Podcasts about mammals

Thanks to Conner, Tim, Stella, Cillian, Eilee, PJ, and Morris for their suggestions this week! Further reading: Extinct Hippo-Like Creature Discovered Hidden in Museum: ‘Sheer Chance' The golden lion tamarin has very thin fingers and sometimes it’s rude: The golden lion tamarin also has a very long tail: The cotton-top tamarin [picture by Chensiyuan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153317160]: The pangolin is scaly: The pangolin can also be round: The East Siberia lemming [photo by Ansgar Walk – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52651170]: An early painting of a mammoth: Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. This week we're going to look at some mammals suggested by Conner, Tim, Stella, Cillian, Eilee, PJ, and Morris. Let's jump right in, because we have a lot of fascinating animals to learn about! We'll start with suggestions by Cillian and Eilee, who both suggested a monkey called the tamarin. Tamarins live in Central and South America and there are around 20 species, all of them quite small. Cillian specifically suggested the golden lion tamarin, an endangered species that lives in a single small part of Brazil. It has beautiful golden or orange fur that's longer around the face, like a lion's mane but extremely stylish. Its face is bare of fur and is gray or grayish-pink in color, with dark eyes and a serious expression like it's not sure where it left its wallet. It grows about 10 inches long, or 26 cm, not counting its extremely long tail. The golden lion tamarin spends most of its time in trees, where it eats fruit, flowers, and other plant material, along with eggs, tree frogs, insects, and other small animals. It has narrow hands and long fingers to help it reach into little tree hollows and crevices where insects are hiding, but if it can't reach an insect that way, it will use a twig or other tool to help. The golden lion tamarin lives in small family groups, usually a mated pair and their young children. A mother golden lion tamarin often has twins, sometimes triplets, and the other members of her family help take care of the babies. Because the golden lion tamarin is endangered, mainly due to habitat loss, zoos throughout the world have helped increase the number of babies born in captivity. When it's safe to release them into the wild, instead of only releasing the young tamarins, the entire family group is released together. Eilee suggested the cotton-top tamarin, which lives in one small part of Colombia. It's about the same size as the golden lion tamarin, but is more lightly built and has a somewhat shorter tail. It's mostly various shades of brown and tan with a dark gray face, but it also has long white hair on its head. Its hair sticks up and makes it look a little bit like those pictures of Einstein, if Einstein was a tiny little monkey. Like the golden lion tamarin, the cotton-top tamarin lives in small groups and eats both plant material and insects. It's also critically endangered due to habitat loss, and it's strictly protected these days. Next, both Tim and Stella suggested we learn about the pangolin. There are eight species known, which live in parts of Africa and Asia. The pangolin is a mammal, but it's covered in scales except for its belly and face. The scales are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up fingernails, hair, hooves, and other hard parts in mammals. When it's threatened, it rolls up into a ball with its tail over its face, and the sharp-edged, overlapping scales protect it from being bitten or clawed. It has a long, thick tail, short, strong legs with claws, a small head, and very small ears. Its muzzle is long with a nose pad at the end, it has a long sticky tongue, and it has no teeth. It's nocturnal and uses its big front claws to dig into termite mounds and ant colonies. It has poor vision but a good sense of smell. Some species of pangolin live in trees and spend the daytime sleeping in a hollow tree. Other species live on the ground and dig deep burrows to sleep in during the day. It's a solitary animal and just about the only time adult pangolins spend time together is when a pair comes together to mate. Sometimes two males fight over a female, and they do so by slapping each other with their big tails. Unfortunately for the pangolin, its scales make it sought after by humans for decoration. People also eat pangolins. Habitat loss is also making it tough for the pangolin. All species of pangolin in Asia are endangered or critically endangered, while all species of pangolins in Africa are vulnerable. Pangolins also don't do well in captivity so it's hard for zoos to help them. Next, Conner wants to learn about the lemming, a rodent that's related to muskrats and voles. Lots of people think they know one thing about the lemming, but that thing isn't true. We'll talk about it in a minute. The lemming grows up to 7 inches long, or 18 cm, and is a little round rodent with small ears, a short tail, short legs, and long fur that's brown and black in color. It eats plant material, and while it lives in really cold parts of the northern hemisphere, including Siberia, Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland, it doesn't hibernate. It just digs tunnels with cozy nesting burrows to warm up in, and finds food by digging tunnels in the snow. Lemmings reproduce quickly, which is a trait common among rodents, and if the population of lemmings gets too large in one area, some of the lemmings may migrate to find a new place to live. In the olden days people didn't understand lemming migration. Some people believed that lemmings traveled through the air in stormy weather and that's why a bunch of lemmings would suddenly appear out of nowhere sometimes. They'd just drop out of the sky. Other people were convinced that if there were too many lemmings, they'd all jump off a cliff and die on purpose, and that's why sometimes there'd be a lot of lemmings, and then suddenly one day not nearly as many lemmings. Many people still think that lemmings jump off cliffs, but this isn't actually true. They're cute little animals, but they're not dumb. Next, let's learn about two extinct animals, starting with PJ's suggestion, the woolly mammoth. We actually know a lot about the various species of mammoth because we have so many remains. Our own distant ancestors left cave paintings and carvings of mammoths, we have lots of fossilized remains, and we have lots of subfossil remains too. Because the mammoth lived so recently and sometimes in places where the climate hasn't changed all that much in the last 10,000 years, namely very cold parts of the world with deep layers of permafrost beneath the surface, sometimes mammoth remains are found that look extremely fresh. The woolly mammoth was closely related to the modern Asian elephant, but it was much bigger and covered with long fur. A big male woolly mammoth could stand well over 11 feet tall at the shoulder, or 3.5 meters, while females were a little smaller on average. It was well adapted to cold weather and had small ears, a short tail, a thick layer of fat under the skin, and an undercoat of soft, warm hair that was protected by longer guard hairs. It lived in the steppes of northern Europe, Asia, and North America, and like modern elephants it ate plants. It had long, curved tusks that could be over 13 feet long, or 4 meters, in a big male, and one of the things it used it tusks for was to sweep snow away from plants. The woolly mammoth went extinct at the end of the last ice age, around 11,000 years ago, although a small population remained on a remote island until only 4,000 years ago. Our last animal this week is Morris's suggestion, and it's actually not a single type of animal but a whole order. Desmostylians were big aquatic mammals, and the only known order of aquatic mammals that are completely extinct. When you think of aquatic mammals, you might think of whales, seals, and sea cows, or even hippos. Desmostylians didn't look like any of those animals, and they had features not found in any other animal. Desmostylians lived in shallow water off the Pacific coast, and fossils have been found in North America, southern Japan, parts of Russia, and other places. They first appear in the fossil record around 30 million years ago and disappear from the fossil record about 7 million years ago. They were fully aquatic animals that probably mostly ate kelp or sea grass, similar to modern sirenians, which include dugongs and manatees. Let's talk about Paleoparadoxia to find out roughly what Desmostylians looked and acted like. Paleoparadoxia grew about 7 feet long, or 2.15 meters, and had a robust skeleton. It had short legs, although the front legs were longer and its four toes were probably webbed to help it swim. It probably acted a lot like a sirenian, walking along the sea floor to find plants to eat. Its nostrils were on the top of its nose so it could take breaths at the surface more easily, and it had short tusks in its mouth, something like modern hippos. It may have looked a little like a hippo, but also a little like a dugong, and possibly a little like a walrus. One really strange thing about Desmostylians in general are their teeth. No other animals known have teeth like theirs. Their molars and premolars are incredibly tough and are made up of little enamel cylinders. The order's name actually means “bundle of columns,” referring to the teeth, and the bundles point upward so that the tops of the columns make up the tooth's chewing surface. Actually, chewing surface isn't the right term because Desmostylians probably didn't chew their food. Scientists think they pulled plants up by the roots using their teeth and tusks, then used suction to slurp up the plants and swallow them whole. We still don't know very much about Desmostylians. Scientists think they were outcompeted by sirenians, but we don't really know why they went extinct. We don't even know what they were most closely related to. They share some similarities with manatees and elephants, but those similarities may be due to convergent evolution. Then again, they might be related. Until we find more fossils, the mysteries will remain. You can find Strange Animals Podcast at strangeanimalspodcast.blubrry.net. That's blueberry without any E's. If you have questions, comments, corrections, or suggestions, email us at strangeanimalspodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

