Special Species

Most people hate them, banishing them from their homes and yards by any means necessary. They've been around since the earliest ecosystems on earth though, and still play a critical role. Can you guess what these fascinating creatures are?

In the US, wildlife officials and ranchers shoot these predators to help prevent attacks, but a study concludes it may not be the best solution. The number of attacks actually increased the following year after shooting a small number of these predators.

Insights into crocodile vision explain how they can lie in wait, seemingly motionless, until prey approach and then launch a surprise attack with startling precision. Their eyes, though less precise than human vision overall, are uniquely suited for this type of ambush hunting.

At a tremendous personal cost, this mama kept 160 eggs healthy and safe while perched on a rocky ledge for nearly five years. Although she slowly lost weight and her skin grew lax and pale, the only thing that remained in the spot at the end were broken shells.

With the discovery that the distress calls of babies across a range of species share certain characteristics, these researchers found that mammal mamas have an instinctive response, even when it's not their own baby. Does your pet have a motherly instinct as well?

Birds are experts at hiding symptoms of illness, making it crucial to get regular check-ups with an avian veterinarian. Even innocuous changes, like reduced singing or a change in how your bird's vocalizations sound, could be a signal that something is very wrong and necessitate a vet visit.

They're not just a showpiece. They have the capacity to suffer, be angry, and form long-term memories. And because of that, if you're the proud owner of one or more, you should make sure to provide these 10 things for a healthy, stimulating environment for them.

Poison dart frogs' brilliant colors warn would-be predators to stay away. In the wild, these frogs' skin secretes poison that can kill an adult human, but when raised in captivity the frogs are harmless.