Smell as a defensive tool: seven animals that exploit it best in the world

We know many stories of cats who have returned home even after a long time after suddenly disappearing.

This is why there is a widespread belief that cats are somehow able to find their way home and return, even when they are many kilometres away. It is for this reason that some scholars have begun to study the phenomenon, in the hope of being able to understand whether this is actually possible and how.

Let us try to understand what we know so far on the subject.

The ability to perceive infrared light is a sensory superpower reserved only to certain animal species.

Although humans cannot see this part of the light spectrum, there are animals that can do so naturally. In this photo gallery, we will explore eight animal species that possess this unique and fascinating characteristic, and how this sensory ability helps them in their survival.

From seeing vampire bats to hunting mosquitoes, we discover how these animals see the world through infrared light.

The world is beautiful because it is diverse, is a phrase we have heard a thousand times, and this is true not only for human beings, but also for animals.

On our planet, the variety of fauna is far greater than that of human beings, who are basically almost all the same. On the other hand, in the most remote parts of the Earth, but not only there, there are absolutely unique species of animals, so much so that they even enter Guinness World Record. Birds, fish, mammals, so many characteristics that make them absolutely recognizable, and also very rare.

Animal lovers, keep us company and discover all the most bizarre beasts on the planet.

Climate change affects many aspects of our lives and also the lives of animals. The situation is also getting worse for the oceans, with global warming altering ecosystems and forcing animals to change their habits.

For many animals, this also means deciding to abandon their habitat and move elsewhere. Many marine animals, for example, are moving to the poles in search of a cooler climate (as reported by The Conversation).

Two marine ecologists and a researcher from Australian universities signed the article.

Welcome to the photo gallery 'Eight ordinary animals with a colour you won't believe is real'. There are animals in nature that seem to have stepped out of a fantasy painting, with colours so extraordinary that they seem almost unreal.

In this photo gallery we present eight common animals but with a colour that will leave you speechless.

Get ready to discover creatures with surprising shades and colours so bright that they seem to have come out of a fantasy world, but actually exist on our planet Earth. Browse the photo gallery and visit our portal to discover many interesting facts about the incredible world of animals.

If you have a cat, you know that paying attention to what it eats is essential to its health and well-being.

Some foods and drinks can be dangerous for cats and can cause a number of health problems. This photo gallery presents 10 foods and drinks you should avoid giving your cat. Some of these can cause gastrointestinal problems, while others can be deadly.

Let's find out together what these foods and drinks are and why they are dangerous for your beloved feline. With this guide, you can help ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy by avoiding foods and beverages that could put her health at risk. (Source: fda.gov)

If you are a feline lover, you will no doubt have wanted to better understand the language and signals that cats use to communicate with us humans.

In this photo gallery we explore the nuances of feline affection and give you valuable clues on how to interpret your cat's love.

From tender looks that capture your soul, to soft caresses and body positions, we'll take you through a series of exciting snapshots that will help you recognise when your feline friend is really showing you their appreciation.

Discover the silent language of cats and immerse yourself in this unique photo gallery, where each shot will reveal a part of the mysterious feline world and make you feel even closer to your beloved four-legged companion.

There are various ways in which a dog shows affection and if you want to find out which ones have been reading the right article.

The first way a dog tries to show his love for you is by looking. If your puppy sometimes stares into your eyes, know that he is showing you affection. The second way a dog shows its affection is by imitation. For example, if you are about to yawn and your dog does the same, it is a gesture he makes to join you.

A dog shows affection even with gestures very similar to those of humans. Browse the photo gallery to find out which ones.

We often think of the animal world as dominated by males, with their aggressive behaviors and physical strength.

But there are many species in which females are in control, from group leadership to mate choice.

In this photo gallery, we will explore some of these species and look at how females have learned to rule and dominate in their natural habitat.

Join us on this journey to discover the queens of the animal world. Visit the portal to discover many interesting facts about the magnificent world of animals!

Angora rabbits are known for their soft and silky fur, making them one of the world's most beloved domestic companions.

These pets originated in Anatolia, Turkey, but were introduced to Europe in the 15th century and are now widespread throughout the world.

With their adorable appearance and cloud-soft fur, angora rabbits have become a popular choice for many families and animal lovers. In this photo gallery we explore the world of the angora rabbit, the world's fluffiest bunny!

Many animals live for many years, exceeding the century mark. Most of these live in water, basically invertebrate organisms except for the shark and the Greenland whale, with the first terrestrials being turtles, parrots and crocodiles.

In contrast, others have a very short life cycle, sometimes only a few days: many of these animals are insects, but also a reptile.

Here are ten of the world's least long-lived animals with the shortest life expectancy.

Beautiful, sometimes mysterious and unfortunately also very few: these animals are at risk of extinction for many reasons, many of these related to human activity, often invasive or cruel.

Soon all these animals could disappear because in recent years their population has reduced by several units: in addition, many of these species have a shy and reserved behavior, which makes it really difficult to spot them and make an estimate of the number of specimens left.

Browse the photo gallery to learn more about and see these beautiful animals, often very difficult to find in nature, even just to take photographs.

The elephant is the largest mammal living on our planet today. Male specimens of the African elephant, for example, can exceed three meters in height and weigh over five tons.

Today you can find the two species of elephants-savannah and forest-living in Africa and the Asian elephant, which inhabits South Asia and Southeast Asia instead.

Elephants tend to live in groups consisting of related female specimens and their own cubs, with the older female being considered the matriarch.

The snow leopard (Panthera Uncia) is a feline native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia: the first specimen was described in 1775 and was a specimen from the Kopet-Dag mountains, on the border between Turkmenistan and Iran.

This beautiful feline is characterized by a thick fur whose color varies from light gray to cream: compared to the common leopard, the snow leopard is smaller, weighing from 25 kg (females) up to 75 kg in some particularly large male specimens.

The snow leopard is known to be a very shy and secretive, but at the same time fascinating animal: unfortunately, several factors are threatening its survival. Here are some interesting facts about this magnificent feline.

Separation anxiety can manifest itself in various ways, such as excessive meowing, destructive behaviour or obvious signs of stress.

In this photo gallery, we explore different strategies and techniques to help your cat feel calmer and safer when you are away. From environmental enrichment activities to desensitisation techniques, you will find practical tips and useful suggestions for relieving separation anxiety in your cat: moments of positive interaction and environments adapted to the needs of anxious cats.

We hope that this photo gallery is inspiring and provides useful hints to improve your cat's life and strengthen your special bond.

Our faithful friends dogs may have an extraordinary ability: to understand when we are sick.

According to Dr Mary Burch, animal behaviourist and director of the AKC Family Dog programme, dogs possess exceptional abilities that could allow them to detect chemical changes in the human body caused by illness.

A study has revealed interesting details about this extraordinary canine ability, which we explore in this photogallery, to explain how dogs can understand the health status of their human companions and how this can have significant implications in the medical and veterinary fields.