Karen Nickell revisits menopausal mammal, this time with brand new context: new research from Uganda's Ngogo chimpanzees shows some chimps experience menopause too. She explains what makes humans evolutionary outliers, unpacks the grandmother hypothesis, and explores why certain toothed whales (like orcas) stop reproducing yet continue to live for decades.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Ellen gives the Tasmanian devil his due. We discuss mythbusters, cranial real estate, the masculine urge to bite your fingers off, which came first: the chicken or the egg, dump stats, contagious cancer, and so much more. Works Cited:"Too hot for the devil? Did climate change cause the mid-Holocene extinction of the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii from mainland Australia?" - Shane D. Morris et al., Ecography, Dec 2021"Holocene Demographic Changes and the Emergence of Complex Societies in Prehistoric Australia" - Alan N. Williams et al., PLOS One, June 2015"Bite club: comparative bite force in big biting mammals and the prediction of predatory behaviour in fossil taxa" - Stephen Wroe, Colin McHenry & Jeffrey Thomason, Proc Biol Sci, March 2005"Saving our darling devils", Esme Mathis, Australian Geographic, January 2026Links:For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky! 

Ellen gives the Tasmanian devil his due. We discuss mythbusters, cranial real estate, the masculine urge to bite your fingers off, which came first: the chicken or the egg, dump stats, contagious cancer, and so much more. Works Cited:"Too hot for the devil? Did climate change cause the mid-Holocene extinction of the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii from mainland Australia?" - Shane D. Morris et al., Ecography, Dec 2021"Holocene Demographic Changes and the Emergence of Complex Societies in Prehistoric Australia" - Alan N. Williams et al., PLOS One, June 2015"Bite club: comparative bite force in big biting mammals and the prediction of predatory behaviour in fossil taxa" - Stephen Wroe, Colin McHenry & Jeffrey Thomason, Proc Biol Sci, March 2005"Saving our darling devils", Esme Mathis, Australian Geographic, January 2026Links:For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky! 

