The study of threats to biological diversity
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Welcome to the forty third episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Robi starts by talking about the unusual fake news claiming that the government is planning to cull 95% of the ponies on Dartmoor. Emma discusses the unprecedented global temperatures we've been experiencing this summer. Robi and Emma then compete for the sexiest bird in their species of the week. Robi talks about the Malaysian rail babbler, and Emma sheds light on the plight of the Javan magpie. To end, Robi and Emma delve into the secret return of the Eurasian eagle owl to Britain. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife Zoology Ramblings Merch: https://zoology-ramblings.teemill.com/
July 8, 2026, Co-Host Brian Adams Lynn Griesimer, Amherst Town Councilor: new schools, new library, new h.s. principal, a new school superintendent on the horizon. Welcome to Amherst, pop 17,000 (summer) 40,000 (when student are back). Hillary Caws-Elwitt, Nature and Environment Book Group Coordinator at Forbes Library: we start with “Total Garbage” and go from there. Richard Joyce, Conservation Biologist at Xerces Society: everything you wanted to know about fireflies here and now, lighting up our night sky. Cool Films with Larry Hott: Larry recommends watching “Natchez,” an extraordinary film on heritage tours—whose heritage—slave owners or enslaved persons? And the names of streets in Northampton.
July 8, 2026, Co-Host Brian Adams Lynn Griesimer, Amherst Town Councilor: new schools, new library, new h.s. principal, a new school superintendent on the horizon. Welcome to Amherst, pop 17,000 (summer) 40,000 (when student are back). Hillary Caws-Elwitt, Nature and Environment Book Group Coordinator at Forbes Library: we start with “Total Garbage” and go from there. Richard Joyce, Conservation Biologist at Xerces Society: everything you wanted to know about fireflies here and now, lighting up our night sky. Cool Films with Larry Hott: Larry recommends watching “Natchez,” an extraordinary film on heritage tours—whose heritage—slave owners or enslaved persons? And the names of streets in Northampton.
July 8, 2026, Co-Host Brian Adams Lynn Griesimer, Amherst Town Councilor: new schools, new library, new h.s. principal, a new school superintendent on the horizon. Welcome to Amherst, pop 17,000 (summer) 40,000 (when student are back). Hillary Caws-Elwitt, Nature and Environment Book Group Coordinator at Forbes Library: we start with “Total Garbage” and go from there. Richard Joyce, Conservation Biologist at Xerces Society: everything you wanted to know about fireflies here and now, lighting up our night sky. Cool Films with Larry Hott: Larry recommends watching “Natchez,” an extraordinary film on heritage tours—whose heritage—slave owners or enslaved persons? And the names of streets in Northampton.
July 8, 2026, Co-Host Brian Adams Lynn Griesimer, Amherst Town Councilor: new schools, new library, new h.s. principal, a new school superintendent on the horizon. Welcome to Amherst, pop 17,000 (summer) 40,000 (when student are back). Hillary Caws-Elwitt, Nature and Environment Book Group Coordinator at Forbes Library: we start with “Total Garbage” and go from there. Richard Joyce, Conservation Biologist at Xerces Society: everything you wanted to know about fireflies here and now, lighting up our night sky. Cool Films with Larry Hott: Larry recommends watching “Natchez,” an extraordinary film on heritage tours—whose heritage—slave owners or enslaved persons? And the names of streets in Northampton.
Welcome to the forty-second episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi return with busy updates, including Robi's recent fieldwork adventures in Africa and Emma's bittersweet time at work wrapping up a year-long programme with the Wildlife Champions she supports. For their species of the week, Emma goes rogue and Robi goes cute. Emma talks about the death ball sponge and Robi talks about his adventures looking for pygmy hippos in West Africa. For their local conservation stories, Robi delves into the genomic fragility of Europe's Grey Wolves and Emma pays tribute to Sir David Attenborough, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. To end, Emma talks about the rise in trafficking of the golden lion tamarin and Robi shares some exciting news about the discovery of two species of marsupial thought to only exist in the fossil record. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the forty-first episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi start by welcoming the newest Patreon members and sharing some exciting news about Robi's new research paper and Zoology Ramblings merch on Teemill. For their species of the week, Robi talks about the brilliantly named snot otter and Emma discusses the small but mighty giraffe weevil. For their local conservation stories, Robi sheds light on a little known hunting practice in the UK called the guga hunt and Emma talks about the importance of toad patrols in helping toads reach their breeding ponds. For their global conservation stories, Robi shares some good news for forest elephants, with DNA from dung helping improve the accuracy of recording this species across its range. To end, Emma spotlights the amazing work of 'pangolin lady', Dr. Tulshi Laxmi Suwal, who has been pioneering pangolin research in Nepal over the last 15 years. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the fortieth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi share some exciting news about the launch of their new merch range on Teemill, featuring beaver t-shirts, bison hoodies, stork tote bags, lynx jumpers and more. These have been designed by the awesome artist Nature Squiggles. You can browse our awesome nature merch here: https://zoology-ramblings.teemill.com/ Emma and Robi then delve into their strange species of the week, with Emma talking about the highly invasive Chinese mitten crab and Robi discussing the Antechinuses which display suicidal mating behaviours (aka death by sex). Emma and Robi then delve into a 'Rewilding Deep Dive', exploring the proposed reintroduction of elk to the UK. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the thirty-ninth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi adopt a wintery, festive theme for this December episode. They start by looking back at their wildlife adventures from 2025. Robi also explores the question 'to Beave or Not To Beave?', when considering the role of beavers contributing to natural flood management. For his species of the week, Robi discusses the festive reindeer and Emma talks about the Arctic fox and her special connection to them in Iceland. For their local conservation stories, Robi spotlights some exciting new research showing how reintroducing wolves in Scotland could help regenerate forests and sequester carbon. Emma platforms the European Young Rewilders, with Emma and Robi keen to join the movement. Robi and Emma end with their global conservation news, with Robi delving deeper into polar bear hunting and management, breaking down WWF's stance on this topic. Emma ends by sharing some sad new for snowy owls in Sweden, but also some better news for the species in North America. We look forward to bringing you with us into 2026!Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
This week Alanna chats with Dr. John Mohan, a Conservation Biologist in Protected Resources at the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, about his work using chemical tracers such as trace elements and isotopes in fisheries science. The two chemistry fans talk about applications in species such as striped bass, Atlantic croakers, Pacific bluefin tuna, and a variety of sharks. John provides a crash course in chemical tracers for those interested in using these tools, and gives excellent advice for scientists of all stages. Main point: "Go with the flow" Find John through instagram @phdude_fishecology and email at john.austin.mohan@gmail.com Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).
