The Scottish government is set to add beavers to the list of European Protected Species of Animals protected under Scottish law.

From 1 May 2019, shooting will only be allowed under licence managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. All licences will be issued in accordance with the law of European Protected Species.

"There are few species that have such a significant and, largely positive, influence on the health and function of our ecosystems," said environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham. "The importance of beavers to Scotland's biodiversity is huge."

Research by the University of Bristol and UC Davis, California, USA, has provided new evidence that zebras evolved striped coats to avoid biting flies.

Their study investigated the behaviours of tabanid horse flies around captive zebras and domestic horses in North Somerset. Researchers found that flies approached the zebras and horses at similar speeds, but on approach to the zebras, the flies failed to slow down, which is is essential for a successful landing.

"This reduced ability to land on the zebra's coat may be due to stripes disrupting the visual system of the horse flies during their final moments of approach," said Dr Martin How from the University of Bristol. "Stripes may dazzle flies in some way once they are close enough to see them with their low-resolution eyes."

The RSPB is calling on the public to help provide new homes for swifts, as figures show the birds' numbers have fallen to less than half what they were 20 years ago.

Swifts arrive in the UK late April-May and can spend up to three months in the country. The RSPB attributes the birds' decline to modern buildings, which lack the nooks and crannies they need to build nests.

While some house builders have agreed to integrate swift homes into new buildings, the RSPB believes more can be done to help this incredible bird. 'Just, 1,000 additional new nest boxes could make a difference', the charity said.

A rare Malayan sun bear that was rescued from the illegal pet trade has been matched with a female bear, as part of a breeding programme at Edinburgh Zoo.

Rotana was found in a tiny cage in a Cambodian home, shortly before being rehomed with the zoo. He has been paired with Babu, a four-year-old female from the Czech Republic. They took their first steps outdoors together last week.

Alison MacLean, team leader for carnivores at the zoo, said: "It is wonderful to see Rotana and Babu getting on so well. Sun bear numbers are rapidly declining in the wild due to deforestation and poaching, so our new couple have an important role to play in the European conservation breeding programme."

People across the UK are being urged to nominate a standout animal champion for the 2019 RSPCA Honours Awards.

The awards recognise those who have worked tirelessly to improve animal welfare, campaigned on behalf of animals, or shown true bravery. Previous winners include comedian John Bishop, who was awarded Celebrity Animal Champion of the Year, and 11-year-old Lobby Cantwell, who raised more than 1,000 for the charity through mountain climbs and bike rides.

To submit a nomination or find out more about the awards visit the RSPCA website. Nominations will remain open until 4 pm on Friday, March 15.

In Tanzania, donkeys are critical to the communities who rely on the animal's strength to pull carts of bricks, stone and sand. However, constant rubbing of heavy weights on a donkey's back frequently causes deep, open wounds that often fail to heal.

So-called 'doughnut' bandages can be secured to the wooden yoke that sits along the donkey's back, providing padding and allowing the donkeys to work pain-free. Sadly, owners often lack the skills and finance to provide this protection.

Worldwide Veterinary Services have launched a campaign to provide donkeys in Tanzania with doughnut bandages in order to provide them with a pain-free life.

To find out how you can help, plese visit their website: http://wvs.org.uk/news/doughnuts-for-donkeys-wvs-launches-christmas-campaign