Nestled deep within the forests of Kenya lies a place that few dare to tread. Kitum Cave, believed to be the source of the deadly Ebola and Marburg viruses, is one of the most dangerous places on Earth. Despite its reputation, an expedition was staged in the 1990s by the US military, in an attempt to identify the vector species that presumably reside within the cave. … [Read more...] about Kitum Cave: The Dangerous Quest for Answers about Ebola and Marburg in Kenya’s Infamous Cave
Wildlife
Meet the Chevrotain, the Small and Secretive Mouse Deer
Ten species of this ungulate exist in the world today. The mouse deer. Or the pig deer. Or the little goat. Whatever you call the chevrotain, this is a truly distinct (and tiny!) ungulate. With a round, bunny-like body placed atop piglet-like feet, and a face akin to a mouse, the chevrotain may look like a hodgepodge of modern-day species but it's actually quite … [Read more...] about Meet the Chevrotain, the Small and Secretive Mouse Deer
With a new prosthetic beak, a parrot with a damaged beak gets a second chance at life
A bird’s abeak is just as crucial as a human’s hands. When a bird’s beak is broken, it can endanger its survival by interfering with its ability to feed, use things, climb, and defend itself. That’s why a parrot whose beak was shattered recently had a second opportunity at a healthy and happy life thanks to a recent restoration. Renascer ACN, a non-governmental organization … [Read more...] about With a new prosthetic beak, a parrot with a damaged beak gets a second chance at life
The Toledo Zoo has Discovered Biofluorescence in Tasmanian Devils
The first documented example of biofluorescence in Tasmanian devils was reported by the Toledo Zoo in Ohio. The phenomenon of biofluorescence occurs when a living creature absorbs light and reemits it in a different hue. The Tasmanian devil, it turns out, shines in UV light as well. And it appears to be rather scary. The first example of biofluorescence in Tasmanian devils … [Read more...] about The Toledo Zoo has Discovered Biofluorescence in Tasmanian Devils
Incredible Occasion The World’s Largest Sea Turtle Has Emerged From The Water
The world’s largest sea turtle comes from the water onto the sand at this precise time. It’s a magnificent leatherback turtle that appears to have emerged from the water to relax on the sand. Leatherback turtles are the world’s largest turtle species. They don’t have a hard shell like other turtles; instead, their backs are covered in thick, leathery skin, thus the … [Read more...] about Incredible Occasion The World’s Largest Sea Turtle Has Emerged From The Water