Welcome to the thirty-eighth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi comment on recent updates to the UK's Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and myth bust the idea that sharks are older than trees. Robi also shares some exciting news about presenting his masters research at a BioShorts conference. Deviating away from mammals, Emma talks about the Salk Creek tiger beetle for her animal of the week and the efforts underway to conserve the species and its habitat. Robi enlightens us on the Yokozuna slickhead - a mysterious, understudied fish found 2,000 meters under the sea. Emma and Robi then delve into a 'Rewilding Deep Dive', exploring the possible reintroduction of the European tree frog to the UK. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
In this week's episode we are speaking with Dr. Catherine Macdonald, marine conservation biologist and shark ecologist. Catherine is a scientist and Research Assistant Professor at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami. She is the Director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program (SRC), which focuses on shark research and public science engagement and education. And she is a co-founder of the Field School, a marine field science training program. The reason we wanted to speak with Catherine about sharks was to hear about her work focusing on shark ecology and conservation and the marine habitats they live in and keep in balance. It's really important for us to understand how sharks operate in these spaces because they are major contributors to marine ecosystems and are so critical to maintaining healthy marine habitats. This episode is part of a mini series we are doing this season on deeply misunderstood animals like sharks, possums, bats, and hyenas. We are working to elevate our perceptions of these species and dispel the false narratives that seem to follow them even today. Please join us in our conversation with Dr. Catherine Macdonald and learn about a new floating mechanism or technique that I feel I'd really benefit from-a swim bladder! Or perhaps a large oily liver if you're a shark!Lots of Love.Episode Time Stamps:Introduction: 00:15Interview: 8:13TA: 59:02Show Notes:https://journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/121/11/1771/30038/The-importance-of-stupidity-in-scientific-researchhttps://people.miami.edu/profile/b62f85c42af2751a19bd6ff4a49fe326https://www.drcatherinemacdonald.com/https://www.instagram.com/drcatmac/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/sharktagging/?hl=enhttps://www.storycollider.org/stories/2020/1/21/code-of-ethics-stories-about-doing-the-right-thing
WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives
Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves College of the Atlantic provides help with production. Engineering by Joel Mann of WERU Community Radio. Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording. Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities This month: What is the problem with traditional round road culverts? Why are they a problem for fish passage? How do traditional round road culverts respond to higher intensity rain storms and flooding? How do “stream smart” road crossings work? Are they worth the investment by Maine towns and private landowners? As Maine Audubon takes the lead for “stream smart” education, who are its partners? What role do Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Councils of Government play in seeking “stream smart” education and implementing better road crossings over streams? Where can listeners get more information about “stream smart” solutions? Guest/s: Sarah Haggerty, Conservation Biologist, Maine Audubon. Julie Sells, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District. Meg Rasmussen, MidCoast Council of Governments. FMI: Stream Smart Program/Maine Audubon maineaudubon.org/projects/stream-smart/ Knox Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District. www.knox-lincoln.org Midcoast Council of Governments. www.midcoastcog.com Demonstration video Stream Table www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCh1l5unRVI About the hosts: Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals. Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor. The post Talk of the Towns 11/12/25: Maine Stream Smart Program first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.
Talk of the Towns | WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives
Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves College of the Atlantic provides help with production. Engineering by Joel Mann of WERU Community Radio. Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording. Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities This month: What is the problem with traditional round road culverts? Why are they a problem for fish passage? How do traditional round road culverts respond to higher intensity rain storms and flooding? How do “stream smart” road crossings work? Are they worth the investment by Maine towns and private landowners? As Maine Audubon takes the lead for “stream smart” education, who are its partners? What role do Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Councils of Government play in seeking “stream smart” education and implementing better road crossings over streams? Where can listeners get more information about “stream smart” solutions? Guest/s: Sarah Haggerty, Conservation Biologist, Maine Audubon. Julie Sells, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District. Meg Rasmussen, MidCoast Council of Governments. FMI: Stream Smart Program/Maine Audubon maineaudubon.org/projects/stream-smart/ Knox Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District. www.knox-lincoln.org Midcoast Council of Governments. www.midcoastcog.com Demonstration video Stream Table www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCh1l5unRVI About the hosts: Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals. Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor. The post Talk of the Towns 11/12/25: Maine Stream Smart Program first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.
