BIG PICTURE
UGLY ANIMAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY
While it’s all too easy to fawn over attractive members of the animal kingdom such as pandas, kittens, and . . . well, fawns, we humans often overlook those interesting species who aren’t blessed with good looks. Think of the humble naked mole rat, or the lowly piranha (pictured): both undeniably fascinating creatures, but neither of them especially photogenic. As part of this year’s Edinburgh International Science Festival, evolutionary
biologist Simon Watt aims to redress the balance with a night celebrating nature’s pure mingers, with comedic assistance from Helen Arney and Punk Science. If they start talking about the infamous blobfish though, you might want to avert your eyes. It’s howfin. ■ Teviot Row, Edinburgh, Wed 3 Apr.
21 Mar–18 Apr 2013 THE LIST 11