On Her 80th Birthday, Jane Goodall Discusses Her Legacy—and What's Next
April 2, 2014
Jane Goodall's work with chimps has evolved over half a century from field research to successful advocacy.
Q&A: A Kenyan Priest Talks About His Commitment to Saving Wildlife
April 1, 2014
Father Charles Odira joins a growing body of religious leaders committed to stopping wildlife trafficking and protecting nature.
One of World's Last Sumatran Rhinos Dies at Cincinnati Zoo
March 31, 2014
The death of Suci, 10, is a "devastating blow" to her rapidly dwindling species, according to zoo officials.
Too Many Salmon in the Sea, Pacific Study Hints
March 31, 2014
Fueled by rising sea temperatures, pink salmon have become too abundant for the good of other marine life and need to be scaled back, a seabird study argues.
Japan Halts Whaling Program in Response to International Court Ruling
March 31, 2014
A United Nations court ruled that Japan's program to take whales in the Southern Ocean is not for scientific purposes and must stop.
Why Do Animals Sometimes Kill Their Babies?
March 28, 2014
Infanticide by males in the wild is a winning strategy in life's biggest sweepstakes: reproductive success. But what prompts a mother in a zoo to eat her babies?
Ten Stray Dogs From Sochi Arrive in U.S. for Adoption
March 28, 2014
Ten dogs rescued from the streets of Sochi, Russia, arrived at the Washington D.C. Animal Rescue League Thursday evening on their way to new homes in the U.S.
No Real Animals Aboard Hollywood Noah's Ark
March 28, 2014
No live lions or tigers or bears appear in Darren Aronofsky's epic film, Noah—for reasons both political and practical.
Military Dolphins and Sea Lions: What Do They Do and Who Uses Them?
March 28, 2014
For all our advanced technology, nothing beats the ability of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions to find things in the ocean.
Opinion: Killing Healthy Zoo Animals Is Wrong—And the Public Agrees
March 27, 2014
The recent deaths of four zoo lions and a giraffe, perversely justified "in the name of conservation," were easily avoidable, a scientist says.
Hey Kids, All Deer Aren't Like Bambi
March 27, 2014
A new study says that children learn facts about animals better from realistic books than from books that give the animals humanlike features.
Climate Change Shrinks Salamanders
March 27, 2014
Amphibians are responding to warmer, drier conditions, says new study.
Elusive Whales Set New Record for Depth and Length of Dives Among Mammals
March 26, 2014
These elusive whales dive nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) deep off the coast of southern California.
Copenhagen Zoo Kills 4 Lions After Controversial Giraffe Death
March 26, 2014
The zoo that earned international condemnation for killing a healthy giraffe in February has euthanized four African lions.
Video: Inside Look at Insect Flight
March 25, 2014
Scientists have developed a CT scanning technique that lets them view the inner workings of insects' muscles while in flight.
Q&A: Giant-Bird Research Illuminates "Chicken From Hell" Dinosaur
March 25, 2014
A dinosaur-and-bird expert weighs in on how the newfound "chicken from hell" dinosaur might have looked and acted.
Galveston Oil Spill Threatening Crucial Bird Refuge
March 24, 2014
Nearly 200,000 gallons of oil that spilled into Galveston Bay could harm birds in a globally important refuge, experts say.
Q&A: How Can Our Noses Smell a Trillion Different Odor Mixtures?
March 21, 2014
Our noses are much better at sussing out scents than previously thought, says a new study.
Photos: Masters of Disguise—Amazing Insect Camouflage
March 21, 2014
Insects disguise themselves in amazing and elaborate ways to avoid being eaten.
Q&A: Neil Shubin Explores "Your Inner Fish"
March 21, 2014
Fossil hunter Neil Shubin explores evolution in a new PBS series based on his best-selling book, "Your Inner Fish."
Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals?
March 20, 2014
Animal activists believe some sanctuaries undermine the very mission they're meant to serve.
New "Chicken From Hell" Dinosaur Discovered
March 19, 2014
The 66-million-year-old Anzu wyliei resembled a demonic cassowary, according to a new analysis of incredibly well preserved fossils.
Chicken DNA Challenges Theory That Polynesians Beat Europeans to Americas
March 18, 2014
Study of chicken DNA raises doubts that Polynesian seafarers reached the coast of South America.
Narwhal's Trademark Tusk Acts Like a Sensor, Scientist Says
March 18, 2014
The Arctic whale's tusk is actually a tooth that can grow more than nine feet long; it has baffled people for centuries.
Behind the Cover: April 2014
March 17, 2014
We wanted an exotic pet that would catch the reader's eye. A hedgehog was the choice-but catching its eye turned out to be quite challenging.
Climate Change Will Test Turtles' Mettle
March 17, 2014
Warming oceans, rising sea levels, more frequent and violent storms-these predicted effects of climate change put sea turtles at risk. Can they rise to the challenge?
Birds Don't Like Old Man Winter Anymore, Either
March 14, 2014
The harsh winter has taken a toll on bird populations. Robins, wrens, and woodcocks are among the sufferers.
Causes of the Furred and Feathered Rule the Internet
March 14, 2014
Animal advocacy groups get their messages out better than anyone else, thanks to the Internet and social media.
Extinct Porpoise Found to Be First Mammal With Major Underbite
March 13, 2014
A newly described extinct porpoise species had a pronounced underbite, the first seen in mammals.
Good News for Animals in Nepal: A Full Year Without Poaching
March 12, 2014
Last year more than 700 wildlife criminals were arrested in Nepal, thanks to a multilayered system of information gathering, enforcement, and swift justice.
Scientists Track a Great White Shark Across the Atlantic for the First Time
March 11, 2014
A white shark nicknamed Lydia is the first of her species to be tracked across the Atlantic Ocean.
How a Leopard Seal Fed Me Penguins
March 11, 2014
Paul Nicklen says the assignment that put him face to face with a toothy leopard seal "will stay with me forever."
Elephants Know How Dangerous We Are From How We Speak
March 10, 2014
A new study of elephants in Kenya's Amboseli park reveals that they can tell from how we speak just who poses the greatest danger.
Why Do 16th-Century Manuscripts Show Cats With Flaming Backpacks?
March 10, 2014
Illustrations in 16th-century artillery manuals show how to use cats to attack a city.
5 Surprising Facts About the Iditarod Dog Sled Race
March 8, 2014
The Iditarod dogsled race started on Sunday-here's what you might not know about the so-called last great race.
Bindi Irwin Takes Heat for New SeaWorld Project
March 7, 2014
Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi gets caught up in Blackfish controversy.
How a River Otter Can Bag an Alligator for Lunch
March 6, 2014
Photos capture a river otter attacking a gator in a Florida river. The otter then feasted, witnesses say.
Five Bald Eagle Cams to Watch Now
March 6, 2014
Bald eagles have made a comeback. See life in the nest now during peak nesting season.
Killing Wildlife: The Pros and Cons of Culling Animals
March 5, 2014
Recently proposed culling programs that target bison, swans, geese, deer, and badgers have proponents on both sides. But is culling necessary? And does it work?
Drone Captures Stunning Bird's-eye Video of Dolphin Superpod
March 5, 2014
Boat captain uses drone and GoPro camera to capture rare footage of a dolphin megapod off California.
First Ever Fatwa Issued Against Wildlife Trafficking
March 4, 2014
Indonesia's senior Muslim clerics issue first ever fatwa against wildlife smuggling and challenge the country's 200 million Muslims to protect threatened wildlife.
Nearly 200 New Species of Parasitic Wasps Discovered in Costa Rica
March 4, 2014
Nearly 200 new species of parasitic wasps were identified in a Costa Rican conservation area.
Pictures: How a Python Can Swallow a Crocodile
March 3, 2014
In an epic battle, a 10-foot olive python got the best of a Johnson's crocodile, and a lucky passerby snapped photos.
Opinion: End Illegal Wildlife Trafficking on World Wildlife Day
March 3, 2014
U.S. officials call for a crackdown on the illegal trade in wildlife, and for everyone to help.
High-Tech Tuna Researcher Uncovers Marvels of the Big Fish
March 1, 2014
Using cutting-edge research tools, Stanford professor Barbara Block is unraveling the mysteries and revealing the marvels of bluefin tuna.
Atlantic Seismic Tests for Oil: Marine Animals at Risk?
February 28, 2014
An environmental review paves the way for seismic oil and gas exploration off the U.S. Atlantic coast. Some areas will be closed to air guns to protect marine mammals and turtles.
John Steinbeck: Google Doodle Honors Author, Dog Lover
February 27, 2014
Today's Google Doodle celebrates the 112th birthday of John Steinbeck, whose book Travels With Charley, the story of his 40-state road trip with a standard poodle, still resonates with dog lovers.
Video Cameras Reveal Secret Lives of Reef Sharks
February 27, 2014
Video cameras reveal some surprising behaviors of reef sharks off the coast of Hawaii.
Tiny Algae Responsible for Mysterious Fossil Whale Graveyard?
February 27, 2014
A fossil whale graveyard in Chile could have been the result of poisoning by microscopic algae, says a recent study.
Bad News for Bumblebees: Disease Spreading From Honeybees
February 27, 2014
Honeybee declines have gotten all the buzz, but scientists find that bumblebees are also susceptible to their cousins' worst diseases.
Clintons Say to End Ivory Trade, Everyone Needs to Act
February 24, 2014
Ending the ivory trade requires businesses and consumers to take up the fight, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton argue in the Financial Times.
What Are Animals Really Thinking? Author Explores Hidden World
February 23, 2014
Science writer Virginia Morell, whose book "Animal Wise" is a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize in Science and Technology, talks to us about probing animal minds.
It's Time to Accept That Elephants, Like Us, Are Empathetic Beings
February 21, 2014
The evidence for empathy in elephants seems overwhelming, so can we now draw on our own empathetic nature to end their slaughter?
Explorer Returns to Emperor Penguin Colony in Search of a True Count
February 19, 2014
Explorer Alain Hubert journeys across ice to take a census of a remote colony of emperor penguins.
One-of-a-Kind Aztec Dog Burials Found in Mexico
February 18, 2014
Mexican archaeologists have found the bones of Aztec dogs, mysteriously buried together 500 years ago.
Surprise: Elephants Comfort Upset Friends
February 18, 2014
Asian elephants recognize distress in others, offering gentle caresses and chirps of sympathy, a new study says.
Dancing Animals Help Tell Us Why Music Evolved
February 16, 2014
While investigating why and how music evolved in humans, researchers are finding that some animals can keep a beat.
To Know Bats Is to Love Them
February 15, 2014
From childhood Merlin Tuttle has been nuts for bats—their behavior, their role in nature, their fetching little faces, and even their smiles.
Is Climate Change Increasing the Disease Risk for Arctic Marine Mammals?
February 14, 2014
A changing Arctic may be increasing the disease risk for animals like beluga whales and seals.
First on National Geographic: Second Giraffe Won't Be Killed, Says Denmark Zoo
February 14, 2014
A Danish zoo won't kill a second giraffe in that country, a European animal welfare agency says, despite widespread media reports.
Found: New Beetle Collected by Darwin 180 Years Ago
February 13, 2014
A beetle collected by Charles Darwin 180 years ago was declared a new species on February 12, the 205th anniversary of his birth.
London Summit Intensifies Battle Against Wildlife Crime
February 12, 2014
At a London summit, world leaders and ministers demonstrate growing political will for action against wildlife crime.
Understanding the Wire Fox Terrier, One of Westminster's Winningest Dogs
February 12, 2014
A decorated breed, the wire fox terrier, takes top honors in a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that was marked by new entrants.
Feathered Dinosaur Colors Bloomed 150 Million Years Ago
February 12, 2014
Early birds, and mammals, quickly sprouted a variety of colors more than 150 million years ago, a new study suggests.
Opinion: Killing of Marius the Giraffe Exposes Myths About Zoos
February 12, 2014
Are zoos the conservation sanctuaries they claim to be? In Europe, only 13 percent of the species kept in its zoos are endangered.
Fighting Wildlife Crime: New U.S. Strategy Broadens Scope
February 11, 2014
President Obama unveils plan for curbing wildlife trafficking and combating organizedcrime in Africa.
United States Tightens the Noose on the Ivory Trade
February 11, 2014
As part of a new national strategy to combat wildlife trafficking, the Obama Administration closes loopholes on the domestic U.S. ivory trade. Writer Bryan Christy comments.
Domesticated Camels Came to Israel in 930 B.C., Centuries Later Than Bible Says
February 10, 2014
Domesticated camels weren't known in Israel until about 900 B.C., when there were major changes in copper production throughout the region.
Writer Who Exposed Songbird Slaughter Applauds Albania's Hunting Ban
February 10, 2014
National Geographic story about the slaughter of migrating birds influenced Albania's decision.
Albania's Hunting Ban: Birds and Mammals Get a Two-Year Break
February 10, 2014
The small Balkan nation of Albania, until recently a "death trap for migrating birds," has enacted a landmark moratorium on hunting to protect birds and other wildlife.
Giraffe Killing at Copenhagen Zoo Sparks Global Outrage
February 10, 2014
A healthy male giraffe was euthanized because its genes didn't add to the diversity of the zoo population.
Military Dog Reportedly Held Hostage by the Taliban
February 6, 2014
A Western military dog is reportedly being held hostage by the Taliban-a tragic turn of events in the storied history of war dogs.
Stray Dogs in Sochi: What Happens to the World's Free-Roaming Canines?
February 6, 2014
Sochi's decision to kill its stray dogs isn't unusual: Many countries exterminate their strays, while others place them in mass shelters or sterilize them.
Woolly Mammoths Wiped Out by Grass Invasion?
February 5, 2014
A switch from flowery to grass-dominated steppes across the Arctic may have bumped off the woolly mammoth, a new study says.
A New, More Humane Way to Euthanize Stranded Whales
February 5, 2014
Researchers have come up with a new, safer, and more humane way of euthanizing beached whales that can't be saved.
Opinion: Real Tragedy of Taiji Is Our Inhumanity Toward Animals
February 2, 2014
New understanding of the brains of animals shows that anthropomorphizing them isn't off base. Is a dolphin a person?
Groundhog Day 2014 vs. the Super Bowl and the Polar Vortex
February 1, 2014
Now in its 128th year, Pennsylvania's annual Groundhog Day event has been growing in popularity and is even attracting an overseas crowd.
New Species of Ancient "Swamp Monster" Discovered; Lived in Once-Tropical Texas
January 31, 2014
The 17-foot-long, crocodile-like creature lived in tropical rain forests that once covered Texas, a recent study says.
Pictures: Forest Elephants Moved Across Africa in Risky Operation
January 31, 2014
The rare mammals were transported by truck to a safer home in the Ivory Coast-but two died during the risky procedure, group says.
Man Smuggles 40,000 Piranhas
January 30, 2014
New York man pleads guilty to illegally importing the sharp-toothed fish.
Good News for Bats? Species Bouncing Back in Europe
January 29, 2014
After a prolonged decline, populations of several bat species are on the rise, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency.
Slaughterhouse Said to Process "Horrifying" Number of Whale Sharks Annually
January 29, 2014
Hundreds of whale sharks, basking sharks, and great white sharks are illegally hunted and processed by a factory in China.
Migrating Monarch Butterflies in "Grave Danger," Hit New Low
January 29, 2014
The number of migrating monarch butterflies hit a record low in Mexican forests in 2013, a new report says.
Albino Dolphin: Uncertain Fate Awaits Rare Calf Captured in Japanese Hunt
January 28, 2014
"Angel," the albino calf captured during the annual Japanese dolphin hunt, has ended up in a marine park, where its survival is questionable, an expert says.
Explaining "Saltie" Saltwater Crocodiles That Attacked Boys in Australia
January 27, 2014
One boy was killed and another was injured by a saltwater crocodile, or saltie, a species that is known for its aggression and size.
What Do Cats Think About Us? You May Be Surprised
January 27, 2014
We may be obsessed with our feline friends, but a new book suggests they don't really get us like dogs do.
Why Birds Attacked the Peace Doves in Rome
January 27, 2014
The peace doves released by the Pope in Rome were attacked because they're unnaturally white.
Rare Pictures: Snow Leopards Caught in Camera Trap
January 25, 2014
Notoriously elusive snow leopards have been photographed in a camera trap in northern Pakistan as part of an ecological study of this and other carnivore species in the region.
Dogs Carry the Oldest Known Living Cancer
January 25, 2014
Interview with the doctor who discovered that a cancer dogs transmit by sexual contact is 11,000 years old.
Pictures: Peru Park Boasts Highest Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles
January 24, 2014
A new survey reveals richest biodiversity, and new species, of amphibians and reptiles in Peru's Manú National Park.
First New Species of River Dolphin Discovered in a Century
January 24, 2014
The Araguaian boto is a proposed new species in Brazil that is thought to be highly endangered.<p> </p><p> </p>
Hong Kong Announces World's Biggest Ivory Burn
January 23, 2014
Hong Kong's stockpile of elephant ivory will be the largest ever burned, the semi-autonomous Chinese region announced Thursday.
Record 829 Manatee Deaths in 2013 Puzzle Scientists
January 22, 2014
Last year's death toll of endangered manatees was the highest on record, but scientists still don't entirely understand the causes.
What a Hoot: Snowy Owls Make Rare Southern Appearance
January 22, 2014
A popular arctic owl is making a rare appearance in southern climes suddenly inundated with snow.
Pictures: Scenes From Taiji Dolphin Roundup in Japan
January 21, 2014
Fishermen reportedly killed or captured 93 bottlenose dolphins, drawing worldwide scrutiny.
4 Zoo Babies Born Since New Year's
January 20, 2014
These cute and cuddly animals are the newest additions to zoos around the world.
Eye on the Tiger: Satellite Images a New Tool for Conservation
January 19, 2014
The Open Landscape Partnership Platform shows satellite images that capture threats to wildlife and natural resources.
1,000+ Rhinos Poached in 2013: Highest in Modern History
January 17, 2014
More than a thousand of the large mammals were killed illegally, due to increasing demand for their horns, report says.
Threats Escalate Against Rhino Hunt Winner as Debate Intensifies
January 17, 2014
Dallas Safari Club auction winner Corey Knowlton stands by hunt for conservation.
Baby Giant Panda Debuts in D.C.: Why Do We Find It So Cute?
January 17, 2014
Cute animals—like the baby giant panda that will make her debut in Washington, D.C., this weekend-are adorable because they share traits with human babies, experts say.<p> </p><p> </p>
Don't Feed the Bears: Ethics in Wildlife Photography and Filmmaking
January 16, 2014
After a marine biologist pleaded guilty to feeding orcas, longtime filmmaker Jeff Hogan weighs in on ethics in wildlife photography.
Former SeaWorld Trainer: Stop Using Killer Whales for Entertainment
January 16, 2014
A former SeaWorld trainer gives us a behind-the-scenes look at working with captive killer whales, the subject of the controversial documentary <em>Blackfish</em>.
Mystery Solved: How Do Dolphins Swim So Fast?
January 15, 2014
Dolphins use their powerful tail to generate enough power to cut through the water at amazing speeds, a new study says.
Watch: Alligators' Hunting Secrets Revealed by Crittercams
January 15, 2014
Video cameras attached to alligators give researchers a rare glimpse into the reptiles' everyday lives, a new study says.
Our Fishy Ancestors Had Fins Made for Walking
January 13, 2014
One of the first fish to live on land moved by using its surprisingly robust rear fins, a new study says.
DNA Discovery Reveals Surprising Dolphin Origins
January 11, 2014
Two different dolphin species mated to create the clymene dolphin, scientists report, in a first scientific find of such a hybrid marine mammal species.
Death Threats Seen Over Rhino Hunt Auction
January 10, 2014
Animal activists are strongly protesting a Dallas Safari Club auction this weekend that is being promoted as a fund-raiser to support conservation.
Ancient Arboreal Mammal Discovered at Root of Carnivore Family Tree
January 9, 2014
A small, tree-dwelling mammal is the ancestor of lions, tigers, bears, and other fierce modern carnivores now found around the globe.
Pictures: Fish Light Up in Neon Colors
January 8, 2014
Camouflaged fish that normally blend into a coral reef light up like a Las Vegas casino when blue light strikes fluorescent materials in their skin.
Lions Approach Extinction in West Africa
January 8, 2014
New study paints dire picture of West African lions and outlines conservation needs.
Rare Conjoined Gray Whale Calves Wash Ashore—Could Be First for Species
January 8, 2014
Although rare among large whales—like the gray whales found in Baja California—twins and conjoined twins do occur.
Anti-Whaling Activists Put Focus on Complex Law and Bloody Tradition
January 7, 2014
Despite opposition from scientists and animal advocates, Japanese whaling continues in Antarctica, fueled by nationalism.
Suprise! Scientists Find That Starfish Eyes Actually See, at Least a Little
January 7, 2014
After decades of wondering what starfish use their eyes for, it turns out they probably use them to stay close to home, according to a new study.
China Crushes Six Tons of Confiscated Elephant Ivory
January 6, 2014
The move is a first for the world's biggest ivory market, but sales on the black market remain rampant.
Elephants Use Their Trunks to Ace Intelligence Tests
December 28, 2013
Elephants use smell, but not sound, to find their way to food and likely to perform other tasks, scientists report.
Most Shared News Stories of 2013
December 27, 2013
From animals that regrow body parts to photos of the supermoon, these stories surprised and delighted our readers the most.
Deep-Sea Photos: Vampire Squid, Bubblegum Coral Found
December 23, 2013
A recent deep-sea expedition studied life around a sunken shipping container and an ocean ridge never before seen by humans.
Stunning Pictures: Ten of the Rarest Animals on Earth
December 20, 2013
Photographer Joel Sartore is documenting the world's most endangered species, from the mountain pygmy possum to the Philippine crocodile.