Welcome to the thirty-seventh episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi start with some news, with Robi talking about a farmer who's used beavers not only to stop flooding, but boost income on his farm. Emma offers a tribute to the wonderful Jane Goodall, looking back at her legacy. For his species of the week, Robi talks about the Vietnamese mossy frog and Emma discusses the Gollum-looking water opossum. Onto their local conservation stories, Robi talks about the impact of growing populations of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna off in Cornwall and Emma shares news of an exciting new pine marten release in Exmoor National Park. To end, Robi delves into the 'forgotten leopards' and Emma discusses the importance of hopeful journalism. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the thirty-sixth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi talk about their recent meet up at the Ealing Beaver Project for a Big Gay Beaver Day. Robi also shares some exciting news of eDNA and sniffer dogs rediscovering lost Sumatran rhinos. Emma then talks about the Ethiopian wolves for her species of the week, including an exciting new discovery of them feeding on nectar. Robi then talks about the ingeniously adapted antbed parrot moth that lives in temperature-regulated termite mounds. Emma and Robi end by delving into Scottish wildcats and their suitability for reintroduction across the UK. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays.In the remote Himalayan valley of Humla, Rinzin Phunjok Lama is protecting endangered species like the snow leopard and wild yak. Using Buddhist principles, local knowledge, and community-led conservation, he is tackling climate change in one of the world's harshest landscapes. He tells Adam Vaughan why saving one Himalayan valley matters to the world.Host: Adam Vaughan, Environment Editor, The TimesGuest: Rinzin Phunjok Lama, Conservation Biologist and Rolex Award LaureateSeries Producer: Priyanka DeladiaSound Designer: David CracklesThis podcast is advertiser funded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the thirty-fifth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi start with some news, including good news for spoonbills in Norfolk, and bat-friendly lighting in the Netherlands. Robi and Emma then review Attenborough's new Oceans film, sharing highlights as well as differing opinions about the effectiveness of top-down vs bottom-up influence. They then dive into their species of the week, where Emma talks about the Aesculapian snakes in the UK and Robi talks about the amazingly camouflaged proboscis bat. For their local conservation stories, Emma discusses the ladybird swarms that have been spotted all across the UK due to warmer weather. Robi takes us on an interesting thought experiment about the history of dholes in Europe and their relationship to big bats. They end this episode with their global conservation stories, where Emma talks about glow in the dark marsupials and Robi shares exciting news about the rediscovered little kiwi. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the thirty-fourth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this special episode, Emma and Robi answer their most commonly asked question: how did you get into zoology/conservation? Emma and Robi offer a personal dive into their professional pathways, looking at how they got into the jobs they are in now, outlining the challenges of the environmental sector and what makes it all worth it. Emma and Robi also share some news to start, including welcoming our first Patreon members - thank you for supporting the podcast! Robi gives an update about the silver-backed chevrotain, which now has its own conservation breeding programme. Emma explores the first documented case of tool use in orca, talking about how orca are using kelp to mutually remove parasites from each other. Robi also talks about the exciting African Parks Rhino Rewild initiative, which has see 70 southern white rhinos transferred from South Africa to Rwanda. For their species of the week, Emma talks about the basking shark and Robi discusses the forest-dwelling Guam kingfisher. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the thirty-third episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi share exciting news about the launch of the Zoology Ramblings Patreon, where listeners can support the podcast and gain early access to episodes as well as behind the scenes notes. Emma shares updates from recent UK nature festivals and Robi also shares some positive news about his undergraduate dissertation getting published in BioShorts - an open access platform dedicated to supporting early career researchers. Emma and Robi then talk about weird and wonderful 'squishy things' - banana slugs and immortal jellyfish! For their local conservation news, Robi talks about the state of Europe's carnivores and Emma discusses the UK's new planning and infrastructure bill. They end with their global conservation stories, where Robi disputes dire wolf de-extinction and Emma talks about a rewilding rehabilitation programme for Ukrainian soldiers. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation . You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the thirty-second episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast!The podcast has a new intro tune, a big thank you and credits to the very talented Al Middleton for the epic jingle. In this episode, Emma and Robi share news about their recent travels. Emma shares the nature highlights from her recent trip to North America and Robi shares his relaxing time in the Botswanan bush. Emma and Robi's animals of the week range from the very fluffy (Sea otter) to the very "sexy" (Onager). We then get into our first rewilding deep dive outside the British Isles exploring Project Cheetah in India. An intricate discussion into the decline of the Asiatic cheetah and the complexities of their highly political reintroduction. Robi and Emma delve into how Southeastern cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia are being used as a proxy to the lost Asiatic cheetahs. Some deem this project a failure but Emma and Robi draw out some of its successes. Robi ends with a tribute to Vincent Van Der Merwe, an inspirational South African conservationist, scientist, and National Geographic Explorer. Vincent was known for his role in cheetah conservation and reintroduction projects in Africa and Asia. About the hosts:Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Project Officer involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. Follow up links:You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nationYou can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
