Inventory of the global conservation status of biological species
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The International Union for Conservation of Nature keeps what it calls a Red List of species that are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss or exploitation such as overfishing. But a new study led by researchers at Oregon State University suggests another reason some wildlife might be at risk: climate change. The scientists analyzed nearly 71,000 wild animal species – from corals to reptiles, insects to mammals – assessed by the IUCN Red List and categorized them according to climate-related threats they face such as drought or temperature extremes. The researchers found that more than 3,500 animal species are threatened by climate change - especially invertebrates like spiders, corals and jellyfish. The study also warns that mass mortality events linked to climate change, such as the marine heat wave in the Pacific Ocean that killed off 4 million common murres a decade ago, will “greatly accelerate” with rising global temperatures. Joining us to discuss the study’s findings is co-author Jillian Gregg, a senior instructor at OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the founder and CEO of Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Associates.
fWotD Episode 2926: Metrosideros bartlettii Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Friday, 9 May 2025, is Metrosideros bartlettii.Metrosideros bartlettii, commonly known as Bartlett's rātā, is a rare species of tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is endemic to the Northland Region in New Zealand's North Island. Bartlett's rātā reaches a height of up to 30 metres (100 feet) with a trunk of 1–1.5 metres (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 11 in) in diameter. The species is classified in the subgenus Metrosideros and is known for its distinct whitish, paper-like bark and small white-coloured flowers. Bartlett's rātā was first discovered in 1975 by the New Zealand botanist and schoolteacher John Bartlett, who accidentally discovered the species while searching for liverworts near Cape Reinga. It was first described by botanist John Dawson in a 1985 article in the New Zealand Journal of Botany.Bartlett's rātā's range covers the northern tip of the Aupōuri Peninsula, in three dense forest remnants near Piwhane / Spirits Bay. Bartlett's rātā typically begins life as an epiphyte (growing on another plant); it inhabits lowland forests and is usually found growing near wet areas. A 2018 article by the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network documented 13 adult trees in the wild, a significant decrease from another research article in 2000 that documented 31 wild adult trees. The species has a high chance of becoming extinct in the wild unless immediate conservation measures are taken to stop its ongoing decline; which has been attributed to land use changes following human settlement and the introduction of common brushtail possums, which browse its buds, flowers, and shoots. Bartlett's rātā's conservation status was assessed by the IUCN Red List in 2013 as "Critically Endangered", and its population trend was assessed as "Decreasing".This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:37 UTC on Friday, 9 May 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Metrosideros bartlettii on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Amy.
Earth Month Special: A Deep Dive into Global Conservation with Sean Southey “This is our global education moment. This is the time to champion. This is the time to be noisy. This is the time to dream.”What if we told you there's a conservation powerhouse that's been quietly shaping environmental policies, protecting endangered species, and inspiring global action for over 75 years—but most people have never heard of it? In this Earth Month special of Talking Apes, Gerry sits down with Sean Southey, CEO of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and a lifelong champion for nature, to uncover the incredible story of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).From the IUCN Red List (the world's go-to guide on endangered species) to its role in shaping major environmental policies, Sean reveals how this under-the-radar organization has influenced everything from wildlife trade regulations (CITES) to nature-based education initiatives. But conservation isn't just about policies—it's about people. Sean shares powerful stories of how simple, community-driven efforts can transform conservation, from opening up wildlife experiences to local children in Kenya to bringing nature into classrooms worldwide.Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, an aspiring conservationist, or just curious about how global environmental decisions are made, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights, inspiring stories, and a call to action. Tune in to learn how YOU can be part of the movement to protect our planet. Learn more about IUCNGet involved in the IUCN's work Explore the Canadian Wildlife FederationSean is Chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Commission on Education and Communication (CEC). In this role, he has worked tirelessly to enhance IUCN's use of strategic communications for social change. This has included a lead role in designing and implementing IUCN's #NatureForAll campaign.Send us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apes BUY OUR MERCH
Die Themen in den Wissensnachrichten: +++ Partielle Sonnenfinsternis am Samstag +++ Genmutation macht Pferde so ausdauernd +++ Artus und Merlin aus einem Bucheinband gezaubert +++**********Weiterführende Quellen zu dieser Folge:Update ErdeDie partielle Sonnenfinsternis vom 29. März 2025/ Haus der Astronomie, 24.03.2025Running a genetic stop sign accelerates oxygen metabolism and energy production in horses/ Science, 28.03.2025First 1,000 fungi on IUCN Red List reveal growing threats - IUCN Red List/ IUCN, 27.03.2025Pharmacogenetics and adverse drug reports: Insights from a United Kingdom national pharmacovigilance database/ Plos Medicine, 27.03.2025Alle Quellen findet ihr hier.**********Ihr könnt uns auch auf diesen Kanälen folgen: TikTok und Instagram .
Despite its relatively small size (330 sq km), Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost half of the world's population of wild mountain gorillas. As of 2018, the mountain gorilla was listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Thankfully, conservation efforts have led to an increase in numbers and the overall population is now believed to be at more than 1,000 individuals. During my time observing the mountain gorillas we spent around one hour in the company of the Oruzogo group, led by Bakwate, the dominant alpha Silverback. In this recording we hear Bakwate vocalising with two females of the group. UNESCO listing: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Recorded by Colin Hunter. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world's most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage
How are the UK's animals really doing? In this episode, we dive into the IUCN Red List—the world's most comprehensive assessment of species at risk of extinction—to uncover which of our birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish, and more are struggling.Some of the findings won't come as a surprise, but others might shock you, as a few of our most familiar and commonly seen birds are in fact on the Red list.Rather than focusing on a single species, this episode takes a step back to reveal the bigger picture of wildlife decline in the UK. But it's not all bad news! We also highlight conservation success stories, celebrating species that are making a comeback thanks to dedicated efforts.Join us as we uncover the challenges, surprises, and inspiring efforts to turn the tide for the UK's wildlife.Contact:As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:Follow us @thebirdybugpodLinks:IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesPeoples Trust for Endangered SpeciesUK fish and chip shops are selling endangered sharks, DNA tests prove | Sharks | The GuardianVendace and powan | NatureScotEndangered UK crayfish released into the wild at secret river site in Hampshire | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife TrustThe State Of Britain's Moths | Butterfly Conservation
In this Episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Laurie Marker, the founder and Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Founded in Namibia in 1990, CCF has become the leading authority in cheetah conservation globally, with projects across Somaliland, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa and Botswana. Beyond Africa, CCF also has supported the conservation of the last remaining Asiatic cheetahs in Iran. Meanwhile, the CCF has assisted the Indian government and the Wildlife Trust of India with the reintroduction of cheetahs into Kuno National Park. Listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, the cheetah faces a plethora of threats, ranging from human-wildlife conflict, the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and a lack of genetic diversity. Dr. Marker and I discuss the measures CCF has taken to tackle these threats, which include cheetah rescue and rehabilitation, cheetah genetics research, alternative livelihood programs and livestock protection projects. Dr. Marker also elaborates in detail about CCF's role in the reintroduction of cheetahs to India. Tune in to a highly informative episode!Meet the HostAnish Banerjee: https://x.com/anishwildlifeThink Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/Meet the GuestsDr. Laurie Marker: https://cheetah.org/about/who-we-are/dr-laurie-marker/Recommended Wildlife Conservation BooksWildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9ZhIndian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCLAt the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe
The gharial, a Critically Endangered species, is an unmistakable crocodilian on the edge of extinction. Recognizable by its long, slender jaws adapted for catching fish, males have a distinctive bulbous growth on their snouts called a "ghara," which is named after a traditional Indian pot. This unique feature is also the basis for the species' common name, "gharial." Unlike other crocodiles, gharials exhibit a marked difference between males and females.Once widespread throughout the Indian subcontinent, the gharial now survives in only five small, isolated populations across India and Nepal. The IUCN Red List classifies the gharial as Critically Endangered due to drastic population declines—up to 98% since the 1940s—leaving fewer than 250 adult individuals in the wild. Major threats to the species include severe degradation of riverine habitats caused by dams, barrages, irrigation canals, and artificial embankments. Additionally, sand mining negatively impacts their habitat, disrupting the breeding ecology critical for their survival.Join Dr. Gaurav Vashistha, the founder of the Gharial Conservation Programme at Katerniaghat, one of the last strongholds of the gharials. We talk about the ecology and conservation of the gharials, covering the various reintroduction efforts around India!The Think Wildlife Podcast is also available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube. Please do consider upgrading to an optional paid subscription on Substack. 30% of the revenue from this episode will be donated to Gharial Conservation Programme!Meet the HostAnish Banerjee: https://x.com/anishwildlifeThink Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/Meet the GuestsDr. Gaurav Vashistha: https://x.com/gaurav_gharialRecommended Wildlife Conservation BooksWildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9ZhIndian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCLAt the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe
Dugongs are grey sea mammals, also called “sea cows”, partly because of how they look and because they graze on seagrass. The dugong can be found off the coast of 48 countries between East Africa and Vanuatu in Oceania. They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. There used to be common sightings off the coast of Thailand but now, at least 70 dugongs have been found dead along the southern coast of the Andaman Sea over a period of 22 months. In October 2024 alone, 30 dugongs were reported dead in Thailand. What's behind this? Panisa Aemocha from BBC Thai, explains the importance of dugongs to local eco-systems and why their numbers are declining. We also hear what the Thai government is trying to do to save them. Numbers have also gone down in East Africa. Evan Trotzuk from the African Parks NGO, explains why and tells us about the measures being taken to protect dugong in Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, Mozambique.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Maria Clara Montoya Video Journalist: Tim Hodges Editor: Verity Wilde
Alison Fox is the CEO of American Prairie, a nonprofit working for the restoration of 3.5 million acres of prairie in Montana and has led the organization since February 2018. She holds an MBA from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University and a B.A. in history from Dartmouth College. She's a member of the big Sky chapter of the Young Presidents Organization and the advisory board of William and Mary's Institute for Integrative Conservation. Alison and American Prairie have been featured in many publications and productions, including National Geographic, the BBC, PBS, and on 60 minutes on CBS. Today, we talk about tough conversations with our neighbors, making a place at the long table for folks who see the world differently, buffalo as a keystone species of the prairie, staying in the long game with a big vision and other topics. Save What You Love with Mark Titus:Produced: Emilie FirnEdited: Patrick TrollMusic: Whiskey ClassInstagram: @savewhatyoulovepodcastWebsite: savewhatyoulove.evaswild.comSupport wild salmon at www.evaswild.com
fWotD Episode 2796: Mountain pigeon Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Monday, 30 December 2024 is Mountain pigeon.Mountain pigeons are four species of birds in the genus Gymnophaps in the pigeon family Columbidae. They are found on islands in eastern Indonesia and Melanesia, where they inhabit hill and montane forest. Medium-sized pigeons with long tails and wings, they are 33–38.5 cm (13.0–15.2 in) long and weigh 259–385 g (9.1–13.6 oz). They mostly have dull grey, white, or chestnut-brown plumage, their most distinctive feature being bright red skin around the eyes. Males and females mostly look alike, but the Papuan and pale mountain pigeons show slight sexual dimorphism. Mountain pigeons are very social and are usually seen in flocks of 10–40 birds, although some species can form flocks of more than 100 individuals. They are generally quiet and do not make many vocalisations apart from a distinctive whooshing noise while leaving their high-altitude roosts to feed in the morning.The genus was originally described by the Italian zoologist Tommaso Salvadori in 1874 and currently contains the Papuan, Seram, Buru, and pale mountain pigeons. The species are allopatric (having geographically separated populations) and form a single superspecies. Mountain pigeons are arboreal (tree-inhabiting) and feed on a wide variety of fruit-like figs and drupes, mainly foraging for food in the canopy. Nests can be of two types: a shallow depression in the forest floor or short grass; and a platform of sticks placed at a height of several metres in a tree. Clutches consist of a single white egg. All four species are listed as being of least concern on the IUCN Red List.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:50 UTC on Monday, 30 December 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Mountain pigeon on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Ruth.