U.S. Giant Salamanders Slipping Away: Inside the Fight to Save the Hellbender
December 19, 2013
Scientists are working to save a two-foot-long salamander called the hellbender, which is declining throughout the eastern U.S.
4 Ways Helping People Is Saving Rare Wildlife
December 19, 2013
Want to save the snow leopard? Support local people, say conservationists who are embracing a new people-centric model for bringing back endangered wildlife.
Tiny, Rabbit-Like Animals Eating "Paper" to Survive Global Warming
December 19, 2013
A new study probed the surprising diet of Oregon's threatened alpine pikas, which are eating mosses and conserving energy.
World's Biggest Elephant Shrew Tracked in Tanzania
December 18, 2013
Only found in 2005, Tanzania's gray-faced sengi is good at hiding—but may not elude growing threats such as poaching and habitat loss, experts say.
National Zoo Deaths: "Circle of Life" or Animal Care Concerns?
December 17, 2013
Four National Zoo animals have died this year, three violently, and some inside the organization have voiced concern over animal care.
Behind the Scenes at a Refuge for Earth's Rare Species
December 17, 2013
Micronesian kingfishers, scimitar-horned oryx, and brown kiwis are among the rare creatures at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia.
Why Are Corpse-Eating Beetles Being Put Back Into the Wild?
December 16, 2013
No one knows why American burying beetles are disappearing, but scientists are trying to save the unique bugs.
20,000 Species Are Near Extinction: Is it Time to Rethink How We Decide What to Save?
December 15, 2013
Prioritizing which animals and plants to help is driven mostly by whether we like them or not. Some experts say that may not be the best approach.
Opinion: Discover Earth's Species—Before It's Too Late
December 15, 2013
Ignorant of more than 80 percent of Earth's plants and animals, we are flying blind into an unprecedented storm of extinction, a conservationist argues.
Homesick Owls Confusing Airports With Arctic Tundra
December 12, 2013
Officials worry that Arctic snowy owls landing on U.S. airport runways in record numbers are a threat to safety.
Was Your Ancestor a Ball of Jelly? Evolution Study Surprises Experts
December 12, 2013
The ancestor of all animals could have been a ball of jelly—also known as a comb jelly—according to new research.
Predator Insurance: When Livestock Becomes Prey, Conservationists Pay
December 11, 2013
Compensation programs for endangered animals are catching speed.
Climate Change Affects Ultrasonic Bat Signals For Better and Worse
December 10, 2013
A shifting climate will affect how bats around the world detect their prey using sound.
Sharks Return to Their Birthplace to Give Birth
December 6, 2013
A 19-year study of lemon sharks shines new light on how they reproduce.
How Scientists Rescue Stranded Whales Like Those in the Everglades
December 5, 2013
Biologists use a range of techniques to help marine mammals in trouble, such as the pilot whales stuck in the Everglades.
Heads Up to Invasive Pests: Poison Mice Are Falling From the Sky
December 5, 2013
This week, poisoned mice fell from the sky in Guam—a plan to wipe out invasive snakes. It's not the first time poison-from-above has been used as pest control.
Maui Death Raises Questions About Spike in Hawaiian Shark Attacks
December 3, 2013
Maui Death Raises Questions About Spike in Hawaiian Shark Attacks
Mysterious Deaths Threaten a Population of Southern Right Whales
November 30, 2013
Researchers struggle to understand why hundreds of southern right whale calves have died over a nine-year period off the Argentine coast.
Tiny Drone Flies Like A… Jellyfish?
November 26, 2013
The ungainly flapping motion of the latest tiny flying robot closely mimics the swimming motion of a jellyfish, new research shows.
5 Winners and Losers on New "Red List" of World's Rarest Species
November 25, 2013
The latest IUCN Red List has winners and losers in conservation, from sea turtles to forest giraffes.
Annual Polar Bear Migration Under Way: How It Works and How Climate Change is Altering It
November 22, 2013
Annual migration happening in the "polar bear capital of the world."
Animal-Rights Activists Take Air Out of Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
November 21, 2013
PETA protests SeaWorld's orca float, pointing to the documentary Blackfish, while ranchers protest vegetarian and animal-rights activist Joan Jett.
Lion Hunt Photo Touches Off Heated Conservation Debate
November 19, 2013
Big game hunter Melissa Bachman sparks controversy with a photo she posted to Twitter of a lion she shot legally in South Africa.
Oldest Clam Consternation Overblown
November 16, 2013
The demise of Ming, the world's oldest clam, has generated some consternation about marine researchers that looks a bit overblown.
Historic U.S. Ivory Crush a Call to Global Action
November 15, 2013
United States crushes six tons of stockpiled ivory in symbolic act to help stop the illegal wildlife trade.
Flu Season for Humans Raises Questions About Flu Shots for Dogs
November 15, 2013
Flu season is here, which means heading to the doc to get a flu shot for you—and your pooch.
This Week's Most Intriguing Discoveries
November 15, 2013
We figure out the origins of cats and dogs and look to the moon for our future dream home in this week's five most interesting discoveries.
New Theory: Hunter-Gatherers Domesticated Dogs From Gray Wolves
November 14, 2013
Study suggests hunter-gatherers in Europe were first to tame wolves.
Did Ancient Climate Change Spur Penguin Evolution?
November 12, 2013
An ancient cooling spell in Antarctica may have helped spur penguins to diversify into the 18 species living today.
Shutting Down the Nation's Longest Running Public Aquarium
November 12, 2013
Before the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C, closes, it must move and rehouse thousands of animals.
This Week's Most Intriguing Discoveries
November 8, 2013
We crisscrossed the corners of the world to find the week's most interesting discoveries.
Nature Glows With Neon Animals and Plants
November 8, 2013
Halloween might be over, but don't put away your glow sticks just yet—nature's having a glow-in-the-dark party.
Bloody Skies: The Fight to Reduce Deadly Bird-Plane Collisions
November 7, 2013
Why doesn't the FAA adopt avian radar tracking to help pilots avoid colliding with birds?
Tiger Cubs Test Waters
November 6, 2013
Sumatran tiger cubs pass a swimming test with flying colors. Next step? Going home.
Giant Platypus Found, Shakes Up Evolutionary Tree
November 4, 2013
At about three feet long, the ancient Obdurodon tharalkooschild is the biggest platypus ever found, a new study says.
Q&A: What Makes a Good Cadaver Dog?
October 31, 2013
Cat Warren, author of "What the Dog Knows," talks about what scientists know about working dogs and their powerful sense of smell.
Orphan Elephants Lack Social Knowledge Key for Survival
October 31, 2013
Social trauma early in an elephant's life can have major effects on development, such as persistent fear, hyper-aggression, and infant abandonment.
Left or Right Tail Wags Elicit Different Emotional Responses From Dogs
October 31, 2013
Left-wagging tails stress dogs out, while right-wagging tails encourage them to stay relaxed, according to a new study.
Did Ancient Sea Monster Turn Prey Into Art?
October 30, 2013
Fossils presented at a science meeting revive a controversy over the possible existence of the ancient squid, the kraken.
The Monkey and the Snake: How the Primate Brain Reacts to Serpents
October 29, 2013
New research probes a hardwired fear of things that slither by studying the brains of Japanese macaques.snakes, primates, vision, neuroscience, study, evolution, brain, fear of snakes, phobias, evolution
New Species of Dolphin Found in Australia
October 29, 2013
Hiding in plain sight, researchers find a new species of humpback dolphin living off the coast of Australia.
Amid Superstorm Sandy's Havoc, A Win for Wildlife
October 29, 2013
A year after Hurricane Sandy smashed into the U.S. East Coast, some of the beaches and ocean areas are better for birds and marine life.
Spiky-Headed Sharks Survived Mass Extinction, Surprising Scientists
October 29, 2013
A family of small sharks—some of which had spiky heads—cruised the ancient seas for millions of years longer than scientists had thought, a new study says.
Do "Kid Cages" Really Protect Children From Wolves?
October 29, 2013
Residents of New Mexico are scared of their local wolves. Should they be?
Rhino Hunt Permit Auction Sets Off Conservation Debate
October 28, 2013
Dallas Safari Club hopes to raise money for conservation, but critics pounce.
Spectacular New Species Found in Remote "Lost World"
October 25, 2013
A spindly leaf-tailed gecko, a blotched frog, and a golden skink are new species discovered in a remote rain forest.
"Lost World" Pictures: New Leaf-Tailed Gecko, More
October 25, 2013
Scientists have explored a remote rain forest that has been cut off for millennia and that's home to at least three new species that live nowhere else.
South Pole Expeditions Then and Now: How Does Their Food and Gear Compare?
October 25, 2013
Two polar adventurers are attempting the same South Pole journey that claimed the lives of British explorer Robert Scott and his men in 1912. A century on, how do their food and gear compare?
Grasshopper Mice Immune to Bark Scorpion Stings
October 24, 2013
Grasshopper mice feel no pain when stung by venomous bark scorpions, says a new study.
7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter
October 23, 2013
Reddit users are going crazy about giant river otters—here are seven facts you otter know about this South American critter.
Why Did South Dakota Snowstorm Kill So Many Cattle?
October 22, 2013
A freak blizzard in early October killed thousands of cattle. Why was the toll so great?
Is the Abominable Snowman a Bear?
October 21, 2013
An ancient bear species that has survived to the modern day could help explain some sightings of the legendary creature.
After Shutdown Ends, Effects Continue to Stymie Science
October 21, 2013
A U.S. government shutdown that sent federal workers home for 16 days has ended, but its impact on science continues.
Watching Polar Bears Eat Goose Eggs in Warmer Arctic
October 21, 2013
The warming Arctic makes it harder for polar bears to hunt seals, their traditional prey, on the ice. Could a supplementary diet of (raw) snow goose omelets help?
Does Petting Really Stress Out Your Cat?
October 20, 2013
Petting your cat probably won't stress it out, but some other things certainly can. A cat expert takes on questions about keeping pet cats happy in the modern world.
Hot Flashes in Cold Waters? Killer Whales Undergo Menopause
October 19, 2013
A new study shows that killer whales undergo menopause, an evolutionary advantage that helps their offspring survive.
Tiny Dragonfly Backpacks Reveal Mysteries of the Brain
October 17, 2013
Scientists are wiring the insects to better understand how motion is controlled.
Banning Lead Ammunition Could Give Condors a Chance
October 14, 2013
California bans lead ammunition for hunting in an effort to reduce wildlife exposure to the toxic heavy metal.
"Cyberpoaching" Feared as New Threat to Rare Wildlife
October 10, 2013
A possible hacking incident in India has some concerned that wildlife poachers could use the Internet as another resource for criminal activity.
African Elephants Understand Human Gestures
October 10, 2013
Like dogs and horses, African elephants can understand human pointing cues to find hidden food without being trained to do so.
Why Some Animals Mate Themselves to Death
October 7, 2013
Rare marsupials sacrifice themselves during times of plenty, study shows.
Two-Tailed Ancient Bird Uncovered
October 7, 2013
An ancient dinosaur-era bird turns out to have two tails, one perhaps for flying and the other for showing off.
Humpback Whale Crittercam Video Reveals Bottom-Feeding Activity
October 7, 2013
New video footage shows that these marine mammals dine on the seafloor with their friends.
Science Roundup: Swarm Intelligence, Longline Fisheries, and Insect Mating
October 4, 2013
Take a bite out of science studies looking at insect quickies, how fisheries hook olive ridley turtles, and why conflict is good for decision-making.
World's Biggest Hornet Kills
October 4, 2013
The Asian giant hornet is wreaking havoc in northwestern China, where 42 people have died after being swarmed and stung.
Unusual Pictures: "Calcified" Birds, Bats Found at African Lake
October 3, 2013
Dead bats and birds preserved by a salty lake in Tanzania have been brought back to life in a photographic series.
Can Long-Distance Migrating Shorebird Survive?
October 3, 2013
Rufa red knots are some of the longest-migrating birds in the world, but their population has plummeted, partly due to overharvesting of horseshoe crabs.
Remote Rain Forest Expedition Finds 60 New Species
October 3, 2013
Scientists exploring Suriname's rain forests, some of the most remote on Earth, discovered 60 new species and a pristine region in need of protection.
Ten Thousand Walruses Gather on Island As Sea Ice Shrinks
October 2, 2013
An estimated ten thousand Pacific walruses have huddled together on an island in the Chukchi Sea, an unusual phenomenon that's due to a lack of sea ice, experts say.
5 Amazing Stories of Devoted Dogs
September 27, 2013
A new book shows how our canine companions enrich our lives.
Fish Fossil Has Oldest Known Face, May Influence Evolution
September 25, 2013
The extinct animal's face structure could help explain how vertebrates, including ourselves, evolved our distinctive look.
Rare Pictures: Golden Eagle Savages Russian Deer
September 24, 2013
Russian researchers captured camera trap images of a golden eagle preying on a deer.
Shy Great Tit Birds Flock Together
September 20, 2013
A new study finds that personality influences social behavior in birds.
For World's Oddest-Looking Antelope, Signs of a Comeback
September 20, 2013
An alliance of conservation organizations and Kazakhstan's government work to save the critically endangered saiga antelope.
Cat in Space Would Join an Interstellar Menagerie
September 18, 2013
Iran's Persian astronaut would only be the latest creature in the cosmos.
Tiger Genome Sequenced, Shows Big Cats Evolved to Kill
September 17, 2013
Gene map of endangered Amur tiger seen as aid to preserving big cats in the wild.
Watch: Scientific Breakthrough for Rare Przewalski's Horse
September 12, 2013
The first-ever Przewalski's horse born via artificial insemination may be a breakthrough for the endangered species.
Insects Use Gears in Hind Legs to Jump
September 12, 2013
Young planthoppers use gear wheels to coordinate their legs when jumping.
Shark-like Tails Sped Ancient Sea Monsters Through Oceans
September 10, 2013
An amazingly well-preserved find in a Jordanian quarry shows mosasaurs were capable of high-speed swimming, like sharks.
How to Scare Elephants—For Their Own Good
September 10, 2013
Recorded tiger growls could scare Asian elephants away from raiding crops, protecting them from human retaliation.
New Documentary Condemns Declawing of Cats; Who Is Right?
September 10, 2013
Vet and filmmaker seeks to end controversial surgeries, but science is divisive.
Pictures: Jaguar Kills Caiman in "Spectacular" Attack
September 6, 2013
New pictures show a jaguar stalking and killing a caiman in Brazil, an experience the photographer called "spectacular and horrific."
Pictures We Love: Best of August
August 31, 2013
Blazing wildfires, lifelike baby dolls, and picturesque wedding scenes are among our photo editors' picks for top August news pictures.
Wise Old Whooping Cranes Teach Young How to Migrate
August 30, 2013
Older whooping cranes keep their young colleagues from getting lost, says a study that sheds light on the role of learning versus genetics in bird migration.
How Do Whales Avoid Sunburn? Hint: Some Tan
August 29, 2013
Blue, fin, and sperm whales have different strategies to avoid sun damage.
England Begins Controversial Badger Cull
August 28, 2013
England is about to cull 5,000 badgers, claiming that the mammals spread bovine TB.
What's Killing Bottlenose Dolphins? Experts Discover Cause
August 27, 2013
A virus in the same family as the human disease measles is likely responsible for hundreds of dolphin deaths along the U.S. East Coast.
Noodle-Armed Deep-sea Squid Mystery Solved
August 27, 2013
New video solves the mystery of how deep-sea squid use their wimpy limbs to lure in dinner.
Ancient Fish Downsized But Still Largest Ever
August 27, 2013
Once thought to be 90 feet long, the fish is now a more modest 26 to 55 feet.
European Hunter-Gatherers Had Domesticated Pigs Earlier Than Thought
August 27, 2013
Mesolithic hunter-gatherers likely acquired the pigs through trade with their farmer neighbors to the south.
Is Breeding Pandas in Captivity Worth It?
August 27, 2013
Experts disagree on how to save the beloved endangered species.
National Zoo Panda Birth Spotlights Survival Challenges
August 23, 2013
The National Zoo's female panda, Mei Xiang, gave birth on Friday.
U.S. Dolphin Deaths Rise to 300; Cause Still a Mystery
August 21, 2013
U.S. Dolphin Deaths Rise to 300; Cause Still a Mystery
Secrets of Whale Shark Migration Revealed
August 21, 2013
Secrets of Whale Shark Migration Revealed
Birds Pay Attention to Speed Limits Too
August 21, 2013
Birds Pay Attention to Speed Limits Too
Obamas' New Pet: 5 Facts About the Portuguese Water Dog
August 20, 2013
Obamas' New Pet: 5 Facts About the Portuguese Water Dog
"Bear Man" Lynn Rogers on Recent Attacks: Don't Fear Bears
August 20, 2013
Controversial "Bear Man" says recent bear attacks were outliers, and that thousands of people interact with bears safely all the time.
Pictures of Wildlife in Korea's Demilitarized Zone
August 20, 2013
A border that severed the country of Korea into North and South 60 years ago has become a haven to some of the most endangered animals in Asia.
Maulings by Bears: What's Behind the Recent Attacks?
August 19, 2013
A bear expert analyzes why at least six people in five states have been mauled by black and brown bears recently.
Crittercams and Crowdsourcing to Solve Mystery of Hawaiian Monk Seals?
August 19, 2013
Researchers employ Crittercams, and schoolkids, to get the truth behind what Hawaiian monk seals do all day.
What's a Tibetan Mastiff? Explaining Dog Posed as Lion
August 16, 2013
Get the facts about the Tibetan mastiff, the large dog that a Chinese zoo recently passed off as an African lion.
New Carnivore Revealed: Photos of the Olinguito and its Kin
August 16, 2013
The world's newest carnivore, the olinguito, shares the South American treetops with other fuzzy members of the raccoon family.
Life in Antarctica Relies on Shrinking Supply of Krill
August 16, 2013
A journey to the Antarctic island of South Georgia reveals the surprisingly important lives of krill.
Fossil Reveals Long-Lived Mammal Group's Secret
August 15, 2013
A new Jurassic fossil from China called Rugosodon eurasiaticus provides fresh evidence of early mammal evolution.
New Carnivore Discovered, Rare With Teddy Bear Looks
August 15, 2013
A fuzzy, fog-dwelling mammal is the first carnivore found in the Western Hemisphere in three decades, a new study says.
Mitigating the Human-Wildlife Conflict
August 15, 2013
Conservation biologist Krithi K. Karanth shows Indian farmers how to cope with wildlife.
What Seafood Menus Reveal About Hawaii's Changing Seas
August 13, 2013
Scientists recently used historic Hawaiian menus to study shifts in the population of the state's wild fish.
Fears of 'Testicle-Eating' Fish Overblown
August 13, 2013
Scientists say their warning for swimmers to keep their swim trunks tied wasn't meant to be taken seriously.
Can Dogs Feel Our Emotions? Yawn Study Suggests Yes
August 8, 2013
Pet dogs yawn more in response to their owners' yawns than to strangers'—suggesting they can understand our emotions, a new study says.
The Kids Are Alright: Goats That Double as Lawnmowers
August 8, 2013
Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., recently rented 58 goats to eat invasive plant species.
Subway Shark One of Many Exotic NYC Animals
August 8, 2013
Subway shark joins the ranks of parakeets, bats, coyotes, and other weird critters that have visited the Big Apple.
From Darth Vader to Jelly Doughnuts, Weird Species Names Abound
August 8, 2013
Researchers sometimes turn to celebrities and pop culture for naming inspiration for new species, from Darth Vader to Beyoncé, Barack Obama, and beyond.
6 Animal "Commuters": Subway Sharks, More
August 8, 2013
A dead shark was found Wednesday on the subway in New York City-see the other weird ways that animals get around.
Why Are Dolphins Dying on East Coast? Experts Alarmed
August 8, 2013
Bottlenose dolphins are washing up dead in alarmingly high numbers along the U.S. East Coast this summer—and experts say.
World's Loudest Animals—"Power Saw" Cricket, More
August 7, 2013
A bug with a "singing" penis, a cricket with a "power saw" chirp, and a snapping shrimp—which is the loudest?
Opinion: A Welcome Halt to Aquarium Whale Imports?
August 7, 2013
NOAA's denial of Georgia Aquarium's application to import 18 belugas from Russia has far-reaching implications for the marine parks industry.
The Real Megalodon: Prehistoric Shark Behind Doc Uproar
August 7, 2013
A "dramatized" documentary about megalodon has inspired public fear and annoyance. Here are the facts about the prehistoric shark.
Dolphins Have Longest Memories in Animal Kingdom
August 6, 2013
The marine mammals can remember their buddies' calls after 20 years apart-the longest memory in the animal kingdom, a new study says.
African Rock Pythons: Explaining Snake That Killed Boys
August 6, 2013
An African rock python that strangled two children to death is one of the world's most vicious snakes, an expert says.
Strangulation of Sleeping Boys Puts Spotlight on Pythons
August 6, 2013
Two boys found strangled to death in Canada are believed to have been killed by a python that escaped from an exotic pet store.
Costa Rica Closes Zoos—Where Will the Animals Go?
August 5, 2013
Costa Rica's animal-rescue facilities are facing a crunch as much of the country's captive wildlife will soon be out of a home.
First Przewalski's Horse Born Via Artificial Insemination
August 5, 2013
First Przewalski's Horse Born Via Artificial Insemination
Opinion: Imagining a World Without Lions
August 5, 2013
A conservationist argues that it could happen in our lifetimes, with big environmental, economic, and cultural consequences.
