Animals

Proboscis monkeys are primates with large, prominent noses in adult males that live in the dense forests of Borneo. Scientists have discovered that these unusual organs not only serve as a kind of decoration, but also act as resonators, creating unique sounds.

The study showed that the nose amplifies the low frequencies of males’ voices, making them sound deeper and more impressive. This helps to both scare off rivals and attract females. Moreover, the size of the nose affects the acoustic characteristics of each individual’s voice, turning it into a kind of “fingerprint” by which others can be identified.

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Deep in the Brazilian Amazon, researchers from the University of East Anglia have filmed for the first time a black and spotted jaguar mating in Serra do Pardo National Park. Black jaguars are not a separate species, but a rare colour form with excess pigmentation that allows them to blend into the shadows of the rainforest.

Both color variants have similar hunting abilities and a powerful physique, making jaguars the apex predators of the ecosystem. These animals usually lead a solitary lifestyle, so such observations are extremely rare. The six-minute video captured the entire courtship and mating process, including the male’s behavior, the female’s reactions, sounds and movements.

Despite the differences in color, the behavior of both jaguars was similar, which confirms the stability of innate instincts. The camera also recorded a brief pause between the two acts of mating, which coincided with the peak of the female’s fertility, as well as signs of successful fertilization.

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Land snails usually live on the ground or under damp driftwood and rocks, but some species, such as the Sapporo mai-mai tree snail (Euhadra brandtii sapporo), live in treetops where conditions seem less favorable. Japanese scientists from the universities of Tsukuba and Hokkaido studied the behavior of these snails in the northern part of Hokkaido.

In winter, they spend time in fallen leaves on the ground, and in summer they rise to a height of up to 20 meters into the crowns of oaks and maples. For observations, the researchers used towers and humidity and temperature sensors. To track their movements, a small hole was carefully pierced in the snails’ shells and a string was tied to it.

It turned out that this lifestyle is associated with an attempt to avoid summer land predators – ground beetles, raccoon dogs and rodents. At the same time, birds and squirrels found in the crowns do not have a significant impact on survival.

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Naked shrews are unique creatures that challenge conventional wisdom about cancer and aging. Despite their unattractive appearance, these rodents have become famous for their long lifespans, reaching 30 years or more. The oldest recorded individual lived to be 39 years old, well beyond the average lifespan of most rodents.

The peculiarity of these animals is that they practically do not age according to the classic model of increasing mortality with age. Scientists associate this with the high level of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, which shrews produce in large quantities. The HAS2 gene responsible for its formation was transferred to a mouse model, which improved the health of the mice and extended their life.

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In 2019, scientists first captured footage of an unusual snailfish with large eyes and multiple rays on its pectoral fins at a depth of more than 3.2 km. It has now been confirmed to be one of three snail species new to science.

These include the pink bumpy Careproctus colliculi and two dark species, Careproctus yanceyi and Paraliparise. All were discovered in one of the most studied deep-sea zones on the planet.

Remarkably, two different species were captured on a single dive by the Alvin, highlighting how little we know about life in the deep ocean. These fish use their many fin rays not only to move, but also to sense their surroundings – through vibrations, smells and even taste.

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