Birds of prey populations suppressed by lead poisoning from gun ammo
16 March 2022New study uses data on lead levels in the livers of thousands of dead raptors to calculate the impact of lead poisoning on population size.
Managed hunting can help maintain animal populations
21 May 2018Researchers studying the hunting of ibex in Switzerland over the past 40 years have shown how hunts, when tightly monitored, can help maintain animal populations at optimal levels.
Trophy hunting of lions can aid in conservation, but overhaul of system is required, say researchers
23 September 2016New research has found that controlled trophy hunting of lions can actually help conserve the species, but only in areas where hunting companies are given long-term land management rights.
Banning trophy hunting could do more harm than good
11 January 2016Trophy hunting shouldn’t be banned, but instead it should be better regulated to ensure funds generated from permits are invested back into local conservation efforts, according to new research.
Lord Byron and the bears beneath Cambridge
10 June 2015The Cambridge Animal Alphabet series celebrates Cambridge's connections with animals through literature, art, science and society. Here, B is for Bear – found roaming Cambridgeshire 120,000 years ago, on 17th century murals in Madingley Hall, and keeping Lord Byron company at Trinity College.
Distance running may be an evolutionary ‘signal’ for desirable male genes
08 April 2015New research shows that males with higher ‘reproductive potential’ are better distance runners. This may have been used by females as a reliable signal of high male genetic quality during our hunter-gatherer past, as good runners are more likely to have other traits of good hunters and providers, such as intelligence and generosity.
Colour-morphing reef fish is a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'
19 March 2015The dottyback changes its colour to match surrounding damselfish species, enabling it to counter the defences of its damselfish prey by disguising itself as a harmless part of their community, then swoop in to hunt their young.
Chimpanzees have favourite ‘tool set’ for hunting staple food of army ants
16 October 2014New research shows that chimpanzees search for the right tools from a key plant species when preparing to ‘ant dip’ - a crafty technique enabling them to feast on army ants without getting bitten. The study shows that army ants are not a poor substitute for preferred foods, but a staple part of chimpanzee diets.
Fish as good as chimpanzees at choosing the best partner for a task
09 September 2014Latest research shows that coral trout can now join chimpanzees as the only non-human species that can choose the right situation and the right partner to get the best result when collaboratively working.
Picture This # 12 – They’re going on a bear hunt, Madingley Hall
11 January 2012This image of a bear hunt is taken from one of three remarkable wall paintings in the Murals Room at Madingley Hall.
