Animal Studies at the University of Glasgow

30/05/2026

Guga Hunt - New Report📢

Today we've published a new report warning that Scotland’s seabirds are under increasing pressure and calling for an end to licensing of the guga hunt on Sula Sgeir. This follows news this week that a new application for a license has been made for 2026.

More on this and the full report in the comments⬇️

29/05/2026

What happened in the Faroe Islands this week is difficult to comprehend on any humane level - over 700 Atlantic white-sided dolphins were driven ashore in coordinated drives at Tórshavn, Skálabotnur, and Hvalvík, then killed.

Among them were pregnant females and entire pods, all trapped after being herded into shallow water where escape was impossible. The scale alone is staggering, but it’s the method that shocks most people - a practice that unfolds in full public view, yet continues to be defended by local authorities and tourism officials as tradition.

To many observers, this is no longer a question of culture versus criticism, but of whether any tradition can justify the mass killing of sentient marine mammals on this scale in the modern world.

06/05/2026

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF: Over a century after American bison were driven to the brink of extinction, the U.S. government—on Donald Trump's orders—is evicting their herds from Montana's federal grasslands.

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

For many people, losing a pet isn’t “less” than any other kind of loss.

A new research survey found that the grief people experience after a pet’s death can be just as intense — and long-lasting — as grief after losing a human family member. Among nearly 1,000 adults surveyed, some showed symptoms consistent with prolonged grief disorder, including deep yearning and disruptions to daily life.
Researchers say the findings challenge the idea that pet loss is something people should simply “get over,” arguing that the emotional bond — and the pain when it’s broken — is often profound.

02/05/2026

We invite submissions on any topic related to environmental history of the Atlantic world.

27/04/2026

This is an amazing opportunity just announced for post-graduate studies in Scotland.

If you are a resident of Scotland who would like to study for a post-graduate degree but have been unable to due to costs, do consider applying for this fund.

The Elphinstone Institute is still accepting applications for the taught Masters degree in Folklore and Ethnology. Please get in touch if you are considering applying. More details can be found at www.abdn.ac.uk/elphinstone

https://carnegie-trust.org/new-carnegie-masters-grants-to-support-fair-access-to-postgraduate-study-in-scotland/

22/04/2026

A major step forward for marine conservation has been marked with the introduction of the Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill in UK Parliament!

Surprisingly, there is no explicit legislation in place to protect our marine mammals from human disturbance.

With strong cross-party support, it reflects growing recognition of the need for better protection.

An important milestone, but the next step is turning this momentum into real, lasting action.

01/02/2026

⭐⭐ Come and join the team ⭐⭐

Volunteering has so many benefits, from building social connections to skill development, personal growth, community impact and of course the positive impact on our mental health. Being a part of a team can be really rewarding…….

GREAT NEWS….We have vacancies on our fantastic Threave Nature Reserve volunteer team, starting this March –

🌿3 x Information Centre opportunities, providing a warm welcome and information to visitors: 2.5 hour shifts, Saturday pm, Sunday pm and Monday am

🌿1 x Dee View Wildlife Hide opportunity, helping visitors to enjoy viewing osprey and other wildlife from the hide: 1 x 3 hour shift per week

No experience necessary, full training will be given – just an enthusiasm for nature and our work! (Both roles run from March to October)

National Trust for Scotland volunteers play an essential part in protecting Scotland’s natural heritage for everyone. Benefits include:
🌟20% discount in all NTS shops and cafes
🌟 free entry to all NTS properties (after 40 hours annual volunteering)

For more information and for an initial chat, please email Naomi and Mary at [email protected]. Or send us a PM 😊😊😊