Beluga plays ball with a sailor: images of an extraordinary friendship

If until a few years ago the monk seal was an endangered species, now sightings of this animal are becoming increasingly frequent. 

All this has convinced the WWF to publish a vademecum with the aim of disseminating correct behaviour in the event of a sighting, so as not to disturb the species and to inform researchers with all the elements that can make identification easier.

So what behaviour should be adopted in the event of a sighting and close encounter with these animals? Let's find out more.

The companionship of a dog is unique because it gives so much affection in a relatively short time compared to human life.

In fact, the average dog can accompany its owners for about ten years, but its life expectancy varies from breed to breed, but also according to various subjective factors.

A study conducted by the National Taiwan University and the Royal Veterinary College, published in the journal 'Scientific Reports', has revealed which dogs live the longest.

When temperatures rise in the summer heat, even cats can have some trouble coping.

Human friends, from this point of view, can take a few steps to help cats cope with the heat more easily. These are small gestures that, on the whole, can be of great help.

So what should you do if your cat suffers from the summer heat? Let us find out.

The giraffe is the tallest land animal and the largest existing ruminant.

Its main features lie in its neck and legs, which appear extremely elongated and excellently able to handle the pressure inside the blood vessels.

Apart from this, also characteristic of the giraffe are the horn-like ossicles that appear on its head, and the beautiful large black eyes with long eyelashes. The characteristic spotted coat changes according to subspecies.

The animal kingdom is full of wonders and oddities that characterise different species. 

Did you know, for example, that when a giraffe gives birth to a baby, it falls from a height of 2 metres without suffering any damage? Or did you know that some lions are able to reproduce up to 50 times a day?

No matter how much knowledge we have about animals, there is always something new to discover. Let's look together at some curiosities about animals that will probably surprise you.

(Source: focusjunior.co.uk)

New scientific research has been able to show how, just as human mothers do with their children, dolphin mothers also use 'baby-talk', a kind of language and tone of voice that they use when they need to communicate with their babies.

The study meticulously analysed sounds collected by researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and was published in 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences' (PNAS). The original title of the article is 'Bottlenose dolphin mothers modify signature whistles in the presence of their own calves'.

The authors of the study therefore found several similarities in the behaviour of humans and dolphins, and they hope that these new findings will especially help to protect this delicate species from future threats. Furthermore, it is hoped that this study will serve as a source of inspiration for other similar research on the types of language and behaviour that mothers use with their pups.

Butterflies are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty and wonderful variety of colours, shapes and sizes. 

A true source of inspiration for nature lovers and photographers, these creatures are among the most incredible and stunning in the world.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the unique characteristics and habitats of some of the world's most beautiful butterflies, giving you the opportunity to get to know and appreciate their extraordinary beauty even more.

If we explore the animal world, we discover that there are many curiosities about the behaviour and habits of the Earth's most popular species. 

Giraffes are animals full of curiosities to discover. 

Did you know, for example, that they get very little sleep or that they cannot touch the ground with their mouths?

Let's find out some interesting facts about giraffes, the world's tallest animals that live exclusively on the African continent.

There are animals with a very sensitive hearing capacity, able to perceive sounds at very high or low frequencies. There are insects that even have their hearing organs on their antennae. 

Humans perceive sounds within a range of 40 (very low) to 20,000 hertz. For comparison: bats are able to perceive frequencies of up to 300,000 hertz.

Let's find out together which other animals have the most developed hearing.

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.

Sea turtles are a superfamily of Testudines adapted to marine life. Thanks to the elongated shape of their bodies, which are covered by a robust shell (or carapace), and the presence of 'legs' turned into flippers, these turtles have adapted perfectly to marine life.

They are among the oldest tetrapods on Earth, but in recent decades, due to climate change in the seas, dwindling food resources and pollution of the seas, they have become an endangered species in need of protection by the international community.

It is undeniable that human hunting has also contributed to bringing this species to the brink of extinction. Perhaps by knowing more about this wonderful animal, we can contribute to its worldwide repopulation.

Establishing primates in the animal world is by no means simple, given the variety of species in terms of size and different ecosystems. 

From giant to smaller sizes, from the sea to the land to the skies: many animals make speed their strong point.

Here, in relation to their weight and the ecosystem in which they live, are the ten fastest animals in the world.

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.