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
Discover 11 blind animals; extraordinary creatures that survive - and even hunt for prey - in complete darkness
Many animal species have adapted to survive and even evolve without sight, often relying on other senses - here are 10 blind animals with next to no vision
Smallest birds in the world: discover 10 tiny feathered wonders
Birds vary enormously in size and shape. The ostrich can grow up to 9ft tall. But what about at the other end of the spectrum? Here are the world’s 10 very smallest birds.
10 weirdest body parts: discover some of the strangest - and we do mean strange - animal appendages out there
To enhance their chances of survival - and attracting the opposite sex - evolution has helped animals develop some very strange body parts
10 biggest spiders in the world: meet enormous 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!
Can animals lie?
Leoma Williams investigates whether animals can lie
It's not just humans who can place a bet. Science shows other primates can gamble too - but which are the savviest risk takers?
Like humans, other great apes can place a smart bet says Leoma Williams.
All you need to know about dodos
Learn more about the poster child of human-led extinction - the dodo.
10 animals with the wrong names: Discover misleading monikers and curious cases of mistaken identity
Common names for animals are often easier to remember than their Latin names, but they can often lead to confusion. Here are 10 animals with some very misleading names.
What are the most dangerous snakes in Australia? Discover the country's top venomous serpents
Learn about the potent venom of these dangerous reptiles, as well as habitats, and the risks they pose to humans.
10 deadliest insects: Discover the world's most dangerous insects to humans
Small but deadly! From disease spreaders to stingers to voracious swarms, read all about the world’s most deadly and dangerous insects.
10 deadliest animals to humans - discover the world's most lethal creatures
Think you might know what the 10 deadliest animals might be? Our expert guide rounds up the animals causing the most number of human deaths per year – and some of them might just surprise you.
Headless animals: Can animals survive without their heads? Here's 10 that do — at least for a while
Meet 10 persistent animals that don’t die right away when decapitated…
13 animals named after celebrities, from pop royalty to kings
One of the benefits of discovering a new species is the opportunity to name it, and many scientists have taken inspiration from popular culture. These are a few of our favourites.
Cannibal animals: 11 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 11 cannibalistic animals, including some that might surprise you.
10 cutest animals in the world - and some of these adorable creatures may surprise you
What makes an animal cute? And what are the cutest animals in the world? Here is our top 10 - do you agree?
Apex predators: All you need to know about nature's most ruthless hunters, including why they're vital to balancing ecosystems
We take a look at the importance of apex predators
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