The podcast episode with Dr. Joe Roman, featured on the WeWhale Pod, explores his journey as a conservation biologist, focusing especially on marine ecology, whales, and their ecological importance. The discussion covers his unique research on whale feces—how it recycles nutrients in the ocean through the "whale pump"—and shares anecdotes from his global search for whale poop. The conversation also touches on his books Eat, Poop, Die and Whale, highlighting both the ecological roles of animals and the cultural history of whaling. The episode concludes with his vision for ocean conservation and how listeners can learn more about his work.Find out more about WeWhale at wewhale.co and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Welcome to the thirty-first episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi share news about Czech beavers saving taxpayer time and money, Robi goes on a thought tangent about nature friendly farming in the UK and Emma talks about how vicuña poo can create biodiversity hotspots as glaciers retreat. Emma and Robi's animals of the week range from the very large (Koobi Fora Giant Stork) to the very small (Tardigrades). For their local conservation stories, Robi talks about the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, ruling out the legal reintroduction of lynx into the wild in Scotland. Emma talks about an exciting new National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme being rolled out across the UK. And finally onto global conservation stories, where Emma talks about a project looking to bring back the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) from extinction using futuristic gene editing. Robi ends by talking about the new African Rhinoceros Conservation Framework, which lays out best practice guidelines for effectively conserving rhinos across the continent. About the hosts: Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Coordinator involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. Follow up links: You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
In this episode, we're diving into the world of National Park Rescue with Executive Director of Conservation, Dr. Niall McCann — a National Geographic Explorer, Conservation Biologist and Wildlife TV presenter (BBC, Nat Geo Wild and Discovery Channel).Now, at the helm of National Park Rescue, Niall is tackling the urgent task of saving Africa's neglected national parks from the brink of collapse. In this episode, we spotlight one of their most ambitious missions: Operation CK in Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe. Once on the verge of becoming an empty wilderness, ravaged by poaching and neglect, Chizarira is now seeing signs of hope. Elephant poaching indicators are reportedly down by more than 90%, and momentum is building toward long-term recovery.Niall offers an unfiltered look into the challenges of conservation in politically and logistically complex landscapes — from corruption and human-wildlife conflict to the powerful impact of restoring law enforcement and trust on the ground.Tune in for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to turn around a dying park, the importance of protecting iconic species like elephants, rhinos, and lions, and the gritty, hopeful reality of conservation in action.To learn more about National Park Rescue, visit www.nationalparkrescue.org and follow their work on Instagram at @nationalparkrescue.
Professor Carl Jones is a conservation biologist who is best known for saving the Mauritius kestrel from extinction. He is the scientific director of Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, chief scientist at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and an honorary professor in ecology and conservation biology at the University of East Anglia.He was born in Carmarthen in Wales and was fascinated with animals from an early age, rearing rescued common kestrels, owls and hawks in his back garden. He studied biology at North-East London Polytechnic and, after learning about the plight of the Mauritius kestrel, he was determined to go out to the country to try to save the bird.He arrived in Mauritius in 1979 when there were only two known breeding pairs left in the wild. By the time he left in 1999 he'd established a captive breeding programme and today hundreds of Mauritius kestrels fly over the islands where he spent decades pioneering his, sometimes controversial, methods. Today the Mauritius kestrel is the national bird. He is also responsible for saving from extinction three species of reptiles, a fruit bat and several plants.He was appointed an MBE for his work in 2004 and in 2016 he won the prestigious Indianapolis Prize – the world's leading award for animal conservation.Carl lives in Carmarthen with his wife and two children and assorted animals including two Andean condors called Carlos and Baby. DISC ONE: Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf Opus 67 - The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult DISC TWO: Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas. Narrated by Richard Burton and performed by Meredith Edwards, Gwenllian Owen and Gwenyth Petty DISC THREE: Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll - Ian Dury DISC FOUR: La Rivière Noire - John Kenneth Nelson DISC FIVE: Asimbonanga - Johnny Clegg & Savuka DISC SIX: Sega lakordeon – Rene oule bwar mwa - La Troupe de l'Union DISC SEVEN: Londonderry Air - Beatrice Harrison DISC EIGHT: Clear Sky - Catrin FinchBOOK CHOICE: The Collected Works of Dylan Thomas LUXURY ITEM: Binoculars CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Asimbonanga - Johnny Clegg & Savuka Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley
Questions have been raised over a three-week mission to locate and re-home three native skinks, at a cost of $85,000. It involved clearing vegetation along State Highway Three near New Plymouth - and releasing one copper skink and two gold striped geckos at Everett Park Scenic Reserve. Auckland University conservation biologist James Russell says the money spent was a fraction of the total costs of work on the highway. He explained New Zealand is extremely bio-diverse - and gold-striped geckos are incredibly rare. "It's just another species where we don't know what's happening - and if we don't look, it'll just disappear and be another blot on our record." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wildlife conservation biologist Kaushiik Subramaniam has traveled the world studying human-wildlife interactions, from elephant populations in South Africa to whale shark tourism in the Maldives. As an award-winning photographer and filmmaker, he combines science with storytelling to raise awareness and drive conservation efforts. With experience working alongside organizations like the BBC, Kaush uses media as a powerful tool to bring critical conservation stories to life. His passion for wildlife and commitment to sharing its stories offer a unique perspective on the intersection of science, media, and environmental protection.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.
