Explore wildlife discoveries, animal behavior, natural history and clear science explainers.
The moose (Alces alces) is the largest member of the deer family (Cervidae) and one of the most recognizable mammals of the Northern Hemisphere. With its long face, towering legs, massive body, and (in males) broad palma···
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The reindeer, also known as the caribou (Rangifer tarandus), is one of the most iconic cold-climate deer. It is strongly associated with the Arctic and subarctic—taiga forests, tundra plains, and snowy landscapes—and i···
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Africa is famous for its savannas, but some of its most remarkable mammals live far from open grasslands—deep inside dense tropical forests. One of the most unusual is the okapi (Okapia johnstoni), an even-toed hoofed m···
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Deer vary widely depending on the landscapes they inhabit, and each species has evolved its own adaptations. One of the best-known large deer of the Northern Hemisphere is the wapiti, also called elk (in North America) o···
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Antarctic wildlife is built for extreme cold, powerful winds, and a life split between sea and ice. Among the best-known residents are penguins, and one of the most recognizable species is the chinstrap penguin (Pygoscel···
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The royal penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli) is famous for its striking yellow “eyebrow” plumes that stand out against its black-and-white body. This species is considered a large crested penguin, typically measuring 60–75 ···
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Lynxes are medium-sized wild cats known for their tufted ears and “bearded” cheek fur. One of the best-known members of the genus Lynx is the bobcat (Lynx rufus), a species native to North America. In Mexico it’s ofte···
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Large carnivores help keep ecosystems balanced. When top predators such as lynx disappear, prey populations can surge, habitats can degrade, and the whole food web becomes less stable. One of Europe’s and Asia’s most i···
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Seals, sea lions, and walruses are all pinnipeds—marine mammals adapted to life in the ocean with streamlined bodies, flippers, and excellent swimming ability. Because they look somewhat similar at a glance, people ofte···
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Marmots are large, burrowing rodents closely related to squirrels. All marmot species belong to the genus Marmota, and because they live in dramatic mountain landscapes and spend months underground, they’ve inspired ple···
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The kākāpō is one of the world’s strangest and most lovable birds. Scientifically known as Strigops habroptilus, this heavy-bodied parrot is famous for three things: it is the largest parrot, it is flightless, and it···
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The binturong—also called the bearcat—is one of Southeast Asia’s most unusual forest mammals. At first glance it can look like a mix between a small bear and a cat, but it isn’t closely related to either. Its scienti···
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The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a small, distinctive marsupial native to Australia. It is best known for its striking striped back, its termite-based diet, and its unusual lifestyle—unlike many marsupials, it is a···
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Amphibians go through a remarkable life cycle: they begin fully dependent on water, then transform through metamorphosis as legs and lungs develop. Salamanders are part of this group, and while many species are small, a ···
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Mammals originally evolved on land, but some lineages returned to the ocean and gradually became fully adapted to marine life. Among these marine mammals are the sirenia—a gentle group of large, mostly herbivorous anima···
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Eagles are powerful birds of prey with exceptionally sharp eyesight, able to spot potential prey from great distances while soaring above forests and mountains. Among the most remarkable of all eagles is the Philippine e···
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The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a stocky, black-furred marsupial found in the wild only on the island of Tasmania, Australia. Famous for its powerful jaws and loud vocalizations, it is mostly nocturnal and ···
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Wasps come in an astonishing variety of shapes and lifestyles. One of the most impressive is the mammoth wasp, Megascolia maculata—a striking, fuzzy giant that can reach up to 4 cm in length. Despite its intimidating ap···
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Seahorses are some of the ocean’s most unusual fish. Even though they swim upright and have a horse-like head, they are true bony fish—and they’re famous for a rare twist in parental care: the male carries the develop···
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The quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small marsupial found in southwestern Australia. It is best known for its rounded face and relaxed mouth shape, which often make it look as if it is smiling.
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Dolphins are among the most intelligent and social marine mammals. One of the best-known species is the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), often called the “bottlenose” for its long, narrow snout. It is widely di···
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Kestrels are small birds of prey closely related to falcons. They are best known for their ability to hover in place while scanning the ground for prey. One of the most widespread species is Falco tinnunculus, commonly c···
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You’ve probably spotted a small, many-legged animal moving across garden soil, under stones, or along a damp path in a park. Those quick, secretive creatures often belong to a group of land-dwelling invertebrates known ···
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Geckos are small to medium-sized reptiles that look a lot like lizards—and for good reason. They belong to the same reptile class and the order Squamata. What makes geckos especially recognizable are their large eyes, w···
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