Recently in conservation news, the UK brought in a ban on sand eel fishing effective as of March 2024. This is connected to how important sand eel are to seabirds. However, as we will see today, there are political repercussions of such an announcement... Let's watch the political and the conservation worlds meet. Sources for this episode: Mitsilegas, V. and Guild, E. (2024), THe UK and the ECHR After Brexit: The Challenge of Immigration Control. European Convention of Human Rights Law Review 5(1): 116-131. Murphy, P. and Shoesmith, K., BBC (2023), Sandeel fishing ban a lifeline to seabirds (online) (Accessed 15/05/2024). Author unknown, European Commission (2024), EU requests consultations under Trade and Cooperation Agreement over UK's permanent closure of the sandeel fishery (online) (Accessed 15/05/2024). Author unknown, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (online) (Accessed 31/05/2024). Author unknown, RSPB (date unknown), Big news for seabirds as campaign to close the English North Sea and Scottish waters to sandeel fishing succeeds (online) (Accessed 15/05/2024). Author unknown, Scottish Government (2024), The Sandeel (Prohibition of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024: business and regulatory assessment-final (online) (Accessed 15/05/2024).
In Episode 8, I am joined by Moumita Chakraborty, a Eastern Himalayas Consultant at the Global Tiger Forum, to discuss red panda conservation. During her PhD at the Wildlife Institute of India, Moumita studied the habitat suitability of Red Panda in the Sikkim to identify the priority areas for the conservation. She also studied the relationship between red panda and people in the habitat.Listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, the Red Panda face a plethora of threats including forest fragmentation, poaching and even free ranging dogs. Tune in to this episode to learn about the conservation of red panda in India!The Think Wildlife Podcast is also available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube. Please do consider upgrading to an optional paid subscription on Substack. 30% of the revenue from this episode will be donated to the Red Panda Network!Meet the HostAnish Banerjee: https://x.com/anishwildlifeThink Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/Meet the GuestsMoumita Chakraborty: https://www.edgeofexistence.org/fellow/moumita-chakraborty/Recommended Wildlife Conservation BooksWildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9ZhIndian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCLAt the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe
Lester Kiewit speaks to Judy Mann, Executive for Strategic Projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, about the critically endangered African Penguin and the urgent need for conservation measures to ensure its survival. With the species recently uplisted to Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, they explore the urgency of intervention, the challenges of balancing economic interests with conservation literacy, and the significance of public awareness in protecting marine biodiversity. The conversation also highlights the formation of the African Penguin Scientific Working Group and the practicalities of implementing measures such as expanding no-take zones around penguin colonies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week's critter is one of the most intelligent animals in the ocean. Te whai rahi, the giant oceanic manta ray, has a brain to body mass ratio similar to our own and is one of the only fish that can recognise itself in the mirror. Te whai rahi are long-lived, slow to breed, and only give birth to a single pup every 2-5 years. This slow and steady approach means they struggle to recover from the impact of fishing and are now listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
In Episode 5 of The Think Wildlife Podcast, I am joined by Mayank Shukla, Anshita Das and Arjun Srivathsa from The Dhole Project. Launched in 2016, The Dhole Project aims to conduct research on Asiatic wild dogs or ‘dholes' to better understand their ecological requirements and protect their populations in India.The dhole is one of India's most charismatic predators, with their range spreading across southern, central India. Listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, the dhole faces numerous threats, including rampant habitat fragmentation, free ranging dogs and inbreeding. In this episode we cover the ecology and conservation of dhole in India, particularly in the agroforestry landscape of Valparai. We also talk about The Dhole Project's research on dhole genetics and human-wild canid interactions! The Dhole Project is currently running a campaign to raise INR 200,000 (2 lakhs) to fund the next stage of their fieldwork. Additionally, 30% of the revenue from optional subscriptions to The Think Wildlife Podcast in this episode will be donated to the project.Meet the HostAnish Banerjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anish-banerjee-79ba63189/Think Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/Meet the GuestsArjun Srivathsa: http://www.arjunsrivathsa.com/Arjun is a DST INSPIRE Fellow at the National Centre for Biological Sciences–TIFR, Bengaluru and Affiliate Scientist at Wildlife Conservation Society–India.Anshita Das: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshita-das/Anshita is affiliated with The Dhole Project at Wildlife Conservation Society–India. Her current research is centred on two key areas: social media perceptions of dholes, and the role of human food subsidies on dhole packs in human-dominated areas.Mayank ShuklaMayank is associated with The Dhole Project at NCBS–TIFR. His work involves examining dhole population dynamics and dhole–human interactions in Kerala.Recommended Wildlife Conservation BooksWildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9ZhIndian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCLAt the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsNCanids of the World by Dr. José R. Castelló: https://amzn.to/3UnWGkl Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe
In August 2022, I had the very good fortune to explore the mountains of Dras, Kargil in search of one of India's rarest terrestrial mammals - the Himalayan Brown Bear. Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, there are less than 500 individuals remaining in the wild scattered across Western Himalayas and the Karakoram Mountains. Drass in the Kargil District of Ladakh and the neighbouring Deosai National Park in Pakistan remain their largest stronghold (tune in to this episode to learn why this region is so attractive for the bears!)The future of the Himalayan Brown Bear lies in the balance with climate change causing significant disruption across the Himalayas. Changing climate patterns is altering the flowering of berries and other plants, reducing the availability of food for these omnivorous bears. This has significant implications for the ecology of brown bear. In fact, studies have found that both, the hibernation patterns of the Himalayan Brown Bear and the Asiatic Black Bear have been altered due to rising temperatures and reduce snowfall. Additionally, the bears have become significantly more reliant on livestock as food, hence exacerbating human-bear conflict. The Himalayan Brown Bears also are threatened by severe habitat loss and degradation. Sadly, both the bears, and their habitat were collateral damage of the 1999 Kargil War. In the present scenario, haphazard development across the Himalayas has also further fragmented their habitats. The added pressure of free ranging dogs is a major threat to the biodiversity of Ladakh.In this episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, I interview Niaz Hassan Khan, a PhD Scholar at the Wildlife Institute of India. We talk about his work on Himalayan Brown Bears in Kargil and the way forward for their conservation. The Think Wildlife Podcast is also available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube. 30% of revenue from optional paid subscriptions on Substack from this episode will be donated to WWF to support their work on high altitude mammals in Ladakh.Meet the HostAnish Banerjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anish-banerjee-79ba63189/Think Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/Meet the GuestNiaz Khan: Recommended Wildlife Conservation BooksWildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9ZhIndian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCLAt the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe
Episode 94: Nepenthes: Conservation Summary: How are Nepenthes doing in the wild? Can we help them if the need help? Join Kiersten as she answers these questions and more about Nepenthes conservation. For my hearing impaired listeners, a complete transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean Show Notes: “Nepenthes Conservation: Preserving Earth's Carnivorous Marvels,” Singapore Carnivorous Plant Society. https://sgcarnivorousplantsociety.medium.com Nepenthes Species. IUCN Red List, https://www.iucnredlist.org “I'll Have Flies with That,” by Kali Shiloh. Stanford Magazine, September 2022. https://stanfordmag.org *This article also highlights some responsible carnivorous plants growers.* Music written and performed by Katherine Camp Transcript (Piano music plays) Kiersten - This is Ten Things I Like About…a ten minute, ten episode podcast about unknown or misunderstood wildlife. (Piano music stops) Welcome to Ten Things I Like About… I'm Kiersten, your host, and this is a podcast about misunderstood or unknown creatures in nature. Some we'll find right out side our doors and some are continents away but all are fascinating. This podcast will focus ten, ten minute episodes on different animals and their amazing characteristics. Please join me on this extraordinary journey, you won't regret it. Once again we find ourselves at the bittersweet final episode of a series. It's always exciting to finish a topic but sad to say goodbye to my chosen topic. The final episode of Nepenthes is the fifth thing I like about them and that is conservation. Just like Rafflesia, the biggest obstacle to the survival of all wild growing Nepenthes is habitat loss. Once again we can blame ourselves for this as vast tracts of rainforest are cleared for agriculture, logging, and urban development. Unlike Rafflesia that cannot be collected from the wild because of its unique life cycle, Nepenthes can be collected from the wild. Collecting various species of Nepenthes has become big business and the race to possess the most unique and hard to obtain species has created a market for illegally harvested plants. Changing weather patterns is also impacting the future survival prospects of many Nepenthes species. Some habitats are receiving less rainfall causing many species of Nepenthes to struggle for survival. Their habitats are changing so quickly the plants cannot adapt fast enough. And something that the entire world is battling that is also impacting Nepenthes, invasive species. Humans, whether knowingly or unknowingly, have spread both plants and animal species all around the globe. When these non-native species are introduced to other habitats, chaos ensues. Nepenthes plants are battling both invasive plants and animals that are either stealing the resources they need or damaging their habitats. How can we help wild Nepenthes? By doing many of the same things we are doing for Rafflesia. We need to establish protected areas and reserves that include Nepenthes habitats. This action has the added bonus of helping any other plants, animals, and insects that also live in these habitats, as well as securing natural spaces that positively impact human health. We can also enforce and strengthen legal protections already in place for Nepenthes species. Unlike Rafflesia, there are 123 species of Nepenthes listed on the IUCN's Red List. The Red List is a catalog of species that have been studied enough to determine a population count and trending patterns of that population number. Many of the Nepenthes species listed are Least Concern which means that their population numbers are healthy and stable or increasing, but 45 of these species are categorized as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered. The important thing about being listed by the IUCN is that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species can pass measures to help regulate international trade in the listed species. Continued research of Nepenthes species in the wild is an important step to successful conservation. If we know where and what these plants need to survive, we can expand preserves and bolster laws protecting them. This also provides information that can be utilized to successfully propagate Nepenthes in captivity. Some of the critically endangered species may only be saved by propagating them in greenhouses and botanical gardens. And the last thing we all can do to help is educate everyone about these wicked cool plants! Letting people know about these amazing living beings is the number one best way to ensure their survival into the future. Tell your friends, family, and strangers in the grocery store line about these unbelievable unknown plants. Feel free to give a little shout out for my Ten Things I Like About…podcast while you're at it! Let's talk a little bit about the hobbyists that are propagating Nepenthes in captivity. Collecting Nepenthes out of the wild one of the activities that is cause for concern, but not all hobbyists are part of the darker side of collecting Nepenthes. Many, probably most, are people that follow all the rules and regulations established to protect the plant in the wild. Some are even involved in propagating critically endangered species. There is a market for Nepenthes outside of scientific study and conservation and this is where I fell down a rabbit hole of unbelievable prices. If you do a search for Nepenthes on the internet the first sites that pop up are online shopping sites. You can buy hundreds of different species ranging in price from $10 to $1900. The most expensive Nepenthes species ever sold is Nepenthes veitchii that sold for $3500 in 2020 earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World records for the most expensive carnivorous plant on the planet. If you are interested in delving into this interesting but addictive world, you can find several online sites to purchase any number of Nepenthes species. But do your research and make sure these sites offer lab grown Nepenthes so you are not supporting illegal collection for the wild. The lab grown species will also have a better chance of survival in captivity since they are already used to that environment. You can also join many Carnivorous Plant Societies from all over the world. Many of these organizations have seed banks that store varies species or carnivorous plants including Nepenthes. They will sell seeds to those interested in trying their hand at growing from seed and offer advice and support along your journey. Most of these organizations are also great places to find information on new scientific discovers. Many of them improve captive cultivation techniques and are happy to share with the public and research facilities simply because they love their plants. That is all for this episode of Nepenthes. I am glad you joined my for my fifth favorite thing about this carnivorous plant, conservation. If you're enjoying this podcast please recommend me to friends and family and take a moment to give me a rating on whatever platform your listening. It will help me reach more listeners and give the animals I talk about an even better chance at change. Reporting on Nepenthes and Rafflesia has been a fun ride for me and I hope you all enjoyed it, as well. Join me in two weeks for the beginning of a new series about a misunderstood or unknown animal. (Piano Music plays) This has been an episode of Ten Things I like About with Kiersten and Company. Original music written and performed by Katherine Camp, piano extraordinaire.
In Episode 3 of this season, I am joined by Dr. Sophie Rassmusen, a Research Fellow at University of Oxford and Linacre College Research Associate at WildCRU. Popularly referred to as Dr. Hedgehog, Sophie is at the forefront of hedgehog conservation and research. Unfortunately, scientific research from several European countries indicate that the population of European hedgehogs is in decline all over Europe. In fact, the European Hedgehog was recently downgraded to “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. It is therefore essential to investigate the causes for the decline and enhance the understanding of the challenges hedgehogs face in the wild in order to improve the conservation initiatives directed at this species. In this episode, we talk about Sophie's PhD research which encompasses “The Danish Hedgehog Project” with the help of citizen science. We also discuss hedgehog health and the impacts of roads and lawns on hedgehog populations. The Think Wildlife Podcast is also available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube. Please do consider upgrading to an optional paid subscription on Substack. 30% of the revenue from this episode will be donated to WildCRU for the conservation of hedgehogs!Meet the HostAnish Banerjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anish-banerjee-79ba63189/Think Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/Meet the GuestDr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen: https://www.wildcru.org/members/dr-sophie-lund-rasmussen/Recommended Wildlife Conservation BooksWildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9ZhIndian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCLAt the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe
Die Themen in den Wissensnachrichten: +++ Ältere Tiere sind weniger sozial +++ Wohlstand und Umweltqualität beeinflussen Zufriedenheit +++ Hornisse verträgt Alkohol in rauen Mengen +++**********Weiterführende Quellen zu dieser Folge:Understanding age and society using natural populations, Royal Society, 28.10. 2024BiB.Monitor Wohlbefinden 2024: Regionale Unterschiede in der Lebenszufriedenheit in Deutschland, BiB, 29.10. 2024Tolerance and efficient metabolization of extremely high ethanol concentrations by a social wasp, PNAS, 21.10. 2024More than one in three tree species worldwide faces extinction - IUCN Red List, ICUN, 28.10. 2024Observed carbon decoupling of subnational production insufficient for net-zero goal by 2050, PNAS, 28.10. 2024Alle Quellen findet ihr hier.**********Ihr könnt uns auch auf diesen Kanälen folgen: TikTok auf&ab , TikTok wie_geht und Instagram .
