Smithsonian scientists and partners provide free test kits for salamander pet owners to screen their animals for deadly diseases that are spread through the international pet trade.
The international pet trade can unintentionally spread diseases that can have devastating
Gadwalls may appear to be simple brown ducks from afar. But up close, their subtle beauty and intricately patterned plumage emerges. Gadwalls are dabbling ducks, meaning they feed by tipping their heads downwards to feed while floating—sticking their tails and feet in the air in the process.
18-22 inches (46-57 centimeters) long, weigh 17-44 ounces (500-1,250 grams), and have
Our giant panda cub is growing! As our newborn packs on the grams, it is becoming a bit easier to spot on the Panda Cam.
Now that the cub’s markings have come in, we have a few weeks to go before the next
Don’t let his prickly appearance deter you – Quillbur is a very friendly porcupine! Get to know our new prehensile-tailed porcupine in this Q&A with Small Mammal House keepers.
Their quills have barbed ends that hook into a predator’s skin once pierced.
A small bird with a loud song, the ovenbird is a migratory songbird that passes through much of North America in the spring and fall.
They have white underparts with black streaks on the chest, similar to the wood thrush
The Smallwood’s anole is a green lizard with blue spots. It is native to Cuba, where it spends time hunting the trees for insects, grubs and frogs.
They are typically deep-green and may have blue spots.
Red-rumped agoutis are members of the rodent family similar in appearance to Guinea pigs, but larger and with longer legs. Endemic to South America, they are the only mammals within their native range able to open the husk of a Brazil nut, which makes them vital to the region’s ecosystem.
Fact Sheet Conservation Physical Description Red-rumped agoutis have coarse
Get to know our red pandas’ personalities and insider tips on the best times to spot them from Asia Trail keeper Mariel Lally.
We have to keep on our toes, or she will try to ‘outsmart’ us!
Norway rats, also called brown rats, are foragers that can survive on a wide range of food, which has helped them successfully spread across the world.
Members of this species have been bred as pets to be white, black or brown.
Why is this Asian elephant wearing a collar? He’s one of four pachyderms whose movements and behaviors are being tracked via satellite! This information helps SCBI scientist John McEvoy and partners understand the causes of human-elephant conflict and find solutions to help animals and people coexist.
Luckily, we have a terrific partnership with the forestry department, and they connected