Aussie classic Babe turns 30 this year, and its story of the little pig that achieves his dream of being a sheep dog is still as uplifting as the day it premiered. But we can't say "that'll do, pig" when it comes to the science....By now, we know pigs aren't "definitely stupid", but how smart are they? Would an orphaned pig be taken in by a family of dogs? Could a pig really learn to herd sheep? And would Babe really stay so small for so long?Dr Ann Jones sniffs out the porkies Hollywood told us in this poignant pig picture. Featuring:Dr Daryl Sparkes, Senior Lecturer (Media Studies and Production) at the University of Southern QueenslandProfessor Chris Johnson, Ecologist and Conservation Biologist at the University of TasmaniaAssociate Professor Suzanne Held, Behavioural Biology and Animal Welfare at the University of BristolBabe (1995), Universal PicturesProduction:Ann Jones, Presenter / ProducerNat Tencic, ProducerRebecca McLaren, ProducerIsabella Tropiano, additional masteringThis episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the lands of the Wadawarrung, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Taungurung, and Kaurna people.If you want to hear more "What the Duck?" episodes- please like and subscribe here.
Welcome to the thirtieth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi both share news about UK government legislation- one positive (the banning of insect-killing pesticides) and one negative (blocking beaver releases). Emma then talks about the coastal Vancouver sea wolves, while Robi mourns the loss of the extinct sea cow louse. Robi and Emma then both delve into a rewilding deep dive looking at the potential reintroduction of Eurasian Lynx to Britain. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Coordinator involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Well today's episode is a real treat as we welcome the amazing Ruby Free onto The Wildx Podcast. At such a young age, Ruby has achieved more than most and is a Conservation Biologist, Author, Activist and Farmer! Not only that, she has also lived on a remote island working for the RSPB and documented her adventures in the amazing book "Rathlin, A Wild Life."In this fantastic episode we talk all things conservation, following your dreams, community, rewilding a farm in Northern Ireland and Puffins!Listen in and enjoy the WildX Podcast!Buy Ruby's book "Rathlin, A Wild Life" here - https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/books-stationery/gift-books/rathlin-a-wild-life-by-ruby-free.htmlSponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.uk&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto
Welcome to the twenty-ninth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! This week, Robi and Emma begin with some very exciting news - the global release of their feature length documentary "Rewilding a Nation" on WaterBear! (link to watch below). Robi provides an update on the decision to reclassify orca into different species and gives an ode to the recently extinct slender-billed curlew and Emma gives an overview of Scottish wildcat news. Robi and Emma then talk about the recent illegal lynx releases to Scotland and end with global conservation stories in California. Emma talks about the impact of the wildfires on wildlife, while Robi shares some good news for Chinook salmon. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution! Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Coordinator involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the twenty-eighth episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! This week, Robi and Emma join you from opposite sides of the world, with Emma in Nepal and Robi in South Africa. Emma recounts some of her exciting wildlife sightings, including the illusive sloth bear and Bengal Tiger. Emma later delves into tiger conservation in Nepal, with some positive news about community-led initiatives to protect and boost tiger populations. Robi talks about the rare spade-toothed whale and also delves into the importance of African leadership in the conservation sector, highlighting the need for African solutions to African problems, led by Africans. Robi ends by spotlighting some of South Africa's marine life, including the amazing diversity of sea birds he saw on a recent boat trip with friends. Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution! Emma Hodson is Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Coordinator involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @thezoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Welcome to the twenty-seventh episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! Thanks for your patience in the gap between episodes. This week, we share some lovely adventures with wild boar and badgers in graveyards when Robi and Emma met up in person. Robi then delves into deep taxonomy of orcas, unpacking the two new proposed species of this majestic cetacean. Emma talks about the bizarre leaf-veined slugs of New Zealand, spotlighting the wonderful pickle slug! Robi then talks about the connection and importance of his local patch and Emma shares some audio clips from the Restore Nature Now march. Robi then delves into the spread of golden jackals in Europe and Emma ends by talking about cancers in animals, including clams! Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution! Emma Hodson is Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Coordinator involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @thezoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife
Jennifer Reddell is a conservation biologist for the DNR, and a bat expert working with the Wisconsin Bat Project. She talked to WORT about the eight different types of bats […] The post Conservation Biologist Jennifer Reddell on Bats appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.
This week I am joined by Conservation Biologist, Blake Klocke and we discuss his work with Atelopus reintroduction, (including radio tracking!), understanding the value of amphibian natural history, amphibian plasticity, sampling salamanders in the hobby for Bsal, and much more!Be sure to follow Blake @amphibianblakeThis episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creationshttps://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreationsExo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivarium discounts please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Henry Mushinsky, Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida, for a deep dive into his career. They explore his early passion for herpetology, shaped by his childhood adventures catching watersnakes in the bayous of Louisiana. However, a move to Florida and the region's development pressures shifted his focus toward conservation biology. Dr. Mushinsky shares compelling stories from his time in Florida, including his efforts to conserve gopher tortoises in rapidly developing landscapes and his collaboration with Disney to protect rare sand skinks.Connect with Henry at the University of South Florida. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.
It is the final episode of Pangolin Pride! This time, Jack is joined by the incredible Christine Wilkinson to discuss how being Queer is Natural! Christine is a researcher, advocate and science communicator with a passion for Queer Ecology. So, Jack and Christine talk about their journey into this world, what queer ecology is and why it matters, and some examples of queerness from the natural world! That means they get to discuss... Lizards that reproduce all on their own! Fish who can change sex! Lesbian Seagulls which helped change the law! Same Sex sexual behaviour in cattle! Rats! Fossa! Hyenas being absolute queens! Whales doing what whales do! Thank you so much for another brilliant series! Make sure to share your thoughts on social media using #PangolinPride
Following on from native plant week, this week we revisit a BEST OF conversation about some of our favorite native plant visitors: our native bumble bees. Bumble bee conservation has recently had some good news: the Xerces Society recently kicked off their newest Bumble Bee Atlas project, this time in the US Midwest. With that in mind, please enjoy our conversation from 2023 with Leif Richardson, Conservation Biologist with the Xerces Society, sharing so much about conservation, about bumble bees, about the nation-wide Bumble Bee Atlas projects generally, and his spearheading of the California Bumble Bee Atlas.
