Animal science

Three years on from deploying ground-penetrating radar to "spy" on one of Australia's most endangered and elusive species, scientists have learnt just how adaptable the animals are. And there's also some good news for rebuilding the population.

In what must have been some of the most enjoyable experiments ever, scientists have studied nearly 50 dogs of all shapes and sizes to find a better way of assessing paw dominance – something we believe to be a predictor of behavioral issues.

One of the world's oldest turds has been given the royal science treatment, with ancient Arctic ground squirrel droppings offering a smorgasbord of DNA from other animals and plants dating back up to 700,000 years.

Bumblebees may be smarter than we give them credit for, with a new study showing the fuzzy insects demonstrate the cognitive plasticity required to solve problems they've never encountered before to reach a goal.

For captive animals, engaging in natural behavior is a pillar of the animal welfare framework. But when it comes to sex, one important behavior has been largely ignored, and sometimes even punished: masturbation.

The rules of biology have been torn up by a small fish in the Pacific that steals light-producing molecules it from its food to make it bioluminescent, providing an "invisibility cloak" it needs for protection. It's the only example of kleptoproteinism we know of.

There are more than 800 species of carnivorous plants, and despite their diverse designs, the one thing they have in common is that they are built to trap and kill all prey. Or so we've believed – until scientists discovered how this meat-eater works.

A disabled kea has invented a bizarre jousting technique that helped turn him into the undefeated alpha male of his circus. While parrots are known for their smarts, this level of individual benefit shows some real ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The ability of the shellear fish to climb waterfalls is well established. The behavior has now been documented for the first time, with photos and videos showing just how these adventurous fish defy their legless physiology.

For years, bees were among our readers' favorite animals we covered, but then people seemed to switch off. Maybe it was tall poppy syndrome – bees love these nectar treasure chests – but this week we lead a charge to build up their buzz again.

One of the world’s most dangerous birds may carry signals invisible to the human eye. Scientists have found that the helmet-like casque atop a cassowary’s head fluoresces under UV light, revealing striking patterns that differ between species.

For the first time, we know more than we ever expected to know about the sex lives of the majestic beluga whale. It's complicated, to say the least, but it also shows just how strategic nature is at keeping an isolated group of animals alive.