Leoma Williams
Animal behavior researcher and science writer
Leoma Williams is an animal behavior researcher and science writer. She is currently studying for a PhD at the University of Manchester, investigating the evolution of sociality in primates, with a focus on cooperation in monkeys and apes, as well as studying social birds such as ravens. In autumn 2019, she was an editorial intern at BBC Wildlife, writing news articles, fact-files, and quizzes for the website, as well as news articles for the magazine. She now writes periodically for both the website and print magazine, mostly as a frequent ‘ask an expert’ in the Q&A section, answering questions like “Can other animals lie?” and “Is trade unique to humans?”. She is interested in figuring out how animals think and interact, and what guides their behavior. In her spare time she can be found cooking, painting, and talking to her cat.
Recent articles by Leoma Williams
Weirdest birds: meet 14 strange and weird wonders of the avian world
There are plenty of contenders for the weirdest bird list from the 'stinky' hoatzin to the strange-looking secretary bird. Here are our favourite weirdest birds
10 carnivorous plants: discover incredible animal-killing plants with deadly traps
Not all carnivores have teeth… Read on to learn about 10 ingenious - and deadly - meat-eating carnivorous plants.
New Zealand’s endangered flightless birds are retreating to 'moa graveyards' – and it could save them from extinction
Critically endangered flightless birds such as kākāpō and kiwi are seeking refuge in the islands' remote mountains, just as their ancestors did before going extinct, new research has found.
10 most poisonous animals, from frogs and toads to sharks and even butterflies. Yes you heard that right...
From frogs and toads to butterflies and beetles, there is no shortage of toxicity in the animal kingdom. Read on to discover our list of poisonous animals - some you may know well, others may surprise you.
10 most venomous animals: there may be a few deadly creatures you weren't expecting...
It's not just particular snakes and spiders you have to watch out for! Here are our top ten venomous animals, from surprising sea creatures to primates.
10 deadliest snakes in the world: Meet the world's most venomous snakes and their lethal bite
Snake bites constitute a major cause of animal-related deaths, with the WHO describing it as a “a neglected public health issue”. Here is our list of the deadliest snakes with bites that can kill...
Transparent animals: Discover 10 weird invisible creatures you can see right though
Nature's invisible act: here are 10 transparent animals who have mastered the art of transparency with their very own invisibility cloak
10 deadliest parasites: terrifying microscopic creatures that could haunt your dreams
They may be microscopic but that doesn't mean they can't be lethal. Leoma Williams takes a look at the deadliest parasites in the world, from a zombie fungus to a worm that emerges from your foot
18 weirdest animals: meet the weird freaks and oddballs of the natural world
Often it is the cute and cuddly animals that get the most attention, but let's spare some time and love for the freaks and oddballs of the natural world! Meet our 18 weirdest animals
10 animals that can change sex
Leoma Williams explores the sex-changing talents of 10 animals
Malaysia to gift orangutans to countries that buy its palm oil
The 'orangutan diplomacy' scheme will see Malaysia's great apes offered in exchange for trade.
10 world's rarest cats, from the endangered snow leopard to the uber-cute Iriomote cat, on the brink of extinction
There are more wild cats out there than just lions and tigers. Get to know some of the world's most elusive and rarest felines.
Weirdest fish: 13 of the strangest fish in the world
Our seas are brimming with strange and wonderful creatures. Meet 13 of the weirdest fish in the world, which sport everything from super-long noses to golfball heads
10 animals that use tools in surprising and clever ways – from primates and dolphins to birds and fish
It is not just humans that regularly use tools to solve problems and make our lives easier. Other animals do it too!
Back from the dead: meet 10 animals once presumed extinct
Feel-good stories are rare in animal conservation, but these ‘back from the dead’ species are a cause for celebration.
King penguin guide: species facts and where they live
Learn about the spectacular aquatic flightless bird known as the kind penguin in our expert guide, including essential species facts, diet and habitat. Plus, the mystery of the shrinking colony.
9 most poisonous mushrooms: deadly fungi you don't want to mess with
Mushrooms can be a great and tasty source of food, but foragers beware, some should be avoided at all cost!
World's most venomous spiders: Are these deadly spiders as fearsome as their reputation?
Here are the most venomous spiders in the world, but just how deadly are they really?
10 animals named after food: chocolate chip sea star anyone?
Evolution has produced some curious and comical-looking animals, including some that look uncannily like food! Here are some of our favourites, from a fried egg jelly fish to a chocolate chip sea star
Top 10 Arctic animals: what animals can survive this freezing landscape?
Although the Arctic may be a cold and harsh place to live, it is home to many fascinating animal species. Here are our top 10 Animals that live in the Arctic
10 Ice Age animals: meet the extraordinary beasts that thrived when the world was frozen
The temperatures were low, but the animals were immense! Our expert guide examines some of the truly massive animals that dominated Ice age landscapes
Cannibal animals: 10 creatures that eat their own species - there may be some surprises...
It may seem gruesome, but many animals have been recorded feeding on their own species. Here are 10 cannibalistic animals, including some that might surprise you.
What are primates?
Find out all about primates, the extraordinary group of animals to which we belong!
10 biggest spiders in the world: meet huge arachnids as big as dinner plates
Meet the ten largest spiders in the world - you wouldn't want to see these scuttling across your carpet!