Opinion: SeaWorld vs. the Whale That Killed Its Trainer
August 3, 2013
Opinion: SeaWorld vs. the Whale That Killed Its Trainer
Cashmere Fashions Squeezing Central Asia's Big Mammals
August 2, 2013
Cashmere Fashions Squeezing Central Asia's Big Mammals
Jane Goodall on Why We Should Help the Serengeti
August 2, 2013
Famed scientist Jane Goodall argues that the African region is crucial both for wildlife diversity and a vibrant economy.
Opinion: Why Are We Still Hunting Lions?
July 31, 2013
A conservationist argues that it's impossible to save lions from extinction when Americans are killing them for sport.
What Can You Do to Help Stop the Songbird Slaughter?
July 31, 2013
Conservation organizations around the Mediterranean are working hard to stop the slaughter of songbirds.
Help Name This Mystery Fish
July 31, 2013
Submit a name for this colorful fish, and you could win a trip to the Galápagos.
Isolated Tigers Travel Surprising Lands to Find Mates
July 30, 2013
Smaller populations of the big cats stay connected via undeveloped strips of land, a new genetic study says.
Wolves Identified by Unique Howls, May Help Rare Species
July 30, 2013
The call of the wild is clearer than ever, thanks to a new method that allows scientists to track wolf howls with total accuracy.
How Old Is That Lion? A Guide to Aging Animals
July 30, 2013
Animals may not have birth certificates, but they do display telltale signs of aging.
Rat Invaders: Islands Fighting Back Against Killer Rodents
July 29, 2013
Rat-infested islands are launching massive campaigns to kill off the rodents, which have wreaked havoc on seabirds and other wildlife.
Why We Love Dogs in Love
July 26, 2013
Videos of dogs who befriend other species rule the Internet. Why do we love them so?
Honk If You Think Geese Are Good Guard Dogs
July 25, 2013
Some cops in China are now using geese instead of guard dogs. Turns out that's a honkin' good idea.
Long-Held Myth About Cheetahs Busted
July 23, 2013
Some say the world's fastest land mammal abandons hunts due to overheating. Not so fast, a new study says.
Dolphins Have "Names," Respond When Called
July 22, 2013
Dolphins respond to recordings of their own whistles—suggesting they use names to communicate in the wild, a new study says.
Snails Race for Glory, Lettuce
July 19, 2013
A slow and steady look at the upcoming 2013 World Snail Racing Championships.
Man Wrestles 7-Foot Shark to Nantucket Beach
July 17, 2013
Elliot Sudal caught a seven-foot sandbar shark on a Nantucket beach and then released it. Shark advocates have expressed concern about possible injury to the animal.
Giant Panda Twins Born: What Challenges Do They Face?
July 17, 2013
Giant Panda Twins Born: What Challenges Do They Face?
First Killer Whale Reintroduced to Wild Has Baby
July 11, 2013
Springer, who was rescued in 2002 in Puget Sound, was recently spotted with her first baby—making her a success story, experts say.
Forensic Fly Moves North
July 10, 2013
Information deduced from blowflies can help create timelines for death investigations, but climate change could be resetting the clock.
American Dog Breeds Hail From Pre-Columbian Times
July 9, 2013
American Dog Breeds Hail From Pre-Columbian Times
Crickets Act Differently When Others Are Watching
July 9, 2013
Crickets play to an audience, changing their behavior when they know others are watching, a new study says.
Shellfish Deep in Antarctic Lake? Experts Doubtful
July 9, 2013
A new study says that bacteria, fungi, shellfish, and maybe even fish live miles deep in Lake Vostok-but some experts are skeptical.
Long Journey of Kobi the Chimpanzee Ends in Retirement
July 9, 2013
After life with Jane Goodall in Africa and then in a breeding colony for medical research in the U.S., a "tame" chimp finds new hope.
Improving 3-D Printing by Copying Nature
July 7, 2013
Through biomimicry, design based on nature, 3-D printing technology could get safer and better.
How Should We Respond When Humans and Sharks Collide?
July 4, 2013
Shark attack expert Christopher Neff says communities around the world are taking a variety of approaches to try to keep beachgoers safe.
5 Natural Air-Conditioning Designs Inspired by Nature
July 3, 2013
Designers are turning to biomimicry to develop better cooling technologies.
Sabertooths Had Weak Bites, Used Neck Muscles to Kill
July 2, 2013
At least two species of sabertooths were more muscle than bite, subduing their prey with powerful necks and forelimbs, a new study says.
Lonesome George to Be Stuffed, Displayed at NYC Museum
July 2, 2013
Lonesome George, the iconic Galápagos tortoise who died last June, will be displayed at the American Museum of Natural History.
World's Largest Freshwater Turtle Nearly Extinct
July 1, 2013
In June, the last known pair of the near-extinct Yangtze giant softshell turtle mated again—and, scientists hope, made babies.
Cold War Radioactivity Can Date Illegal Elephant Ivory
July 1, 2013
Fallout from long-ago Cold War explosions is now a forensic tool in the illegal ivory trade.
Rare Breed of Killer Whale May Be New Species
June 27, 2013
A rare type of bulbous-headed Orca may be in a league of its own, a new study says.
Chimpanzees Will Be Used Less in U.S. Research
June 26, 2013
The number of chimpanzees in U.S. government-funded research will be substantially reduced under a new set of principles and criteria announced today.
World's Oldest Genome Sequenced From 700,000-Year-Old Horse DNA
June 26, 2013
A 700,000-year-old horse leg bone has yielded the world's oldest complete genome.
Lost and Found: Rusty, the Red Panda Returns to National Zoo
June 24, 2013
The bushy-tailed panda returned safely after going missing Monday morning at the National Zoo in Washington D.C.
Pulling Teeth
June 21, 2013
The Philippines sets a new bar for combatting global ivory crime by becoming the first non-African nation to destroy its ivory stock.
North American Birds Declining as Threats Mount
June 21, 2013
Global warming, habitat loss, wind turbines, and cats are factors, though scientists say that some threats hog the attention.
Death of Dolphin in China Sparks Outrage—and Questions
June 19, 2013
Handling stranded marine mammals can be dangerous both to the animal and to humans.
U.S. Pet Poll: Most Prefer Dogs, 18 Percent Want Dinosaur
June 19, 2013
Americans love their pets, and a new poll shows just how much we dote on our animals and reveals some interesting views on animals.
For Some Arctic Birds, Time of Day Is Irrelevant
June 18, 2013
When the sun never sets, the circadian clocks in four species of Arctic birds go haywire.
Cheetah-Cub Robot Created: See Other Nature-Inspired Machines
June 18, 2013
A new cheetah-cub robot is just the latest in a mechanical menagerie of animal-inspired robots that climb, fly, swim, and slither.
Albino Gorilla Was Result of Inbreeding
June 18, 2013
A recently mapped genome of the famous albino gorilla Snowflake shows he was born to an uncle and a niece, a new study says.
In Global First, Philippines to Destroy Its Ivory Stock
June 18, 2013
The country's decision was inspired by a National Geographic magazine exposé on the illegal ivory trade.
More Than 400 Animals Offered to Aztec Gods
June 17, 2013
Archaeologists in Mexico City have identified more than 400 species of animals among offerings to Aztec gods.
Why Novelist Jonathan Franzen Loves Birds
June 17, 2013
The author of <em>Freedom</em> talks about discovering the joy of watching birds and why he's still hopeful for their future.
How Diving Mammals Stay Underwater for So Long
June 14, 2013
Researchers have discovered the secret to how champion divers like sperm whales can dive for an hour or more.
Restoring Trees to Save the World's Rarest Parrot
June 14, 2013
National Geographic explorer Steve Boyes talks about his work to pull the Cape parrot back from the brink of oblivion.
The Ethical Flap Over Birdsong Apps
June 13, 2013
Bird-watchers are using the songs on their smartphones to lure birds. But the result could be bad karma for the birds.
Pictures of Azorean Whalers: The Last of Their Kind
June 13, 2013
A National Geographic explorer has documented how Azorean whalers used 18th-century techniques to hunt sperm whales well into the 20th century.<p> </p><p> </p>
Traveling With Pets Overseas: A Guide to Some Quirky Rules
June 13, 2013
Different countries have different regulations on pet travel. Read and re-read the rules, and follow them to the letter, before jetting off with Fido in tow.
Dog Disease Infecting Tigers, Making Them Fearless
June 12, 2013
A domestic dog virus is posing a new threat to endangered tigers in the wild-partly by making them less fearful of people, experts say.
A Cheetah Can Get You Without Hitting Top Speed
June 12, 2013
Cheetahs can run faster than 60 mph, but to succeed at hunting, a new study shows that they rely instead on their ability to accelerate.
Hope for Endangered Butterfly Species
June 11, 2013
Researchers collected more than a hundred eggs from captured females of the endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly in south Florida.
Best Underwater Pictures: Winners of 2013 Amateur Contest
June 9, 2013
A seal in a kelp forest and lionfish on the hunt are among winning pictures of the University of Miami's annual underwater-photography contest.
Mr. Badger Should Be Worried: Britain Ponders a Cull
June 6, 2013
Some Brits blame badgers for spreading TB to cattle and think a cull will help. Badger lovers (and many scientists) disagree.
A New Feet in Primate Research
June 6, 2013
Researchers have discovered human foot movement previously observed only among apes.
Frog Long Thought Extinct Is Rediscovered in Israel
June 4, 2013
The first amphibian to officially be declared extinct has been rediscovered in Israel.
Can Purported Mammoth Blood Revive Extinct Species?
June 1, 2013
A reality check on a new find out of Russia and hopes for species revival. Can woolly mammoths really be brought back?
The Great White Whale Fight
May 31, 2013
For two decades, the U.S. hasn't imported wild-caught whales or dolphins. Now the Georgia Aquarium wants to bring in 18 belugas from Russia.
California's 'Dwarf' Fox Is Back From the Brink
May 28, 2013
With its main predator, the golden eagle, gone, the endangered island fox is making a dramatic recovery.
Pictures: Top 10 Newly Discovered Species of 2012
May 23, 2013
Glowing cockroaches and a destructive fungus make the grade in Arizona State's list of top 10 new species of 2012.
Captain's Log: Found a Baby Bird, What Do I Do?
May 20, 2013
Spring brings baby birds, who sometimes fall out of a nest or turn up injured in a yard. We spoke to an Audubon expert about how to respond.
Why Did Penguins Stop Flying? The Answer Is Evolutionary
May 20, 2013
Scientists say they've learned why penguin wings, now used for swimming, no longer get the birds off the ground.
African Clawed Frog Spreads Deadly Amphibian Fungus
May 15, 2013
A frog historically used in human pregnancy tests likely spread a deadly amphibian fungus around the world, says a new study.
Cicada Recipes: Bugs Are Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Food
May 15, 2013
Cicadas bugging you? See our recipe ideas for the low-fat critters, including the new candied cicada cocktail.
New Sea Monster Found, Rewrites Evolution?
May 14, 2013
A new species of dinosaur-era reptile is rewriting the books on the evolution of so-called sea monsters, a new study claims.
Dog And Human Genomes Evolved Together
May 14, 2013
A new study finds that genes for diet, behavior, and disease in dogs and humans have evolved together.
U.N. Urges Eating Insects; 8 Popular Bugs to Try
May 14, 2013
From beetles to butterflies and from ants to stinkbugs, people in dozens of countries regularly eat insects. Here are the most popular types of edible critters.
Why Animals "Adopt" Others, Including Different Species
May 10, 2013
From a deformed dolphin taken in by sperm whales to a dog nursing a squirrel—learn why animals sometimes take care of others.
Restaurant's Lion Tacos Renew Exotic Meat Debate
May 10, 2013
A Florida restaurant receives threats and employees reportedly attacked over controversial taco filling.
The Plight of the Honeybee
May 10, 2013
Bee colonies are weaker than ever. Are we doing enough to protect our natural pollinators?
Bat's Super-Long Tongue Powered by Blood (With Video)
May 6, 2013
High-speed video shows for the first time how hairs on a bat's tongue stand erect, allowing the animal to mop up nectar.
A Tale of Two Ponds: NYC Park After the Storm
April 26, 2013
Hurricane Sandy left New York City's Gateway National Recreation Area in pieces, but there may be a silver lining to the storm.
Do Whales Have Culture? Humpbacks Pass on Behavior
April 25, 2013
New feeding strategy spreads among whales gathered to gorge on fish, says a new study—but is it culture?
5 Animal "Commuters": Train-Riding Monkeys, More
April 24, 2013
Birds on a train, goats on a bus—see some of the weird ways animals get around.
Birds' "Crouching" Gait Born in Dinosaur Ancestors
April 24, 2013
The zigzag pattern of bird legs was driven by the development of heavier forelimbs and, eventually, wings.
Rare Picture: Male Leopard Kills, Eats Cub
April 22, 2013
Pictures of a leopard killing a cub may look gruesome, but infanticide in nature is relatively common, scientists say.
After the Bombing, Comfort Dogs Come to Boston
April 18, 2013
A charity group has brought five trained therapy dogs to Boston to comfort people reeling from the Boston marathon bombing.
Coelacanth Genes Mapped, "Living Fossil" Evolved Slowly
April 18, 2013
Scientists have mapped the coelacanth genome and found that the ancient fish's genes evolved more slowly than those of other animals.
Hobbit's Brain Size Holds Clues About Its Ancestor
April 18, 2013
New brain measurements of <em>Homo floresiensis</em> support the theory that the creature was a shrunken version of <em>Homo erectus</em>.
Picture Archive: Baby Giant Panda Su-Lin, Circa 1936
April 18, 2013
As the National Zoo tries for a panda pregnancy, a look back at the first panda in the U.S.
Brain Games Versus Nature Documentaries
April 15, 2013
Apps that encourage mental gymnastics might not be as good as watching nature documentaries, a new study says.
New Diseases, Toxins Harming Marine Life
April 12, 2013
Harmful organisms usually found on land are infiltrating coastal areas, wreaking havoc on marine mammals, scientists say.
First Brain Surgery Performed on Bear
April 11, 2013
Pioneering "keyhole" surgery cures an Asiatic black bear of hydrocephalus at a sanctuary in Laos.
Why Monkeys in the Middle Are More Stressed
April 11, 2013
Study on macaque hierarchy finds that middle-ranking monkeys are more stressed, which may explain stress levels in some humans.
Opinion: Too Early to Panic Over Bird Flu
April 8, 2013
Flu viruses are always unpredictable. H7N9 could go big-or not.<p><strong></strong></p>
Hand Gestures May Boost Students' Math Learning
April 5, 2013
American math teachers don't use hand gestures as often as teachers in other countries do, and student performance may suffer.
Detection Dogs: Learning to Pass the Sniff Test
April 5, 2013
With drug laws changing, there's a push to retrain and evaluate detection dogs. So how does a dog learn not to detect marijuana?
Hundreds of Rare Pig-Nosed Turtles Rescued at Airport
April 3, 2013
Nearly 700 endangered turtles were confiscated at an airport in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 15, according to Indonesian authorities.
Shark-Tooth Weapons Reveal "Lost" Shark Species
April 3, 2013
Shark-tooth weapons once used for warfare in the Central Pacific have revealed two locally extinct shark species, a new study says.
Why Justin Bieber Shouldn't Have a Monkey
April 2, 2013
Thousands of people—including Justin Bieber—have a pet monkey. But primates are not cut out to live with humans.
Watery Gecko Grip Could Lead to Stickier Tape
April 1, 2013
The tropical reptiles can cling to surfaces that don't get easily wet, like waxy leaves, a new study says.
Elephant Bird Egg Auction Inspires a Hunt
April 1, 2013
An auction at Christie's inspires another kind of egg hunt as a writer goes looking for National Geographic's elephant bird egg.
Pictures: 101 New Species of Beetles
March 29, 2013
To speed the naming of 101 new beetle species found in Papua New Guinea, scientists used DNA sequences ... and the telephone book.
April Fools' Day Pictures: Seven Animal Hoaxes
March 29, 2013
From a woman birthing rabbits to a human-dog hybrid—see pictures of famous animal hoaxes, including some used as April Fools' Day pranks.
Cicadas Coming to U.S. East Coast This Spring
March 29, 2013
Millions of the cricket cousins will soon appear across seven U.S. states.
What's Behind Spike in Gulf Coast Dolphin Attacks?
March 29, 2013
Dead—and sometimes mutilated—dolphins have been turning up in recent months off the shores of Alabama, Florida, and Texas.
Endangered Frogs Get Helping Hand
March 28, 2013
Researchers want to build a captive population of endangered limosa harlequin frogs as they face potential extinction.
Trilobites Found With Mysterious Markings
March 27, 2013
These ancient arthropods may have used their spots as camouflage, a new study says.
Curious Cat Walks Over Medieval Manuscript
March 26, 2013
A historian discovers paw prints—presumably those of a cat—on a medieval manuscript.
Catfight! Readers Argue Over Fate of Free-Roaming Felines
March 25, 2013
Suggestions on how to handle free-roaming cats sparked a few, well, catfights among our commenters.
Hundreds of Sick Sea Lion Pups Wash Ashore
March 21, 2013
A mysterious tide of California sea lion pups continues to wash ashore, prompting one rescue facility to declare a state of emergency.
Writer's Call to Kill Feral Cats Sparks Outcry
March 20, 2013
A writer's call to euthanize feral domestic cats has caused new fur to fly in the ongoing debate on how to handle free-roaming felines.
Dead Whale Contains a Bounty of Life
March 19, 2013
"Snotworms" and carcass-hopping limpets are some of the creatures inhabiting the whale's skeleton.
Shark Dies During Kmart Commercial Filming
March 19, 2013
Despite the efforts of trainers, a shark being filmed for a Kmart commercial dies.
How a Rooster Knows to Crow at Dawn
March 18, 2013
It turns out that roosters don't need light to know when it's dawn, according to a new study.
Monarch Butterflies Hit New Low; "Worrisome" Trend
March 18, 2013
The king of butterflies is in a steady decline due to loss of habitat and extreme weather, a new report says.
Pictures: Mouth-Birthing Frog to Be Resurrected?
March 15, 2013
An extinct frog that gave birth out of its mouth is "rising from the dead," scientists say.
U.S. Bedbugs Evolve Multiple Ways of Thwarting Insecticides
March 14, 2013
Humans may have played a part in the recent resurgence of bedbugs in the United States.
Proposed Lion-Meat Ban Shines Light on Wild-Animal Meat
March 12, 2013
<strong>A lion-meat ban proposed in Illinois highlights people's taste for exotic meats-especially in Asia. </strong>
Galápagos Tortoises: Slow and Steady Migrators
March 12, 2013
Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island walk nearly four miles during the rainy season.
Opinion: The Case Against Species Revival
March 12, 2013
Bringing back extinct animals distracts from conserving endangered species still alive, the author argues.
Opinion: The Case for Reviving Extinct Species
March 11, 2013
There are a lot of reasons for bringing back extinct animals, including conservation and medical benefits, argues Stewart Brand.
A Picture We Love: I See You
March 8, 2013
A fish on a Red Sea coral reef mugs for the camera in a pic our photo editors love.
Beware of Big Cats
March 8, 2013
Big cats in captivity have a history of attacking humans.
California Death Prompts Questions About Lion Attacks
March 8, 2013
Scientists react to an African lion killing a worker at a California wildlife sanctuary.
How to Resurrect Lost Species
March 8, 2013
Scientists propose genetic experiments to restore extinct species such as passenger pigeons, aurochs, and thylacines.
Bees Buzzing on Caffeine
March 8, 2013
Coffee and citrus plants use caffeine to manipulate the memory of honeybees, a new study says.
My Pet's Demise: A Flood of Sympathy—And Criticism
March 5, 2013
A writer receives an outpouring of sympathy from some and criticism from others for his observations on Rosie the cat's demise.
Species Revival: Should We Bring Back Extinct Animals?
March 5, 2013
Scientists are debating whether we can truly bring back vanished species—and, if so, whether we should.
Pictures: Endangered Species "Preserved" by the Photo Ark
March 5, 2013
Joel Sartore's photography project chronicles rare species.
Swarming Locusts Descend on Egypt
March 5, 2013
What turns these insects into an invading army ready to devour whatever lies in its path?
We Didn't Domesticate Dogs. They Domesticated Us.
March 1, 2013
Early humans didn't adopt wolves to help them hunt, argue scientists. Instead, wolves made the first move toward friendship.
Pictures: Baby Giant Armadillo Photographed—A First
March 1, 2013
Brazilian researchers recently captured the first-ever pictures of a baby giant armadillo.
Why It's Harder Than You Think to Send a Pet to Heaven
March 1, 2013
The author thought that when the time came he'd simply put his cat "to sleep." He never imagined how heartbreaking it would be.
Pictures: Saving Sumatra's Orangutans
February 28, 2013
A thriving pet trade and dwindling forests are driving Asia's great ape toward extinction, conservationists say.
Why African Rhinos Are Facing a Crisis
February 27, 2013
The illegal trade in rhino horns is at an all-time high. That could bring growth of rhino populations to a grinding halt.
Sharks Warn Off Predators By Wielding Light Sabers
February 25, 2013
Glowing blue spines warn off would-be predators, according to a new study.
Picture Archive: Dorothy Lamour and Jiggs, Circa 1938
February 24, 2013
While chimps and other animals have long been stars of the silver screen, they are ineligible for Oscar Awards.
Europe's Horse Meat Scandal Escalates, Investigations Ensue
February 22, 2013
The food scandal shaking Europe escalates as authorities hunt for the culprit.
Pictures: Best News Photos from 2013 World Photo Press Contest
February 22, 2013
Winners of the 56th World Press Photo contest capture some of the most emotional, devastating, and beautiful images of 2012.
Oldest Known Wild Bird Hatches Chick at 62
February 21, 2013
When Chandler Robbins banded a female albatross in 1956, he had no idea it would become a record-breaking bird that defied the odds.