Robbie dives into a question that comes to us a lot, which is ‘Are African elephants endangered?' for this Short Truths episode. The answer is both “yes” and “no”. According to CITES, elephants are indeed an Appendix 1 species, as well as being listed on the IUCN Red List and enjoying ESA protections domestically in the States. The important distinction to make, though, is that those protections refer to the species as a whole, not smaller sub-populations across the African continent, where some populations are sustainable, growing, and even large enough to cause conflict with humans and the elephants' own environments. Do you have a questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at info@bloodorigins.com Support our Conservation Club Members! Georgia SCI: https://www.gasci.org/ Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ DSC South Texas: https://www.dscsouthtexas.org/ See more from Blood Origins: https://bit.ly/BloodOrigins_Subscribe Music: Migration by Ian Post (Winter Solstice), licensed through artlist.io This podcast is brought to you by Bushnell, who believes in providing the highest quality, most reliable & affordable outdoor products on the market. Your performance is their passion. https://www.bushnell.com This podcast is also brought to you by Silencer Central, who believes in making buying a silencer simple and they handle the paperwork for you. Shop the largest silencer dealer in the world. Get started today! https://www.silencercentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Grevy's Zebra is the largest extant species of equid in the world. Unfortunately, the species is listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN Red List. With less than 2,000 wild individuals found in pockets of Kenya and Ethiopia, the Grevy's Zebra is the most threatened of the three zebra species. In the 20th Century, hunting for their skins was the primary threat to the species. However, the species is now heavily threatened by rampant habitat loss and fragmentation, driven primarily by livestock overgrazing and the spread of invasive plants. The development of linear infrastructure is further fragmenting the populations of Grevy's Zebra. In this episode, I speak to Dr. David Kimiti and Damaris Lekiluai from Grevy's Zebra Trust to discuss the conservation of this rare species. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
The Penguin is amongst the most unique taxa of birds in the world. These flightless, aquatic birds are highly adept swimmers, having adapted to spending half their lives underwater. Penguins, with the aid of flippers and their streamlined bodies are known to swim over 20 kilometres an hour in seas while hunting for prey.There are currently between 17 to 19 species of penguins globally, almost all of which are found exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. The range of penguins extends across Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America. The Galapagos Penguins are the only species naturally found north of the Equator. Larger penguin species tend to inhabit colder regions while their smaller counterparts prefer more temperate and tropical landscapes.Currently, according to the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of the numerous penguin species ranges from “Least Concern” to “Endangered”. Climate change, and the associated melting of ice caps, remain the primary threat to penguins, particularly for the species found in Antarctica. A WWF study estimated that a 2-degree increase in global temperature from pre-industrial levels will result in a 50% and 75% reduction in Emperor and Adelie penguins respectively. An additional threat to penguins is commercial fishing. The overexploitation of fish stocks in the Southern Ocean severely diminishes the prey base for penguins. Moreover, penguins regularly fall victim to bycatch. In this episode, I interview P. Dee Boersma to discuss the conservation of penguins. Dee is the co-chair of the IUCN Penguin Specialist Group and the founder of the Centre of Ecosystem Sentinels. She is also a professor at the University of Washington. She is the author of Penguins: Natural History and Conservation and Invasive Species in the Pacific Northwest In this conversation, Dee elaborates on her extensive career working with penguins, and in particular the Magellanic penguin. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
In Episode 8, join me in conversation with conservation scientist Dr. Bárbara Goettsch from Mexico. Barbara has a background in botany, a PhD in Ecology and Conservation Biology from the University of Sheffield and is co-chair of the IUCN Special Survival Commission Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group. Bárbara is also a mum, a biodancer and a therapeutic masseuse. In this episode Bárbara invites us into her world, the vast and diverse desert ecosystems that host such rich biodiversity, and she takes us behind the scenes of the IUCN Red List for threatened species assessment process. We talk desert fog, climate change and what it feels like to meet some of the iconic cactus species she has studied in the wild for the first time. We chat about the importance of human connection in catalysing conservation action, Bárbara's passion for dance, and how we can embrace both science and our own spirituality in an ever deepening relationship and understanding of the natural world. I hope this conversation inspires you and sparks your curiosity to discover more about these remarkable desert ecosystems and the wondrous plants that have evolved to thrive in such extreme environments. Follow the show You can follow Unearthing Wild Wonders on your preferred platform of choice and if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating, a review or perhaps share it with a friend who you think will enjoy it too. Mentions and resources IUCN SSC Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group (website) IUCN SSC Cactus and Succulent Plant Specialist Group (instagram) Elevated extinction risk of cacti under climate change Biodanza UK Connect with Bárbara Linked In Instagram @barbara_goettsch Follow Nicky Instagram: @nickyjenner_hawksdawn where you can also see pictures of some of the cactus species mentioned. Website and newsletter: www.hawksdawn.co.uk Music © Rachel Catherine: linktr.ee/rachelmusic
Popular pets, dart frogs are known to tap their toes, but the precise reasoning behind it has eluded scientists until now. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Parrish TQ, Fischer EK. 2024. Tap dancing frogs: Posterior toe tapping and feeding in Dendrobates tinctorius. Ethology 130:e13465. DOI: 10.1111/eth.13465. Species of the Bi-Week: Phung TM, Pham CT, Nguyen TQ, Ninh HT, Nguyen HQ, Bernardes M, Le ST, Ziegler T, Nguyen TT. 2023. Southbound – the southernmost record of Tylototriton (Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae) from the Central Highlands of Vietnam represents a new species. ZooKeys 1168:193–218. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1168.96091. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Claessens, L. S. A., Ganchev, N. O., Kukk, M. M., Schutte, C. J., & Sloggett, J. J. (2020). An investigation of toe-tapping behaviour in anurans by analysis of online video resources. Journal of Zoology, 312(3), 158–162. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12815 Other Links/Mentions: Caramaschi U., Nascimento LB, Silvano D. 2004. Dendropsophus jimi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2004: e.T55520A11324324. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T55520A11324324.en Call of Dendropsophus jimi from: https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Dendropsophus&where-species=jimi Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Wojciech– https://www.fiverr.com/buczar Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
Summary: Are tanuki in danger of extinction? Join Kiersten to find out all about the conservation status of the tanuki. For my hearing impaired listeners a full transcript is available in the show notes on Podbean Show Notes: Nyctereutes procyonoides, Raccoon Dog. Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org “A path to human-raccoon dog harmony: identifying factors influencing the tolerance of urban residents in Shanghai towards a neglected species,” by Qianqian Zhao, Yihan Wang, Lejie Wu, Yidi Feng, Yuhan Li, Zhuojin Zhang, Qing Zhao, and Fang Wang. People and Nature, Vol 6, Issue 3. Https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002//pan3.10636. Music written and performed by Katherine Camp Transcript (Piano music plays) Kiersten - This is Ten Things I Like About…a ten minute, ten episode podcast about unknown or misunderstood wildlife. (Piano music stops) Welcome to Ten Things I Like About… I'm Kiersten, your host, and this is a podcast about misunderstood or unknown creatures in nature. Some we'll find right out side our doors and some are continents away but all are fascinating. This podcast will focus ten, ten minute episodes on different animals and their amazing characteristics. Please join me on this extraordinary journey, you won't regret it. This is the final episode of Tanuki. A little bitter sweet for me because I've had a great time researching and talking about this truly unique canine, but here we are and the tenth thing I like about the raccoon dog is their conservation status. Those of you who are consistent listeners know that I typically finish a series with a conservation episode and tanuki is no exception. This is a conservation episode with good news, overall, though. The raccoon dog is not in need of extreme conservation efforts as of this recording due to their adaptability. The IUCN Red List has the raccoon dog listed as Least Concern. IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature which was established in 1948 bringing conservation to an international stage. This organization brings the world together with a shared goal of protecting nature. The IUCN Red List categorizes animals and plants by their population levels in endemic habitats and regions. Ratings range from Unknown to Extinct. The raccoon dog is categorized as Least Concern which means their population levels are good and remain stable. This is mainly due to the raccoon dog's adaptability, as I said before. They are excellent at using what their environment has to offer. This is good news. We don't have tp worry about tanuki disappearing from the planet, but they are experiencing pressure from the same things that all animals and plants are suffering from. Habitat loss is causing more and more individuals to move closer to human neighborhoods, loss of insects and amphibians is causing some populations to alter their diets, and changing temperatures are causing raccoon dogs to change behaviors to accommodate shorter hibernation times. Hunting is a concern. Raccoon dogs are hunted in every region they are found whether an endemic area or introduced. There is only one managed program involving hunting and that is within an introduced area. This is understandable. An adaptable animal in an introduced habitat can become destructive fairly quickly. The issue with hunting tanuki in their native habitat is that population numbers should be monitored so that they do not drop below genetically diverse numbers leaving no hope for recovery. Just because the raccoon dog's population is doing well and we do not need to currently worry, it's never too early to look at what conservation efforts need to include for the future. A study recently released in March of 2024, is testing the waters. The research was done in Shanghai, China and the title of the paper is “A path to human-raccoon dog harmony: identifying factors influencing the tolerance of urban residents in Shanghai towards a neglected species.” One of the best places to start when considering how to sculpt a conservation plan is gathering information about how the people near the area feel about the flora and fauna of the area. How does this wild place impact their lives. Is it important to them? Would they miss if it disappeared? Do they know what that habitat supports? I believe that all habitats and animals should be conserved in their natural, true state just because they exist. We should conserve and preserve because they exist and for no other reason. Everything deserves a place to live and thrive and we, humans, are some of the most adaptable creatures on the planet, so we can change our behaviors to fit in with nature. Instead we alter everything to meet our needs. One of the best ways to get people onboard about conservation is to show them how these animals and wild places benefit us. It is a great tool to have in the conservationists backpack. The researchers in Shanghai wanted to know how residents felt about raccoon dogs. They devised a poll and collected 281 completed surveys from residents of Shanghai which is a rapidly developing city. Scientist wanted to investigate people's knowledge, attitude, and tolerance towards raccoon dogs. They considered a few demographic variables such as gender, age, and education because they hypothesized that these might influence a person's familiarity with raccoon dogs. They also included four variables of human dimensions such as familiarity with raccoon dogs, trust in wildlife management authorities, perceived benefits of raccoon dogs, and perceived risks of raccoon dogs. Using these four dimensions they designed multiple questions to quantify participant's responses. The surveys were conducted in 10 residential areas that have high human-raccoon dog conflict. The data revealed something I have known for a long time which is that when people are educated about an animal, they understand it more and then they care about it more. The recommendation from these scientists is: “To promote harmony between urban residents and nature and foster their affection for urban species, educational campaigns and citizen science, which refers to the participation of non-professional citizens in scientific research, can be used to address conflicts both between humans and wild animals and between people with different opinions.” I could not have said it better myself! On that note, I'll close the final episode of Tanuki with my tenth favorite thing being that the future of tanuki conservation looks bright. If you're enjoying this podcast please recommend me to friends and family and take a moment to give me a rating on whatever platform your listening. It will help me reach more listeners and give the animals I talk about an even better chance at change. I'll be taking a break for summer but I'll be back in September. So join me in a month for a brand new series about another misunderstood or unknown creature. (Piano Music plays) This has been an episode of Ten Things I like About with Kiersten and Company. Original music written and performed by Katherine Camp, piano extraordinaire.
