Keyword: animals

Recent research, including a new study from the University of Turku and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology challenges traditional assumptions of universal male dominance in mammals. Analysing three decades of data on wild mountain gorillas, which have long been considered to have strictly male-biased hierarchies, this study reveals that most females can overpower at least one adult male, securing wins in conflicts and priority access to resources.

A 25-year observational study of female gorillas shows that individual circumstances and social context influence individual decisions to engage in more risky aggressive behaviours.

According to a new study, the number of species in the wildlife trade may exceed previous estimates, underscoring the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring systems and regulation to improve the sustainability of the trade. 

What do you think about wildlife in our cities? Help us answer this question by taking part in a short, anonymous online questionnaire!

An international research group found that wall lizards use specific behaviours more than colour or physical traits to settle territorial disputes. These results deepen our understanding of the complex social life of lizards.

An international team of researchers from the University of Turku, Finland, and the University of Tours, France, aimed to validate the use of infrared thermal imaging as a non-invasive tool for assessing stress responses in reindeer. Their findings suggest that this technology can improve the assessment of animal welfare. 

A recently published article studies the mutually beneficial ecological relationships and evolutionary adaptations of tarantulas. The study reveals that the infamous spiders are actually often on friendly terms with amphibians, reptiles, and even army ants, which are known to feed on spiders. The researchers suggest that the dense hair covering tarantulas may have in fact evolved as a defence mechanism against these predatory ants. 

A recent genetic discovery has revealed that the pale grey plumage of the tawny owl is linked to crucial functions that aid the bird's survival in cold environments. As global temperatures rise, dark brown plumage is likely to become more common in tawny owls living in colder areas.

A Doctoral Researcher Luca Pettinau examined whether the heart performance of fish in fish farms can be enhanced with swimming exercises. Regular swimming exercises with moderate exertion improved the heart performance of the fish, as well as their ability to tolerate higher temperatures. Increasing the strain on adult fish also improved the growth and survival of their offspring.

A new study shows that horses can differentiate between expressions of joy and sadness displayed by humans through facial movements or voice tones. Horses were more attracted by the facial expressions of joy than sadness and seemed more excited by the joyful voices.