News: animals
Speedy new species of snake uncovered in Australia
![Photo of a desert whip snake](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-07/demansia-cyanochasma-credit-mark-hutchinson.jpg?h=629b5947&itok=uybjhAL1)
A new species of snake has been identified for the first time by a team of researchers from the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Museum and the Western Australian Museum.
[Read more about Speedy new species of snake uncovered in Australia]
Illegal macaque trade could spark the next pandemic
![A photo of a macaque](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-06/macaquefence6.jpg?h=6de1a23c&itok=kULx-Tjq)
The illegal trading of macaques for research purposes could be increasing the chance of further pandemics, according to a new study by the University of Adelaide.
[Read more about Illegal macaque trade could spark the next pandemic]
Why don’t larger dogs live as long as smaller breeds?
![A Great Dane and a chihuahua](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-04/dogsresize.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=tWqF0stG)
Scientists have for the first time explained why larger dogs have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs - selective breeding for size has made large breeds more susceptible to cancer.
[Read more about Why don’t larger dogs live as long as smaller breeds?]
Drone AI counts waterbirds in the Murray-Darling
![An aerial drone shot of waterbirds in the Murray-Darling Basin.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-02/for-drupal_1.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=OXDNDmiX)
Innovative drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI) software is providing more accurate monitoring of waterbirds across the Murray–Darling Basin – and could be used to monitor other wildlife in the future.
[Read more about Drone AI counts waterbirds in the Murray-Darling]
Playtime is purr-fect for your cat’s welfare
![A cat guardian smiles while playing with her cat on the couch.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-02/for-drupal.jpg?h=f7d9296c&itok=PIgmzcdh)
Play is often considered an indicator and promotor of animal welfare. Playing with your cat may also nurture closer cat-human bonds. In a new study, scientists have investigated these links by applying in-depth empirical methods to analyse data gathered from around the world.
[Read more about Playtime is purr-fect for your cat’s welfare]
Island tiger snakes’ skulls adapt to eat large sea bird chicks
![A tiger snake slithers on grass.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-01/tigersnake_head_lakealexandrina_maxtibby.jpg?h=c0ac3279&itok=hOXQGn7a)
A study by researchers from the University of Adelaide and other institutions has found that in a population of island tiger snakes the bones in their jaws increase in length after feeding on large prey, while their mainland counterparts show no change.
[Read more about Island tiger snakes’ skulls adapt to eat large sea bird chicks ]
Researchers find the snake clitoris
![A death adder snake curled up on the ground](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-12/death-adder-photo-by-luke-allen.jpg?h=317b505e&itok=sQt77BXb)
An international team of researchers, led by the University of Adelaide has provided the first anatomical description of the female snake clitoris, in a first-of-its-kind study.
Livestock app takes top student entrepreneurship award
![Hector and Tom smile and hold their $10,000 cheque for winning the eChallenge.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-12/winners-19_web.jpg?h=00cffbef&itok=Vk1SqN9k)
A smartphone app that allows farmers to better select livestock at auctions has won the top prize in the University of Adelaide’s Australian eChallenge.
[Read more about Livestock app takes top student entrepreneurship award]
Public calls for more proactive pet laws
![A small dog on a harness and lead next to its owner.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-11/dog-g31de94f3a_1920.jpg?h=42e671c3&itok=fIfosrq6)
Public opinion is shifting to wanting a more proactive approach to animal welfare rather than a reactive approach to animal cruelty.
Stage legend directs student blondes
![Nikki Snelson smiles, in the Scott Theatre.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-09/md_09108.jpg?h=f7d9296c&itok=CQcFjmuQ)
Fifteen years after Legally Blonde the Musical took Broadway by storm, the University of Adelaide’s Music Theatre class of 2022 will take on the smash hit, under the guidance of a stage legend.