Extinct Caribbean bird’s closest relatives hail from Africa, South Pacific
In a genetic surprise, ancient DNA shows the closest family members of an extinct bird known as the Haitian cave-rail…
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Shark attack numbers remained ‘extremely low’ in 2020, but fatalities spiked
Shark attacks decreased for the third consecutive year, falling to 57 unprovoked bites worldwide in 2020, compared with 64 bites…
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New genus of tiny, iridescent snake from Philippines found in collection
To be fair, the newly described Waray dwarf burrowing snake is pretty great at hiding. In its native habitat on…
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Remote Hawaiian island harbors last land snails of their kind
The island of Nihoa, a slice of jagged rock that juts out of the Pacific Ocean, is the sole refuge…
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Bright light bars big-eyed birds from human-altered landscapes
New research shows the glaring light in human-altered landscapes, such as livestock pastures and crop fields, can act as a…
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Scientists identify new species of crystal-encrusted truffle, thanks to bonobos
Mushroom-munching bonobos in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have introduced scientists to a new species of truffle. Commonly used…
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Invasive shrimp-sucking parasite continues northward Pacific expansion
R esearchers have identified an invasive blood-sucking parasite on mud shrimp in the waters of British Columbia’s Calvert Island. The…
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New native Hawaiian land snail species discovered, first in 60 years
S cientists have described a new native Hawaiian land snail species, sounding a rare, hopeful note in a story rife…
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Shark attacks drop during coronavirus lockdown
Shark attack numbers have sunk to dramatic lows, likely a side effect of closed beaches and widespread quarantines, according to…
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Here be dragons: Analysis reveals new species in Smaug lizard group
Smaug, the deadly dragon in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” has a few living relatives. With dense, alligator-like armor, these small,…
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