Bird-friendly Farms Catching On in California
February 20, 2013
Migratory birds are taking refuge on farms in California's Staten Island as part of a conservation plan.
Florida Python Hunt Captures 68 Invasive Snakes
February 19, 2013
The 2013 Python Challenge nabbed 68 invasive Burmese pythons-and experts are surprised that many of the elusive giants were caught.
New Study Analyzes Heavy Metal Dancing
February 19, 2013
Scientists have analyzed mosh pits at heavy metal concerts, finding patterns similar to gaseous particle behavior.
New Ancient Members of Whale Family Found
February 19, 2013
These ancient relatives of modern baleen whales had teeth instead of baleen, which modern whales use to filter feed.
Why the Dog Show Winner Looks Like a Monkey
February 16, 2013
The affenpinscher dog is Best in Show. What's the story behind the little-known breed?
Confirmed: Dogs Sneak Food When People Aren't Looking
February 15, 2013
Dogs might understand people even better than thought, new experiments show.
Are Honeybees Losing Their Way?
February 13, 2013
Pesticides can take a toll on their memory and communication skills, and a combo of chemicals turns out to be far more hazardous.
Owl Monkeys Shed Light on Evolution of Love
February 13, 2013
It may not seem like monkey business, but emotional bonds in animals such as primates may have evolved into love as we know it.
Europe's Horse Meat Scandal Casts Light on Food Taboo
February 12, 2013
Horse meat is at the heart of a United Kingdom scandal, but some cultures eat it regularly.
Biggest Crocodile Dies in Captivity
February 11, 2013
<strong>Lolong is the largest crocodile in captivity no longer—the giant reptile has died in the Philippines. </strong>
Year of the Snake: The Serpent Behind the Horoscope
February 10, 2013
Ring in the Lunar New Year with horoscope predictions that accurately describe the actual animals.
Meow! Claws out on Facebook Over Killer Cat Stats
February 5, 2013
New estimates of how many animals are killed each year by cats have angered bird and cat advocates alike.
Moles Smell in Stereo to Find Food, Dodge Predators
February 4, 2013
Though nearly blind, the common mole uses its nostrils independently to find food and dodge predators, a new study suggests.
Angry Birds? "Shy" Sparrows Show Aggression With Wings
February 4, 2013
Scientists have discovered a new "angry bird." The swamp sparrow raises and quivers a wing at a time—a signal that it's ready to fight.
Pictures We Love: Best of January
February 1, 2013
Joy in a mud-brick alley and a contemplative hummingbird are among our photo editors' picks of the most interesting news pictures from January.
Debate Continues: Did Your Seafood Feel Pain?
February 1, 2013
Before it ended up on your plate, did your seafood suffer? Scientists disagree on the answer.
14 Pygmy Elephants Die Mysteriously in Borneo
January 31, 2013
<strong>Fourteen endangered Borneo pygmy elephants died of mysterious causes, conservationists say.</strong>
New Theory on How Homing Pigeons Find Home
January 30, 2013
Ultralow frequency sounds could be partly responsible for the birds' famed navigational skills.
6 Bizarre Animal Smuggling Busts
January 30, 2013
Primates in pants, a carry-on croc, and more surprising finds in the illicit wildlife trade.
Hello Kitty! Please Don't Kill Me!
January 29, 2013
A new study reveals that cats prey on billions of birds and mammals every year.
Doomed Dolphin Speaks to New York's Vibrant Wildlife
January 27, 2013
The death of a dolphin in a city canal shines a light on the coyotes, caimans and boas that call New York home.
5 Amazing Animal Navigators
January 25, 2013
A house cat named Holly, which made news this week for trekking nearly 200 miles, isn't the only supernavigator in the animal kingdom.
Deformed Dolphin Accepted Into New Family
January 23, 2013
Swimming among a pod of sperm whales in the North Atlantic is a dolphin with an S-shaped spine.
How a Cat-Born Parasite Infects Humans
January 22, 2013
A common parasite can make humans less fearful and slow to react. Now scientists think they know how it happens.
Opinion: Florida's Great Snake Hunt Is a Cheap Stunt
January 22, 2013
Florida's popular python hunt is based on a bogus and inhumane quest to banish an invasive species, Bryan Christy argues.
Hunting for Quail Eggs? Mind Your Steps
January 18, 2013
Scientists have discovered that female Japanese quail deftly hide their eggs with camouflage.
Newly Discovered Nebula Looks Like a Manatee
January 18, 2013
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory believes that a gas cloud in the constellation Aquila bears an uncanny resemblance to the endangered aquatic mammal.
First Human Contact With Large Emperor Penguin Colony
January 18, 2013
Antarctic researchers have found a large colony of emperor penguins that had first been spotted by satellite images.
Colorful New Lizard Identified in Vietnam
January 16, 2013
Scientists have identified a new lizard species in Vietnam. The bright-blue animal was previously misidentified.
"Fantastic" New Flying Frog Found—Has Flappy Forearms
January 14, 2013
A huge new flying frog with big webbed feet and flappy forearms has been discovered near Ho Chi Minh City, a new study says.
Sharp-Eared Robots Find Whales—And Help Them Escape Danger
January 11, 2013
Torpedo-shaped machines do their part to protect whales.
How "Cheating" Slime Mold Escapes Death
January 10, 2013
Cheaters do prosper—at least if you're a slime mold, a new study says.
Embryonic Sharks Freeze to Avoid Detection
January 9, 2013
Embryonic sharks still in their egg case will freeze to avoid predators.
Pictures: Florida Wildlife Corridor to Protect Bears, Panthers
January 9, 2013
Black bears, panthers, bobcats, and more could roam freely in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a proposed strip of land running from South Florida to Georgia.
Albino-like Bald Eagle Spotted in Washington State
January 9, 2013
Talk about an odd bird—a bald eagle with white spots has been spotted in Washington State.
Primitive and Peculiar Mammal May Be Hiding Out in Australia
January 7, 2013
The long-beaked echidna is thought to live only in New Guinea. But now there's evidence that Australia might also be home to the rare, egg-laying mammal.
Wasp Larvae Practice Food Safety
January 7, 2013
Wasp larvae treat cockroach hosts with antimicrobials before digging in.
How Fish Evolved to Climb Waterfalls With Their Mouths
January 7, 2013
A Hawaiian fish that inches up sheer rock faces uses the same movements to eat, a new study says.
Pictures We Love: Best of December
January 3, 2013
Mud-slathered tourists, a cabaret comeback, and a glacial "mushroom" appear in our photo editors' favorite news pictures of December.
Tigers Making a Comeback in Parts of Asia
December 28, 2012
Tigers are making a comeback thanks to strong government initiatives in India, Thailand, and Russia, scientists announced this week.
Pictures: Capturing the Beauty of Life Through a Microscope
December 24, 2012
Tiny claws and single-celled algae are among the top images in the 2012 Olympus BioScapes Microscopic Life Photo Contest.
Photos: Humboldt Squid Have a Bad Day at the Beach
December 21, 2012
The bodies of hundreds of beached Humboldt squid puzzle researchers.
The Healing Power of Dogs
December 21, 2012
Dogs are helping people in Newtown, Connecticut, grapple with grief after the school shooting. What makes canines so comforting?
Detecting Rabid Bats Before They Bite
December 19, 2012
Infected bats have lower facial temperatures than uninfected colony-mates.
Crayfish Harbor Fungus That's Wiping Out Amphibians
December 17, 2012
Crustacean is a reservoir for fungus responsible for worldwide amphibian declines.
Venomous Primate Discovered in Borneo
December 14, 2012
Scientists unmask a new primate species—a type of slow loris called Nycticebus kayan, a new study says.
Trapped Tigress Rescued
December 14, 2012
When tigers come into contact with humans in parts of India, the results can be tragic for both sides.
Pictures: Surveying Rain Forest Arthropods
December 14, 2012
A new survey of rain forest arthropods finds their diversity tied to plant diversity.
Vast Diversity of Arthropods in Small Patch of Rain Forest
December 13, 2012
A huge new survey finds insect diversity linked to diversity in plants.
Rare Singing Dog Photographed in New Guinea?
December 13, 2012
The New Guinea singing dog, an elusive canine related to the Australian dingo, may have been spotted in New Guinea.
Gold "Mining" Termites Found, May Lead Humans to Riches
December 12, 2012
Want to know if you're literally sitting on a gold mine? Get some termites, a new study suggests.
Meet Migaloo, World's First "Archaeology Dog"
December 10, 2012
An Australian dog specially trained to locate buried human bones by scent could aid archaeologists.
A 110-Million-Year-Old Trash Collector
December 10, 2012
Complex hiding behavior encased in amber for 110 million years.
Photos: Coral Species Proposed for Protections
December 7, 2012
<strong>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes protections for 66 coral species.</strong>
Best News Pictures of 2012: Nat Geo News's Most Popular
December 7, 2012
A real-life "vampire," a spider swarm, and miniature chameleons are featured in the most popular news galleries of 2012.
Photos: Best Camera-Trap Pictures of 2012
December 7, 2012
A tiger chowing on a rhino and a sloth bear spitting at the camera are among the winning subjects of the 2012 BBC Wildlife Camera Trap Competition.
Oldest Giant Panda Relative Found in Spain
December 4, 2012
The oldest relative of the giant panda has been discovered in Spain—suggesting that the ancestors of giant pandas originated in Europe, a new study says.
Animal Overpass Helps Pronghorn Survive A Dangerous Migration
December 4, 2012
Pronghorn antelopes cross a busy Wyoming highway on an overpass built to help them navigate a dangerous bottleneck in their migration.
Bowerbirds Use Geometry to Woo Females
December 3, 2012
Great bowerbirds build patterned courts to impress females, will stick with flawed designs.
Top Ten Discoveries of 2012: Nat Geo News's Most Popular
December 3, 2012
The biggest crocodile and the God particle are featured in National Geographic News's most visited coverage of 2012 discoveries.
Battle of the Sexes: How Women and Men See Things Differently
November 30, 2012
Men and women differ when it comes to how much of an image they explore and where they focus their attention.
Volcano Eruption Baked Rare Rhino Fossil
November 30, 2012
Paleontologists in Turkey uncover a 9-million-year-old rhino fossil, slow-cooked by volcanic debris.
Caterpillar Fungus Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
November 28, 2012
A new study reveals details of how fungus-infected caterpillars reduce swelling.
Pictures: Falcon Massacre Uncovered in India
November 27, 2012
Every fall, locals in northeastern India kill hundreds of thousands of Amur falcons as the birds journey south to their wintering grounds, conservationists say.
Thanksgiving 2012 Myths and Facts
November 20, 2012
Before the big dinner, debunk the myths—for starters, the first "real" Thanksgiving wasn't until the 1800s—and get to the roots of Thanksgiving 2012.
Apes Have Midlife Crises, Too—And It May Help Them
November 19, 2012
Middle age ruts may motivate apes and people to better their lives, a new study says.
Lonesome George Not the Last of His Kind, After All?
November 16, 2012
Maybe the late, lamented Galápagos tortoise wasn't the end of his line, after all. A DNA shocker is spurring a hunt for living cousins.
World's Leggiest Animal Found Near Silicon Valley
November 14, 2012
Long thought extinct, a 750-limbed creature has been found near Silicon Valley—and this millipede's got claws and even its own "clothing."
Two-Ton "Alien" Horned Dinosaur Found—"Different From Every Other"
November 9, 2012
"Different from every other horned dinosaur," the new species suggests flamboyant beginnings for the lineage that includes Triceratops.
Croc Jaws More Sensitive Than Human Fingertips
November 8, 2012
Snap judgment: Alligator and crocodile jaws are even more touch-sensitive than human fingertips, a new study says.
Pittsburgh Zoo Tragedy: Why Did African Wild Dogs Attack Boy?
November 5, 2012
Wild dog experts on what may have led to the killing of a Pennsylvania boy. Says one: "I very much doubt this was a predatory attack."
Pictures We Love: Best of October
November 5, 2012
Sparks fly, tadpoles fall in line, and a sleepy Chihuahua charms in National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures from October.
Elephant "Speaks" Like a Human—Uses Trunk to Shape Sound
November 2, 2012
Koshik the Korean-speaking elephant can say good, hello, no, and sit down—a novel discovery, new research shows.
After Sandy's New York Deluge, a Flood of Rats?
October 31, 2012
In the wake of superstorm Sandy, thousands of the rodents have been driven from flooded subway tunnels.
Hurricane Sandy Aftermath: What Happens to the Birds?
October 30, 2012
This week's devastating superstorm didn't just wreak havoc on human communities—it also damaged habitat for coastal bird species.
Pictures: Best Micro-Photos of 2012
October 26, 2012
From baby spiderlings to a blood-brain barrier—see the best microphotos chosen in the annual Small World photo competition.
"Lucy's Baby" a Born Climber, Hinting Human Ancestors Lingered in Trees
October 26, 2012
A 3.3-million-year-old fossil child suggests our ancestors abandoned tree life later than previously thought, scientists say.
New Coelacanth Species Discovered in Texas
October 25, 2012
A new species of hundred-million-year-old coelacanth has been identified—an ancestor to "fossil fish" of today, a new study says.
World's Oldest Primate Was a Rodentlike Climber
October 24, 2012
An "extraordinary discovery" exposes the earliest known primate as a rodentlike climber that evolved in tandem with flowers and fruit.
Squirrel Birth Control: To Stop Invasion, Science Gets Seedy
October 24, 2012
Offering squirrels drug-laced sunflower seeds may lower the rodents' booming numbers—while turning their bellies pink.
Pictures: Best Wild Animal Photos of 2012 Announced
October 23, 2012
Bubbly penguins and pounce-primed cheetah cubs feature in some of the year's best wildlife pictures, according to a U.K.-based contest.
"Talking" Whale Could Imitate Human Voice
October 22, 2012
Birds aren't the only animals that impersonate people—a captive beluga whale learned to mimic humans, a new study suggests. Listen for yourself.
Singing Mice Learn New Tunes
October 17, 2012
Not only can male mice sing, they can learn to change the notes they produce in their songs, a new study says.
Turtles Urinate via Their Mouths—A First
October 12, 2012
A species of soft-shelled turtle in China pees through its mouth—the first evidence of an animal doing so.
Pictures: Colored Honey Made by Candy-Eating French Bees
October 11, 2012
Mysterious blue and green honey comes from honeybees feeding off remnants of M&M candy shells.
Pictures: Glowing Deep-Sea Creatures Found in Caribbean
October 10, 2012
A bevy of bottom-dwelling creatures—including shrimp, coral, and anemones—have been found to glow, a new study says.
Snow Leopards Need To Be Protected ... But How?
October 9, 2012
Thinking of snow leopards as domesticated—and thus dependent on people for food—may help save the dwindling species, one conservationist claims.
New Species Photos: Giant Millipede, Horned Frog Among Borneo Finds
October 5, 2012
Glowing fungi, a big-fanged spider, and the world's biggest moth are among species found during a recent expedition to Malaysia.
Do Animals Get Depressed?
October 4, 2012
Rodents, primates, and even fish that lack interest in their environment could be sad—but scientists can't say for sure, a new study says.
New Fanged Dwarf Dinosaur Found—"Would Be Nice Pet"
October 3, 2012
A new, tiny dinosaur likely used its self-sharpening teeth against competitors, not prey, a new study suggests
Could Black Mamba Snake Venom Replace Morphine?
October 3, 2012
A painkiller made from the venom of Africa's black mamba would be as strong as morphine but without the risks of other drugs, a new study says.
Pictures: Orphan Baby Gorillas Rescued From Poachers
October 2, 2012
Freed from poachers, two gorillas have found refuge in the arms of surrogate "mothers"—male caretakers who offer crucial 24-hour TLC.
Pictures: 80 Polar Bears Throng Village in Search of Whale
October 1, 2012
Drawn by a whale carcass, the bears thronged an Alaskan village in record numbers—a possible side effect of the great Arctic melt.
Pictures: Vampire Squid's Surprising Diet Revealed
September 29, 2012
Despite its bloodthirsty name and looks, the "vampire squid from hell" turns out to be the only known nonpredatory squid, a new study says.
Pictures: New-Species "Heaven" Discovered in Peru
September 28, 2012
A night monkey, enigmatic porcupine, and small-eared shrew are among the unusual mammals found during a recent expedition.
Panda Cub's Death Still a Mystery—Necropsy Provides Clues
September 24, 2012
A necropsy has turned up some clues in why the U.S. National Zoo's panda cub died after less than a week.
"Liliger" Born in Russia No Boon for Big Cats
September 21, 2012
A liliger—the offspring of a liger mother and lion father—born in Russia may be cute, but it has no relevance in helping save big cats, experts say.
Prehistoric "Movie Monster" Mollusk Re-created With 3-D Printer
September 18, 2012
A spiky, well-armored mollusk that lived 390 million years ago has been brought back to life with the help of 3-D printers.
"Virgin Birth" Seen in Wild Snakes, Even When Males Are Available
September 14, 2012
Who needs males? Even with potential fathers afoot—er, a-slither—vipers reproduce asexually, and surprisingly frequently, study says.
Religious Ivory Demand Killing Elephants by Thousands, Report Says
September 14, 2012
An active market for illegal ivory Jesuses, prayer beads, and amulets fuels thousands of elephant deaths yearly, a new report finds.
"Zombie" Bees Electronically Enhanced to Help Solve Die-Off Mystery
September 12, 2012
To learn more about a bizarre, zombie-like behavior in honeybees, researchers are tagging the "zombees" with radio trackers.
Best Wildlife Pictures - British Nature Winners 2012
September 12, 2012
From a cave-diving seal to balletic, and brutal, birds—see gob-smackingly good winners of the British Wildlife Photography Awards.
Pictures: Pygmy Sloth Among 100 Species Most At Risk
September 11, 2012
A chameleon named after Tarzan and a snub-nosed monkey are among the most threatened species, according to the new IUCN book Priceless or Worthless?.
Sea Otters Strike a Blow for the Environment?
September 10, 2012
When hungry sea otters smack spiky urchins against rocks on their chests, the mammals may also be striking a blow against climate change.
In War to Save Elephants, Rangers Appeal for Aid
September 9, 2012
In Elephant "War," Rangers' Plea for Help
Albatross's Effortless Flight Decoded—May Influence Future Planes
September 7, 2012
Aerospace engineers may have finally figured out how albatrosses go so far without flapping, and the findings could shape future planes.
Could Cyborg Cockroaches Save Your Life?
September 7, 2012
Electrode-implanted bugs can now be "driven" with surprising precision (see video), which may make them futuristic first responders.
Venus the Two-Faced Cat Still a Mystery
August 31, 2012
Just how Venus the cat—whose face is divided in two colors—got such a striking coloration is still a mystery, an expert says.
What's Ambergris? Behind the $60k Whale-Waste Find
August 30, 2012
A beachcombing U.K. boy just stumbled upon a chunk of ambergris possibly worth up to $63,000. So what exactly is it, and why is it worth so much?
Glowing Cockroach Mimics Toxic Beetle
August 30, 2012
A species of cockroach glows green to trick predators into thinking it's the toxic click beetle, a new study says.
Black Bears Can "Count" as Well as Primates
August 29, 2012
Do black bears count in the woods? Possibly, according to a recent study that shows the mammals are as smart as primates.
Triassic Mites Join World's Oldest Amber Animal Finds (Pictures)
August 28, 2012
Locked in tree resin since the dinosaur dawn, new fossils are among scientific gold that reveals how little some animals have evolved.
New Genitalia-Headed Fish Is Evolutionary Mystery
August 27, 2012
It's a mystery just how the fish's reproductive organs ended up front and center, a new study says.
Deep-Sea, Shrimp-like Creatures Survive by Eating Wood
August 27, 2012
Deep-sea, shrimp-like crustaceans caught in the Mariana Trench get big by eating sunken wood, a new study says.
Pictures: Rare Deep-Sea Anglerfish Recorded
August 23, 2012
Rare, red, bulbous deep-sea anglerfish that can "walk" and change color are caught on camera thousands of feet below the surface.
Gibbons and Opera Singers Use the Same Voice Tools
August 23, 2012
Gibbons and human soprano opera singers share common vocalization anatomy and techniques, according to new research findings that indicate humans haven't evolved as much as scientists had first thought. Audio of a gibbon on helium.
Photos: Aerial Survey Spots Record Number of Manatees
August 22, 2012
An aerial survey from the skies above Belize has spotted a record number of manatees enjoying clear coastal waters.
Virus That Twists Snakes Into Knots Revealed
August 22, 2012
A new study has found the cause of a mysterious disease that makes snakes tie themselves in knots and waste away.
Pictures: Squid Iridescence Explained
August 21, 2012
Nerve cells are responsible for squids' shimmering displays, a new study says.
Color-Changing Rubber Robot Could Aid Animal Study
August 17, 2012
A new inflatable robot changes color when fluid is pumped into its "body." The high-tech camouflage may be a boon to stealth science.
Biggest Burmese Python Found in Florida—17.7 Feet, 87 Eggs
August 14, 2012
"Monstrous," egg-stuffed 17.7-footer suggests Florida life is "perfect" for the invasive snake species, experts say.
Cloned Horses Coming to the Olympics?
August 3, 2012
It's too late for London, but genetic copies are now cleared to competing in the Olympics. Could we be seeing double at the 2020 games?
Fossil Rodents With Supertough Teeth Found
August 2, 2012
Two new species of prehistoric rodents found in central Chile may have lived in the world's earliest grassland, scientists say.
Cheetah Breaks Speed Record—Beats Usain Bolt by Seconds
August 2, 2012
Beating Usain Bolt's best, Sarah the "polka-dotted missile" clocked the world's fastest recorded time for a 100-meter run.
