Victoria Gill

Researchers in France analysed about 116,000 recordings from more than 3,000 songbird species and identified eight fundamental sound types, or motifs, that combine to form the world’s diverse birdsongs. The study found that birds’ acoustic building blocks vary according to their environments: simpler sounds are more common in dense tropical habitats, while more complex compositions occur in temperate forests. Scientists say the framework could help assess how birds adapt to human-generated noise and highlights the importance of preserving natural soundscapes.

Researchers analysed about 116,000 recordings from more than 3,000 songbird species and identified eight fundamental sound types, or motifs, underlying birdsong diversity. The study found that birds in tropical and temperate environments use different combinations of motifs shaped by sound transmission conditions and vegetation. The researchers say the framework could help assess how birds respond to human-generated noise and habitat destruction, while emphasizing the importance of conserving natural soundscapes.

Researchers propose that mouth‑to‑mouth kissing evolved over 21 million years ago among ancestors shared by humans and great apes, based on evidence of similar non‑aggressive mouth‑to‑mouth behaviour in several animal species. Findings also suggest Neanderthals likely kissed and may have exchanged saliva with early humans, supported by shared oral microbes. Although the timing of the behaviour’s evolution is outlined, its purpose remains uncertain, with theories linking it to grooming behaviours or partner assessment.

Researchers have confirmed a newly identified monkey species with distinctive orange‑pink lips living in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. First sighted in 2008 and formally documented through photographs, audio recordings, and genetic studies, the species, named Colobus congoensis, appears to be rare and confined to a limited forest area in the Lomami National Park. Local communities knew the animal as Likweli, but scientific classification now allows for potential legal protection as the monkeys face hunting pressures. Scientists aim to conduct further research to estimate the population and better understand its behavior and ecological role.

Researchers confirmed the discovery of a new monkey species, Colobus congoensis, in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Distinguished by pinkish-orange lips and a black face, the rare species was documented through field sightings, recordings, and genetic analysis. Conservationists believe the species is limited to specific forest habitats and faces hunting pressure, prompting calls for protection. Further studies are planned to assess its population and behaviour.