A surprisingly effective way to save the capercaillie: keep its predators well-fed – new research

Evidence suggests this alternative to culling the bird’s predators is effective.

Xavier Lambin, Chair in Zoology, University of Aberdeen • conversation
yesterday ~8 min

Young bats learn to be discriminating when listening for their next meal

By listening to a frog call, adult bats can tell which prey are palatable and which are poisonous. Young bats must acquire this ability over time.

Ximena Bernal, Professor of Biological Sciences, Purdue University • conversation
April 29, 2025 ~8 min


People already live alongside predators in India and Kenya – here’s how it could work in Scotland

Reintroduction of Scotland’s extinct predators could help solve its biodiversity crisis. Examples from India and Kenya show that it is possible to live alongside predators and overcome prejudice.

Yann Prisner-Levyne, Lecturer in Environmental Law and Public International Law, Edinburgh Napier University • conversation
Dec. 19, 2024 ~7 min

Sharks and rays leap out of the water for many reasons, including feeding, courtship and communication

Breaching is one of the most spectacular behaviors among marine animals. A recent review shows that many shark and ray species breach, and identifies the most commonly hypothesized reasons.

A. Peter Klimley, Adjunct Associate Professor of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Sept. 23, 2024 ~6 min

Colorado voters weigh a ban on hunting mountain lions as attitudes toward wild predators shift

Colorado has spectacular scenery, but it comes with wild animals, and they sometimes wander into town. A ballot measure that would ban hunting wild cats is the latest test of public views on hunting.

Rebecca Niemiec, Assistant Professor in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University • conversation
Sept. 13, 2024 ~10 min

As attitudes toward wild predators shift, Colorado voters weigh a ban on hunting mountain lions

Colorado has spectacular scenery, but it comes with wild animals, and they sometimes wander into town. A ballot measure that would ban hunting wild cats is the latest test of public views on hunting.

Rebecca Niemiec, Assistant Professor in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University • conversation
Sept. 13, 2024 ~10 min

Cats and dogs both like to play fetch − it’s rooted in their hunting instincts

About 80% of dogs and 40% of cats will fetch, a new study finds. Domesticating turned these carnivores’ hunting methods into a game.

Judith Stella, Senior Research Scientist, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University • conversation
Sept. 4, 2024 ~8 min

Sharks are taking a bite out of anglers’ catch in the Gulf of Mexico, but culling isn’t likely to help

Whether they’re going to cook a fish, have it mounted or just take a photo and then release it, anglers want more than a severed head. But with shark numbers rebounding, they’ve got competition.

James Marcus Drymon, Associate Extension Professor in Marine Fisheries Ecology, Mississippi State University • conversation
Aug. 20, 2024 ~9 min


Oceans without sharks would be far less healthy – new research

A broad review of shark research shows that sharks play critical roles in keeping ocean ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds healthy.

Michael Heithaus, Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and Professor of Biological Sciences, Florida International University • conversation
Aug. 1, 2024 ~8 min

Grizzly bear conservation is as much about human relationships as it is the animals

Whether people are hunters can have a big effect.

Alexander L. Metcalf, Associate Professor of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, University of Montana • conversation
April 16, 2024 ~9 min

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