CategoryBiodiversity and conservation

Posted 1 month ago2 Comments Animal behaviour

The humble dumbledor: Trypocopris dung beetles

There are said to be about 460 species of dung beetles in Europe (Byk & Piętka, 2018), with about 60 of them occurring in the UK. They carry out the … Continue Reading The humble dumbledor: Trypocopris dung beetles

Posted 2 months ago5 Comments Animal behaviour

Order, order! Insect diversity.

If insects could talk – English preferably! – I would like to ask them what they think is the key to their great success! In particular, I would like to … Continue Reading Order, order! Insect diversity.

Posted June 30, 20192 Comments Biodiversity and conservation

Eucalyptus: one of the drivers of deforestation in Brazil

We have heard a lot in the news lately (Aug 2019) about the terrible forest fires burning in the Amazon. The forests are being cleared in order to grow ‘cash … Continue Reading Eucalyptus: one of the drivers of deforestation in Brazil

Posted October 17, 2018 Animal behaviour

Beetles taking off!

These beautiful dung beetles are relatively common in NW Spain, and can often be seen flying purposefully through the pine forests, like tiny green helicopters, on a mission to find … Continue Reading Beetles taking off!

Posted January 19, 20171 Comment Biodiversity and conservation

Sperm whales

There are thought to be about 200,000 sperm whales in the world, but there is considerable uncertainty about the figure, which may be anywhere between 200,000-1,500,000 according to one site … Continue Reading Sperm whales

Posted February 10, 20166 Comments Biodiversity and conservation

Sixth symphony versus the sixth extinction? An essay on biodiversity loss.

What would you rather have: elephants or Beethoven’s Sixth symphony? Well, yes, it’s a ridiculous question I know, and of course we can have both, but it does throw up … Continue Reading Sixth symphony versus the sixth extinction? An essay on biodiversity loss.