Stephen Hampton has been watching birds for more than 50 years, and for almost all of that time, he thought nothing of names like Townsend’s warbler or Anna’s hummingbird: “They were just the names in ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. Scientists estimate there are over 8 million animal species ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. At first glance, this list may seem like a mere collection ...

When you come across the name of an animal, you usually expect it to describe something true about its behaviour, appearance or origins, yet many names tell a very different story. You may picture a ...

For every pet named Charlie, Luna, and Milo, there's a Chewbarka, Gorgonzola, and a Dr Sir Puddles Pipsqueak. Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Melbourne has shared the most popular and the most unique ...

In the desolate plains of southern Australia scampers a small creature with pointy ears, a silky tail, and a cream-colored belly that ecologist Steve Morton describes as “wonderfully beautiful.” Its ...

Many animal names mislead, stemming from early observations and comparisons rather than scientific accuracy. Creatures like prairie dogs and guinea pigs bear names that don't reflect their true nature ...