"Superbird" Cormorant's Deep Dive Caught on Video—A Surprising First
August 1, 2012
Wearing a lipstick-size camera, a cormorant recently filmed itself diving 150 feet to the seafloor—"a new behavior." With video.
Pictures: Strange New Fish Found Deep off New Zealand
July 24, 2012
A flabby whalefish, a slickhead, and a white rattail are among the weird fish hauled up during a recent New Zealand deep-sea expedition.
Gorilla Youngsters Seen Dismantling Poachers' Traps—A First
July 18, 2012
Just days after a snare had killed one of their own, four-year-old wild gorillas worked together to find and destroy other traps in their forest home.
Best Bird Pictures: Air, Sea, Ice Shots Win New Contest
July 18, 2012
Go undersea, into the air, and out on a limb with the winning shots of the first World Bird Photo Contest.
"Easter Island Drug," Bee Nursing Hold Antiaging Secrets?
July 10, 2012
Nursing makes old bees "intelligent again," while an "Easter Island drug" helps mice live longer—and better. Could humans be next?
"Unusual" Pictures: Lions vs. Hippo
July 10, 2012
Newly released pictures show lions attacking and killing a young hippo in South Africa—a rarity, experts say.
Arsenic-Life Discovery Debunked—But "Alien" Organism Still Odd
July 9, 2012
An organism that appeared to have rewritten the laws of life has been brought down to Earth by two new studies.
Elusive Killer Ants Explained; Bop Insects on Heads
July 3, 2012
A little-seen species of trap-jawed ant is an ambush hunter that lives in giant treetop colonies, a decades-long study reveals.
Giant Crocodile Breaks Size Record—Suspected in Fatal Attacks
July 2, 2012
A saltwater crocodile captured last year in the Philippines is the largest in captivity, the Guinness World Records announced recently.
"Beautiful" Squirrel-Tail Dinosaur Fossil Upends Feather Theory
July 2, 2012
Forget overgrown lizards—the oldest known meat-eating dinosaur with feathers suggests "probably all" dinosaurs bore plumage, a new study says.
Pictures: 25 New Reef Fish Found—"Beautiful" Basslet and More
June 28, 2012
Among the new species: a candy-striped clingfish and fairy goby—plus, a "bizarre" scorpionfish and an eel opening wide for flounder.
World's Ugliest Dog: The Evolution of Mugly's Frightful Features
June 28, 2012
How did Mugly—newly crowned king of unsightly canines—get so ugly? Scientists untangle the roots of hairless breeds.
Massive Pile of Elephant Ivory Burned in Gabon—A First
June 27, 2012
More than ten thousand pounds of elephant ivory were burned in Gabon, a fiery act intended to snuff out a recent spike in poaching.
World's Oldest Purse Found—Studded With a Hundred Dog Teeth?
June 27, 2012
Studded with a hundred Stone Age dog teeth, the world's oldest purse may have been found in Germany.
Photos: "Snubby" Monkey, Hula Frog Among New Most At-Risk Species
June 26, 2012
A sneezing monkey, an Amazon antbird, and a hula frog are among the species newly listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Slow Sharks Sneak Up on Sleeping Seals (and Eat Them)?
June 26, 2012
The world's slowest swimming shark may have evolved a slick hunting move: Sneaking up on snoozing seals.
Lonesome George, Last of His Kind, Dies in Galápagos
June 25, 2012
The centenarian reptile, perhaps best known for his reticence to mate, was the last giant tortoise of his kind.
Mating Turtles Fossilized in the Act
June 21, 2012
The first known fossils of copulating vertebrates may solve poisonous paleontology mystery: What killed the creatures of Messel Pit?
Pictures: Jaguars Spotted on Colombian Plantation—A First
June 18, 2012
Looking "calm, playful, and healthy," jaguars have been spotted on a Colombian oil palm plantation—a first, scientists say.
Father's Day Pictures: All-Star Animal Dads
June 15, 2012
In honor of Father's Day, see which species—from cockroaches to marmosets—are the greatest dads of the animal kingdom.
Pictures: Odd Deep-Sea Creatures Found at Volcanoes, Canyons
June 13, 2012
Squat lobsters, "hairy" crabs, and "Mickey Mouse" squid are among animals spotted during a recent survey of underwater volcanoes and canyons.
Pictures: Tsunami Dock Is "Alien Mother Ship" of Species
June 13, 2012
Teeming with invasive life-forms, the Japanese dock that recently hit the U.S. is a "dirty needle that just got stuck into our ecological arm."
Gorillas Seen Using "Baby Talk" Gestures—A First
June 12, 2012
A first among primates, the discovery may give insight into how similar human communication evolved.
Super-tongue Bat Caught on Camera (With Video)
June 11, 2012
For the first time, a rare bat with a tongue longer than its body has been filmed in high definition. With video.
Microbes Beam Electrons to Each Other Via Mineral "Wires"
June 8, 2012
Bacteria can use minerals in soil as electrical grids, helping the microbes generate chemicals they need to survive, a new study says.
Giant Bugs Eaten Out of Existence by First Birds?
June 4, 2012
Entomophobes rejoice! Prehistory's biggest insects were likely easy prey to dinosaur-era birds, a new study says.
Pictures We Love: Best of May
June 1, 2012
From Amazon antics to a mist-shrouded Taj Mahal—see National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures from last month.
Paralyzed Rats Walk Again, Thanks to Electricity, Chemicals—And Chocolate
May 31, 2012
With help from electricity, chemicals, and chocolate, the rats' severely injured spinal cords recovered—a first that might help humans.
Top Ten New Species: Snub-Nosed Monkey, Devil Worm, More
May 29, 2012
The biggest millipede and a Spongebob mushroom are among the ten most bizarre species of 2011, according to Arizona State University.
Deep Creatures Hitchhike on Subs—Invading Pristine Habitats?
May 29, 2012
Despite huge pressure changes, "Energizer bunny" animals keep going and going and going—possibly invading pristine areas, experts say.
Evolutionary Flop: Early 4-Footed Land Animal Was No Walker?
May 23, 2012
New 3-D models suggest that what's been seen as one of Earth's first land walkers was actually more of a flopper.
Photos: Volcanic Vents, Crawling With Creatures, Found in Mexico Sea
May 23, 2012
Crawling with tube worms and crabs, the hydrothermal vents are the first found in the Gulf of California, scientists report.
Magma Rise Sparked Life as We Know It?
May 23, 2012
Oxygen-breathing life exists on Earth today because of changes in the planet's magma 2.5 billion years ago, a new study says.
Can Sugar Make You Stupid? "High Concern" in Wake of Rat Study
May 22, 2012
Bingeing on fructose stunted memory and learning in rats, prompting "high concern" over unhealthy humans.
Fossil Ink Sacs Yield Jurassic Pigment—A First
May 21, 2012
Still soft ink sacs from 160-million-year-old squidlike animals have yielded pigment matching that of modern cuttlefish.
Giant Killer Mice Decimating Rare Seabirds
May 21, 2012
Oversize house mice are consuming millions of endangered Atlantic petrels on the bird's only known breeding area, a new study says.
Slow-Mo Microbes Still Living off Dino-era "Lunch Box"
May 17, 2012
Buried for 86 million years, a bacterial community lives so slugglishly it's still surviving on a "lunch box" from dino days, a new study says.
Pictures: Elephant Underpass Reuniting Kenya Herds
May 16, 2012
A corridor beneath a busy highway in northern Kenya is helping isolated elephant populations reunite, conservationists say.
Prehistoric "Panda" Found in Spain—Giant Panda Has European Roots?
May 14, 2012
A small fossil bear recently identified in Spain suggests China's giant panda has European roots, a new study says.
Runner's High Hardwired in People—And Dogs
May 10, 2012
The pleasurable sensation known as "runner's high" may have motivated human and canine ancestors to build endurance, a new study says.
Biggest Crocodile Found—Fossil Species Ate Humans Whole?
May 8, 2012
The 27-foot-long predator may have ambushed early humans in what's now Kenya, a new study says.
Pictures: Ancient Pygmy Pipehorse Species Found
May 8, 2012
Fossils of a new species of pygmy pipehorse, a tiny relative of the seahorse, have been unearthed in Slovenia.
"Zombie Ant" Fungus Under Attack—By Another Fungus
May 4, 2012
Besieged by a fungus that takes over their brains then erupts from their heads, rain forest ants have an unlikely ally—another fungus.
Pictures We Love: Best of April
May 4, 2012
From hippo dental care to hammer time—see National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures from last month.
Pictures: 24 New Caribbean Lizards Found
May 3, 2012
The unexpectedly large crop of Caribbean skinks is already at risk of extinction, a new study says.
Pictures: New "Rebel" Coelacanth Found
May 2, 2012
The unusual predator was built to do "everything a coelacanth should not do," its discoverers say.
Glowing Pygmy Shark Lights Up to Fade Away
April 30, 2012
In what may sound like soggy logic, the smalleye pygmy shark hides in the dark by lighting up, a new study says.
Best Underwater Pictures: Winners of 2012 Amateur Contest
April 27, 2012
From the ocean's biggest fish to tiny sea slugs with big color, the stars of an annual contest help reveal "the ocean through other eyes."
White Killer Whale Spotted—Only One in the World?
April 25, 2012
Iceberg the Orca may be the only known all-white adult killer whale, and his strange skin color remains a mystery.
New Species: Bumblebee Gecko Strikingly Striped
April 23, 2012
The latest buzz in reptiledom—a strikingly striped lizard—comes from a little-explored Pacific island.
Fish Glow Green After Genetic Engineering
April 22, 2012
A genetically engineered fish that glows green from the inside out is helping illuminate what pollutants do inside the body.
Photos: Oldest Reptile Embryos Discovered
April 17, 2012
New reptile fossils may show both the earliest evidence of live birth and of parental care, a new study says.
Emperor Penguins Counted From Space—A First
April 13, 2012
New satellite images show the population of emperor penguins in Antarctica has doubled since 1992, scientists report.
"Strawberry" Leopard Discovered—A First
April 12, 2012
The rare South Africa leopard probably has erythrism, a condition that causes a pinkish coat, experts say.
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 4-Million-Year-Old Cave
April 11, 2012
Deep in an ancient New Mexico cave, scientists have discovered nearly a hundred types of bacteria that can fight modern antibiotics.
Pictures: New Suckermouth Armored Catfish Discovered
April 10, 2012
An "unusual" species of catfish likely uses its "suckermouth" to scrape algae off rocks, a new study says.
One-Ton Feathered Dinosaur Found: Fluffy and Fierce
April 4, 2012
About as long as a bus but downy soft in chicklike plumage, Yutyrannus is by far the biggest feathered dinosaur yet, a new study says.
"Lost" Long-Fingered Frog Found in Africa
April 3, 2012
In a handy stroke of luck, scientists have rediscovered a "lost" African species: the Bururi long-fingered frog.
Bizarre "King of Wasps" Found in Indonesia
March 27, 2012
Males of the venomous wasps have large, spiked jaws, perhaps to protect young, a new study says.
Whales Have Sonar "Beam" for Targeting Prey
March 22, 2012
Precision sound "beams" let whales focus on fast prey in the dark ocean, a new study says.
Viking Invaders Brought Armies of Mice
March 21, 2012
Vikings who conquered new lands unwittingly brought with them another sort of invader: mice, a new study says.
Pictures: Glowing Blue Waves Explained
March 19, 2012
Glittering or flashing seas have long been linked to marine microbes—and now scientists think they know how the life-forms create light.
"Hot Bee Balls" Cook Enemy Hornets—But How Do Bees Endure the Heat?
March 16, 2012
Japanese honeybees swarm to cook enemy hornets, but how do they survive the heat themselves? A new brain study may have the answer.
Giant Squid's Basketball-Size Eyes Have Sperm Whale Vision
March 15, 2012
Colossal and giant squid eyes—the world's biggest—seem to have a "superpower" Captain Ahab might have killed for: sperm whale vision.
Crocodiles Have Strongest Bite Ever Measured, Hands-on Tests Show
March 15, 2012
An "extraordinary" new study—based on treacherous hands-on measurements—suggests crocs are "force-generating machines" rivaling T. rex.
New Horned Dinosaurs Found—Among Littlest Known
March 13, 2012
The mini plant-eaters—including one with a neck frill and a hatchet-shaped jaw—roamed then balmy Alberta, Canada, a new study says.
Spiderwebs Blanket Countryside After Australian Floods (Pictures)
March 7, 2012
Spiders trying to ride out floods in Wagga Wagga, Australia, are coating the town in thick webs.
"Cute" Tropical Camels: Prehistoric Species Found in Panama
March 6, 2012
Two new species of tiny, tropical camels with croc-like snouts have been found in Panama, a new study says.
Photos: Pictures of the Year Announced
March 5, 2012
See this year's winners of the global photo contest that aims to "empower the world's best documentary photography."
Spiny, Venomous New Sea Snake Discovered—"Something Special"
March 2, 2012
Mysteriously covered in spiny scales, the snake was hauled from risky seas: "The only question is which animal would kill us."
Pictures We Love: Best of February
March 1, 2012
See the pictures we love, as chosen by National Geographic photo editors—from gravity-defying fighters to a "flaming" caterpillar.
T. Rex Bite Strongest Ever on Land—Ten Times Greater Than Gator's
February 28, 2012
The dinosaur chomped with ten times the force of an alligator, a new study says—but something in the sea was even stronger.
Giant Prehistoric Penguins Revealed: Big but Skinny
February 27, 2012
Scientists finally have the skinny on two extinct species of tall, "svelte" penguins that lived in New Zealand, a new study says.
Strange New Leaf-Nosed Bat Found in Vietnam
February 24, 2012
Despite an onslaught of leeches, scientists have uncovered a new bat species whose face bristles with leaf-like protrusions.
Pictures: New Amphibians Without Arms or Legs Discovered
February 21, 2012
They aren't worms or even snakes. They're burrowing, limbless amphibians, and they're completely new to science, a new study suggests.
Why Some Poison Frogs Taste Bittersweet When Licked
February 17, 2012
It's a discovery perhaps only a frog-licking scientist could make: Toxic frogs secrete sugars and bile acids in addition to their poisons.
Pictures: Miniature Chameleons Discovered—Fit on Match Tip
February 15, 2012
Four new chameleon species found in Madagascar—some tiny enough to fit on a match tip—are among the smallest known reptiles.
Best News Pictures of 2011: World Press Winners
February 15, 2012
See the painterly picture that won this year's World Press Photo Contest—plus a cliff-climbing polar bear, a record-breaking cave, and more.
Pictures: Shark Swallows Another Shark Whole
February 13, 2012
Divers on Australia's Great Barrier Reef recently snapped rare pictures of a wobbegong, or carpet shark, swallowing a bamboo shark whole.
Life on Earth Began on Land, Not in Sea?
February 13, 2012
The first cellular life on Earth probably arose in vats of volcanic mud akin to Darwin's idea of a "warm little pond," a new study says.
Shark-Attack Deaths Highest in 19 Years—Travel Trends to Blame?
February 10, 2012
U.S. fatalities down, possibly due to economic downturn.
"Vampire" Parasite Found Entombed in Amber
February 10, 2012
The first known fossil of a rare bloodsucker called the bat fly has been found in 20-million-year-old amber, a new study reports.
Zebra Stripes Evolved to Repel Bloodsuckers?
February 9, 2012
Stripes may do more than help zebras hide in tall grass—the pattern may scramble the vision of bloodsucking horseflies.
Huge Swarm of Gelatinous Sea Creatures Imaged in 3-D
February 8, 2012
Scientists have created a new 3-D picture of a giant swarm of tiny gelatinous sea creatures off Australia.
Pictures: Bird Mummies "Fed" After Death, Stuffed With Snails
February 7, 2012
Some of the millions of ancient Egyptian ibis mummies were "fed" after death, scans reveal—the better to live the afterlife.
Oldest Animal Discovered—Earliest Ancestor of Us All?
February 7, 2012
Could 760-million-year-old African "sponges" be humankind's earliest known ancestors?
Guinea Pigs Were Widespread as Elizabethan Pets
February 7, 2012
The tiny South American rodents were bred as pets throughout 16th- and 17th-century Europe, a new study suggests.
Pictures: "Supergiant," Shrimp-Like Beasts Found in Deep Sea
February 6, 2012
"It's a mystery" why giant, shrimp-like animals found off New Zealand are nearly three times larger than other amphipods, experts say.
Elephants Took 24 Million Generations to Evolve From Mouse-Size
February 3, 2012
For mammals, evolving into bigger sizes takes a lot longer than shrinking, new evolution study shows.
Groundhog Day 2012: Punxsutawney Phil's Forecast Is In
February 2, 2012
Early spring or long winter? "Immortal" rodent Punxsutawney Phil has made his forecast. Get the odd facts behind Groundhog Day 2012.
Groundhog Day 2012: Behind Phil's Immortal Allure
February 1, 2012
With ancient origins, "immortal" rodent Punxsutawney Phil rules Groundhog Day 2012. Get the surprising facts behind winter's wackiest U.S. weather prediction.
Prehistoric "Shield"-Headed Croc Found
February 1, 2012
A fossil croc sporting an odd head "shield" has been found in Morocco, paleontologists say.
Pictures We Love: Best of January
February 1, 2012
See the pictures we love, as chosen by National Geographic photo editors—from a too plush penguin to a pantsless pedestrian.<p> </p>
Pythons Eating Through Everglades Mammals at "Astonishing" Rate?
January 30, 2012
Invasive Burmese pythons are likely behind "dramatic" declines of the swamp's mammals—from rabbits to bobcats—new research suggests.
Near-Extinct Monkeys Found in Colombian Park
January 27, 2012
A new population of one of the world's rarest primates has been found in a Colombian park, conservationists announced today.
New-Species Pictures: Cowboy Frog, Armored Catfish Among Finds
January 25, 2012
A cowboy frog, eye-licking gecko, and "Crayola" katydid are among new and known species found in a Suriname rain forest.
Pictures: "Extinct" Monkeys With Sideburns Found in Borneo
January 20, 2012
The Miller's grizzled langur, a rare monkey species with bristly sideburns, has been "rediscovered" in a forest in northeastern Borneo, a new study says.
First Pictures: Live Snub-Nosed Monkeys Caught on Camera
January 13, 2012
For the first time, the rare Asian species—nicknamed "Snubby"—has been photographed alive in the wild, conservationists say.
Sharks Eating Songbirds in Gulf of Mexico
January 13, 2012
Land birds disoriented by oil-rig lights are becoming food for tiger sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, a new study says.
"White," Albino-like Penguin Found in Antarctica
January 12, 2012
Spotted by tourists in Antarctica, the rare bird has a genetic mutation that dilutes feather pigments.
Pictures: Brainless, Faceless "Fish" Among Scottish Sea Finds
January 12, 2012
See a "fish" without a face, "dancing" feather stars, and huge mussels—all found during recent surveys of Scottish marine life.
World's Smallest Frog Found—Fly-Size Beast Is Tiniest Vertebrate
January 11, 2012
No bigger than a housefly, the new species is the smallest known animal with a backbone, a new study says.
Pictures: Deepest Ocean Vents Swarm With Heat-Vision Shrimp?
January 11, 2012
The world's deepest volcanic ocean vents—three miles down in the Caribbean—swarm with shrimp that may have heat vision, experts say.
Worm-Eating Plant Found—Kills via Underground Leaves
January 10, 2012
A Brazilian plant uses sticky underground leaves to trap roundworms, a new study says.
Cajun Crayfish Invading Africa, Eating Native Species
January 9, 2012
A popular U.S. crayfish with a voracious appetite is wreaking havoc on African plants and animals, scientists say.
Old Mice Made "Young"—May Lead to Anti-Aging Treatments
January 6, 2012
Aging mice injected with stem cells lived three times as long, according to findings one scientist found initially unbelievable.
"Virgin Birth" Record Broken by Hotel Shark
January 6, 2012
A zebra shark at the "world's most luxurious hotel" has experienced four straight years of reproductive success—no male required.
Baby Harp Seals Being Drowned, Crushed Amid Melting Ice
January 6, 2012
As global warming melts Arctic sea ice, harp seal babies are dying in record numbers, the first study of its kind confirms.
Fish Mimics Octopus That Mimics Fish
January 5, 2012
For the first time, a jawfish has been caught one-upping a marine master of disguise (with video).
"Lost World" of Odd Species Found Off Antarctica (Pictures)
January 4, 2012
Swarms of yeti crabs and a ghostly octopus are among the new species spotted near hydrothermal vents, a new study says.
Hybrid Silkworms Spin Spider Silk—A First
January 3, 2012
Strong hybrid silk may someday be used to make parachutes and artificial limbs, a new study says.
Pictures: New Horned Viper Found in "Secret" Spot
December 30, 2011
A big, "beautiful" snake with olive-green eyes has been discovered in a remote forest in Tanzania, scientists say.
"Rapier Wielding" Shark Among New Species Found in 2011
December 28, 2011
Four new shark species—including a "rapier wielding" sawshark—were discovered in 2011 by California Academy of Sciences researchers.
Wild Gorillas Groom U.S. Tourist in Uganda
December 28, 2011
A tourist's encounter with gorillas in Uganda has become an Internet sensation—and a reminder of the pros and cons of wildlife tourism.
Best Travel Pictures of 2011 Named
December 23, 2011
Playful wolves, an iceberg climber, and a curious beluga are highlights of the 2011 Travel Photographer of the Year competition.
Top Ten Discoveries of 2011: Nat Geo News's Most Popular
December 19, 2011
An Earth-like planet and the biggest great white shark are among National Geographic News's most visited coverage of 2011 discoveries.
Best Pictures: Nat Geo Photo Contest Winners, 2011
December 19, 2011
From a rain-pelted dragonfly to a double rainbow over Indonesia, see the winning shots of the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest.
