Tag: animals

The Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan: A Master of Camouflage

Léa Zinsli

The Svalbard rock ptarmigan is a master of camouflage in the Arctic, adapting its plumage to blend seamlessly with the snowy landscapes. This resilient bird faces challenges from predation, climate change, and competition for resources, making it a fascinating subject for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Polar Retrospective – Pathogens increasingly affect polar wildlife

Dr. Michael Wenger

Polar bears and Arctic animals in general and elephant seals subantarctic islands are increasingly threatened by pathogens due to substantial environmental changes also induced by humans.

The Arctic Easter Bunny? Five reasons the Arctic hare is a mystery

As part of their research, the University of Quebec is tagging Arctic hares on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian high Arctic. Here, Ludovic Landry-Ducharme is in the process of catching one of them. Photo provided by: Ludovic Landry-Ducharme

Ole Ellekrog

Ludovic Landry-Ducharme, an Arctic hare researcher, guides us through all the things we do not - yet - know about the world’s most northern critters.

Environmental pollution in the polar regions in the focus of research

Julia Hager

Along with climate change, environmental pollution is one of the most pressing problems in the Arctic and Antarctic and has increasingly become the focus of research in recent years.

King penguins see no alternative to lanternfish

Camille Lin

A Franco-Canadian study of king penguins in the largest colony on the Courbet Peninsula in Kerguelen shows that these birds are highly specialized, making them vulnerable to geographical changes in the polar front.

More regulations to protect Antarctic wildlife from avian flu

Dr. Michael Wenger

U.S. officials are setting stricter rules for their Antarctic season this year to prevent the introduction of avian flu by their personnel.

Extreme events in Antarctica go up, are environmental protocols still enough?

Dr. Michael Wenger

A study indicates that extreme events in Antarctica will increase, not least due to climate change, and it calls existing environmental protection protocols into question.

Innovative sailing and flying drone monitors Arctic wildlife

Dr. Michael Wenger

A drone developed in part in Switzerland can both sail and fly, allowing it to monitor Arctic wildlife with less distraction.

Encouraging signs of belugas returning to the Kara Sea

Camille Lin

Satellite imagery of the Russian coastline in summer 2016 enabled scientists to identify beluga whale populations in the far south of the Kara Sea.

Shy or bold - Wandering albatrosses have personality and strategies

Camille Lin

Albatrosses have different personalities, and these "characters" influence their fishing strategies, which are intimately linked to wind strength.