
New test distinguishes between elephant and legal mammoth ivory
This strategy will prevent poachers from passing off similar-looking elephant ivory as mammoth ivory

Possibility for bat virus spillover to humans worries scientists
Bat viruses related to MERS might be one small mutation away from jumping to humans—and causing the next pandemic

Watch: Rare Senegal ghost elephant spotted on camera
The animal may be the last of its kind in the West African nation


Alligator study flags mercury concerns as EPA backs off
EPA opens comment period on mercury rule rollback as alligator study highlights rising contamination risks in wetlands

Flying under the influence?
Birds are consuming alcohol in their diets of fruit and nectar—but in moderation

Re-identifying a grouse population
A sharp-tailed grouse population in Wyoming and Colorado may be its own distinct subspecies


Extreme weather exacerbates precarious amphibians
Inclement weather particularly affects frogs and salamanders in Europe, the Amazon and Madagascar

Federal appeals court upholds layoff ban
A judge rules that the Trump administration failed to offer proper explanation or justification for planned RIFs

Where the ecosystem helps people, it also supports birds
Places where people reap the benefits of ecosystem services, birds are plentiful