A new analysis of the state of Europe's Glow-worms and Fireflies shows shrinking habitats and populations; Glow-worms and Fireflies belong to the beetle family Lampyridae. There are over 2,200 different species of Lampyridae found around the world including the Common Glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca); Habitat loss, light pollution, climate change, and chemical use threaten many firefly and glow-worm populations. Glow-worm and Firefly Species need help Fireflies and glow-worms light up the night, creating awe and wonder across the globe. Producing their own light through bioluminescence to communicate with each other, they can create spectacular shows on every continent, except Antarctica. Around 65 Lampyridae species are found in Europe, with the Common Glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) being the most familiar and widespread. Now, researchers from the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group have assessed the status of ten European species, using the IUCN Red List criteria. Half of these species are threatened with extinction. Two species, Lampyris pallida and Luciola novaki, are Endangered, while three are deemed Vulnerable. Alarmingly, the Common Glow-worm is categorised as Near Threatened, meaning it may also be pushed to extinction in the near future. The remaining species assessed fall under the category of Least Concern, meaning they are not currently at risk of extinction.. Dr. Sara Lewis, IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group Co-Chair, Tufts University: "While I feel unimaginably sad that several of our most cherished insects could be facing extinction, it's hopeful to see others doing well. These assessments contribute to our understanding of how firefly and glow-worm species are doing in Europe and can now allow us to focus conservation efforts to reverse negative trends" Threats Light pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation, are the main threats leading to firefly and glow-worm declines. As global temperatures rise, glow-worm and firefly habitats become increasingly unstable. Drought can limit food availability and impede larval development, while floods can destroy essential habitats. Additionally, glow-worms and fireflies are losing their natural environments such as grasslands, woodlands, and riverbanks, to urban development and unsustainable agricultural practices. This loss and fragmentation of habitats pose significant challenges, especially for species that cannot fly in their adult stage, making dispersal and expansion a challenge. Pollution intensifies the problems facing fireflies. Chemicals used in agriculture and gardening kill not only fireflies but also their food sources, such as slugs, snails and worms. Light pollution, increasing as much as 10% annually, disrupts glow-worms and fireflies' natural behaviours and development. Fireflies rely on attracting their mates at night, having evolved to glow brightly against a natural darkness, studies show that artificial lights confuse male glow-worms, making it harder for them to find mates and thus decreasing their reproductive success. Raphaël De Cock, IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist for Europe: "Recent studies show that both males and females of the Common Glow-worm face problems in finding a mate, and even low levels of artificial light at night can prevent some females from reproducing. Most other European glow-worm species also use glows to find mates, so we can confidently extrapolate that their reproduction is threatened by light pollution. Ongoing studies and surveys in Europe and Worldwide will likely show how fast numbers of these brilliant insects are declining right now and in coming years…". Actions Easily reversible, light pollution has a simple conservation solution; turn off the lights and the pollutant disappears. There is no clean-up operation, and the environment has the chance to return to its natural state allowing fireflies and glow-worms to shine bright. Although artificial light is sometimes needed for public safety, we must consider lighting ...
Meet the Pangolin. The world's most trafficked mammal. Pangolins are also known as scaly anteaters due to the protective keratin scales covering their skins. Unfortunately, these protective keratin scales are leading to the pangolin's downfall. Keratin is in high demand in China and Vietnam (the usual suspects) for traditional Chinese Medicine and as a luxury food. Moreover, pangolins are also often consumed as bushmeat and traditional medicine across Africa, though at a relatively smaller scale. It is for this reason, pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world, with over a million animals poached between 2004 and 2014. This is proving catastrophic, with the illegal trade of pangolins often associated with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is still no global consensus regarding the origins of the deadly virus.Currently, there are eight extant species of pangolins, with four species being found in Africa and Asia each. Out of the eight species, three are listed as “Critically Endangered” and three are classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN Red List. Meanwhile, the remaining two species are considered “Threatened. As of September 2023, there have been nine reports of extinct species of pangolinIn this episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, I interview Matthew Shirley, the co-chair of the IUCN Pangolin Specialist Group. We talk in-depth about the conservation of the pangolin and the works of the IUCN PSG. Matthew is also one of the leading conservationists working with crocodiles, having discovered the Central African slender-snouted crocodile. During the episode, Matthew elaborates upon his extensive work on these ancient reptiles in West and Central Africa. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
fWotD Episode 2622: Oceanic whitetip shark Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Tuesday, 9 July 2024 is Oceanic whitetip shark.The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) is a large pelagic requiem shark inhabiting tropical and warm temperate seas. It has a stocky body with long, white-tipped, rounded fins. The species is typically solitary, though they may gather in large numbers at food concentrations. Bony fish and cephalopods are the main components of its diet and females give live birth.Though slow-moving, it is opportunistic and aggressive, and is reputed to be dangerous to shipwreck survivors. The IUCN Red List considers the species to be critically endangered. Recent studies show steeply declining populations as they are harvested for their fins and meat. As with other shark species, the whitetip faces mounting fishing pressure throughout its range.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:30 UTC on Tuesday, 9 July 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Oceanic whitetip shark on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Matthew.
The Amazon River Dolphin, known locally as the “Boto”, is the largest species of river dolphin in the world. The species is also the most widespread river dolphin, covering six different countries in South America. Unfortunately, the Amazon River Dolphin is classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN Red List. Commercial fishing remains the primary threat to the species. The species is also severely affected by extreme drought due to climate change and water pollution from industrial mining.In this episode, I talk about the conservation of the Boto with Suzanne Smith, who is the founder of the Amazon River Dolphin Foundation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
After tigers and lions, the jaguar is the third largest species of wild felid and the only species of the Panthera genus (big cats) to be found in Americas. The current range of jaguars extends from southern USA, across Mexico and Central America to the Amazonian rainforest. In Central and South America, jaguars inhabit tropical rainforests, deciduous and cloud forests. In North America, however, jaguars have shown a preference for seasonally flooded wetlands and dry grasslands. The jaguar is currently listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List following a population decline of 20–25% in about 30 years. Moreover, the jaguar has lost more than half its range since 1999. While deforestation and habitat fragmentation continue to threaten the species, the illegal wildlife trade remains a more pressing issue. Following the Second World War, the international trade of jaguar skis blossomed, with reports of up to 15,000 jaguars being poached annually for the trade from the Brazillian Amazon alone. The international trade of jaguar skins has reportedly plummeted following the enactment of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 1973. However, poaching and the illegal trade of jaguars still occur on a local scale. Seizure reports indicate that a minimum of 857 jaguars were lost between 2012 and 2018 to the illegal wildlife trade in South America. In this episode, I speak to Melissa Arias, who has worked extensively to understand and tackle the illegal trade of jaguars. During her PhD at the University of Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Melissa, scientifically investigated the drives and prevalences of the illegal trade in jaguars in Latin America. Following her PhD, Melissa has worked with various prestigious wildlife organizations, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, CITES, and the Convention on Migratory Species. She currently is the Coordinator of WWF's Jaguar and Priority Landscape Project. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
Listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, The African Lion is one of the most threatened species in the world. The population of this regal carnivore has dropped drastically from over 200,000 individuals a century ago to approximately 24,000 today. Almost half of this population is found outside protected areas, often in human-dominated landscapes. Rampant habitat loss and fragmentation, coupled with a sharp decline in prey abundance across their range is a recipe for human-wildlife conflict. Lions are often persecuted in retaliation to livestock degradation by these big cats. This has unfortunate consequences for Africa's vultures which often prey on livestock carcasses poisoned by farmers, intending to murder problematic lions. Additionally, lions are increasingly falling victim to the illegal wildlife trade to meet the demand for wildlife products in China and Vietnam, following the clamp down on tiger poaching in Asia. More specifically in southern Africa, lions are often captured for the horrific canned lion industry. In this episode, I interview Alayne Oriol Cotterill, the CEO of Lion Landscapes, which is one of the leading organizations working towards lion conservation. We cover their various projects, such as their Ruaha Carnivore Program, Community Co-Op, and Collaring for Coexistence programs. We also talk about the “controversial” role of trophy hunting in wildlife conservation in Africa. If you enjoyed this podcast, do not forget to share and subscribe! You can also listen to The Think Wildlife Podcast on other platforms, such as YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
Andrew Lewin discusses the concerning news of fin whales being hunted in Iceland. Despite a reduced quota, up to 128 whales could be killed by the only company conducting whaling in Iceland. The episode delves into the implications of this practice and encourages listeners to take action to protect the ocean. Tune in to learn more about this pressing issue and find out how you can advocate for marine conservation. Link to Article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iceland-issues-license-for-128-fin-whales-to-be-hunted-this-year/ar-BB1o2aLW IWC Fin Whale Species Page: https://iwc.int/about-whales/whale-species/fin-whale Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube Iceland's decision to resume hunting fin whales with a quota of 128 whales for the 2024 season has sparked controversy and concern among marine conservationists and the public. The announcement by the Icelandic government to grant a license to hunt fin whales to a single company, Havlur, has raised questions about the conservation status of these majestic creatures. Fin whales, the second-largest whale species after the blue whale, play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They are vulnerable to human-induced threats such as commercial whaling, ship strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear. The global population of fin whales is considered vulnerable, with the Mediterranean subpopulation facing particular risks. The species is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to the severe depletion of their numbers during the industrial whaling period. Iceland's decision to resume commercial whaling of fin whales, along with Norway and Japan, goes against the commercial whaling ban imposed by the International Whaling Commission in the 1980s. Despite concerns about the humaneness of the hunting methods and the dwindling stocks of fin whales, Iceland has persisted in allowing commercial whaling to resume since 2006. The export of whale meat to Japan, a traditional practice in some countries, has faced declining demand, raising questions about the necessity and sustainability of hunting fin whales. The cultural arguments put forth by some countries to justify whaling practices are being challenged by scientific reports indicating a lack of significant demand for whale meat. The resumption of fin whale hunting in Iceland for the 2024 season has drawn international attention and criticism, with concerns about the impact on marine conservation efforts and the reputation of Iceland as a tourist destination. The decision to grant licenses to hunt these vulnerable species raises ethical and environmental concerns, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and action to protect marine wildlife and preserve the delicate balance of the ocean ecosystem. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a commercial ban on fin whales in the 1980s due to dwindling stocks. This decision was made in response to the severe depletion of fin whale populations globally during the industrial whaling period in the first half of the 20th century. The ban was a crucial step taken to protect the remaining population of fin whales, which was considered to be a small fraction of what it was before modern whaling practices. Iceland, which had left the IWC in 1992, later returned in 2002 with a reservation to the ban and allowed commercial whaling to resume in 2006. Along with Norway and Japan, Iceland is one of the few countries that continue to practice commercial whaling despite the ban imposed by the IWC. The country also sets annual quotas for hunting fin whales and minke whales in its waters. The decision to impose a commercial ban on fin whales by the IWC highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species from further depletion. The ban serves as a reminder of the impact of historical whaling practices on marine mammal populations and the necessity of international cooperation to ensure the sustainable management of whale populations. Whales, such as fin whales, play a crucial role in the ecosystem even after they die. When these large whales perish, their bodies sink to the ocean floor, providing a significant contribution to nutrient cycling. This process is essential for maintaining the health and balance of the marine ecosystem. The carcasses of fin whales, along with other large whale species like blue whales, act as a source of nutrients for various marine organisms. Their bodies support a complex food web by providing sustenance for deep-sea scavengers and organisms that feed on whale falls. This nutrient transfer from whale carcasses to the surrounding environment enhances biodiversity and supports the productivity of deep-sea ecosystems. Understanding the importance of whales in nutrient cycling highlights the critical role they play in marine ecosystems. Protecting these majestic creatures, such as fin whales, is not only vital for their survival but also for maintaining the health and functioning of the ocean environment as a whole. The conservation of whales is crucial to preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of ocean life.
