Author: OMN AI

Giraffes’ spots help them stay cool and hidden in the African heat. “It’s nature’s air-conditioning,” says Sheena Harvey. Each patch has a large blood vessel surrounded by tiny capillaries. These widen to release heat like radiator panels. The giraffe isn’t fully covered in these vessels because the patches also act as camouflage in dappled bushland. “The mottled pattern works perfectly for both cooling and concealment,” Harvey explains. The dark color of the spots remains less certain. They’re rich in melanin, which likely prevents sunburn on short-haired skin. Short hair lets heat escape easily, helping the giraffe survive under the fierce…

The Prince of Wales has called the finalists of his global Earthshot Prize “heroes of our time”. Next month, Prince William will travel to Rio de Janeiro for the award ceremony, marking the first time the event takes place in Latin America. The prize, launched five years ago, rewards five projects each year with £1 million for groundbreaking environmental innovation. Global recognition for green pioneers This year’s competition drew nearly 2,500 nominees from 72 countries. The winners will be chosen by Prince William and the Earthshot Prize Council, which includes actor Cate Blanchett and Queen Rania of Jordan. The list…

The continued destruction of Western Australia’s northern jarrah forests for bauxite mining could push the endangered Baudin’s black cockatoo to extinction, conservationists have warned. “Baudin’s or bauxite – we can’t have both,” said Mark Henryon of BirdLife Western Australia, who has long campaigned for stronger protection of the species, describing it as the state’s “forgotten” black cockatoo. The Baudin’s, known for its white cheeks and distinctive squeaky call, uses its long, narrow bill to extract seeds from marri nuts without breaking them – a delicacy now growing scarce. Once widespread, the species has declined by 90% in 40 years, and…

Cotswold Wildlife Park successfully bred greater bamboo lemurs, becoming the only UK zoo to achieve this in 2025.The park introduced four newborn lemurs, still unsexed and unnamed, ahead of World Lemur Day on 31 October.Bijou and Veloma, the adult lemurs, produced the offspring in the Madagascar exhibit for visitors to see. Record-Breaking Season Across Species The park also welcomed the first brood of Great Grey Owls and four Humboldt Penguin chicks this year.Humboldt Penguins experienced their most successful breeding season in a decade, adding excitement for visitors and staff.Cotswold Wildlife Park has recorded over 520 animal births in 2025, including…

Alarming Population LossesRecent studies reveal that global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% over the past five decades. Habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities are major drivers behind this rapid loss. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands are shrinking, reducing biodiversity and leaving many species increasingly vulnerable to extinction. Climate Change Intensifies ThreatsRising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are placing additional stress on ecosystems. In the United States alone, thousands of species are now considered at heightened risk due to climate-related changes. Altered habitats affect migration, breeding cycles, and food availability, accelerating the risk of species extinction. Global…

Targeting Brain CircuitsA recent study by researchers at Penn Medicine suggests that psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, may help alleviate chronic pain and depression. The research indicates that psilocybin modulates specific brain circuits related to mood and pain perception, acting on serotonin receptors to produce lasting effects in animal models. Potential Alternative to Traditional TreatmentsThe study found that a single dose of psilocybin reduced pain sensitivity and improved anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice for up to two weeks. Scientists say this effect is different from typical opioid treatments, potentially offering a non-addictive option for managing chronic…

The ocean shaped Glen Butler’s life. He has surfed for 50 years and rarely worried about sharks. “You know you are entering their world, so you stay cautious,” the 61-year-old said. But last month, the water turned dangerous. Butler surfed with friends at Long Reef on Sydney’s northern beaches. Minutes after he left the water, fellow surfer Mercury Psillakis died in a great white shark attack. “It shook us,” Butler admitted. Mercury and his twin brother Mike were familiar faces in the local community. “You would always greet them.” The fatal attack reignited a sensitive debate about beach safety in…

Wildlife numbers continue to shrink across Canada as governments weaken protections to speed up massive developments.WWF-Canada’s Living Planet Report tracked 910 vertebrate species between 1970 and 2022, with over half showing decline.Populations overall dropped by 10 per cent in five decades, while birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians all trended downward.James Snider of WWF-Canada said human activities such as farming, infrastructure, and pollution increasingly harm ecosystems.Marine life faces noise, overfishing, contaminants, and shipping threats, while climate extremes intensify biodiversity loss nationwide.Despite clear warning signs, federal and provincial authorities still roll back protections to advance economic projects.First Nations and conservation groups…

Berlin’s thriving goshawk population could serve as the model for a bold new conservation effort in the UK. Dr Paul O’Donoghue of Rewilding UK plans to release 15 northern goshawks each into Chester and London, aiming to establish them as apex predators in urban environments. The species, once hunted nearly to extinction in Britain, has flourished in European capitals like Berlin, Amsterdam and Prague, where the birds nest in parks, hunt pigeons in the streets and adapt to city life alongside people. O’Donoghue believes the raptors could help control mesopredators such as crows and magpies in Britain’s cities, indirectly boosting…

Chasing the Eye of the Storm When hurricanes sweep across the ocean, they stir up creatures from the deep. Predators brave enough to endure the storm find a feast among the chaos. On a rocky plateau, a small nocturnal seabird huddles in its burrow. Below, waves lap gently against the cliffs. At night, it senses a storm forming 1,000 miles off the coast of Morocco. The tropical cyclone draws energy from the warm ocean surface. Slowly, it grows into a rotating column of air hundreds of miles wide. Lightning streaks across its outer bands, while 150mph winds churn the ocean…