On the Origin of a Species: The Red Panda, Ailurus fulgens

A look at this taxonomically, physiologically, anatomically confusing but absolutely, undoubtedly cute little species, the red panda, Ailurus fulgens. Once thought related to raccoons, or the giant panda, it now stands in a family of its own proving, even to cynics like me, that taxonomy is not just useless bickering about arbitrary classifications.

Top Ten Hated (But Misunderstood) Animals – 4 – Vultures

A lengthy essay about the vulture, what it means to us, its historical reputation and the omens and portents it used to bring, it’s modern reputation and what it means to us now. I also look at the conservation and ecological crises of the Indian vulture crisis and the California condor and discuss how the scientific community came together to make a huge difference in terms of discovery and helping numbers.

Caturday Special: Feliformia, Hyaenidae and Crocuta crocuta

Exploring the spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta and explaining how it is more closely related to cats than dogs, which may surprise some people. We also discuss their remarkable social intelligence, ability to cooperate and their very odd sexual habits and weird genitals. An interesting species that has an undeserved reputation for being a scrounger and a thief.

Top Ten Cats #7 – Jaguar, Panthera onca

Content Warning: This article contains images of animal predation. I left this one up to the community and your voices were heard. They were completely silent. Thanks, guys. So given how I feel you basically stuck your teeth on my skull and bit a hole in it, I put a cat in this place that