Once upon a time, the Great Indian Bustard was close to becoming India's National Bird. However, the species is now considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, with less than 100 individuals remaining in the wild. The species is predominantly found in Rajasthan, though sightings do occur across the Deccan Plateau. Collisions with windmills, hunting of eggs by free-ranging dogs, and the loss of grassland habitat have decimated populations of the Great Indian Bustard. Unfortunately, the three remaining bustard species in India, have a similar storyline.In this episode, I interview Sujit Narwade, the Assistant Director of the Bombay Natural History Society to discuss bustard conservation in India. We predominantly focus on the conservation Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican, the two species which BNHS has extensively worked with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
One of the most charismatic species of the rainforests of south-east Asia is the orangutan. The orangutan is the only wild species of Great Ape found in Asia, with the remaining three, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos, found in Africa. Until 1996, the orangutan was considered one individual species. However, since then the species has been divided into three subspecies, which include the Borneon, Sumatran, and Tapanuli Orangutan. Historically, the orangutan's range spread across southeast Asia and south China. Now, the species is found in fragmented populations scattered across the Borneon and Sumatran rainforests. The species, unfortunately, is on the brink of extinction, with all three subspecies classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, driven by the rampant expansion of palm oil plantations, is the primary threat to these ecological engineers. The bushmeat trade also looms large on the species. In this episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, I interview Michelle Desilets, the Executive Director of the Orangutan Land Trust to discuss the future and conservation of the charismatic Great Ape. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
One of Asia's most elusive predators is the Clouded Leopard. Until 2006, the term clouded leopard referred to one ubiquitous species found across the Eastern Himalayas, mainland Southeast Asia, and the islands of Borneo and Sumatara. However, extensive genetic analysis of various populations revealed two sister species of clouded leopard. The first is the Mainland Clouded Leopard, distributed discontinuously across the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, South China, and South East Asia. The second species, the Sunda Clouded Leopard, is restricted to rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Physically, the latter has a darker and smaller cloud pattern than the former. Studies suggest that both species diverged relatively recently (in evolutionary terms), approximately 2-0.9 million years ago. This has been attributed to the submergence of the land bridge connecting the Sumatran and Bornean rainforests to mainland Asia, hence resulting in extreme geographic isolation and hence speciation. The population of both species has declined significantly below 10,000 individual adults. None of the subpopulations of the two species have more than 1,000 individuals. Consequently, both species have been considered “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species. Habitat fragmentation, due to unprecedented levels of deforestation, and commercial hunting for the illegal wildlife trade are the primary threats faced by clouded leopards.In this episode, I speak to Chrishen Gomez, a Ph.D. student at the University of Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. He is currently a part of WildCRU's Clouded Leopard Programme. Established in 2010, the program has since conducted long-term ecological studies on both species of clouded leopards across their range, with the aim of improving the species conservation. Tune in to learn more about Chrishen's and WildCRU's research on Clouded Leopards. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
Dugongs are amongst Asia's most charismatic marine mammals. The species is often referred to as "sea cows" as their diet predominantly consists of seagrass. The range of the dugongs is fragmented across the warm coastal waters of the western Pacific Ocean to the eastern coast of Africa. In India, their range extends across the Western and Southern coast and the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago. Unfortunately, dugongs are listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, with their global population declining more than 20% in the last 90 years. Traditional and industrial hunting of dugongs for their meat and oil led to the plummeting of sea cow populations. However, currently, the primary threats faced by dugongs are habitat loss and environmental degradation. Deep-sea mining, trawling, and land reclamation degrade seagrass meadows by increasing sedimentation and hence reducing exposure to light. Pollution, in the form of sewage, heavy metals waste, and herbicides further destroys seagrass meadows. While not quantified, industrial fishing is also a massive threat as dugongs regularly succumb as bycatch following entanglement in fishing nets.In this episode, Elrika D'Souza, one of India's leading marine biologists, elaborates on her dugong and seagrass conservation work at the Nature Conservation Foundation. Tune in to listen more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
Dr. Charles Foley is back again on the latest episode of "Worth Your Time," where he shares tales from his life of mammal watching and conservation efforts. Dr. Foley recounts a memorable trip to Tanzania under the stars in the Simanjiro Plains with Dr. Rob Shumaker involving local Maasai village game scouts, a freshly cooked goat, and a night of swapping ghost stories by a campfire, showcasing the profound human connection to storytelling and nature. Dr. Foley also explains his passion for mammal watching, explaining the challenges and nuances of observing nocturnal species. His adventures span the globe, from the Serengeti to remote Irian Jaya, each trip driven by the thrill of encountering rare and elusive mammals like the aardvark and the mysterious long-beaked echidna. These narratives are not just tales of travel and animal sightings but reflect a deep commitment to conservation and community involvement, highlighting how local actions can lead to global impacts. Join the global community of wildlife enthusiasts like Dr. Foley on Mammalwatching.com, where you can share and discover mammal watching tips and tales. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org
We swear this animal looks like a wizard. Swear. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Markhor_Schraubenziege_Capra_falconeri_Zoo_Augsburg-02.jpgThe markhor (Capra falconeri) /ˈmɑːrkɔːr/ is a large Capra (goat) species native to Central Asia, mainly within Pakistan, the Karakoram range, and the Himalayas. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened since 2015.[2]The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan, where it is also known (in English) as the “screw-horn” or screw-horned goat.[3] The word mārkhor (مارخور), meaning “snake-eater“, comes from both Urdu and classical Persian languages, referencing the ancient belief that the markhor would actively kill and consume snakes.[4] This regional myth is believed to stem from the “snake-like” form of the male markhor's horns, twisting and curling like a snake, possibly leading ancient peoples to associate them with snakes.
