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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge

@camzoology.bsky.social
647 followers 347 following 74 posts

News from the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge www.zoo.cam.ac.uk

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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge @cam.ac.uk · 05/10/2026
How long does a butterfly live? 🦋 A few weeks for most, but pollen-eating Heliconius can live up to a year – and have much bigger brains. @ebablab.bsky.social from @camzoology.bsky.social is exploring how brains and behaviour can drive the evolution of new species 👉 bit.ly/4jFJJzG
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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Protecting threatened species and habitats is important, but is it effective? Should conservation also should take larger scale 'process-based' approaches? Prof Lynn Dicks and co-authors argue they should. Read more: bit.ly/4z7t38I @consletters.bsky.social
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
📢Don't miss these events coming up at the Museum!📢 🐧 Pride in Nature Tour: Sun 27 Sept (All welcome) 🐳From Darwin to Dodos Gallery Tour: Fri 2 Oct (All welcome) 🦁Animal Tails: Fossil Fun: Fri 2 Oct, 10.30 & 11.30am (Ages 2 -5) All FREE - ow.ly/cOzx50ZNmhp University of Cambridge Museums
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Stephen Montgomery @ebablab.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Are you a #NewPI in Ecology & Evolution? Would you like to meet with peers to chat about work, the future and life as a new PI? 🍪☕️ Then I have the form for you! 📋 Help us gauge interest in a new network/event by filling in this short survey: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/K4wUiuLuFn Please RT! 🙏
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Conservation efforts in Nepal have contributed to the recovery of Critically Endangered vulture populations there. Science has been central to this amazing story. Read the blog: bou.org.uk/blog-mallord... Full paper: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... @camzoology.bsky.social 🪶 🌏️
credit: RSPB / Ankit Bilash Joshi

caption: White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) release, Pithauli, Nepal

ALT text: Three vultures standing on short grass scattered with bones; the left bird wears a yellow numbered wing tag, all show bare pinkish heads and layered dark feathers against a backdrop of green grass.
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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
World-first male fly brain map may help explain human behaviour. Research co-led by our Drosophila Connectomics Group could help better understand conditions in which genetic differences affect brain wiring, such as autism and schizophrenia. Read more: www.cam.ac.uk/research/new...
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology @mrclmb.ac.uk · 03/09/2026
This was a large project, requiring mapping 166700+ neurons, involving a large, international team, including @janelia-flyem.bsky.social Google Research @camzoology.bsky.social with @beckett14.bsky.social Philipp Schlegel @stuartberg.bsky.social @mmcosta.bsky.social & many others. #LMBResearch 2/2
Complete connectome of the adult male fly central nervous system
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Adria LeBoeuf @adriatica.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
There are a couple more days to apply for this postdoc role in the @socialfluids.bsky.social lab: we are looking for a computational biologist interested in how socially transferred proteins evolve. Is this you? Apply! Make sure to address all the criteria in your application!
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Josh Arbon @josharbon.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Our review on pre-emptive behaviour in the context of inter-group conflict is live today! www.cell.com/trends/ecolo... @andyradford.bsky.social @bristolbiosci.bsky.social @cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social @camzoology.bsky.social
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
In the latest issue of British Birds you can read about how the tide has finally turned against lead ammunition use in the UK: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti... @britishbirds.bsky.social @camzoology.bsky.social @uniofeastanglia.bsky.social 🪶
britishbirds.co.uk
The tide has finally turned against lead ammunition use in the UK
Every year in the UK, lead shotgun ammunition (shot₁) kills 50,000–100,000 wildfowl that ingest it mistakenly for food or grit, and puts at risk...
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Ash Simkins @ashsimkins.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Excited to share that my 2nd PhD chapter is out now in @jappliedecology.bsky.social We evaluated the likely effectiveness of existing & needed conservation actions across all amphibian, bird and mammal species. 🐸🐯🦜 doi.org/10.1111/1365... 🧵 1/3
doi.org
Effectiveness of current and potential conservation actions for amphibians, birds and mammals
Our study demonstrates the power of combining differently-sourced and compiled datasets to evaluate the likely effectiveness of ongoing conservation strategies and identify future needs. Our findings...
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Josh Arbon @josharbon.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
New piece in @theconversation.com about our recent @cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social paper. If you're interested in conflict between animal groups and how behaviour can be altered pre-emptively in advance of impending threats, this might be of interest! paper: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
theconversation.com
How animals prepare for war
Humans aren’t the only ones to preempt conflict.
