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Amphibious adaptations: the wonderful world of salamanders
On the rare occasion that the mainstream media talk about amphibians, the coverage tends to take on a sensationalist tone. Even when the aim...
What are the longest sleeping mammals?
You've probably heard that adult humans should sleep an average of 8 hours a night to properly fulfil their (or "our") daily personal, professional...
Shades of autumn: how and why leaves change colour
North of the equator, in temperate regions, autumn is paving the way for winter. Deciduous trees, such as oak, ash and maple, decorate our...
Population dynamics models: Levins and the source-sink theory
For decades, ecologists and geneticists have tried to understand the population dynamics of different animal species, establishing models to understand the changes that occur...
What’s an ecological niche? Different species and their place within nature
Sometimes distinct species, in different parts of the world, share very similar functions within the ecosystems they inhabit. This is especially true among species belonging...
A bird’s-eye view: why sight is their most developed sense
In nature, and especially in the animal kingdom, survival is the priority for the individuals of most species. Their survival will largely depend on...
Eyes to the skies: a beginner’s guide to birdwatching
Birdwatching, whether from the kitchen window or out in the field, is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. But what is it about...
Are species larger in cold environments? The principles of Bergmann’s rule
Nature isn't inert or homogeneous; thousands of processes and phenomena take place in it every second, leading to significant environmental changes. Nature is a living...
Genetics, genomics and their role in wildlife conservation
Within genetics there are many areas of research, each impacting on our lives in a different way. From the genetic engineering of animals and...
Flagship species: Advantages and disadvantages of their management
According to the latest studies and censuses drawn up by different authors, there are approximately 9 million species on planet Earth, including animals (by far,...
Do all animals face the same extinction risk?
As mentioned in the article "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: conservation status of species", published recently in this blog, the International Union...
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: conservation status of species
A few weeks ago, the Red List of Threatened Species was updated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This list reveals...
Edge effects and habitat fragmentation: the main causes of species extinction
The science of conservation biology was developed during the seventies and eighties, when society started to become aware of the importance of addressing the...
Living cities: 4 practical ways you can help local wildlife
Today, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas and, by 2050, this is expected to reach 68%. Urbanisation can bring great benefits,...
Field guide: identifying animal footprints, traces and signs
Habitat loss or destruction is a direct consequence of our current economic and social system, as well as one of the greatest threats to...