The Markhor is one of Central and South Asia's most charismatic mountain ungulates. The species is scattered across the Karakoram Range, Afghanistan, and the western Himalayas. The Markhor, often called the “Screw-horned Goat” is the national animal of Pakistan. In Persian and Pahto languages, the word “mārkhor” translates as "snake-eater" highlighting the ancient belief that the markhor would actively kill and consume snakes.The Markhor is currently listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN Red List. Across its range, hunting is the primary threat to the Markhor. In Pakistan, the Markhor falls victim to the lucrative trophy hunting business. Meanwhile, the hunting of markhor for bushmeat and traditional beliefs is still prevalent in Afghanistan and India, despite such practices being banned. In India, habitat loss and fragmentation due to climate change and livestock overgazing remain a major threat. LIke most mountain ungulates in the Himalayas, the markhor is not spared from the free-ranging dog menace in India.In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Tanushree Srivastava and I discuss Markhor conservation in Kashmir. Tanushree, who is one of the leading scientists researching Himalaya's ungulates, also spearheads Wildlife Trust of India's “ Kashmir Markhor Recovery Project”. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
Buglife's citizen science project, the Scottish Oil Beetle Hunt, needs your help. As part of the partnership programme, Species on the Edge, members of the public are asked to look out for these amazing beetles and record any sightings. Looking for the Scottish Oil Beetle Scottish records of oil beetles on iRecord more than doubled last year due to the combined effort of the Scottish Oil Beetle Hunt and surveying carried out by the Species on the Edge team. Survey work for Short-necked Oil Beetle in particular yielded over 100 records of individual beetles, with many new sites discovered for the species. The Black Oil Beetle was also confirmed from Scotland, following doubt about previous records due to issues with misidentification. In 2023, Short-necked Oil Beetle were found on Tiree for the first time by Ranger Hayley Douglas. Long thought to be present, this discovery is the latest new island site for the species, following on from populations found in North Uist in 2022, and Barra and Islay in 2021. Species on the Edge is an ambitious four-year programme for species recovery in Scotland that aims to take action for 37 declining and threatened species across Scotland's coasts and islands. It is a partnership programme of eight organisations, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The partnership consists of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife and RSPB Scotland. One of these threatened species is the Short-necked Oil Beetle, which has only been found in a handful of locations within Scotland - the Isles of Coll, Islay and Tiree (Inner Hebrides), as well as Uist and Barra (Outer Hebrides). Classed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species is at high risk of extinction and therefore it's imperative that we learn more about this amazing beetle to help improve its fortunes. Oil beetles are eye-catching, charismatic beetles that are so-called because they exude a yellowish oily substance from their leg joints when threatened. They have been described as looking like they're wearing an ill-fitting waistcoat; the 'waistcoat' being the short wing cases that do not fully cover the beetle's abdomen. Oil beetles are under threat. Populations have declined due to the loss of flower-rich habitats owing to changes in countryside management. As oil beetles are nest parasites of solitary bees, declines in populations of wild bees has worsened their fortunes further as they depend on them for survival. Scotland has fewer oil beetle records than both England and Wales, so it's possible that oil beetles are under recorded in Scotland. To get a better understanding of their current distribution in Scotland, it's important we keep a look at and hear about all sightings of oil beetles. Sally Morris, Buglife Conservation Officer, explains: "Last year was great for oil beetles in Scotland, but we're still far behind England and Wales for records - it's time we catch up! Have you ever seen a shiny black beetle that may be an oil beetle? Please send us a photo and help us to learn more about these amazing beetles within Scotland." Oil beetles have an amazing life cycle, intricately linked to that of solitary bees. After hatching, oil beetle larvae (known as triungulins) make their way onto a flower head where they lie in wait for a solitary bee. Using specialised hooks on their feet, they attach themselves to the back of a visiting female bee and when the bee returns to its underground nest, the triungulin disembarks and continues its development underground, eating through the bee's stores of pollen and nectar. Depending on species, they then emerge in the same or following year, as an adult oil beetle ready to start the life cycle all over again. There are five species of oil beetle in the UK, only three are found in Scotland, these are the Black Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus), Violet Oil Beetle (Meloe violaceus) and Shor...
With over three decades of conservation experience, Dr. Sanjay Molur, is one of India's leading wildlife biologists. He was a part of the team of scientists which formulated the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Since 1995, Dr. Molur has conducted the status assessments of over 10,000 (sub)species and ecosystems. He was amongst the earliest scientists to report frogs in the Western Ghats succumbing to the fatal chytrid fungus.Dr. Molur established the Journal of Threatened Taxa, the first international platinum open-access journal from India. He is also the founder and executive director of the Zoo Outreach Organization. As a recognition of his work, two species have been named after him. This includes the thomisid spider (Strigoplus moluri) and a freshwater fish Pethia sanjaymoluri, both endemic to parts of the Western Ghats. Tune into the episode as we discuss his illustrious conservation career. We also disseminate the IUCN Red List Criteria and the conservation of amphibians in India. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com
The Essential Oil Revolution –– Aromatherapy, DIY, and Healthy Living w/ Samantha Lee Wright
What You Will Learn: Frankincense essential oil is one of the most popular of all the essential oils to date. In fact, its multiple actions and its strong reputation for supporting wellness has earned it the nickname of the “King of Essential Oils.” Yet, you've probably noticed that there are various types of frankincense essential oils. To confuse the consumer even more, many suppliers tout their version is best. So, how do you decide which one is right for you? In this episode of the Essential Oil Revolution, we will explore some of the most popular frankincense (Boswellia) oils on the market. We will also discuss some basic actions and research about frankincense oil. This includes taking on the boswellic acid (BA) controversy! Here's an overview of what is discussed about Boswellia essential oils: The aromatic and spiritual properties associated with frankincense oil (2 min) The different frankincense species within their “Plant Family” (5 min) What causes variations in the constituents of frankincense species and why trusting your suppliers is important (6 min) The different types of frankincense species and their common countries of origin (7 min) The main compound that differentiates Boswellia sacra (B. sacra) from B. carterii (9 min) The wide-ranging benefits of B. serrata and B. frereana (12 min) How to choose which frankincense species may be best for you (13 min) Boswellic acids, are they in frankincense oils? (14 min) The sustainability of frankincense oil (19 min) The importance of varying our essential oils based on our body's changing needs and other factors (20 min) The bottom line on using frankincense essential oils (21 min) Additional resources (22 min) Referenced Blogs, Videos, and Information on Frankincense Oil: Decoding Frankincense Essential Oil Species: Your Go-To Solution to Alleviate Boswellia Oil Bafflement Decoding Frankincense Essential Oil Species: Your Go-To Solution to Alleviate Boswellia Oil Bafflement Part II The Take-Home Points on Choosing What Frankincense Oil to Use (Video, 2018) What's All the Fuss About with Different Species of Frankincense Anyway The Holy Oils of Frankincense (Species), Myrrh, and Spikenard (A brief overview) Additional Resources and Study Reviews on Frankincense Oil: Frankincense Essential Oil: Boswellia carterii (Aroma Web) Does Frankincense Oil Contain Boswellic Acid? (Tisserand Institute) Frankincense and Cancer (Tisserand Institute) Truth About Frankincense Oil Benefits for Cancer and Immunity (Natural Living Family, Dr. Z) 3 Frankincense Essential Oil Benefits: Healing for the Mind, Body, & Soul (Natural Living Family, Dr. Z.) Management of basal cell carcinoma of the skin using frankincense (Boswellia sacra) essential oil: A case report ( June 2013, OA Alternative Medicine 1(2), DOI:10.13172/2052-7845-1-2-656, Full PDF) Essential Oils and Sustainability: Aroma Web: Guide to Essential Oils and Sustainability The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains a helpful searchable database known as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Links to Learn More About My Offerings and Education on Essential Oils: My Essential Oils Community Membership My Resource Page My CEU Course for Practitioners on the Clinical Use of Essential Oils Access My Essential Oil Free Resources, Additional Podcast Appearances, Articles, and Courses on Essential Oils Stay Connected! Sign-up for My Weekly Newsletter Interested In a Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Consult? · I have a few spaces now for new clients! If You're in NY, Go Here. Want Suggestions on a Functional Medicine and Naturopathic Approach to Incorporating Essential Oils into Your Wellness Regime? · Go Here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Essential Oil Revolution –– Aromatherapy, DIY, and Healthy Living w/ Samantha Lee Wright
What You Will Learn: In this episode of the Essential Oil Revolution, I take a pause to reflect on what I've learned about essential oils both as a naturopathic doctor who has incorporated them in her practice for almost 20 years and as the host for the show over the last six months. After interviewing some of the top aromatherapists and naturopathic and functional medicine providers, I've changed my mind about a few things regarding essential oil. Still, I stand even more firmly behind others. Listen in on my insights. I hope they will help you get better outcomes and help you form a stronger appreciation when using your essential oils. Here's an overview of what you will learn: Why one may shift in their viewpoints of essential oils (1.30 min) How consumer use of essential oils may have some caveats to obtaining optimal results (2 min) Why one should respect the pioneers of the science of essential oils, distillation, clinical aromatherapy, and the history of aromatherapy (3 min) The various aromatherapy contributions of several of our guests that were highlighted on the show (4 min) Trainings in MLM companies vs. the different philosophies of essential oils from pioneers in the medicinal use of essential oils and clinical aromatherapists (5 min) The dangers of essential oils becoming a commodity vs. a therapeutic tool (6.30 min) The training of clinical aromatherapists and their personalized approaches to essential oils (8 min) How clinical aromatherapists can aid physicians and patients in the use of essential oils for those with medical conditions (10.30 min) The importance of spacing out medications with essential oils (11 min) The art, science, and safety of essential oils (11.30 min) Brand loyalty vs. using different brands and how I have gotten optimal results with combinations (15 min) Why considering sustainability is so important regarding essential oils (17 min) How consumerism is impacting sustainability of essential oils and how it dose not respect the power of essential oils and their potency (18 min) Understanding the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species categories to determine which oils to be mindful of regarding use and consumption (18.30 min) Final summary and safety resources (22 min) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We are feeling magical today, Herders! Why? Cause we're going to be talking about a Pink Fairy Armadillo and how cute they are. The pink fairy armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus) is the smallest species of armadillo (mammals of the families Chlamyphoridae and Dasypodidae, recognized by a bony armor shell), first described by Richard Harlan in 1825.[3] This solitary, desert-adapted animal is endemic to central Argentina and can be found inhabiting sandy plains, dunes, and scrubby grasslands.Pink fairy armadillos have small eyes, silky yellowish white fur, and a flexible dorsal shell that is attached to its body solely by a thin dorsal membrane. In addition, its spatula-shaped tail protrudes from a vertical plate at the blunt rear of its shell. This creature exhibits nocturnal and solitary habits and has a diet that is mainly composed of insects, worms, snails, and various plant parts.The conservation status for pink fairy armadillo is still uncertain, and it is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The decline in population for this species has generally been attributed to farming activities and predators including domestic dogs and cats.[4] Pink fairy armadillos are found less commonly than they were a few decades ago, and the field sightings have been rare and incidental.[5]Individuals caught in the wild had a tendency to die during or a couple days after transport from their natural habitat to captive facilities. There is a sole record for the longevity of a pink fairy armadillo that was held in captivity more than four years; however, that particular case lacks scientific description.[5] Armadillos' evolutionary distinctiveness, combined with their restricted geographic range, ongoing threats, and rarity, make conservation extremely urgent for these species.[3]
A couple weeks ago, I threw the Washington Post under the bus for failing to recognize that food journalism is — or should be — journalism. This week I throw myself under the bus for an article I wrote for InsideHook. Not because it fails as journalism — I'll let someone else make that claim. But because I think it misses the most relevant point about the story of Tequila sales in the USA in 2023. And I attempt to rectify that here, in this mea culpa episode of Agave Road Trip! Find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.comHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Agave Road Trip by becoming a member!Agave Road Trip is Powered by Simplecast.