Small Spiders Have Big Brains That Spill Into Their Legs
December 16, 2011
Tiny spiders have such huge brains for their body sizes that the organs can spill into the animals' body cavities, a new study shows.
Smallest Frogs Found—Each Tinier Than an M&M
December 15, 2011
Two new species of frog—each smaller than an M&M—have been discovered in Papua New Guinea, a new study says.
Photos: "Elvis Monkey," Cloning Lizard Among New Mekong Species
December 14, 2011
Meet a monkey with a Presleyan pompadour, a cloning lizard found on a menu, and other new species recently found in the Mekong region.
Walking Began Underwater, Strolling-Fish Discovery Suggests
December 13, 2011
Look Ma, no feet! The first walkers may well have been full-on fish, say experts who've seen a prehistoric-like fish walk underwater.
Three-Foot "Shrimp" Had More Than 30,000 Lenses Per Eye?
December 12, 2011
The ancient superpredator may have had more than 30,000 lenses in each eye, granting the animal enhanced eyesight, a new study says.
Pictures: National Geographic's Top Ten Discoveries
December 7, 2011
To mark the National Geographic Society's 10,000th grant, Society experts have named Nat Geo's top grant projects since 1890.
Pictures: Prehistoric Whale "Graveyard" Found in Desert
December 6, 2011
In what's now Chilean desert, 20 whales died five million years ago. Experts are brushing away sands of time to find out why.
Pictures: "Lost" Leopard—And Poachers—Seen in Afghanistan
December 6, 2011
Camera traps have revealed a leopard thought locally extinct in Afghanistan, along with other big predators—and a pair of poachers.
Best News Pictures of 2011: Your Picks From Nat Geo News
December 2, 2011
Japan's tsunami aftermath, an Area 51 spy plane, and a huge crocodile feature among the most viewed Nat Geo News photo galleries of 2011.
"Yeti" Crabs Farm Food on Own Claws—A First
December 2, 2011
The deep-sea crabs farm bacteria on their furry arms as the crustaceans' main sources of food, scientists have discovered.
Wasps Can Recognize Faces
December 1, 2011
Paper wasps may discern faces to keep the peace in complex colonies, a new study suggests.
Pictures We Love: Best of November
December 1, 2011
See National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures of the month—a "flying" rhino, an up-close eruption, and more.
Pictures: "Gorgeous" Dinosaur Nest Found Full of Babies
November 29, 2011
A nest full of dinosaur babies—fossilized in their "last, bug-eyed, terrified minutes"—suggests <em>Protoceratops</em> parents nurtured their young.
"Ocean" Creatures That Evolved in Huge Lake Under Threat
November 29, 2011
Jellyfish, snails, and other creatures in Lake Tanganyika may be at risk due to overfishing, pollution, and more, conservationists say.
Ten Weirdest Life-forms of 2011: Editors' Picks
November 28, 2011
A cyclops shark, a demon bat, and an albino spider are among National Geographic News's picks for the year's weirdest new life-forms.
Thanksgiving 2011 Myths and Facts
November 22, 2011
Before the big dinner, debunk the myths—for starters, the first "real" Thanksgiving wasn't until the 1800s—and get to the roots of Thanksgiving 2011.
"Great Dying" Lasted 200,000 Years
November 21, 2011
Wildfires and disappearing oxygen helped kill off 90 percent of all life some 252 million years ago—and fast, a new study says.
Hundreds of Orangutans Killed Annually for Meat
November 15, 2011
Hundreds of Bornean orangutans are hunted each year in Indonesia for food or to eliminate threats to crops, a new study says.
Oldest Antarctic Whale Found; Shows Fast Evolution
November 14, 2011
The oldest known whale to ply the Antarctic may suggest whales evolved faster than thought, researchers say.
Photos: "Dramatic" Elephant Rescue in Zambia
November 11, 2011
A mother elephant and her baby mired in mud were recently saved by a fast-acting team in Zambia.
Pictures: Rare Black Rhinos Airlifted to Safety
November 9, 2011
In an "amazing" sight, 19 black rhinoceroses in South Africa recently traveled by helicopter to a protected reserve, conservationists say.
Prehistoric "Shield"-Headed Croc Found
November 9, 2011
A fossil croc sporting an odd head "shield" has been found in Morocco, paleontologists say.
New "Albino" Spider Found in Australia
November 8, 2011
A new species of spider with an unusual white head has shocked scientists in Australia.
Entire Mammal Genus on Brink of Extinction
November 7, 2011
For the first time in 75 years, an entire genus of mammal may go the way of the dodo—unless a new sanctuary succeeds, conservationists say.
Coyote-Wolf Hybrids Have Spread Across U.S. East
November 7, 2011
Coyotes with wolf DNA have been found in Virginia, confirming the hybrids' spread through the mid-Atlantic, a new study says.
Pictures: Best Wild Animal Photos of 2011 Announced
November 2, 2011
Sparring cocks and a curious fox feature in some of the year's best wild-animal pictures, according to the results of a U.K.-based contest.
Pictures We Love: Best of October
October 31, 2011
See National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures of the month—a lightning-filled eruption, a bubbly beluga, and more.
New Shark-Fin Pictures Reveal Ocean "Strip Mining"
October 28, 2011
Pictures taken by the Pew Environment Group in Taiwan suggest that fishers are "strip mining" the oceans of sharks, conservationists say.
Javan Rhino Extinct in Mainland Asia
October 27, 2011
The Javan rhino is extinct in mainland Asia, leaving just one small population in Indonesia, conservationists announced this week.
Python Hearts Double in Size—Now We Know Why
October 27, 2011
High levels of fats in the snakes' blood balloons their organs after breaking a long fast, experiments show.
Halloween Pictures: 9 Spooky New Species Found This Year
October 27, 2011
From a Beelzebub bat to a vampire flying frog-see Halloween-worthy species that crept from the shadows into the scientific limelight.
Best Evidence Yet for Dinosaur Migrations—Teeth Tell Tale
October 27, 2011
New tooth analysis provides the best evidence yet that dinosaurs migrated like modern-day birds and elephants, scientists say.
Pictures: Best Environmental Photos of 2011 Named
October 27, 2011
See whales, penguins, fire, and fighting hummingbirds in winning pictures of this year's Environmental Photographer of the Year contest.
Giant "Amoebas" Found in Deepest Place on Earth
October 26, 2011
For the first time, huge single-celled creatures have been spotted in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of Earth's oceans.
Jaguar Pictures: Record Big-Cat Numbers Spotted in Bolivia
October 24, 2011
Camera traps recently helped conservationists identify 19 jaguars in a national park—a record number for a single survey in the country.
Photos: Speared Mastodon Bone Hints at Earlier Americans
October 21, 2011
A spear tip in a mastodon rib hints that an unknown North American culture was killing big game a thousand years before the famed Clovis culture.
Pictures: Lucky Few Exotic Animals Saved From Ohio Shootings
October 20, 2011
After shootings killed dozens of lions, tigers, and other freed exotic animals in Ohio, six are safe in a nearby zoo on Thursday.
Should the Ohio Exotic Animals Have Been Shot?
October 20, 2011
The shooting of tigers, lions, and monkeys in Ohio raises new questions about the growing number of exotic animals kept as pets in the U.S.
Pictures: How Bubble-Rafting Snails Evolved
October 19, 2011
Scientists have cracked an evolutionary mystery: How did some snails come to "surf" the oceans on mucus-bubble rafts?
Oldest Tiger-like Skull Yet—Hints Evolution Got It Right From Start
October 18, 2011
A two-million-year-old mini-tiger's skull is "surprisingly similar" to modern tigers', experts say.
Male Spiders Give "Back Rubs" to Seduce Their Mates
October 18, 2011
When a male <em>Nephila pilipes</em> wants to get busy without getting eaten, he gives his mate a massage, new research shows.
Seaweed's "Chemical Weapons" Killing Corals
October 17, 2011
Some seaweeds are waging "chemical warfare" on coral reefs in Fiji—and possibly around the world, a new study says.
How Do Giant Pandas Survive on Bamboo Diets?
October 17, 2011
Panda poop has offered scientists clues to how the iconic bears keep high-fiber diets when they have the guts of carnivores.
Pictures: Baby Gorilla Rescued in Armed Sting Operation
October 14, 2011
After an armed, undercover operation freed him from a poacher's backpack, an orphan gorilla is beginning the long road to recovery.
Pictures: Rare "Cyclops" Shark Found
October 13, 2011
A one-eyed fetus whose mother was caught by a fisher is one of only a few sharks with a documented case of cyclopia, new research says.
Piranhas Bark—Three Fierce Vocalizations Deciphered
October 12, 2011
The fierce fish can be excellent communicators, though their "talk" ranges from "go away" to "no, really, go away," experts have found.
New Zealand Oil Spill Pictures: Beaches, Birds Coated
October 11, 2011
See beaches and birds blackened with oil after a ship ran aground off New Zealand in the country's worst environmental disaster at sea.
Kraken Sea Monster Account "Bizarre and Miraculous"
October 11, 2011
An artistic kraken—a giant squid-like sea monster—is said to be behind a fossil graveyard. Critics call the find "fun" but "implausible."
Huge New Dinosaur Trackway Found in U.S.
October 7, 2011
Spanning two football fields, the footprints of dinosaurs "stomping in the mud" hint that a giant predator was a bit pigeon-toed.
Armadillo Invasion: Warm-Weather Critters Expanding East
October 7, 2011
Long a denizen of the U.S. West, the adaptable, fast-breeding armadillo is expanding its range north and east, scientists say.
Pictures: Best Micro-Photos of 2011
October 6, 2011
From mini insect "monsters" to solar cells-turned-abstract art—see the best microphotos chosen in the annual Small World photo competition.
Pictures We Love: Best of September
September 30, 2011
See National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures of the month--a tool-using octopus, a giant typhoon wave, and more.
Bats Have Superfast Muscles—A Mammal First
September 29, 2011
Holy bat buzz, Batman—a new study shows the night flyers are the first known mammals with superfast muscles.
Best Wildlife Pictures: British Nature Awards 2011
September 27, 2011
From a yawning fox to a glowing jellyfish, see judges' top picks for the 2011 British Wildlife Photography Awards.
Pictures: Crocodile, Bat Fossils Found in Underwater Cave
September 27, 2011
Ancient remains of crocodiles, monkeys, and bats have been found remarkably well preserved in the Dominican Republic's freshwater caves.
Pictures: Ancient Chariot Fleet, Horses Unearthed in China
September 27, 2011
Hailing from China's "heyday of chariot warfare," five well-preserved chariots and accompanying horses have emerged from an urban tomb.
New Life-Forms Found at Bottom of Dead Sea
September 27, 2011
New life-forms have been found living in freshwater springs at the otherwise barren bottom of the Dead Sea, new research shows.
New Raptor Dinosaur Used Giant Claw to Pin, Slash Prey?
September 21, 2011
Talk about a lucky break—paleontologists have found fossils of a new raptor dinosaur species that had a telling injury, a new study says.
Squid Males "Bisexual"—Evolved Shot-in-the-Dark Mating Strategy
September 20, 2011
In the dark ocean depths, male squid looking for "love" will mate with other males just as much as with females, a new study says.
Sharks' Virus Killer Could Cure Humans, Study Suggests
September 19, 2011
Sharks carry a "remarkable" substance that stops viruses—a discovery that may lead to new antivirals for humans, a new study says.
Pictures: Meowing Night Frog, Other New Species Found
September 16, 2011
Twelve new species of night frogs—plus three "lost" species—have been discovered in western India, a new study says.
Giant Prehistoric Croc Found Near World's Biggest Snake
September 16, 2011
A fish-eating crocodile relative may have battled the world's largest snake in what's now Colombia, a new study suggests.
New Dolphin Species Discovered in Big City Harbor
September 16, 2011
An entirely new species of dolphin has been discovered in the shadows of Australian skyscrapers, scientists say.
Pictures: "Incredible" Dinosaur Feathers Found in Amber
September 16, 2011
Prehistoric dinosaur and bird feathers, perfectly preserved in amber, are shedding light on the evolution of feather form and function.
Ancient Toothy Fish Found in Arctic—Giant Prowled Rivers
September 12, 2011
A new species of giant carnivorous fish that lived 375 million years ago has been discovered in the Canadian Arctic, scientists say.
Pictures: "Demon" Bat, Other New Tube-Nosed Species Found
September 9, 2011
A creature with diabolic coloring is one of three new species of tube-nosed bat discovered in Southeast Asia, a new study says.
Oldest Shark Nursery Found—Predators Lived in Lakes?
September 9, 2011
The oldest known shark nursery has been found in an ancient lake bed in Kyrgyzstan, a new study says.
How "Zombie" Virus Liquifies Caterpillar Hosts
September 8, 2011
Scientists have identified a single gene that helps a caterpillar-brainwashing virus do its dirty work, a new study says.
Pictures: Biggest Crocodile Ever Caught?
September 6, 2011
An allegedly 21-foot saltwater crocodile captured alive in the Philippines could be the biggest known croc—but some experts are skeptical.
Pictures: "Walking" Fish a Model of Evolution in Action
September 1, 2011
The first close look at the Pacific leaping blenny may offer clues to how ancient fish first made the transition to land, a new study says.
New Shark Species Found in Food Market
September 1, 2011
Trolling a Taiwan fish market for data, fish scientists reeled in a surprising catch—a deepwater shark unknown to science.
Pictures We Love: Best of August
September 1, 2011
See National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures of the month—an invisible man, sardine "storm," Swiss daredevil, and more.
First New U.S. Bird Species in Decades—Already Extinct?
August 30, 2011
A new bird species has been found in the U.S. for the first time in decades—but the species may have already flown the coop for good.
Early Daddy Longlegs Revealed in 3-D—Bugs Evolved Little
August 25, 2011
New 3-D models show that the spiderlike creatures have changed little in 305 million years, experts say.
Dino-era Mammal the "Jurassic Mother" of Us All?
August 24, 2011
Dug up from the dinosaur era, a shrew-like fossil is the oldest known mammal that gave birth to mature, live young, a new study says.
86 Percent of Earth's Species Still Unknown?
August 23, 2011
Even after centuries of effort, some 86 percent of Earth's 8.7 million species have yet to be fully described, a new study says.
Elephant Makes a Stool—First Known Aha Moment for Species
August 19, 2011
In a burst of insight, an elephant made a plan and then put it into action—putting his species in a new IQ league, experts suggest.
Pictures: Baby Gorilla Rescued From Poachers
August 19, 2011
Found curled on a jail bed by vets, young Luck is in safe hands after being rescued from poachers in Rwanda, conservationists say.
Ancient Dog Skull Shows Early Pet Domestication
August 19, 2011
A 33,000-year-old canine found in a Russian cave is the most well-preserved example of how wolves became dogs, a new study says.
Elephant Pictures: Killed Female Highlights Poaching Rise
August 17, 2011
The recent killing of an adult female highlights the worst poaching rates seen in years in Kenya's Samburu National Reserve, experts say.
Cloned Fathers Mate With Insect Daughters—From Inside
August 17, 2011
Insect females have begun developing internal clones of their fathers, which fertilize the females eggs—which could end males altogether.
Fanged-Frog Pictures: 9 New Species Found
August 16, 2011
Nine new species of frogs with "fangs" were discovered on a recent expedition to Indonesia, scientists say.
Camera-Trap Pictures: Mammals—And a Poacher—Exposed
August 16, 2011
The first global camera-trap mammal study has imaged apes, jaguars, and other mammals—including a seemingly camera-shy poacher.
Pictures: Best Marine Park? Booming Fish Leap and Swarm
August 15, 2011
From leaping rays to lazy sea lions—the "extraordinary recovery" in a Mexican marine reserve makes it Earth's most robust, experts say.
Small Squid Have Bigger Sperm—And Their Own Sex Position
August 12, 2011
"Sneaker" males' sperm has evolved for a second female reproductive reservoir, reserved just for them, a new study says.
"Sea Monster" Fetus Found—Proof Plesiosaurs Had Live Young?
August 11, 2011
Like most mammals, giant, dinosaur-era marine reptiles gave birth to live young, a new fossil study hints. But did the monsters mother?
Sexually Showy Male Birds Finish Early
August 10, 2011
Live fast, age fast—at least if you're a male houbara bustard. A new study shows that sperm quality declines earlier in showy suitors.
Why Giant Bugs Once Roamed the Earth
August 8, 2011
Dragonflies the size of modern birds ruled 300 million years ago because smaller larvae were at risk of oxygen toxicity, a new study hints.
Major Deep-Sea Smokers Found—"Evolution in Overdrive"
August 8, 2011
A hotbed of "evolution in overdrive" the newfound volcanic vent field, which teems with odd animals, is a North Atlantic first.
How Smart Are Planet's Apes? 7 Intelligence Milestones
August 5, 2011
They're not <em>Rise of the Planet of the Apes</em> smart, but they're no dummies. See how apes use their heads—possibly better than humans sometimes.
Vampire Bats Have Vein Sensors
August 3, 2011
Here's a finding that might make your blood run cold—vampire bats have specially evolved nerves that can sense the heat of your veins.
Parasite Creating Deformed Frogs in Western U.S.
August 3, 2011
Amphibians with "sick and twisted" deformities remain widespread in the U.S. West, and pollution may be making it worse, new research says.
Spiky Rat Uses Plant Poison to Turn Its Hair Deadly
August 3, 2011
An African rat chews poison bark, then wears the deadly drool—making the rodent the first animal known to apply external lethal poison.
Pictures: U.S. Frogs Deformed by Parasite Infections
August 3, 2011
See how a parasite passed from snail to frog in the western U.S. can cause "grotesque" malformations such as extra hind limbs.
Pictures: Wasps Turn Ladybugs Into Flailing "Zombies"
August 2, 2011
A parasitic wasp "brainwashes" ladybugs into hosting and then aggressively defending the wasp's developing larvae, a new study says.
Pictures: Rare Antelope, Big Cats Caught by Camera Trap
August 1, 2011
Camera traps set up in a little studied Kenyan forest have revealed an extremely rare antelope, several big cats, an elephant, and more.
"Spectacular" Three-Cat Monolith Unearthed in Mexico
August 1, 2011
The "spectacular" monolith may have been part of an ancient monumental wall crawling with felines.
Pictures We Love: Best of July
July 28, 2011
Slimy seas, stormy skies, a bull's ear—National Geographic photo editors eye the month's best new pictures and find ten favorites.
Bats Drawn to Plant via "Echo Beacon"
July 28, 2011
A Cuban plant that depends on bat pollination evolved a special leaf that acts as an "amp" for bats' sonar, new research says.
Pictures: New Shrews Found in Indonesia
July 27, 2011
Up to four new species of unusual shrews that live partly in trees have been found in an isolated Indonesian jungle, scientists say.
"Extinct" Toad Thrives in Lab
July 22, 2011
A tiny Tanzanian toad that all but disappeared after a dam reduced its waterfall habitat is being bred successfully in Syracuse, New York. Video.
Pictures: Hundreds of Rare Gibbons Found in Vietnam
July 21, 2011
More than 400 endangered northern white-cheeked gibbons have been discovered in a Vietnam park, conservationists say.
Longest Polar Bear Swim Recorded—426 Miles Straight
July 20, 2011
A polar bear has swam a record nine days straight, covering the distance between Washington, D.C., and Boston, a new study says.
Ancient Wasps Roosted in Rotting Dinosaur Eggs?
July 19, 2011
Eight sausage-shaped cocoons from Argentina may be the first proof of bugs feasting on dinosaur eggs, experts say.
First Pictures: Snow Leopards Rebounding in Afghanistan
July 18, 2011
A surprisingly healthy population of snow leopards is prowling the mountains of Afghanistan, new camera-trap pictures reveal.
Snails Survive Being Eaten by Birds—A Mystery
July 18, 2011
Tiny snails can travel through a bird's digestive tract and mysteriously emerge perfectly healthy, a new study says.
Rainbow Toad Rediscovered, Photographed for First Time
July 14, 2011
After 87 years, an "extinct," toxic toad has been rediscovered in the jungles of Southeast Asia.
New Bent-Toed Gecko Found in "Lost World"
July 13, 2011
With characteristic curling toes, the new lizard emerged from the nighttime forests of Indonesia's "lost world" mountains.
First Pictures: Wild Fish Uses Tool
July 13, 2011
A fish off Australia has been seen bashing open shellfish with a rock—making it the first known wild fish observed using tools.
New Pit Viper Found—One of World's Smallest
July 13, 2011
Dubbed a "surprise gift" by scientists, a new snake species found in China is one of the littlest pit vipers in the world.
Pictures: Largest "Sea Monster" Skull Revealed?
July 12, 2011
An ancient marine reptile with eight-foot jaws packed the biggest bite in history—and may be a new species, scientists suggest.
Pictures: Prehistoric Eyes Found—Surprisingly Advanced
July 11, 2011
Surrounded by creepy-crawlies, the 500-million-year-old fly-like eyes are surprisingly advanced and are likely from a shrimplike predator.
Afghanistan Bright Spot: Wildlife Thriving in War Zones
July 11, 2011
Surprisingly, Afghanistan's bears, wolves, and big cats have survived decades of war—but they're not out of the woods yet, conservationists say.
World's Loudest Animals—Bug With "Singing" Penis, More
July 11, 2011
From an insect with "singing" genitals to frogs as loud as lawnmowers, see which species are the noisiest known to science.
Pictures We Love: Best of June
June 30, 2011
So good we had to share—ten new images that gripped Nat Geo photo editors: "supertrees," an upside-down horse, a surfer on ice, and more.
"Exceptional" Giant Squid Found Dying off Florida
June 30, 2011
A stirring, intact giant squid gave a fishing party a shock this week—and could give researchers new insights, scientists say.