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Adria LeBoeuf @adriatica.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Come join the @socialfluids.bsky.social lab in Cambridge to study the evolution of Socially Transferred Materials! Fun new HFSP project btwn UK, NL and Costa Rica! Deadline September 7th #Postdoc #JobAlert #Evolution #Bioinformatics #STM #socialfluids www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/researc... leboeuflab.com
cam.ac.uk
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
A Research Associate position is available in the Social Fluids Lab, led by Dr. Adria LeBoeuf, in the Department of Zoology. The post is funded by a new 3-year international Human Frontier Science Pro...
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Are you blind or partially sighted? We're setting up a working group to help us develop some large 3D insect models, to be used as tactile resources in the Museum & we'd love you to join us! All the details are on our website. ow.ly/PUu550ZrmKX University of Cambridge Museums
Photo shows someone's hand holding an extra large size, white, detailed 3D model of a Great Diving Beetle, on a grey background.
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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Wanted! An engaged and flexible Project Manager to oversee the delivery programmes across the Central England Digitisation Hub for #DiSSCoUK a nationwide programme to digitise the UK’s natural history collections. cam.ac.uk/jobs/project... #DigitalCollections
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Stephen Montgomery @ebablab.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Excited to be back in the mothership @camzoology.bsky.social
An old brown wooden door surrender by a thick cut pillar and arch, with ‘Zoological Laboratory’ written above the door
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Evolutionary Ecology Group, Cambridge @eegcam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
3 postdoc open positions in our lab on a project developing new AI methods to integrate genetics and ecological data to predict the impact of global change on species - see below
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Jack Ashby @jackdashby.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
The deadline for these important natural history digitisation #MuseumJobs is this Monday 3rd August - so do get applying! #DiSSCoUK
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
📢WE'RE RECRUITING! Senior Digitiser & two Digitisers needed to work with us & Department of Plant Sciences Cambridge creating vital biodiversity data, part of a major digitisation programme.🦋 ow.ly/QTih50ZrhOq #DiSSCoUK #MuseumJobs UK Research and Innovation University of Cambridge Museums
Photo shows a pinned moth under a lightbox with camera, a tray of moths & opened drawers of moths at the Museum.
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
SCCS Cambridge 2027 @sccscambridge.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
📢 Apply now to SCCS 2027 🎉 The 26th Student Conference on Conservation Science will take place between 30 March – 1 April 2027 at the University of Cambridge. Check the website for further details and to apply: www.sccs-cam.org
sccs-cam.org
Student Conference on Conservation Science - Welcome
SCCS helps young conservation scientists gain experience, learn new ideas and make contacts that will be valuable for their future careers.
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Emília Santos @emiliapsantos.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
🎨 job alert 🐠 Come join us! We have two positions open! These are part of our @erc.europa.eu funded project on the mechanisms underpinning convergence of colour patterns in cichlid fishes! Closing date: 16th August. Postdoc: www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/researc... Technician: www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/researc...
static.klipy.com
Callipterus Cichlid Collecting Shell
ALT: Callipterus Cichlid Collecting Shell
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
🐠Last few spaces left on our FREE Pride in Nature tour at 1pm this Sun 19 July. Book now to join our expert volunteer guide & hear how queer perspectives help us to better understand the natural world 🦒🐧🦩https://ow.ly/MXRb50ZnNMC University of Cambridge Museums #LGBTQ+
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
📢Major new partnership between Oxford & Cambridge museums will release over a million digitised specimen records of British plants & insects. ow.ly/rXlt50ZnG37 Department of Plant Sciences Cambridge, UK Research and Innovation, Museum of Natural History, University of Oxford #DiSSCoUK
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Mark Brown @markjfbrown.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
If you’re thinking of applying for Senior Research Fellowships to be hosted at a UK university, check out our sponsorship scheme @camzoology.bsky.social Don’t contact me about the scheme, I won’t be able to help. Follow the instructions on the webpage instead 😉 www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/senior-...
cam.ac.uk
Senior Research Fellowship Sponsorship Scheme
The Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge seeks Expressions of Interest from early career researchers who wish to be sponsored for externally funded fellowships that will allow them to ...
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
🦈Explore the Hidden World of Wildlife Trade in this new trail & exhibition created by TRAFFIC. Follow 12 animals & the people working together to protect them, from giant tortoises to tarantulas. FREE. University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/pfHr50ZlxJu🦈
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Adria LeBoeuf @adriatica.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Bravo to @arthurmatte.bsky.social from @socialfluids.bsky.social and @camzoology.bsky.social
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals PAS @iseapas.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
#Seminar 📣 🗓️ 17 June 2026 🕙 10:00 am (GMT+2) 📍 ISEA PAS, Sławkowska 17, Kraków + online 👩‍🏫 Andres Alfonso-Rojas MSc, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social Link: tiny.pl/h1txsp178 (ID: 379 529 773 661 292, passcode: pL77fH2B) @mizpas.bsky.social @ipaleopan.bsky.social
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge @cam.ac.uk · 12/06/2026
A lack of sex slowed the pace of evolution to a crawl for millions of years, until competition and the development of sexual reproduction got evolution going again. New research from @camzoology.bsky.social 👇 bit.ly/3SAKQVO
Artist's impression of an Ediacaran community. Text overlay reads: "New Cambridge research: A lack of sex held back life's diversity for millions of years".
