With an aggressive attitude, an eager appetite for fish and the ability to “walk” on land, the northern snakehead fish is a powerful predator. Recently, Asia Trail keepers welcomed four snakeheads—one male and three females—into their care.
Snakehead fish have evolved to “walk” on land!
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.
The Fly River turtle, or pig-nosed turtle, is the last living member of the Carettochelyidae family of turtles. With flipper-like forelegs, webbed hind legs and a shell covered in soft, leathery skin, it is well adapted to aquatic life.
Fact Sheet Conservation Physical Description Fly River turtles have gray bodies
See Spot. He’s a little ruby-throated hummingbird with a big personality. Spot is also super smart and has mastered scale training. Learn how Bird House keepers came to weigh him and get tips on attracting hummingbirds to your backyard!
From there, we record the birds’ measurements and keep track of whether they have
Say hello to Ariel! This sweet and social clouded leopard just joined the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s breeding program. She has the smarts to solve puzzle feeders and seems smitten with her beau-to-be, Ta Moon.
They have large paws for gripping branches, specialized anklebones for ease of climbing
Fire-bellied toads, also called bombina, are warty, aquatic toads with bright orange or red undersides. These gregarious frogs are native to China and Russia.
Males, unlike females, also have nuptial pads on the first and second fingers.
In March and April, keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, celebrated the arrival of two male kiwi chicks! Get to know them in this update from the bird team.
Both chicks have yet to receive their official names, so here they’re referred to