Pictures: "Pancake" Sea Slug Among New Philippines Species
June 28, 2011
An "inflatable" shark and colorful sea slugs join hundreds of new species hauled up during a recent expedition to the Philippines.
Hold the Champagne: Highway to Split Serengeti After All?
June 28, 2011
Were the hopeful headlines—"Serengeti Highway Canned: Victory for Animals!"—premature? Wildlife is still at risk, some experts say.
Pictures: Thousands of New Species Found in New Guinea
June 27, 2011
A snub-fin dolphin and a blue-eyed possum are among more than a thousand new species found over the past decade on the Pacific island.
Hybrid Cuban-American Crocodiles on the Rise
June 24, 2011
There's a new Cuban crisis—the island country's rare crocodile is being bred out of existence by its American cousin, a new study says.
Photos: "Smiling" Tarsier Among New Most Endangered Species
June 22, 2011
An impish-looking primate is among species recently deemed critically endangered—although researchers also found a species bounding back.
Oldest Art in Americas Found on Mammoth Bone
June 22, 2011
The Americas' oldest known artist has been confirmed as an Ice Age hunter in what is now Florida, according to a new study.
Arabian "Unicorn" Leaps Out of Near Extinction
June 17, 2011
The legendary Arabian oryx is alive and well in the deserts of the Middle East, conservationists say.
Sawfish Snout Has Sixth Sense, Splits Prey in Half
June 15, 2011
Sawfish use a sixth sense based in their snouts to hunt and dismember their prey, new research shows for the first time.
Penguins Do the Wave to Keep Warm
June 15, 2011
New video of huddling penguins shows the birds do the wave—not to show team spirit but to give each a turn in the toasty center. Video.
Pictures: Biggest Whale Shark "Swarm" Found
June 13, 2011
The biggest gathering of the world's biggest fish—the whale shark—occurred in 2009 off Mexico, a new study says.
Pictures: Nat Geo Picks of the Week
June 10, 2011
See National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures of the week, including a cross-eyed opossum, an epic ashfall, and more.
Highest Flying Bird Found; Can Scale Himalaya
June 10, 2011
The bar-headed goose can flap to heights of 21,120 feet on its migration over the Himalaya, a new study finds.
Coelacanths Can Live Past 100, Don't Show Age?
June 7, 2011
An ancient lineage of fish also have long life-spans, a new study suggests.
Photos: "Glam Rock" Lizard Among New Madagascar Species
June 6, 2011
See pictures of a bright pink snake, a see-through frog, and a one-ounce lemur—among hundreds of species found on the island since 1999.
World's Fastest Bird? Chubby Snipe Snaps Nonstop Record
June 6, 2011
An unlikely speed demon, the rotund great snipe has completed the animal world's fastest long-distance, nonstop flight, a new study says.
Spiders Evolved Spare Legs
June 2, 2011
Scientists may have uncovered why spiders are so creepy-crawly—they have more legs than they actually need, a new study says.
Why Skunks Have Stripes: To Point to Fierce Anal Glands?
June 1, 2011
Some mammals' stripes may direct predators' eyes straight to sources of danger—such as fierce anal glands or sharp teeth—a new study says.
New "Devil Worm" Is Deepest-Living Animal
June 1, 2011
Found miles under the Earth, a newfound worm species is the deepest-dwelling animal yet discovered, a new study says.
Photos: Shape-Shifting Cuttlefish Can Mimic Pictures
June 1, 2011
Cuttlefish use visual cues to rearrange their bodies for maximum camouflage, a new study confirms.
Female Fish Develop "Testes" in Gulf Dead Zone
May 31, 2011
Deprived of oxygen in the polluted Gulf of Mexico, female fish are producing sterile testes, scientists say.
3-Foot "Shrimp" Discovered—Dominated Prehistoric Seas
May 27, 2011
By far the largest ever found of its kind, the spiny fossil predator "would have made enough scampi to feed an army," one expert quipped.
Pictures: Gorilla Mother "Mourns" Dead Baby
May 26, 2011
Seemingly grieving, a wild gorilla holds on to her dead baby for days as family gathers around.
Top Ten New Species: "Walking" Fish, T. Rex Leech, More
May 24, 2011
From a human-size lizard with a double penis to glow-in-the-dark mushrooms—see scientists' picks for the top new species announced in 2010.
Species Extinctions Overestimated by 160 Percent?
May 18, 2011
Dire predictions of mass animal and plant die-offs may be overblown, but extinctions are still a critical problem, a new analysis suggests.
Pictures: See-Through Frog, Other "Lost" Species Found
May 17, 2011
Five ''lost species'' of frog--including a see-though species and one the size of a fingernail--have been found in Congo, scientists say.
Tarantulas Shoot Silk From Feet, Spider-Man Style
May 16, 2011
The big, hairy spiders spin silk from "spigots" in their feet to climb slippery surfaces, scientists have found for the first time.
Mississippi Flood Pictures: Pets, Wild Animals Seek Safety
May 13, 2011
See a few of the Mississippi River flood's other victims—pets, livestock, and wild animals seeking safety as the waters rise.
Chimps "Mourn" 9-year-old's Death?
May 12, 2011
In exclusive video, wild chimpanzees react to the deaths of a nine-year-old and infant, in one case quietly gathering around the deceased.
Blind, Legless Lizard Discovered—New Species
May 11, 2011
The blind, six-inch-long reptile is the first of its kind discovered in Cambodia, conservationists report.
Mississippi Flood Flushes Snakes, Deer Into Neighborhoods
May 11, 2011
The current Mississippi floods are flushing wild animals out of their natural habitats—and into homes and neighborhoods, officials report.
"Zombie" Ants Bite at High Noon, Then Die
May 11, 2011
A fungus is turning carpenter ants into puppets, and now scientists have a better idea how and when the infection does its gruesome work.
Biggest Great White Shark Caught, Released
May 6, 2011
A monster male named Apache hauled up off Mexico is the biggest great white shark yet caught, an expedition team reports.
New Species of Tiger Stingray Named
May 6, 2011
An orange-black stingray with a tiger-like tail has finally earned its scientific stripes, a new study says.
Whales Throng New York City Area, Surprising Scientists
May 6, 2011
A lot of big whales have a taste for the Big Apple area—including the largest animal on Earth—underwater recordings suggest.
Sea Monster Battle Seen in Prehistoric Bite Marks
May 5, 2011
A gnawed fossil skull points to "a really aggressive encounter" between two giant dolphin-like reptiles.
Giant Squid Killed by Sound?
May 3, 2011
When giant squid died in Spain, experts suspected sonar was to blame—a hunch supported by a new study that says sound harms cephalopods.
Wild Pig Explosion May Spread Disease to Humans
May 2, 2011
An explosion of feral pigs in the U.S. could be exposing people to dangerous parasites, a new study says.
Sea Urchin Body Is One Big Eye
May 2, 2011
Sea urchins may use their entire bodies—from the ends of their "feet" to the tips of their spines—as huge eyes, a new study says.
Is Your Brain Sleeping While You're Awake?
April 27, 2011
If you're sleep-deprived, key parts of your brain may be dozing even when you're awake, according to a new study of rats.
John James Audubon: Why Birds Flock Around Google's Doodle
April 26, 2011
Honored today with a Google doodle, the painter was a game changer in studying birds who was also "not shy in the ego department," experts say.
Marijuana Trade Threatens African Gorilla Refuge
April 26, 2011
Forests in Africa's Virunga National Park are literally going to pot—sparking renewed conflicts between rangers and rebels.
Pictures: Fire Ant Swarms Form Living Life Rafts
April 25, 2011
When a fire ant colony is flooded, the bugs use their natural buoyancy to form life rafts that can last for weeks, a new study shows.
Bacteria Grow Under 400,000 Times Earth's Gravity
April 25, 2011
Some bacteria can even reproduce under the same crushing gravity found on massive stars or in supernova shock waves, a new study says.
Scientists "See" Ocean Floor via Sonar
April 21, 2011
Cameras and sonar technology are helping experts create a new map of the little-known seafloor near the U.S. Virgin Islands. Video.
Texas Wildfire Pictures: Crews Fight Statewide Blaze
April 20, 2011
Severe drought and gusting winds have contributed to 22 separate blazes now raging across more than a million acres of the Lone Star State.
Migrating Birds Escaped Worst of Gulf Oil Spill
April 20, 2011
Though predictions of mass bird die-offs in the Gulf never materialized, crude is still oozing into some bird habitats, experts say.
Odd Animal Deaths, Deformities Linked to Gulf Oil Spill?
April 19, 2011
Strangely deformed fish and a rise in deaths of marine animals may be related to the Gulf oil spill, scientists say.
Gulf Oil Spill Surprises: 6 Things Experts Got Wrong
April 19, 2011
The Gulf oil spill delivered plenty of surprises—here's a look at some of the predictions experts got wrong.
Gulf Spill Photos: 9 Animal Victims—Plus 2 Survivors
April 19, 2011
From the pancake batfish to the manatee—see what what's happening to animals in the Gulf a year later.
Pictures: 20 Surprising Species of the Past 20 Years
April 18, 2011
From the "Yoda bat" to a "walking" shark—see 20 new and rare species spotted during two decades of "ecological SWAT team" expeditions.
Eyes Made of Rock Really Can See, Study Says
April 14, 2011
Sea creatures called chitons can use beadlike structures made of rock to distinguish shapes of approaching predators, a new study says.
New "Buck-Toothed Evil Spirit" Dinosaur Found
April 12, 2011
A newfound dinosaur with "monstrous front teeth" links the earliest dinos with more advanced predators such as T. rex, experts say.
Penguin Numbers Plummeting—Whales Partly to Blame?
April 11, 2011
Penguin populations are plunging due to a shortage of krill driven by shrinking sea ice and a boom in hungry whales, a new study says.
Fossil Pictures: Oldest Flying Insect Imprint Found
April 6, 2011
Three hundred million years ago, a possible ancestor of the mayfly got trapped in the mud—leaving behind a rare full-body impression.
Pictures: Millions of Puppy Mummies in Egypt Labyrinth
April 6, 2011
Perhaps supplied by ancient puppy mills, millions of animal mummies—likely seen as conduits to a jackal-headed god—fill newly excavated tunnels.
Pictures: Bats Swarm Philippines Cave
April 5, 2011
Bats living in a protected cave have set a world record for population size—although experts now worry about the effects of overcrowding.
Oil-Eating Bacteria Engineered
April 5, 2011
Scientists are experimenting with "green" microbes in the lab that could someday be used to gobble up oil spills along coastlines without damaging the environment.
Alien Wasps Abduct, Drop Ants to Get Food
April 5, 2011
When competing for food with an ant swarm, a wasp will pluck an ant from the pile, fly away, and drop the insect, a new study says.
Pictures: Sharks Taught to Hunt Alien Lionfish
April 4, 2011
Divers in Honduras are trying to help the top predators acquire a taste for the destructive invasive species, described by one expert as "rats of the sea."
Radiation in Japan Seas: Risk of Animal Death, Mutation?
April 1, 2011
Radiation in Japan Seas: Animal Death, Mutation Risk?If radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant continues to enter the ocean, animals could suffer "bizarre mutations" or worse.
April Fools' Day Pictures: Six Animal Hoaxes
April 1, 2011
From a human-dog hybrid to a Tasmanian mock walrus, see pictures of famous animal hoaxes, including some used as April Fools' Day pranks.
Pictures: Trees Cocooned in Webs After Flood
March 31, 2011
Documented by an aid worker, millions of spiders and possibly insects took to the trees to spin webs after heavy floods inundated Pakistan in 2010.
Substance to Stop Oil From Sticking to Birds?
March 31, 2011
Scientists are perfecting a naturally based substance that will act like a laundry detergent in oil spills to prevent the oil from sticking to bird feathers. The substance is currently in the testing phase, which is funded by the National Science Foundation.
"Castrated" Spiders Are Better Fighters, Study Says
March 30, 2011
Males that break off their genitals during sex aggressively guard their mates, perhaps because they "have nothing to lose," scientists say.
Pictures: New Dinosaur, Crocodile Cousin Found in Brazil
March 30, 2011
"Incredible" fossils of an ancient crocodile cousin and a dinosaur with shark-like teeth have been found in Brazil, scientists say.
Pictures: New Ruby-Eyed Pit Viper Discovered
March 28, 2011
A new pit viper species with jewel-colored eyes has been found in the forests of Southeast Asia, scientists say.
Pictures: Rare Penguins Blackened by Remote Oil Spill
March 25, 2011
A cargo ship crash has oiled hundreds of rare penguins on a remote Atlantic island—a ''grave environmental disaster,'' experts say.
Odd Saber-Toothed Beast Discovered—Preyed on ... Plants?
March 24, 2011
Saber teeth can turn up in the strangest places—such as in the fossil head of the new pre-dinosaur vegetarian discovered in Brazil.
Giant Rabbit Fossil Found: Biggest Bunny Was "Roly-Poly"
March 22, 2011
Giant fossils found in Spain are from the biggest known rabbit species—a "beach bum" that couldn't hop and had short ears, experts say.
Photos: Preserving Beauty, Providing Hydropower in Scotland
March 21, 2011
Scotland harnessed power from water in the Highlands 60 years ago, amid conflicts that echo with relevance for a world still struggling to find clean and safe energy.
Fish "Walks" on Beach to Spawn
March 18, 2011
Every spring on California's beaches, thousands of tiny fish come ashore to lay their eggs—though their sandy habitat is in decline, experts say.
Why Transylvanian Chickens Have Naked Necks
March 15, 2011
Scientists have cracked why the Transylvanian naked neck chicken has a featherless neck—and it isn't to give vampires easier access.
New Species Found: Thai Fossils Reveal Ancient Primate
March 11, 2011
A handful of fossil jaws from a Thai coal mine belong to a new species of nocturnal primates called tarsiers, scientists say.
Pictures: Prehistoric American Skull Found in Sea Cave?
March 9, 2011
Divers in an underwater cave in Mexico may have found the skull of one of the earliest Americans—and maybe his or her mastodon leftovers.
Photos: "Zombie" Ants Found With New Mind-Control Fungi
March 3, 2011
Mind-controlling fungi that create ''zombie'' ants in Brazil's rain forests are more diverse than thought, a new study says.
Male Monkeys Wash With Urine to Attract Females?
March 2, 2011
Talk about "eew" de toilette—male monkeys that rub their fur with urine may be making themselves irresistible to females, a new study says.
Elusive Clouded Leopard Captured on Film—a First
March 2, 2011
A camera trap has caught one of the world's most elusive cats on film for the first time, conservationists say.
"Dramatic" New Pictures: Rare Javan Rhino Spotted
March 2, 2011
Javan rhinoceroses—possibly the rarest mammals on Earth—are among the animals recently snapped by camera traps in Indonesia's rain forests.
Rarest Rhino Filmed
March 2, 2011
Critically endangered and rarely seen rhinos with their calves were filmed by WWF in Indonesia with motion-activated cameras. Video.
Dolphin-Baby Die-Off in Gulf Puzzles Scientists
March 1, 2011
An unusual number of dead young dolphins are washing up on the Gulf Coast. Puzzled scientists warn it's too soon to blame the BP oil spill.
Best Rare-Bird Pictures of 2010 Named
February 28, 2011
From the marvellous spatuletail to a flightless parrot, see 12 award-winning pictures of birds most in danger of extinction.
Little Fish Exploding in Number, Models Show
February 25, 2011
There are still plenty of fish in the sea—they're just the little ones, according to new models of fish decline.
"Thunder Thighs" Dinosaur Thrashed Predators to Death?
February 23, 2011
A new dinosaur that used its "exceptionally powerful" thighs to kick predators likely had a bad temper to boot, one expert says.
Wormlike "Walking Cactus" Fossil Found
February 23, 2011
The 500-million-year-old creature had ten sets of jointed legs that resemble those of modern spiders and crabs, a new study says.
Photos: Bubble-nest Frog, Other "Extinct" Species Found
February 17, 2011
Fifteen ''lost'' frogs and toads have been rediscovered during a global search—a disappointing number, conservationists say.
Hibernating Bears Keep Weirdly Warm
February 17, 2011
Hibernating black bears can dramatically lower their metabolism without major drops in body temperature, a surprising new study says.
Best News Pictures of 2010: World Press Winners
February 11, 2011
Whooper swans, a victim of the Taliban, and Bolivian wrestlers are among the winners of the 2010 World Press Photo Contest.
How Do Fleas Jump? New Video Solves Mystery
February 11, 2011
It was no small task, but researchers have used high-speed video to solve how the insects jump—by taking off from their toes.
Squid Get Violent After Touching Eggs, Study Says
February 11, 2011
A chemical on longfin squid eggs causes males to rapidly shift from calm swimming to extremely aggressive fighting, scientists say.
Pictures: 10 Most Threatened Forest Hot Spots Named
February 10, 2011
From California's redwoods to Cambodia's wetlands—see which forest hot spots are in trouble around the world, according to a new report.
Frogs Evolve Teeth—Again
February 10, 2011
Lower-jaw teeth in frogs re-evolved after an absence of 200 million years, challenging evolutionary thinking, scientists say.
Pictures: Nine Surprisingly Gassy Cities
February 9, 2011
Forget Beijing and Mexico City: Denver and Rotterdam are among the world's top polluters in terms of per-person CO2 emissions, a new study says.
Pictures: "Remarkable" Ice Age Fossil Cache Found
February 9, 2011
The ''bumper crop'' of prehistoric animals—including mammoths and a giant sloth—is giving scientists a peek into Ice Age life in the Rockies.
Wolverine to Vanish From U.S. Due to Warming?
February 8, 2011
Built for the cold, the fierce wolverine may retreat from the mainland U.S. due to global warming, a new study says.
Venomous New Pseudoscorpion Found in Colorado Cave
February 4, 2011
Unless you've been living in a cave, you probably haven't run across the poisonous, nearly blind pseudoscorpion described in a new study.
New Dinosaur: Titanic Triceratops Ancestor?
February 4, 2011
With an eight-foot skull, Titanoceratops may have been the granddaddy of Triceratops. But did it really exist?
Biggest Bear Ever Found—"It Blew My Mind," Expert Says
February 3, 2011
There's a new titleholder for biggest bear ever found—an ancient South American giant short-faced bear that weighed up to 3,500 pounds.
Bat Uses Pitcher Plant as Toilet; Plant Benefits
February 2, 2011
It's no load of crap—a carnivorous plant in Borneo survives mostly off of bat feces, a new study says.
Pictures: "Ominous" Japan Volcano Erupts Again
February 1, 2011
The biggest explosion since the Shinmoedake volcano awoke last week coated cities in gray ash and shot debris 6,500 feet into the air.
Groundhog Day 2011: Punxsutawney Phil Sees No Shadow
February 1, 2011
With ancient origins and modern media smarts, "immortal" rodent Punxsutawney Phil rules Groundhog Day 2011. Get the surprising facts behind winter's wackiest weather prediction.
"Extinct" Salmon Discovered in Japanese Lake
January 31, 2011
A Japanese TV host helped identify a fish from a Mount Fuji lake as the kunimasu salmon, thought to have gone extinct 70 years ago.
Pictures: Volcano Lightning Electrifies Japan Eruption
January 28, 2011
A volcano in a James Bond setting flared to life Wednesday, sparking lightning and a huge ash plume as well as prompting evacuations.
New Hybrid Whale Discovered in Arctic
January 25, 2011
Antarctic minke whales desperate for food may be swimming north and mating with their Arctic cousins, a scientist suggests.
First One-Fingered Dinosaur Found—Dug for Bugs?
January 24, 2011
The parrot-size T. rex cousin probably used its enlarged digit to probe termite mounds, a new study says.
"Pink Meanie" Pictures: New Jellyfish Attacks Other Jellies
January 24, 2011
With a taste for other jellyfish, the species is so different physically that it sparked the creation of a whole new animal family.
Mother Pterosaurs Laid Soft Eggs, New Fossil Hints
January 20, 2011
The discovery is also the first to show the difference between male and female pterosaurs, suggesting only males had elaborate head crests.
Pictures: "Red Hot" Nuclear-Waste Train Glows in Infrared
January 19, 2011
Nuclear waste glows red-hot in new thermal pictures of a controversial European train. But does that mean it's dangerous?
Sharks Are Color-Blind, Retina Study Suggests
January 19, 2011
Despite their sensory prowess, sharks may not be able to see in living color, according to new tests done on the eyes of 17 species.
Siberians Raided Rodent Caches for Food
January 18, 2011
To survive in winter, nomadic groups dug up stores of roots, seeds, and nuts gathered by small mammals, according to a new study.
Oldest Domesticated Dog in Americas Found—Was Human Food
January 17, 2011
A skull fragment from a Texas cave shows that humans were breeding—and eating—dogs as early as 9,400 years ago, scientists say.
Pictures: "Nasty" Little Predator From Dinosaur Dawn Found
January 13, 2011
Fast and fierce, dog-size <em>Eodromaeus</em> dates to the advent of the dinosaur age and may have led to both <em>T. rex </em>and the humble turkey.
Video: "Nasty" Little Dinosaur Found
January 13, 2011
Meet the "dawn runner," the newfound, 230-million-year-old dinosaur thought to be a precursor to meat-eaters like T. rex.
Fish as Good as College Students in Numbers Test
January 7, 2011
College students showed roughly the same numerical skills as mosquitofish when presented with a laboratory test, a new study says.
"Vampire Flying Frog" Found; Tadpoles Have Black Fangs
January 7, 2011
The mountain jungles of Vietnam are home to a new breed of vampire—a tree frog whose tadpoles sport fangs.
Why Are Birds Falling From the Sky?
January 6, 2011
Seemingly freak bird die-offs in Arkansas and elsewhere are making headlines. But is it just media hype? And what causes airborne die-offs?