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Open Research at York @uoyopenres.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Small differences in what a conservation programme aims to achieve can lead to dramatically different decisions about which protected areas receive funding 🐘 Open access paper from @anthropocenebio.bsky.social and @camzoology.bsky.social in @conservationsp.bsky.social: doi.org/10.1111/csp2... 🔓 📄
york.ac.uk
Why vague conservation targets are failing some vulnerable species
A shift toward more precise, measurable conservation goals could hold the key to protecting vulnerable species, according to the findings of a new study looking at African elephants.
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
🐳Why is there a fin whale skeleton in Cambridge? 🐳Curious about what Darwin collected whilst he was studying? Join us for a FREE expert guided tour! Tours are monthly, next tour: Friday 12 June at 3pm ow.ly/pi8C50Z9pyl University of Cambridge Museums
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
This #PrideMonth take a look around the Museum with our Pride In Nature trail. It's about how queer perspectives help us to understand the natural world & how 'science' has actively hidden same-sex behaviour in animals. Trail & Museum entry FREE #PrideUK #Pride2026 University of Cambridge Museums
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Adria LeBoeuf @adriatica.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
I just came back from some wonderful fieldwork in Madagascar and was lucky enough to have done some in South Africa in Feb. Both times I come back with so much joy! Is it the working with nice people? Being out in nature? Away from the computer? The getting to do science in the flesh? So refreshing.
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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Where migratory birds stop may determine their future Research published today lead by Dr Sayam Chowdhury of our #Conservation Science Group reveals previously overlooked conservation priorities for shorebirds across Asia. Find out more: bit.ly/3RzT0xl
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Jack Ashby @jackdashby.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Whoop whoop! My first book, Animal Kingdom: A Natural History in 100 Objects is out again in a new reprint! 🤩 It explores the *astonishing* things we can learn about the natural world from incredible specimens in natural history #museums. Go get your hands on it! #OneHundredAnimals
A stack of the book Animal Kingdom: A Natural History in 100 Objects, fanned out on a table
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Trail cameras provide a fascinating insight into the secret lives of Corncrakes – both habitat selection and the timing of breeding. Read on for a summary Full paper: doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2026.2666694 @camzoology.bsky.social @rspbscotland.bsky.social 🪶 🧪
From figure 3 of the paper: Trail camera image of four Corncrake chicks, estimated to be 11 days old, with their mother.   

Alt text:  Four fluffy black Corncrake chicks, with long legs and large feet, are standing in the foreground whilst an adult Corncrake fans out her brown wing behind them. They are stood on a brown mat which has been laid down to stop vegetation growth from blocking the camera’s view. There is tall vegetation on either side of the photo and immediately behind the birds.
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🐝It's World Bee Day! Not all bumblebees are the same - did you know there are 24 different species in the UK? Eight of those are listed as conservation priority species - find out more about bees & pollinators on our blog 🐝https://ow.ly/VP3F50Z24xJ #WorldBeeDay2026 University of Cambridge Museums
Bumblebee collecting nectar from a vibrant yellow flower during daylight in a lush garden setting.
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge @cam.ac.uk · 20/05/2026
One-third of our food depends on bees, yet their world is collapsing 🐝 Professor Mark Brown, Director of the Museum of Zoology at @camzoology.bsky.social, reveals the stressful lives of our pollinators who are beset by diseases, pesticides, and parasites. Discover more 👉 bit.ly/4ny4rkW
A person is observing a display of preserved specimens in jars at the Cambridge Museum of Zoology, with a background of skeletons. Text above reads: "What's killing our bees, and how do they fight back?" Additional text below reads "Meet Mark Brown, the new Director of the Cambridge Museum of Zoology, who has devoted decades to protecting pollinators from disease, pesticides and parasites."
