What are cookies and similar technologies?
A cookie is a small text file stored by a browser. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels, tags and identifiers that can remember a device, preference, session or interaction. Some expire when the browser closes, while persistent technologies remain until their configured expiry or deletion.
A first-party cookie is associated with uglyanimals.net. A third party may still receive data through a tag or feature even when the browser displays a first-party cookie name. The purpose and recipient matter more than the label alone.
Technologies used now
The public site does not require an Ugly Animals account, shopping cart or personalised session. Google Analytics uses a tag and may set the cookies described below to measure site use.
Hosting, content-delivery and security providers may use necessary cookies or comparable request data to deliver pages, balance traffic, detect abuse or maintain service integrity.
Strictly necessary storage
Necessary technologies support security, network delivery and abuse prevention. Where the law permits, these may operate without optional consent because the requested service cannot be delivered reliably without them.
Blocking necessary storage may affect site delivery or security, but the main articles are intended to remain readable. These technologies are not used by us to build an advertising profile.
Google Analytics cookies
Google Analytics 4 measures audiences, sessions, page use, referrals, devices and interactions. Its tag loads when a page opens and may set _ga, normally used to distinguish users for up to two years, and _ga_<container-id>, normally used to preserve session state for up to two years. Browser restrictions, configuration or deletion can shorten those periods.
The site does not currently show an Analytics consent dialog. Browser controls can block or delete cookies, and Google's opt-out add-on can prevent data from being used by Google Analytics. These controls do not change any consent requirement that may apply under local law.
Search Console is different from Google Analytics. It provides site owners with aggregated Google Search performance and indexing reports and does not require us to place a Search Console tracking cookie on a visitor's device.
How to manage cookies
Browsers can inspect, block and delete cookies or site storage. Google's opt-out add-on is another way to prevent Google Analytics measurement in a compatible browser.
Blocking cookies may affect some measurements, but the educational articles remain available. Browser settings do not necessarily remove server logs or data already retained. Contact us if you want to exercise a privacy right.
External websites
Links to museums, conservation bodies, research publishers and other sources lead to websites we do not control. Those sites may set their own cookies as soon as you visit them. Their privacy and cookie notices govern that activity.
Ugly Animals does not automatically embed those external websites merely by linking to them. If an embedded service is added later, its data use will be reviewed and disclosed where required.
Updates and contact
This policy will be updated if the categories, providers or purposes materially change. The effective date will not be changed merely to make the page appear current.
Questions about cookies can be sent to hello@uglyanimals.net. The Privacy Policy explains data purposes, recipients, retention and legal rights.