WILDLIFE UPDATES

RUDDY HIGH

Biologists have documented the first case of extreme high-altitude flying in a duck. Ruddy shelducks were recorded flying at heights of 6,800m during their migration over the Himalayas, according to the Journal of Avian Biology.

BEETLE BOTS

Click beetles are inspiring the design of self-righting robots. As reported at the Living Machines conference, scientists are developing robotic components based on the snapping hinge between the beetles’ thorax and abdomen.

SAFE HAVENS

At least 30 per cent of all plant species, and 41 per cent of those classed as threatened, are safeguarded in botanic gardens around the world. However, Nature Plants reports that species from tropical regions, which harbour the greatest diversity, are still seve erely under-represented.

DUAL DEFENCE

Wood tiger moths’ br right colours warn predato ors of their potent chemica al defences. But Proceedings of the Royal Society B reports that the moths deploy different chemicals against different predators. A neck secretion deters birds, while another from the abdomen deters ants.