One day on planet earth

Take time to reflect on the magic of one day on planet Earth, celebrating the wonder of Endangered species and what they may be doing ‘on this day’.

Transitioning between summer feeding grounds and winter breeding grounds, migratory populations of blue whales are on the move. Not all blue whale populations migrate, but those that do can cover thousands of kilometres on this journey.

With the arrival of spring in the Qinling mountains, China, it’s birthing season for golden snub-nosed monkeys. With births having started in March, roughly 6-7 months after mating, the monkey mothers are now nursing their infants, making the most of the warmer temperatures and increased abundance of food.

Having arrived at their breeding colonies in late March to April, emperor penguins are now beginning to lay their eggs. Enduring the cold, dark winter, with temperatures as low at -50°C and winds up to 200km per hour, winter breeding means their chicks can fledge in the late summer season, when food is most plentiful and the new generation’s waterproof feathers have come through.

Nesting season is underway for Kemp’s ridley turtles, with each female typically laying up to 3 clutches of around 100 eggs! Adult females gather in waters off northeastern Mexico and come ashore in large groups, called arribadas, meaning "arrival" in Spanish. It’s not known exactly what triggers the unique synchronised arribadas, but theories include offshore winds, lunar cycles and the release of pheromones by the females.

African wild dog birthing season is beginning in southern Africa. As cooperative breeders, the pack is coming together during this time to raise the pups of a single breeding pair. Many individuals within the group provide support through behaviours such as regurgitating food to feed the lactating female and later for the pups, and protecting the new arrivals from threats during ‘babysitting’ duties.