Articles for author: April Joy Jovita

Planarian flatworm showing signs of regeneration after being cut, representing biological immortality.

The Creature That Can Regenerate Its Entire Body After Injury

April Joy Jovita

In the vast realm of biological marvels, few phenomena captivate scientific curiosity quite like regeneration—the ability of organisms to replace or restore damaged tissues, organs, or even entire body parts. While humans can heal wounds and regrow some tissues to a limited extent, certain creatures possess regenerative abilities that border on the miraculous. Among these ...

The Animal With the Strongest Muscles Per Body Weight

April Joy Jovita

  When we think of strength in the animal kingdom, our minds often drift to the imposing figures of elephants lifting logs or gorillas pounding their chests. However, true strength champions aren’t necessarily the largest creatures. When measured relative to body weight—a more equitable comparison—some surprisingly small contenders emerge as nature’s pound-for-pound powerhouses. From microscopic ...

3 men in white and black coat standing on snow covered ground

Native American Legends Associated With Yellowstone

April Joy Jovita

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as America’s first national park, has been a sacred and mystical place for Native American tribes for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. The park’s dramatic landscapes of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife inspired numerous indigenous legends that explained natural phenomena and embedded moral teachings. These ...

a green bird perched on a tree branch

How to Build an Outdoor Aviary for Pet Parrots

April Joy Jovita

Creating an outdoor aviary for your pet parrots is an incredibly rewarding project that can dramatically improve your birds’ quality of life. Unlike indoor cages that restrict movement, outdoor aviaries provide ample space for flight, exposure to natural sunlight, and environmental enrichment that mirrors aspects of parrots’ natural habitats. Building your own aviary also allows ...

green grass field near river under blue sky during daytime

How National Parks Played a Role in Early American History

April Joy Jovita

Long before the official establishment of America’s first national park, these lands were deeply interwoven with the nation’s developing identity and history. The vast, untamed wilderness that would eventually become protected parklands served as both obstacle and opportunity for early Americans. From indigenous civilizations to European explorers, from pioneer settlements to presidential visions, these natural ...

The Most Extreme Climber in the Animal Kingdom

April Joy Jovita

  When we think of exceptional climbers in the animal world, our minds might immediately conjure images of nimble primates swinging through forest canopies or mountain goats perched on seemingly impossible cliff faces. However, the animal kingdom harbors climbing specialists whose abilities far surpass what most of us can imagine. These extraordinary athletes scale vertical ...

red white and black snake

Why Some Snakes Refuse to Eat – Solutions for Picky Eaters

April Joy Jovita

In the fascinating world of reptile keeping, one of the most common challenges owners face is dealing with snakes that refuse to eat. While these elegant creatures can seem mysterious and inscrutable, their feeding behaviors follow distinct patterns that, once understood, can help resolve even the most stubborn hunger strikes. Whether you’re a new snake ...

gray and black wolf standing near tree trunk during daytime

The Struggles of Wolves in States Where They Are Hunted

April Joy Jovita

Across the American landscape, few animals evoke as much passion and controversy as the gray wolf. Once nearly exterminated from the lower 48 states, wolves have made a remarkable comeback in several regions thanks to protection under the Endangered Species Act and reintroduction efforts. However, in states where wolf hunting has resumed following federal delisting, ...

Children and Dogs: A Special Communication

Dogs Understand Natural Human Speech Better Than AIC Buttons 

April Joy Jovita

A new study from Eötvös Loránd University suggests that dogs may understand natural human speech more effectively than Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) buttons, which have gained popularity on social media. Researchers tested how dogs responded to familiar verbal cues using direct human speech, loudspeaker recordings, and AIC buttons, revealing significant differences in comprehension. How Dogs ...

Kakapo Strigops habroptila "Sirocco" amongst renga renga lillies. Maud Island, New Zealand

Scientists Identify Bacterial Culprits Behind Kākāpō’s Crusty Bum Disease

April Joy Jovita

Researchers have uncovered the bacterial causes of exudative cloacitis, a painful disease affecting the critically endangered kākāpō. By sequencing samples from infected birds, scientists at the University of Otago identified three bacterial species strongly linked to the condition. These findings open the door for improved treatment and conservation strategies. Understanding Exudative Cloacitis   Exudative cloacitis leads ...