Snake found in Ireland for first time ever as fisherman stumbles upon strange whistling serpent on small island
The discovery is particularly surprising as, until now, Ireland was thought to be entirely free of snakes.
Scientists film dramatic videos of ambush predators hiding behind sharks to hunt
The extraordinary hunting behaviour was recorded around a small, rocky island in the Mediterranean Sea.
17 best David Attenborough documentaries to watch and stream: Unmissable wildlife television at your fingertips
Sir David Attenborough has had a career so prolific, presenting and narrating BBC natural history documentaries across decades, that he has undoubtedly reached legendary status. Here we take a look at some of David Attenborough's best documentaries to watch
Why The Gambia should be your next birdwatching holiday destination
Diverse landscapes, incredible weather and over 600 species of birds. Read on to discover what makes this West African country ideal for birdwatching trips.
This giant bird was once extinct in the UK but is wading through its wetlands again
As winter rolls into spring, the common crane sings and dances through Britain's wetlands once again, says Mike Dilger.
“Europe seems hellbent on creating the most hostile environment for bears.” Why can't Europeans live with predators?
Mark Carwardine on the rising tide of hostility towards Europe's largest predators.
Back from brink: 12 rare animals that have made a miraculous comeback from the verge of extinction
Nature has the potential to bounce back – sometimes it just needs a little help. Meet the species that have made spectacular recoveries from the edge of extinction.
It vomits up blood and urinates while feeding so it doesn’t explode – meet this bloodthirsty beast
Lucy Cooke explains how this bloodthirsty bum-biter has a surprisingly strong sisterhood – and why it's essential to their survival.
In the Amazon, bullet ants deliver agonising pain to boys as young as 12 – here's why. And can Steve Backshall handle the heat?
The bullet ant delivers the most painful sting in the world – so why are they being woven into gloves?
This strange animal survives winter by stopping its heart for 8 months and 'dying' before leaping back to life in spring
This frog survives winter by spending it frozen solid - literally
Birds
What's the biggest owl? Here's a clue – it has a colossal 2 metre wingspan
Did you know the largest owl in the world has a wingspan of around two metres?
A deep, resonant call is rising through the reedbeds of Britain
During spring, Britain's loudest bird booms out its mating call – and following a record-breaking year in 2024, it's a sound conservations hope will continue to grow.
US State of the Birds: 2025 report reveals steep and widespread declines
The new report shows that North American bird populations have plummeted by 30 per cent since the 1970s.
Here's why 15 giant birds were just released into Patagonia National Park
It's all part of the first international rewilding project to help save Darwin’s rheas in South America.
"Uncharted territory": soft tissue of ancient animal found entombed in volcanic rock near Rome
The 30,000-year-old remains display microscopic details of animal tissue, including eyelids and perfectly preserved feathers, say scientists
Meet the skeleton-eating bird that dyes itself the colour of blood
Bearded vultures, also known as lammergeiers, turn their feathers red on purpose - experts have several theories why.
How to identify wildlife
Go behind the scenes of Tom Hanks’ new epic, The Americas! Plus, receive your first 6 issues for just £12 when you subscribe today
Go behind the scenes of Tom Hanks’ new epic, The Americas! Plus, receive your first 6 issues for just £12 when you subscribe today
How to identify mammal skulls - and work out the creature they once belonged to
Skulls can be found virtually anywhere, but skull identification can be difficult. Learn how to identify common mammal skulls in our expert guide.
Toad vs frog: How to tell the difference between a common frog and a common toad
Two of the UK's most familiar and widespread amphibian species are the common frog and the common toad, but do you know how to tell them apart?
How to identify animal droppings: Our guide to the wildlife poop you might find in your garden or out on a walk
Droppings or scats can tell us a lot about which animals have been visiting our gardens, parks and countryside, including hedgehogs, foxes and badgers. Our expert guide explains how to identify which poos belong to which species. Plus, animal droppings from species from around the world – and fungi and insects you might spot on droppings.
Swift or swallow: what's the difference between these two incredible long-distance migrants?
Know your swallows from your swifts? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at some of the differences…
Heron vs egret: what's the difference between these two leggy, long-necked, elegant birds?
Know your herons from your egrets? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at some of the differences…
Plants
Monkey faces, naked men and swaddled babies: These are the weirdest flowers in the world
Nature has a wild imagination, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the world of flowers. From leaves shaped like lips to enormous flowers that smell of rotting flesh, these are some of the weirdest, most unusual flowers in the world
Are there any black flowers?
Wondering why we don't see black flowers? Phil Gates explains
How does the deadly Venus flytrap snare – and dissolve – its prey?
Once this plant's trap doors close there's no chance of escape...
Blazing star discovered in cloud forests of Peru
A new and striking species of plant from the blazing star family has been found in the high-altitude forests of the Peruvian Andes, highlighting the powerful role citizen science can play in conservation.