On this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, conservation biologist Eva Myers discusses her work with the Angel Shark Conservation Project and Network. Discover how Eva built a network to study angel sharks in the Canary Islands, highlighting the communication and effort involved. Dive into the evolution of shark science from the early 1900s to the present day, exploring the growing public interest sparked by movies like Jaws. Join hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they delve into Eva's journey studying angel sharks and the importance of understanding these fascinating species beyond their fearsome reputation. Website: https://angelsharknetwork.com/ Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeKInstagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas Website: https://saveourseas.com/ Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG Building a successful conservation project and network requires dedication, passion, and the ability to trust and let go when necessary. Eva Myers, the conservation biologist behind the Angel Shark Conservation Project, exemplifies these qualities in her work. Eva's journey in studying angel sharks started with a chance encounter during her marine biology studies in the Galapagos Islands. Despite not initially planning to work on angel sharks, Eva's passion for marine ecology led her to pursue research on this lesser-known species. As Eva's project grew, she faced numerous challenges, including balancing her work with consultancies, family responsibilities, and limited funding. However, Eva's dedication and passion for angel shark conservation kept her motivated to push forward. She emphasized the importance of trusting colleagues and letting go when necessary to ensure the project's success. This approach allowed the Angel Shark Conservation Project to expand globally, establishing a network of researchers, conservationists, and stakeholders working towards a common goal. Eva's experience highlights the significance of building relationships and collaborations within the conservation community. By involving diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, researchers, and local communities, Eva was able to advocate for angel shark protection and conservation measures effectively. The project's success in getting angel sharks protected in Spain and gaining recognition at international events like the CMS COP demonstrates the impact of dedicated conservation efforts. Overall, Eva's journey underscores the essential qualities required to build a successful conservation project and network. Dedication, passion, and the ability to trust and let go when necessary are crucial for overcoming challenges, fostering collaborations, and achieving conservation goals. Eva's story serves as an inspiration for conservationists and researchers looking to make a positive impact on endangered species and marine ecosystems. In the podcast episode featuring Eva Myers, the importance of highlighting success stories in conservation efforts is emphasized. Eva discusses the significance of showcasing positive outcomes to inspire hope and encourage further action in the field of conservation. One key success story mentioned is the protection of angel sharks in Spain, which was achieved in 2019. This accomplishment was a result of collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including government representatives, researchers, and conservationists. Eva also mentions the need to communicate these success stories effectively to the public and policymakers. She highlights the importance of showcasing the progress made in conservation initiatives, such as the establishment of marine protected areas and the development of recovery plans for endangered species like angel sharks. By sharing these success stories, Eva believes that governments and other stakeholders can be motivated to prioritize conservation efforts and take proactive steps towards protecting biodiversity. Furthermore, Eva emphasizes the role of building connections between the scientific community and policymakers to bridge the gap between data-driven research and policy implementation. By establishing strong relationships and communication channels, conservationists can ensure that the data gathered is utilized effectively to inform decision-making processes and drive positive conservation outcomes. Overall, the podcast episode underscores the value of highlighting success stories in conservation as a means to inspire hope, showcase effective strategies, and encourage continued action towards protecting and preserving the environment and its biodiversity. Effective communication and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public are crucial for successful conservation initiatives. In the podcast episode with Eva Myers, the conversation highlighted the importance of building relationships and engaging with various stakeholders to achieve conservation goals. Eva mentioned the significance of involving different parties in the decision-making process, including government representatives, researchers, and the public. Eva emphasized the need for open dialogue and active engagement with policymakers to ensure that conservation efforts are understood and supported at the policy level. She mentioned the success story of getting angel sharks protected in Spain, which required collaboration with government officials and the development of a recovery plan. This example showcases how effective communication and cooperation with policymakers can lead to positive conservation outcomes. Furthermore, Eva discussed the value of engaging with the public and building awareness around conservation issues. She highlighted the importance of sharing success stories and highlighting the positive impact of conservation initiatives to inspire and motivate the public. By involving the public in conservation efforts and showcasing the benefits of protecting species like angel sharks, it becomes easier to garner support and participation from the broader community. Overall, the podcast episode with Eva Myers underscores the essential role of effective communication and collaboration in conservation work. By fostering relationships with scientists, policymakers, and the public, conservation initiatives can gain momentum, achieve tangible results, and create a lasting impact on biodiversity and ecosystem health.
The growing interest in native landscaping among Wisconsinites has sparked a surge in options for purchasing low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and beneficial plants. According to Amy Staffen, Conservation Biologist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the enthusiasm for native plants has led to significant developments in the availability of these essential green elements. "Nine new native plant nurseries have been added to the list maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources since 2021, and the number of native plant sales offered by nonprofits has doubled in a few short years," remarked Staffen. She maintains the DNR's list of Wisconsin Native Plant Nurseries and other resources on the DNR's Plant Native Plants to Help Nature web page. Staffen attributes this surge in interest to a growing awareness of the importance of supporting pollinators and wildlife. "People are really getting the message that pollinators need our help, and birds too," she stated. “With a multitude of benefits associated with native plants, including providing crucial food sources and habitats for wildlife, Wisconsinites are increasingly embracing native landscaping as a way to connect with nature and contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the first hour, Brad Wright is joined by Vermont Senator Phil Baruth. Then, Conservation Biologist and Author Joe Roman joins the show.
