The evolutionary fight against megafires

The northern hemisphere summer this year has seen out-of-control wildfires raging across parts of Europe, while scientists warn Australia faces an El Niño event in coming months, increasing the risk of severe and destructive bushfires such as those experienced in 2019/2020 that resulted in the loss of an estimated three billion animals, birds and reptiles. […]

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Rescued cats prefer to scratch fabrics commonly used to cover upholstered furniture

Preference responses of cats for scratching fabrics commonly used on furniture were evaluated during four consecutive days in three Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that rescue companion animals. Cats were grouped and their choices were registered at a group level (no individual identification). Daily choices for chenille, suede, synthetic leather, or waterproof grosgrain fabrics were evaluated for […]

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Rare birth for world’s black rhino population

A rare black rhino calf was born in April, at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, NSW. The zoo celebrated the birth of the male calf, conceived using a world-first reproductive treatment for the critically endangered species, of which only 6500 remain in the wild.  The calf’s mother, Kufara, faced fertility issues after the birth […]

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