Latest FromAnimal Science
![Pigeons' instinct for a high-risk flutter 'explains human gambling'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pigeons' instinct for a high-risk flutter 'explains human gambling'
Taking big risks in the hope of high rewards may be a fundamental part of our biological nature, the pigeon study has shown.
![Hangdog mutts suffer from the blues - study](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hangdog mutts suffer from the blues - study
Scientists have shown what many dog owners have suspected - while some canines are joyfully optimistic about life, others have a tendency for gloomy pessimism.
![Scientists solve mystery of dying bees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Scientists solve mystery of dying bees
The cause of the mysterious decline of the honey bee in the United States - and elsewhere in the world - may have been found.
![Snorkel the hippo dies aged 50](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Snorkel the hippo dies aged 50
One of Auckland Zoo's oldest residents, Snorkel the hippopotamus, was euthanised last night after her health deteriorated.
![Let's roll... dung beetle to combat global warming](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Let's roll... dung beetle to combat global warming
Up to 11 species of beetle may be introduced to NZ.
![The science of counting whales](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The science of counting whales
In the long winter months while we quaff red wine and lay down a bit of winter fat, Port Ross turns into a veritable whale orgy.
![DNA testing to identify predators](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
DNA testing to identify predators
The killing of 14 endangered weka by a dog on Kawau Island has prompted the Department of Conservation to introduce DNA testing.
![DNA focus of dolphin count](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
DNA focus of dolphin count
Scientists will use DNA profiling for the first time to count the critically endangered Maui dolphins.
![<i>Bridget Vercoe:</i> Elephant-herd idea cruel plan to make money](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
<i>Bridget Vercoe:</i> Elephant-herd idea cruel plan to make money
Bridget Vercoe writes that Auckland Zoo's scheme is ill-conceived and unnecessary.
![Disappearing wild goats trouble scientists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Disappearing wild goats trouble scientists
Conservationists are mystified by a sharp decline in numbers of the alpine animal called the ibex.
![Our taonga beneath the sea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Our taonga beneath the sea
The good news from the first Census of Marine Life is: New Zealand's waters are indeed teeming with wondrous creatures and plants.
![Whale-rider link stops orca autopsy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whale-rider link stops orca autopsy
An orca that washed up dead near Whakatane has been buried in a nearby Maori cemetery despite researchers wanting to perform an autopsy.