Mad as a Marine Biologist

High-res “Mating” Cane Toads (Bufo marinus) Walking through my parents garden in the dark last, I jumped at the sight of a massive toad. Not to worry, I told myself. It’s just one of Mum’s figurines. But Mum doesn’t have any frog figures….it really is just the biggest toad I’ve ever seen! Female Cane Toads are able to grossly inflate themselves to prevent unwanted suitors from copulating with them. Males develop “nuptial pads” on their first two fingers to help them hold onto females, making them near impossible to throw off. When the female inflates her body, is able to loosen the males grip making them slide off. No idea if this male got lucky, but they were very still, for a very long time! © Samantha Craven

“Mating” Cane Toads (Bufo marinus)

Walking through my parents garden in the dark last, I jumped at the sight of a massive toad. Not to worry, I told myself. It’s just one of Mum’s figurines. But Mum doesn’t have any frog figures….it really is just the biggest toad I’ve ever seen!

Female Cane Toads are able to grossly inflate themselves to prevent unwanted suitors from copulating with them. Males develop “nuptial pads” on their first two fingers to help them hold onto females, making them near impossible to throw off. When the female inflates her body, is able to loosen the males grip making them slide off.

No idea if this male got lucky, but they were very still, for a very long time!

© Samantha Craven

“Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir” Richard Shucksmith This winning photograph of a jellyfish was taken off the coast of a small uninhabited Scottish isle called Sula Sgeir (meaning “Gannet Skerry” in Gaelic). Although the tiny island is remote and inhospitable for humans, the surrounding waters are rich with diverse marine life.

“Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir”

Richard Shucksmith

This winning photograph of a jellyfish was taken off the coast of a small uninhabited Scottish isle called Sula Sgeir (meaning “Gannet Skerry” in Gaelic). Although the tiny island is remote and inhospitable for humans, the surrounding waters are rich with diverse marine life.