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
10 animals named after Star Wars characters, from Jedi ants to Skywalker apes
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are quite a few Star Wars fans among biologists. These ones have used their opportunity to name a new species to make reference to their beloved franchise.
What animals mate for life? Meet the most devoted couples in the animal kingdom
We meet some of the animals that mate for life, but are monogamous relationships in animals as sweet as they seem?
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.
10 animals who sound like their names
Animals are often given very descriptive names, whether after their fur colour or scale pattern, or a particular aspect of their size or shape. And some are named after the sounds they make, which can have sometimes humorous results. Here are 10 of our favourites.
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.
10 of the world’s most poisonous plants - including the world's deadliest tree, where every part, from the bark to the sap, is highly toxic
There is an incredible number of dangerous and deadly plants around the world. here are just 10, including some with the ability to kill
11 Arctic animals that not only survive, but also thrive, in this inhospitable 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
Surely animals need a brain to be clever? Not always... Discover some remarkably clever, yet brainless animals
What is cleverness? Do animals need a brain to be clever? Leoma Williams investigates...
10 of the strongest animals in the world - there may be some surprises, including an animal that has a particularly powerful tongue
Discover some of the world's most powerful animals
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.
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