Reptiles
Why do snakes slough their skin?
You might have seen a ghostly snake skin left behind on a walk – but have you ever wondered how snakes shed them?
"Insanely lucky" drone pilot catches rare glimpse of ancient animal in Australia
The endangered sea creature has only been sighted around 60 times in New South Wales – this lucky photographer caught three different individuals on film.
An enormous snake-friendly zone is being created in this English national park – here’s why
Conservationists hope that the 250-hectare area will provide a safe refuge for adders, smooth snakes and other UK reptiles, including sand lizards.
“This is what a turtle eruption looks like – wait till the end!"
Watch the magical moment baby green turtles erupt from their nest on Heron Island in Australia.
These animals may all be female, but that doesn't stop them enjoying sex – thanks to a bit of role play
Some whiptail species are completely female and have virgin births
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.
DNA reveals extraordinary way ancient iguanas made epic 5,000-mile journey to Tonga and Fiji
Millions of years ago, iguanas hitched a ride across the Pacific Ocean to colonise new land – they are the only land-based species known to have made this monumental journey.
With three fangs able to deliver lethal venom - instead of the usual two - this is probably the deadliest death adder ever
A death adder in an Australian wildlife park possesses an even deadlier bite – as it has three fangs instead of two.
How do crocodiles mate? At times tender, communal, or even not at all – here’s a guide to crocodile sex
Ever wondered how crocodiles mate? Stuart Blackman explains their unique mating rituals – as well as an astonishing virgin birth.
Deadly is the female: 11 ferocious female animals that you wouldn't want to mess with
'For the female of the species is more deadly than the male' – here are our top 11 deadliest females that prove just that.
Waterhole attack: Incredible slow-mo footage shows moment huge crocodile strikes
In the Serengeti National Park, a disguised crocodile chooses its moment to attack
Is there a name for a group of snakes?
Ever wondered what a group of snakes is called? We asked Stuart Blackman to investigate
This tiny, but intimidating, reptile protects itself by forcing its ribs through its skin to launch poison at predators
The Spanish ribbed newt has one of the most spectacular defence mechanisms out there. Find out how it fights back...
10 amazing snake facts you (probably) won't have heard before
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with our fascinating snake fact file, made up of the weirdest and most surprising things you may not know about snakes
Year of the Snake: Discover what this elusive reptile signifies in the lunar calendar
Contemporary art and literature may paint the snake in a negative light – as a deadly, fearsome reptile. But in ancient China it was a revered animal
Snake skins draped from trees in popular New York State forest – here's what's going on
It may sound like something out of a horror movie, but it's all part of a scientific experiment to understand more about the ingenious survival behaviour of birds.
Tiny creature with very hairy toes discovered on hillside in Cambodia
Scientists suspect the animal is endemic to this single hill in Cambodia's Battambang Province.
"Time is ticking" for world’s rarest turtle – this new DNA test could help save it from extinction
The portable eDNA test can detect incredibly rare Swinhoe’s softshell turtles in vast bodies of water, say scientists.
At 10 metres long this snake is not only the world's longest and heaviest, but one of the deadliest too, capable of swallowing a human whole
A familiar snake species to zoo visitors, the reticulated python is a very impressive reptile and on record as the world’s longest snake.
Discover the fascinating world of one of nature's weirdest creatures - the chameleon - and the secrets behind its colour-changing talents
All you need to know about the amazing chameleons
How do snake fangs work? How snakes quickly strike prey twice their size
Snakes can easily take down creatures twice their size, thanks to their fangs which quickly inject venom. But how do snake fangs work? Stuart Blackman investigates
An immense creature is moving through the vast swamps of the Everglades National Park
A new study suggests that the animal could be an even more adept hunter than experts in Florida first thought...
How many times could a lizard regrow its tail?
Some lizards boast the amazing skill of detaching and regrowing their tails to escape predators. John Baker explores whether they can do this multiple times
Discover the world of the beautiful, yet much-feared, sea snake: do these venomous serpents deserve their deadly reputation?
All you ever needed to know about the much-feared sea snake