"Bodies" Make Up Fake Coral Reef
January 5, 2011
Sculptures of human figures are making a home for marine life in waters near Cancun, Mexico. The art is helping preserve the world's 2nd largest barrier reef system. Video.
Prehistoric Bird Had Wings Like Nunchucks
January 4, 2011
A flightless bird with wings like martial arts weapons once thrashed its foes on what's now Jamaica, a new study says.
Bumblebees Taking a Nosedive in North America
January 4, 2011
A European fungus may be to blame for the rapid decline of four once common bee species in North America, experts say.
Pictures: Birds Fall From Sky in Arkansas
January 3, 2011
Birds were falling from the sky and fish were found floating dead en masse in two recent but unrelated Arkansas die-offs, experts say.
Bee Viruses Spread via Flower Pollen, Study Says
December 29, 2010
Viruses that could play a role in the recent decline in honeybee colonies may be spreading through flower pollen, new research finds.
Rock-Chewing Sea Urchins Have Self-Sharpening Teeth
December 28, 2010
A very close look at sea urchins has uncovered the mystery of how the animals can literally chew through stone without dulling their teeth.
African Elephant Really Two Wildly Different Species
December 22, 2010
"Big surprise": The two African elephant types seem to be as genetically different from each other as Asian elephants are from mammoths.
Solar-Powered Hornet Found; Turns Light Into Electricity
December 21, 2010
The oriental hornet's "skin" pigments trap light and generate electricity, according to a new study.
Chimp "Girls" Play With "Dolls" Too—First Wild Evidence
December 20, 2010
Wild young female apes use sticks as dolls, but males rarely do—suggesting there's at least some biological basis to gender-based toy choices, a new study says.
Best Pictures: Nat Geo Photo Contest Winners, 2010
December 16, 2010
From a charging buffalo to an erupting volcano—see the winning pictures of the 2010 National Geographic Photo Contest.
Pictures: "Pizzly" to Be Joined by More Arctic Hybrids?
December 15, 2010
The ''pizzly,'' or ''grolar bear,'' has made headlines, but up to 34 mammal species may interbreed as the Arctic ice shrinks.
Pictures: New Head-Bobbing Lemur Found in Madagascar?
December 15, 2010
Meet the new rock star of Madagascar: an odd lemur species with head-bobbing theatrics, a high-pitched call, big feet, and a long tongue.
Ancient Balloon-Headed Dolphin Found by Fishers
December 13, 2010
A 20-foot dolphin with a bulbous head roamed the North Sea 2.5 million years ago, a newfound fossil reveals.
Killer Alien Weed May Threaten Biggest Animal Migration
December 10, 2010
An invasive weed found recently in southern Kenya may kill off native vegetation that wild animals and livestock depend on for survival, scientists warn.
New Bacteria Found on Titanic; Eats Metal
December 10, 2010
The metal-munching bacteria found on the famous wreck may help teach engineers how to protect deep-sea oil rigs, experts say.
Ten Weirdest New Animals of 2010: Editors' Picks
December 7, 2010
A fish with "hands," a T. Rex leech, and a self-cloning lizard are among National Geographic News's picks for the weirdest new species in 2010.
"Horse Dragon," Colossus Dinosaurs Found in Utah
December 7, 2010
One of two new plant-eaters found in Utah, the species has shaken up a branch of the dinosaur family tree, a new study says.
Pictures: 14 Rarest and Weirdest Mammal Species Named
December 6, 2010
From echidnas to hairy-nosed wombats, see ten of the rarest and weirdest mammals on Earth, as ranked by the Zoological Society of London.
Mercury Poisoning Makes Birds Act Homosexual
December 3, 2010
Male birds that eat mercury-contaminated food show "surprising" homosexual behavior, scientists have found.
NASA Life Discovery: New Bacteria Makes DNA With Arsenic
December 2, 2010
No, NASA didn't find life on another world. But scientists did uncover a new species of bacteria that's perhaps the most ''alien'' yet seen.
Ten NatGeo News Stories You Might Have Missed in 2010
December 1, 2010
See our editors' picks of the best stories of 2010 that flew under the radar, including space-time "wrinkles" and squid plastic surgery.
Top Ten Discoveries of 2010: Nat Geo News's Most Popular
November 30, 2010
A time-bending earthquake, a fish with "hands," and "Yoda bat" are among National Geographic News's most visited coverage of 2010 discoveries.
Pictures: New Squat Lobsters Found Off Australia
November 29, 2010
Looking colorful enough to eat, several squat lobsters found during recent expeditions are new to Australia—and two are new to science.
Top Ten Videos of 2010: Nat Geo News's Most Watched
November 29, 2010
You watched, we noticed. See Nat Geo News's best videos of 2010, as measured by viewer interest—a fire tornado, a vampire squid, and more.
"Flamboyant" New Squid Worm Surprises, Delights Experts
November 24, 2010
With head tentacles and iridescent "oars," the new sea species is "definitely flamboyant," one expert said. "I'm delighted by it."
Sea Turtles Match Breathing to Dive Depths?
November 23, 2010
A new study shows that leatherback turtle buoyancy is likely determined by the amount of air they inhale above the surface before they dive. Video.
How Shark Scales Give the Predators Deadly Speed
November 23, 2010
Scales on a shark's body "bristle" to reduce drag, helping the predator hunt fast-moving prey, new research suggests.
First Fishing Bat Discovered in Europe
November 23, 2010
The long-fingered bat is the first bat species in the Mediterranean known to catch and eat fish, scientists say.
How Snakes Can "Fly"
November 23, 2010
Looking up and doing the twist are among "flying" snakes' best moves, a new DARPA-funded study finds.
Pictures: Best Underwater Views of 2010 Announced
November 22, 2010
See a diver exploring an deep trench, a seahorse being born, an eel baring its teeth, and more in winners from an undersea photo contest.
Pictures: "Mr. Burns" Toad, More New Amphibians Found
November 17, 2010
A beaked amphibian said to resemble <em>The Simpsons' </em>Mr. Burns and a poison dart frog are among new species discovered in Colombia.
Large, "Glamorous" New Glowing Squid Species Found
November 16, 2010
The big, red new squid species—perhaps one of several—underscores the richness of undersea mountain life, experts say.
Pictures: Oldest Dinosaur Embryos Show "Big Surprises"
November 16, 2010
The most detailed look yet at the 190-million-year-old babies reveal a lack of teeth, suggesting their parents may have cared for them, a new study says.
Bats Crash More Often When They Use Vision
November 15, 2010
Being blind as a bat has its benefits: Wild bats that rely on vision are more likely to crash, a new study says.
GigaPan: Diseased Bees
November 12, 2010
Billion-pixel photographs are proving powerful for science, such as this ''GigaPan'' of honeycomb and diseased bees.
GigaPan: Fish Ball
November 12, 2010
Billion-pixel photographs are proving powerful for science, such as this ''GigaPan'' of a ball of fish.
GigaPan: Pill Bug
November 12, 2010
Billion-pixel photographs are proving powerful for science, such as this ''GigaPan'' of a pill bug.
Concrete to Help Oysters?
November 12, 2010
Rings designed to attract oysters may help restore reefs diminished by overharvesting, pollution, and recent oil spill activities, experts say.
Rare Pictures: Crocodile Attacks Elephant
November 11, 2010
In an unusual ambush, a Nile crocodile grabs onto an elephant's trunk at an African water hole. See which animal comes out alive.
Photos: Best European Wildlife Pictures Announced
November 10, 2010
See a ghostly owl, a cheetah fleeing fire, and a turtle's first swim in this year's best shots by European wildlife photographers.
Flamingos Apply "Makeup" to Impress Mates
November 10, 2010
There's a reason why flamingos are so pretty in pink: The birds apply colorful oil to impress mates, a new study says.
Cricket Has World's Biggest Testicles (But Puny Output)
November 9, 2010
The tuberous bushcricket's large testicles—the world's biggest, proportionately—don't mean greater output, a surprising new study says.
Polar Bears Turning to Goose Eggs to Survive Warming?
November 8, 2010
Forced ashore earlier due to global warming, the bears are finding nutritious treats on land in the form of goose eggs, studies say.
New Self-Cloning Lizard Found in Vietnam Restaurant
November 8, 2010
A popular dish on Vietnamese menus is made from a newly discovered lizard that reproduces via virgin birth, scientists say.
Sea Turtle Herpes Tumors Linked to Sewage?
November 5, 2010
Herpes tumors that have plagued green sea turtles worldwide for decades may be caused by pollution, a new study says.
Giant Shrimp-like Sea Predator Was a Weakling After All
November 3, 2010
A shrimplike creature thought to be Earth's first great predator was actually more of a worm-eating wuss, scientists say.
Citizen "Scientists" Track Birds in BP-Spill Zone
November 3, 2010
Millions of birds winter on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Now volunteers are counting the animals to help scientists determine the oil spill's effects on resident populations as well as on the migratory populations.
"Mind-Boggling" Pictures: Goats Scale Dam in Italy
November 1, 2010
Yes, these viral pictures of goats clinging to an impossibly steep rock face are real. Get the facts behind the Internet rumors.
Chupacabra Science: How Evolution Made a Mythical Monster
October 28, 2010
Just in time for Halloween, scientists say they've cracked the mystery behind the "goat sucking" monster—and it's all too real.
New Video Filmed by Whale Sharks
October 28, 2010
Researchers in Australia deploy the National Geographic Crittercam on whale sharks to see if tourists swimming with the sharks are affecting their behavior. Video.
New Snub-Nosed Monkey Discovered, Eaten
October 27, 2010
Pictured moments before humans ate it, a snub-nosed monkey represents a new species that sneezes when it rains.
New Amazon Species: "Bluetooth" Tarantula, Electric Fish
October 27, 2010
A new Amazon species was found roughly every three days between 1999 and 2009—among them a ''bluetooth'' tarantula and an electric fish.
Did Gulf Spill Boost "Dead Zone"?
October 25, 2010
Did the BP oil spill may sap oxygen from the Gulf of Mexico? Scientists are weighing new findings against years of "dead zone" data.
Ocean Pictures: Contest Winners Show Sea Life in Peril
October 21, 2010
Netted turtles, a finned whale shark, and a drowned albatross feature among the winning frames in a 2010 marine-conservation photo contest.
Fuzzy Critters' Crystallized Pee Changes Climate Record?
October 15, 2010
The crystallized pee of the rodent-like rock hyrax is filling in gaps in our understanding of climate change, experts say.
Giant Pterosaurs Could Fly 10,000 Miles Nonstop
October 15, 2010
Burned fat stores equal to a ''good-size human'' each trip, expert says.
Gulf Manta Rays Affected by Oil Spill?
October 15, 2010
The little-studied manta rays of the Gulf of Mexico could be their own species—and victims of the BP oil spill, scientists say.
New Deep-Sea Pictures: Snailfish, Eels Found in Trench
October 14, 2010
A new snailfish species and an eel swarm are among the creatures spotted nearly five miles deep in a Pacific Ocean trench, scientists say.
Surprising Ant "Mixing Bowl" Found in Manhattan
October 13, 2010
At least 13 species of urban ants thrive along the bustling boulevards of the United States' biggest city, a new study has found.
Pictures: Best Micro-Photos of 2010
October 13, 2010
A zebrafish nose, a wasp nest, and a mosquito heart took home top honors in the 2010 Small World Microphotography Competition.
Pictures: "Scruffy" New Carnivorous Mammal Found
October 12, 2010
Likened to a "scruffy ferret," an odd mammal on Madagascar may be the first new species of meat-eater found in 24 years.
Photos: Canadian Rain Forest Edges Oil Pipeline Path
October 7, 2010
In the home of the elusive "spirit bear," nine Coastal First Nations people await a decision on a pipeline to carry Canadian oil to sea for export to Asia.
Pictures: Tube-Nosed Bat, More Rare Species Found
October 6, 2010
A bat with trumpet-like nostrils and a katydid that ''aims for the eyes'' are among the hundreds of species recently seen in Papua New Guinea.
Photos: Great Whites "Take Turns" Feeding on Dead Whale
October 4, 2010
A veritable swarm of great whites tucked into a whale carcass in South African waters earlier this month—and kept their table manners, says a scientist who witnessed the rare event.
600-Year-Old Worms Among Surprises of 10-Year Sea Survey
October 4, 2010
Six-hundred-year-old tube worms and other oddities help put the brain-boggling, just-ended, ten-year Census of Maine Life in perspective.
Biggest Marine Census Complete
October 4, 2010
The Census of Marine Life has identified more than 6,000 potentially new species during a decade of exploring the world's oceans. Video.
13 Stunning Photos From 10-Year Sea Census
October 4, 2010
See "Mr. Blobby" and the other stars of our 13 favorite pictures from the Census of Marine Life, which concluded Monday.
New Species Photos: Vader-like Jelly, Whale Eater, More
October 4, 2010
See jellyfish with a Darth Vader-like look, a whale-eating worm, and other new species from the final haul of Census of Marine Life.
Undersea Mountain Photos: Brittlestar Swarm, More Found
October 1, 2010
Swarms of orange fish and other deep-sea creatures have been spotted during a five-year survey of the world's underwater mountain ranges.
Whale Snot, Cursing Away Pain Among 2010 Ig Nobels
October 1, 2010
Profanity to treat pain and whale-snot-collecting helicopters are just a few of the unusual scientific achievements awarded Ig Nobels on Thursday.
Pictures: Five-Foot Fossil Penguin Revealed
September 30, 2010
See how a giant new species of red-and-gray penguin might have looked 36 million years ago, based on fossil-feather evidence.
Video: 5-Foot Penguin Fossil Discovered
September 30, 2010
Scientists have found the fossilized remains of a giant penguin, believed to have stood about 5 feet tall, in Peru. Video.
Giant Prehistoric Penguin Found, Sported Splashes of Red
September 30, 2010
A new, 36-million-year-old Peruvian penguin species--the water king--swam in shades of red and brown, a new study says.
Pink-Hippo Pictures: Rare Youngster Spotted in Kenya
September 29, 2010
The young Kenyan hippopotamus has leucism, a condition in which the skin produces less pigment than usual, a scientist says.
BO Attracting Predators to Birds
September 29, 2010
New Zealand birds' ripe body odor is giving the animals away to predators—and deodorant might actually help save species, experts say.
Trampling Skews Artifact Dates by Thousands of Years?
September 29, 2010
Sorry, archaeologists. A new study says animal footsteps might have made artifacts seem thousands of years older than they are.
Best Environmental Photos of 2010 Named
September 29, 2010
See a hummingbird-viper face-off, swarm of devil rays, and more in these winning images from a conservation group's global photo contest.
Pictures: "Bizarre" New Tailless Whip Scorpions Found
September 28, 2010
Four new species of ''peculiar,'' spider-like creatures with spine-studded appendages have been discovered in Borneo caves, a new study says.
Photos: Poison Crab, Glass Shrimp, More Found in Korea
September 27, 2010
See an ''alien'' crustacean, poisonous crab, and freckled shrimp that takes shelter in clams—all found in South Korea for the first time.
Walruses Swarm Beaches as Ice Melts
September 27, 2010
Thousands of walruses gathered recently on an island strip in Alaska, probably because of extreme ice melting, scientists say. Video.
Hybrid Panthers Helping Rare Cat Rebound in Florida
September 24, 2010
Breeding rare Florida panthers with Texas cougars created tough hybrids that could save the subspecies from extinction, a new study says.
Drug-filled Mice Airdropped Over Guam to Kill Snakes
September 24, 2010
Dead mice filled with a generic version of Tylenol are being airdropped to kill the invasive brown tree snake, U.S. officials say.
Whale Sharks Killed, Displaced Due to Gulf Oil?
September 23, 2010
The Gulf spill fouled a stretch of feeding habitat for whale sharks, possibly killing some of the world's largest fish, new research says.
Photos: Fiery Sea Slug Discovered, Lays Lacy Egg Case
September 23, 2010
A bold, spiky new species of nudibranch—and its doily-like egg mass—has been found near a California campground.
Flooding Farms on Purpose—For the Birds
September 23, 2010
In response to the BP oil spill, U.S. farmers are flooding fields to create untainted wetland stopovers for migrating birds.
Two New Horned Dinosaurs Found in Utah
September 22, 2010
A giant with a supersized head and another sporting an array of "bony bells and whistles" were found in a "lost continent" in what is now Utah.
Pictures: "Extinct" Frogs, Salamander Found
September 21, 2010
The first ever search for a hundred "lost" amphibians has already rediscovered three species, including a cave-dwelling salamander, conservationists say.
Pictures: New Armored, Wood-Eating Catfish Found in Amazon
September 21, 2010
See a new species of armored Amazonian catfish that uses its four jaws to grind away at underwater logs.
New Species of Giant Elephant Shrew Discovered?
September 20, 2010
With maroon thighs and a black rump, a two-foot-long elephant shrew found in a remote Kenya forest may be a new species, scientists say.
Giant Vacuum to Help Bugs in Oiled Marshes?
September 17, 2010
Using huge hoses, researchers are vacuuming up marsh bugs along the oiled Gulf coast. By comparing their samples to bugs collected before the spill, teams hope to determine the effects of oil on creatures near the bottom of the food web.
Photos: World's Biggest, Strongest Spider Webs Found
September 17, 2010
A new spider species in Madagascar weaves 80-foot webs out of the world's toughest biological material, new studies say.
Pictures: Giant Fossil Bird Found With Spiky "Teeth"
September 15, 2010
The newfound prehistoric species had a beak lined with jagged "pseudoteeth" and a 17-foot wingspan, scientists announced Wednesday.
Cockroach Brains May Hold New Antibiotics?
September 9, 2010
Cockroaches and locusts produce natural antibiotics that can kill bacteria such as MRSA and toxic strains of E. coli, new research shows.
Hunchback Dinosaur Found: Carnivorous "Camel"
September 8, 2010
The otherwise fearsome new one-ton predator, Concavenator corcovatus, sported an odd hunchback and scrawny "protofeathers," puzzling scientists.
Pictures: Crab Swarms Overtake Island—Mystery Solved
September 3, 2010
A surge in hormones allows millions of migrating Christmas Island red crabs to make their epic annual trek to the ocean, a new study says.
Tarzan Chameleon Found in Tarzan Forest, Near Tarzanville
September 2, 2010
The discovery on Madagascar of the new species—given away by its flat snout—is a "Tarzan yell for conservation," a new study says.
Evolution in Action: Lizard Moving From Eggs to Live Birth
September 1, 2010
A skink species lays eggs on the coast but births babies in the mountains, giving a rare glimpse at how placentas evolved, scientists say.
New Deep-Sea Pictures: Chimaera, Ten-armed Starfish, More
August 31, 2010
A hitchhiking anemone, a perching sea robin, and a many-armed sea star were recently spotted off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
"Whispering" Bat Evolved to Trick Prey
August 31, 2010
The barbastelle bat has lowered its voice to evade detection by moths with keen hearing, a new study says.
Pictures: Live Tiger Cub Found in Luggage
August 26, 2010
The cat's out of the bag for a woman caught smuggling a live, drugged tiger cub at a Thai airport Sunday.
Five Years After Hurricane Katrina, Alien Rodents Return
August 26, 2010
The beaver-size, wetland-eating rodents are back—but are being kept in check by a boom in trappers, a wildlife biologist says.
Pictures: Pea-Size Frog Found—Among World's Smallest
August 25, 2010
Completely lost on a penny, the new frog species was mistaken for a baby for a hundred years.
Spiders, Carnivorous Plants Compete for Food—A First
August 25, 2010
Spiders build bigger webs to catch more bugs than sundews, says the first study to show such battles between the plant and animal kingdoms.
Pictures: "Lost" Deer, Rare Cuckoo Caught in Camera Traps
August 25, 2010
The Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros hornbill are just some of the rare species spotted in Sumatra during a recent photographic survey.
"Snot Otter" Sperm to Save Giant Salamander?
August 20, 2010
To save North America's biggest salamander—the hellbender, or "snot otter"—conservationists are freezing its sperm.
Giant "Terror Birds" Used Their Heads Like Hatchets
August 19, 2010
Standing up to ten feet tall, the prehistoric terror birds used their ax-like heads to chop their way to the top of the food chain, study says.
Toxic Oil Lurking Deep on Gulf Seafloor?
August 18, 2010
A signature glow detected in seafloor samples may be from Deepwater Horizon oil—and sea life may be suffering, preliminary results suggest.
New Public Road to Split the Serengeti?
August 17, 2010
The proposed road in Tanzania would cut through the Serengeti, possibly disrupting the annual wildebeest migration, conservationists say.
Pictures: Bushy-Bearded Titi Monkey Discovered
August 12, 2010
The "fascinating" new species of monkey mates for life—and may be critically endangered by habitat loss in the Amazon rain forest.
Gulf Spill Still Threatens Millions of Migrating Birds
August 10, 2010
Despite the BP Gulf spill cap, millions of migrating birds this fall, and for years to come, may face oil threats—starvation in particular. Video.
Photos: Ten Most Wanted "Extinct" Amphibians
August 10, 2010
From the golden toad to the Turkestanian salamander—the quest begins for the ten likely extinct amphibian species conservationists most want to rediscover.
Oyster Herpes: Latest Symptom of Global Warming?
August 6, 2010
Don't worry—it isn't a side effect of eating oysters. But a virulent new herpes strain could continue spreading as seas warm, experts say.
Bats May Be Wiped Out by Fungus in U.S. Northeast
August 5, 2010
Several species of North American bats may disappear if the fatal white-nose syndrome continues to spread unchecked.
Video: Prehistoric Croc Was Mammal-like
August 4, 2010
Fossils of an ancient crocodile show that it had mammal-like teeth and legs, and that it probably lived most of its life on land.