Do you want to preserve the biodiversity of agaves? Or do you want to preserve agaves in the wild? Because those are two different things, often at odds with one another. And you can't have that conversation without talking about the reasons for the disappearing wild lands in Mexico. But that's exactly what the Washington Post did last week, when they concluded that the biodiversity of agave is disappearing because “[f]oreign mezcal drinkers have adopted a taste for the wildest, scarcest agaves.” I wish foreign drinkers had adopted a taste for the wildest, scarcest agaves. And Mexican drinkers, too. But instead we're all drinking spirits made from monoculture blue weber agave in Jalisco and soon-to-be-monoculture espadin in Oaxaca. And that's the problem the Washington Post should have covered. So we do it here, instead, in this set-the-record-straight episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Sergio Garnier of Mezcal Ultramundo, with supporting insights from Dr. Hector Ortiz, conservation scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Find extra photos and related links at agaveroadtrip.comHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Agave Road Trip by becoming a member!Agave Road Trip is Powered by Simplecast.
Welcome back to Herders to the episode of Bearcats!The binturong (Arctictis binturong) (/bɪnˈtjʊərɒŋ, ˈbɪntjʊrɒŋ/, bin-TURE-ong, BIN-ture-ong), also known as the bearcat is a viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia. It is uncommon in much of its range, and has been assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because of a declining population, that is estimated to have declined at least 30% since the mid-1980s.[2] The binturong is the only species in the genus Arctictis.
This week we go on a captivating journey into the world of bonobos, our enigmatic primate cousins, on this special episode of the All Creatures Podcast. Delve into the incredible world of these remarkable apes, exploring their behavior, significance in the animal kingdom, and the critical conservation efforts to protect these endangered species. Episode Highlights: Meet the Bonobos: A brief introduction to the bonobos, the lesser-known species of great apes closely related to chimpanzees, emphasizing their unique characteristics, social structures, and habitat in the lush forests of the Congo Basin. Behavioral Insights: Detailed exploration of bonobo behavior, their matriarchal society, complex communication, problem-solving abilities, and their intriguing conflict-resolution methods. Dive into their emotional intelligence and societal norms that differentiate them from other primates. Threats to Bonobo Survival: Addressing the significant challenges faced by bonobos, including habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Highlighting the factors contributing to their vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Conservation Efforts: Engaging discussions about various conservation initiatives and organizations working tirelessly to safeguard bonobos. Featuring interviews with leading primatologists, conservationists, and researchers actively involved in protecting these endangered apes. Highlighting successful conservation methods, community engagement, and the importance of preserving their habitat. The Role of Local Communities: Explore the critical role of local communities in bonobo conservation, emphasizing the significance of empowering and educating indigenous populations about the value of these primates and sustainable coexistence. Hope for the Future: Inspiring stories of successful conservation outcomes and positive strides in protecting bonobos. Discussing the potential for their recovery and the ongoing research contributing to a better understanding of their behavior and needs. How Listeners Can Help: Providing practical tips and suggestions for listeners to get involved in supporting bonobo conservation efforts, including donation opportunities, raising awareness, and advocating for policies that protect these remarkable apes. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Monarch butterflies are still in the middle of their story – and it's one that is precarious. Humans are still trying to figure out a lot about them, and aspects of the monarch story have been misrepresented over the years. Research: Monarch Joint Venture: https://monarchjointventure.org/ “Monarch Butterfly.” The National Wildlife Federation. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Monarch-Butterfly Sutherland, Douglas W.S. and Jean Adams, ed. “The Monarch Butterfly – Our National Insect.” Part of “Insect Potpourri: Adventures in Entomology.” CRC Press. 1992. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Danaus". Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Feb. 2018, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Danaus-Greek-mythology Kathleen S. Murphy. “Collecting Slave Traders: James Petiver, Natural History, and the British Slave Trade.” The William and Mary Quarterly, vol. 70, no. 4, 2013, pp. 637–70. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.5309/willmaryquar.70.4.0637 Müller-Wille, Staffan. "Carolus Linnaeus". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carolus-Linnaeus Stearns, Raymond Phineas. “James Petiver: Promoter of Natural Science, c.1663-1718.” American Antiquarian Society. October 1952. https://www.americanantiquarian.org/proceedings/44807240.pdf “Mark Catesby (1683 – 1749).” Catesby Commemorative Trust. 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20130906122250/http://www.catesbytrust.org/mark-catesby/ Smith-Rogers, Sheryl. “Maiden of the Monarchs.” TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE. March 2016. https://monarchjointventure.org/images/uploads/documents/legacy_monarch_catalina_trail_article.pdf Scott, Alec. “Where do you go, my lovelies?” University of Toronto Magazine. Aug. 24, 2015. https://magazine.utoronto.ca/campus/history/where-do-you-go-my-lovelies-norah-and-fred-urquhart-monarch-butterfly-migration/ Hannibal, Mary Ellen. “How you can help save the monarch butterfly -- and the planet.” TEDTalk. April 28, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvJTbegktKc Jarvis CE, Oswald PH. The collecting activities of James Cuninghame FRS on the voyage of Tuscan to China (Amoy) between 1697 and 1699. Notes Rec R Soc Lond. 2015 Jun 20;69(2):135–53. doi: 10.1098/rsnr.2014.0043. “The US Endangered Species Act.” World Wildlife Federation. https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/the-us-endangered-species-act#:~:text=Passed%20with%20bipartisan%20support%20in,a%20species%20should%20be%20protected. Associated Press. “Beloved monarch butterflies are now listed as endangered.” WBEZ Chicago. July 23, 2022. https://www.wbez.org/stories/beloved-monarch-butterflies-are-now-listed-as-endangered/0f3cf69b-8376-42eb-af0a-9e8b8b4ab6b3 Garland, Mark S., and Andrew K. Davis. “An Examination of Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) Autumn Migration in Coastal Virginia.” The American Midland Naturalist, vol. 147, no. 1, 2002, pp. 170–74. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3083045 “Natural History – Monarch Butterfly.” Center for Biological Diversity. https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/invertebrates/monarch_butterfly/natural_history.html Catesby, Mark. “A Monarch butterfly, with orchids.” C. 1722-6. Royal Collection Trust. https://www.rct.uk/collection/926050/a-monarch-butterfly-with-orchids Daly, Natasha. “Monarch butterflies are now an endangered species.” July 21, 2022. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/monarch-butterflies-are-now-an-endangered-species Walker, A., Oberhauser, K.S., Pelton, E.M., Pleasants, J.M. & Thogmartin, W.E. 2022. Danaus plexippus ssp. plexippus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T194052138A200522253. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T194052138A200522253.en Price, Michael. “Monarch miscalculation: Has a scientific error about the butterflies persisted for more than 40 years?” Science. Feb. 24, 2007. https://www.science.org/content/article/monarch-miscalculation-has-scientific-error-about-butterflies-persisted-more-40-years Jiang, Kevin. “Study sheds light on evolutionary origins and the genes central to migration.” UChicago News. Oct. 6, 2014. https://news.uchicago.edu/story/genetic-secrets-monarch-butterfly-revealed Borkin, Susan Sullivan. “Notes on Shifting Distribution Patterns and Survival of Immature Danaus Plexippus (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) on the Food Plant Asclepias Syriaca.” The Great Lakes Entymologist. Vol. 15, No. 3. Fall 1982. https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1437&context=tgle Cudmore, Rebecca. “SNAPSHOT: Monarchs with big, bright wings arrive in Mexico first.” ScienceLine. June 16, 2014. https://scienceline.org/2014/06/monarch-migration/ Brower, Lincoln P. “UNDERSTANDING AND MISUNDERSTANDING THE MIGRAnON OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY (NYMPHALIDAE) IN NORTH AMERICA: 1857-1995.” Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society. Vol. 49, No. 4, 1995. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/documents/Understanding_Monarch_Migration1995-Brower.pdf See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.