Today my guest is Jennie MacFarland, a returning guest from Episode 6, a nearly life-long Arizonan that loves exploring different habitats in Southeast Arizona. She currently works as a Conservation Biologist for the Tucson Audubon Society and coordinates the Important Bird Areas Program and other bird survey conservation projects. Jennie organizes several large-scale community science efforts in Southeast Arizona each year, including the Elegant Trogon surveys of five Sky Island mountain ranges.This is the second episode of two that focuses on the Tucson Birdathon, through the eyes of a local team, the Wrenagades. This episode, we'll talk about how the Birdathon went this year, getting into the details of the route, some of the highlights and trends. More on the Desert Purple Martin Project (Including some videos of them!)https://tucsonaudubon.org/purplemartin/More information on the 2023 Southeast Arizona Birding Festival (Aug. 9-13, 2023)https://tucsonaudubon.org/festival/Chapters00:00 - Intro00:34 - Recent Elegant Trogon Survey03:26 - 2023 Birdathon Recap18:54 - Trends from the Birdathon20:36 - Things that went well & Things that didn't23:40 - Curve-billed Thrasher in the Background23:47 - Bird of the Episode33:31 - Southeast Arizona Bird Festival34:39 - Desert Purple Martin Request38:03 - OutroThank you for listening!Please checkout the podcast's Instagram - @lookingatbirdspodcast - for some pictures of some of the birds discussed on the podcast.
Spring is in full swing and bats around the state are emerging from hibernation. A conservation biologist from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources joins the show to tell us how to look out for spring and summer bat activity.
Sam Helle is a Conservation Biologist, a Tiger Researcher, and a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Wisconsin Madison USA. She is also the co-founder of Project Conservation. Sushant and Sam talk about tigers, wildlife, and the western education system in this podcast. Follow Sam Helle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthaiam/
Host Dave Schlom talks to Arizona State University marine conservation biologist about his new book: Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World's Most Misunderstood Predator.
Part 2 of my conversation with Geri Vistein. We speak more about the persecution of Coyote's and the efforts in Maine to provide a legislative response. Geri Vistein is a Conservation Biologist whose focus is on carnivores and their vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of our planet. Her work centers on educating her community in Maine about carnivores, their ecology, complex cultures and history, and how we can coexist with them. She is the Founder of Coyote Center for Carnivore Ecology and Coexistence whose mission is to share with community members the science of our returning carnivores and the skills to live well with them. In today's episode we talk about the natural history of the coyote as a native North American canid, shifts in coyotes range distribution throughout its ancient history, as well as in response to the arrival of Europeans, the unique biology of coyotes that has allowed them to survive and expand their territories during efforts to eradicate predators by early European Americans through efforts to “control” coyote populations today. We also discuss the new role coyotes are playing in ecosystems that have been disrupted by the extinction of apex predators, how humans and coyotes can coexist, and new legislation her organization is presenting to the Maine legislature to restrict using dogs to hunt coyotes and other cruel measures that are currently practiced in parts of the state. Links from Episode:Geri Vistein's educational websites: www.CoyoteLivesinMaine.org and www.FarmingwithCarnivoresNetwork.com Geri Vistein L.L. Bean Speaker Series Coyote's howling The following videos are graphic and may be disturbing. This is real footage of recreation that occurs legally in many parts of the United States. Hunting Coyote's with hounds Predator Killing Contests
Geri Vistein is a Conservation Biologist whose focus is on carnivores and their vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of our planet. Her work centers on educating her community in Maine about carnivores, their ecology, complex cultures and history, and how we can coexist with them. She is the Founder of Coyote Center for Carnivore Ecology and Coexistence whose mission is to share with community members the science of our returning carnivores and the skills to live well with them. In today's episode we talk about the natural history of the coyote as a native North American canid, shifts in coyotes range distribution throughout its ancient history, as well as in response to the arrival of Europeans, the unique biology of coyotes that has allowed them to survive and expand their territories during efforts to eradicate predators by early European Americans through efforts to “control” coyote populations today. We also discuss the new role coyotes are playing in ecosystems that have been disrupted by the extinction of apex predators, how humans and coyotes can coexist, and new legislation her organization is presenting to the Maine legislature to restrict using dogs to hunt coyotes and other cruel measures that are currently practiced in parts of the state. Links from Episode:Geri Vistein's educational websites: www.CoyoteLivesinMaine.org and www.FarmingwithCarnivoresNetwork.com Geri Vistein L.L. Bean Speaker Series Coyote's howling The following videos are graphic and may be disturbing. This is real footage of recreation that occurs legally in many parts of the United States. Hunting Coyote's with hounds Predator Killing Contests
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Do you know the single best indicator of the health of a nonprofit? There is one KEY ingredient for a healthy nonprofit. And it's even more important during a crisis. In this episode I talk with Carlos de la Rosa and Rosanne Siino, Executive Director and Board Chair of the Lindsay Wildlife Preserve. Hint: Notice I invited an E.D. AND a board chair on the podcast… The “co-pilots” of the organization. Carlos and Rosanne tell me all about the Preserve and in particular about the process of hiring Carlos as executive director. They also tell the story of how they were affected by Covid 19. On Friday the 13th of March 2020, everything was shutting down; Lindsay was closing the doors to the 100,000 people who support their mission. What structure, buffers, reserves, or relationships were in place that could (and did) sustain them through the ensuing months? My guests discuss how they used the down time to create opportunities for a sustainable future and tell us what allowed Lindsay Wildlife Preserve to not only survive, but thrive. About Dr. Carlos de la Rosa Dr. Carlos de la Rosa is an Aquatic Ecologist by training and a Conservation Biologist by practice. He obtained his Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Pittsburgh, PA, and has recently been Adjunct Professor and Senior Researcher at the University of Costa Rica and the National University of Costa Rica, biodiversity advisor to the Organization of American States, the US Agency for International Development, and other organizations in the US and in Central and South America. Carlos has worked extensively in environmental education programs, sustainability issues, and conservation of wildlife and wildlands. He has led wildlife protection and conservation programs in California, Florida, and Central America and is committed to communicating to the public the urgency for a better relationship with nature and wildlife. Previously he served as Director of the La Selva Biological Station for the Organization of Tropical Studies, in Costa Rica; Chief Conservation and Education Officer for the Catalina Island Conservancy, in California, USA; Program Director for The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve in Florida; Education Director for the Environmental Lands Division of Pinellas County, Florida; and Director of the Riverwoods Field Laboratory for the South Florida Water Management District, where he worked as a researcher in the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. Carlos is completing three new books exploring the natural history, ecology, restoration, and conservation of natural habitats within the cultural context in which they exist. His writings have been published in scientific journals as well as in popular media. His nature photographs have been exhibited in museums and galleries in the US and in Costa Rica. “I am very excited to be part of this amazing organization. Developing a strong, positive, and nurturing relationship with nature and wildlife is one of the most important things that people can do to address many of our current environmental issues. And I can't think of no better place to do this than at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience.” About Rosanne Siino Rosanne Siino was among the founders of Netscape in the 1990s. She brings to the Lindsay Board the same creativity, “think big” attitude and positive energy that launched the first commercially successful web browser. After a long career in high-tech marketing, Rosanne received a doctorate in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford, where she has been a lecturer/researcher since 2007. Rosanne teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in branding, leadership, and organizational dynamics, and consults with technology companies, startups, and nonprofits on effective teamwork, management and messaging. In addition to serving on the Board, Rosanne brought her love of animals and incredible teaching and communications skills to Lindsay as a volunteer wildlife educator for many years. ...
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Do you know the single best indicator of the health of a nonprofit? There is one KEY ingredient for a healthy nonprofit. And it's even more important during a crisis. In this episode I talk with Carlos de la Rosa and Rosanne Siino, Executive Director and Board Chair of the Lindsay Wildlife Preserve. Hint: Notice I invited an E.D. AND a board chair on the podcast… The “co-pilots” of the organization. Carlos and Rosanne tell me all about the Preserve and in particular about the process of hiring Carlos as executive director. They also tell the story of how they were affected by Covid 19. On Friday the 13th of March 2020, everything was shutting down; Lindsay was closing the doors to the 100,000 people who support their mission. What structure, buffers, reserves, or relationships were in place that could (and did) sustain them through the ensuing months? My guests discuss how they used the down time to create opportunities for a sustainable future and tell us what allowed Lindsay Wildlife Preserve to not only survive, but thrive. About Dr. Carlos de la Rosa Dr. Carlos de la Rosa is an Aquatic Ecologist by training and a Conservation Biologist by practice. He obtained his Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Pittsburgh, PA, and has recently been Adjunct Professor and Senior Researcher at the University of Costa Rica and the National University of Costa Rica, biodiversity advisor to the Organization of American States, the US Agency for International Development, and other organizations in the US and in Central and South America. Carlos has worked extensively in environmental education programs, sustainability issues, and conservation of wildlife and wildlands. He has led wildlife protection and conservation programs in California, Florida, and Central America and is committed to communicating to the public the urgency for a better relationship with nature and wildlife. Previously he served as Director of the La Selva Biological Station for the Organization of Tropical Studies, in Costa Rica; Chief Conservation and Education Officer for the Catalina Island Conservancy, in California, USA; Program Director for The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve in Florida; Education Director for the Environmental Lands Division of Pinellas County, Florida; and Director of the Riverwoods Field Laboratory for the South Florida Water Management District, where he worked as a researcher in the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. Carlos is completing three new books exploring the natural history, ecology, restoration, and conservation of natural habitats within the cultural context in which they exist. His writings have been published in scientific journals as well as in popular media. His nature photographs have been exhibited in museums and galleries in the US and in Costa Rica. “I am very excited to be part of this amazing organization. Developing a strong, positive, and nurturing relationship with nature and wildlife is one of the most important things that people can do to address many of our current environmental issues. And I can't think of no better place to do this than at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience.” About Rosanne Siino Rosanne Siino was among the founders of Netscape in the 1990s. She brings to the Lindsay Board the same creativity, “think big” attitude and positive energy that launched the first commercially successful web browser. After a long career in high-tech marketing, Rosanne received a doctorate in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford, where she has been a lecturer/researcher since 2007. Rosanne teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in branding, leadership, and organizational dynamics, and consults with technology companies, startups, and nonprofits on effective teamwork, management and messaging. In addition to serving on the Board, Rosanne brought her love of animals and incredible teaching and communications skills to Lindsay as a volunteer wildlife educator for many years. ...