Science stories about animal research, including wildlife conservation and endangered animals studies.
(RATS/ANIMAL SCIENCE) EAST AFRICA — Scientists have discovered a clever rodent: East Africa’s crested rat, the first animal known to purposely use a lethal poison in its own defense. The crested rat chews up a poisonous ouabin plant and applies the paste to its long, porcupine-like quills for maximum defense against predators. This is an amazing scientific discovery of animal defense mechanisms. — Global Animal
(BIRD SCIENCE) A new study suggests noise pollution causes some male birds to sing at higher frequencies, which is less attractive to females. Read on to find out how traffic and industrial noises are affecting certain bird populations. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL BEHAVIOR/SCIENCE) Like most birds, female houbara bustard birds choose mates based on the male bird’s showy colors and displays. Interestingly, a new study suggests that the harder these beautiful birds work to impress potential mates, the faster their sperm count drops. While this may sound like a lackluster way to live, it just may be one of nature’s more effective strategies. — Global Animal
(PALLAS’ CATS) OHIO — Three Pallas’ Cat kittens were born through artificial insemination at the Cincinnati Zoo. A near-threatened species, the Pallas’ Cat has struggled with habitat loss, poaching, and rodent control programs in Central Asia. But with the help of some dedicated scientists there is hope. Read about the rehabilitation process of these beautiful wild cats. — Global Animal
(GREAT APES/ANIMAL SCIENCE) In “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” experiments with genetic engineering lead to an incredibly intelligent species of ape. In reality, these non-human primates are in fact very smart and have better, faster memories than humans. Check out these pictures documenting milestones in great ape intelligence: Chimpanzees make and use tools, gorillas use American Sign Language (ASL), bonobos understand spoken language and syntax, orangutans communicate by attaching meaning to arbitrary symbols and making logical, thoughtful choices, and more. — Global Animal
(BATS/ANIMAL SCIENCE) Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco have finally discovered exactly how vampire bats locate prey. Similar to some snakes, the vampire bat has finely-tuned heat sensors in its face that can detect body heat. Vampire bats are able to zone in on specific areas where the blood is closest to the skin (thus, easiest to get to). The vampire bat is the only warm-blooded mammal known to use this method of seeking prey. — Global Animal
(UNKNOWN SPECIES) MINNESOTA — A strange animal was found dead on the side of the road in Minnesota. Scientists and laymen alike are baffled by the animal’s appearance — a cross between a dog, badger, and wolf. The “human-like” animal is causing a stir amongst conspiracy theorists across America, and everyone’s wondering where the inexplicably odd animal came from. — Global Animal
(TICKS) A small outbreak of ehrlichia in the United States is largely due to an increase in ticks, which rapidly spread disease. However, is this rising population natural, or is it nature’s reaction to deforestation and increased livestock production? Has a lack of natural predators allowed vermin to flourish? Will America go the way of Europe during the rise of the Bubonic plague? — Global Animal
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