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Come to the Museum Whale Hall to see this fabulous artwork by our Young Zoologists, created in partnership with the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and inspired by #SirDavidAttenborough. Museum entry FREE
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Join James Costa & Elizabeth Yale as they talk about their new book 'The Annotated Edition of The Descent of Man', PLUS Museum galleries & shop will be open afterwards, with copies of the book available. FREE, book ahead, Wed 13 May at 5.30pm 🙂https://ow.ly/FMXN50YVoZy
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Stephen Montgomery @ebablab.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
🚨Job claxon🚨 4-year #Postdoc available in our lab in @camzoology.bsky.social developing molecular and anatomical approaches to mapping evolutionary changes in the brain, using #Heliconiini butterflies. Come join us, we are nice. 🧪 www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/researc...
An immunostaining section through a Heliconius brain. Staining and imaging by Dr Max Farnworth.
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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Happy 100th birthday #SirDavidAttenborough! Sir David was a student here at Zoology! Seen here back visiting us in 1984. We celebrated his birthday in style with a screening of 'Ocean', introduced by the film's producer/director, @tobynowlan Read more: bit.ly/4tkiYlt
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
🎂Happy 100th Birthday to Sir David Attenborough 🎂 We are proud that #SirDavidAttenborough opened our Museum in 2018. Here he explains why zoology museums are “the bedrock on which zoological science depends.” 💗 University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/rpqP50YREJg Photo credit: CamDiary
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Michela Leonardi @mikleonardi.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Happy birthday Sir David! 🌊 @zoologymuseum.bsky.social @camzoology.bsky.social
Rebecca Kilner (director of the Department of Zoology University of Cambridge) and Toby Nowlan (film director and producer) in front of a screen showing "Ocean with David Attenborough" in the David Attenborough Building, University of Cambridge.
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
📢We're delighted to be nominated by Muddy Stilettos as one of the area's Best Family Experiences. Thank you so much to everyone that nominated us 💗 Still time to vote for a winner 😉 Voting closes May 26th 🙂 University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/UCmn50YUV7j
ow.ly
Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 | Free UK Lifestyle Awards - Vote | Muddy Stilettos
The Muddy Stilettos Awards are the most coveted awards for independent lifestyle businesses across 28 counties, and totally FREE to enter!
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge @cam.ac.uk · 01/05/2026
New research from @camzoology.bsky.social finds carbon credits, designed to offset emissions, have helped protect tropical forests from deforestation – despite being oversold tenfold. Read more: bit.ly/4n6JAoS
Tropical forest scene with dense greenery and tall trees. Overlaid text reads: "New Cambridge research. Carbon credits have enabled vital protection of tropical forests, despite being oversold."
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Cambridge Philosophical Society @camphilsoc.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
James Costa and Elizabeth Yale will be giving a talk about their new book: Annotated Edition of The Descent of Man. Wed, 13 May at 5.30-6.30pm. Department of Zoology. @camzoology.bsky.social BOOK NOW: www.eventbrite.com/e/1985662082...
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Chris Jiggins @chrisjiggins.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
No surprise - its Optix and Ivory again - amazing predictability of gene re-use in convergent mimicry phenotypes across amazonian mimicry rings @joanameier.bsky.social @wtf-r-species.bsky.social journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...
journals.plos.org
Genetic parallelism underpins convergent mimicry coloration in Lepidoptera across 120 million years of evolution
The repeated evolution of similar phenotypes, or convergent evolution, is widespread in nature, but there are few studies investigating the genetic mechanisms across wide evolutionary timescales. This...
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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
This week Professor Mark Brown’s inaugural lecture marked his official welcome to our department. 🐝He talked about his group's important research into bee decline — and how we can respond. 👉 www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/news/through... #Bees #Pollinators #Conservation
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Jack Ashby @jackdashby.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
🚨MUSEUM JOB KLAXON🚨 We're now recruiting for a new **Collections Assistant** to help us with an exciting project to relocate an important part of our collection within @zoologymuseum.bsky.social. IS IT YOU? www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/museum-... #MuseumJob #MuseumJobs
A toothy photo of a taxidermy leopard seal, with the text "The University Museum of Zoology is Recruiting: Collections Assistant
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Reposted by Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Department of Plant Sciences Cambridge @camplantsci.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Nudibranchs, sea slugs and statistics: Cambridge Natural Sciences students reflect on this year’s Evolutionary Biology field course in Pembrokeshire this April. Read more: tinyurl.com/eweaz8hx @cambridgebiosci.bsky.social @cam.ac.uk @camzoology.bsky.social @yourscambridge.bsky.social 🧪
Callum Russell taking a brief break from being enthralled by nudibranchs. Credit Hamish Symington.Millie, Jess and Lidia take a brief break from looking at peacock worms’ behaviour. Credit Hamish Symington.Omer, Christian, Jess and Marina after sampling crescent liverwort from a stream. Credit Hamish Symington.Walking up to the Gann flats to count peacock worms on the project day. Credit: Marina Pothos-Tapper
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