This week on Hysteria 51, we're tackling two stories that prove nature and sports both have a wildly unhinged sense of humor.First up: science says blocking reproduction may be linked to longer lifespans in mammals—with a large analysis across 117 species suggesting animals that were sterilized or given contraception lived about 10% longer on average. It's the ultimate “live long and prosper” headline… with a twist that'll make every mammal in the room cross its legs and reconsider its life choices. Then we pivot to baseball's most statistically improbable “sorry about your face” moment: the legendary tale of Phillies great Richie Ashburn, who once hit a foul ball that struck a fan—and then struck the same fan again during the same at-bat as she was being carried away. It's slapstick destiny, but with stadium seating. So if you like your weird news podcast with longevity science, evolutionary trade-offs, and a side of baseball history so absurd it sounds invented, hit play and let's get strange.Links & Resources

Today on Whats My Frame, I'm joined by Director, Writer, and Producer Stephanie Laing. Stephanie opens up about her creative process and how her dual perspective as both a producer and director strengthens her craft and career. She takes us behind the scenes of Palm Royale, sharing stories from set and what it was like collaborating with comedy legends Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett. Stephanie also walks us through the journey of bringing her upcoming feature, TOW to the screen. Full Bio:Sundance Alumni Stephanie Laing is an Emmy-winning director, writer, and producer. Laing recently wrapped production on feature film, Tow, under her newly launched Cake or Death Pictures. Tow, which Laing also directs, is the inspirational true story of Amanda Ogle, an unhoused Seattle woman who fought her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and the car that held it all together after receiving a tow bill for $21,634. Tow had its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival in the Spotlight Narrative film category, and was recently picked up by Roadside Attractions and Vertical for a 2026 theatrical release. Tow stars Rose Byrne as Ogle and currently holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Dominic Sessa, Octavia Spencer, Ariana DeBose, and Demi Lovato also star in the film.On the television side, Laing most recently directed 5 episodes on season two of Apple TV's Emmy-nominated series Palm Royale starring Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, Allison Janney, Laura Dern, and Ricky Martin, where she also serves as an Executive Producer. This follows her work on season one of the show, where she also directed multiple episodes. Additionally, Laing directed 3 episodes in season one of Apple TV's hit Jon Hamm series Your Friends and Neighbors, and she has directed 6 episodes for the upcoming season two, which she's also an Executive Producer on. Laing also directed 24 of 30 episodes and served as an Executive Producer on the Emmy-nominated series Physical starring Rose Byrne on Apple TV+. Prior to this, she was the series director of Jez Butterworth's Mammals starring Sally Hawkins and James Corden for Amazon Prime. A Sundance alumni, Laing's pilot Bootstrapped starring Sam Richardson was an official selection of Sundance in 2019. Laing's additional TV credits include HBO Max's Made For Love starring Billy Magnussen and Cristin Millioti, Love Life starring Anna Kendrick, and HBO's hit comedy series Veep which ran for seven seasons and won over 15 Primetime Emmy Awards. Up next in TV, Laing is directing the adaptation of Claire Vaye Watkins' I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness.Laing's feature film Family Squares, starring Henry Winkler, Judy Greer, June Squibb, Casey Wilson, Margo Martindale, and more, was released theatrically in February of 2022. Laing wrote, directed, and produced the film - her feature writing debut. Laing also directed the Netflix film Irreplaceable You starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kate McKinnon, and Christopher Walken.

Join our book club!  / lifeonbooks  Follow J. on Instagram!  / science_visuals  See more of her work here:https://www.scivisuals.com/Books mentioned in this episode:The Old Filth Trilogy by Jane Gardamhttps://amzn.to/49e4X2cYou Bright and Risen Angels by William Vollmannhttps://amzn.to/4a9mr0yhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780140...One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquezhttps://amzn.to/3MRQ0Kmhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780060...Stalingrad by Vasily Grossmanhttps://amzn.to/498NQgIhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781681...Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthyhttps://amzn.to/4qve3NUhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780679...The Invention of Nature by Andrew Wulfhttps://amzn.to/452Sig0The Rise and Reign of Mammals by Steve Brusattehttps://amzn.to/4prd4grThe Green Knight by Iris Murdochhttps://amzn.to/4qeGwHWHabibi by Craig Thompsonhttps://amzn.to/4powDWJJoin the Life on Books mailing list to stay up to date on all of our latest book giveaways, projects, and more!https://linktw.in/BRYAnVhWant to read one book from every country? Check out our resource online:https://linktw.in/ZeoltyWant to know my all time favorite books? Click the link below!https://bookshop.org/shop/lifeonbooksFollow me on Instagram:  / alifeonbooks  Follow Andy on Instagram  / metafictional.meathead  

India's coastal waters hold immense promise—and growing peril. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, host Anish Banerjee speaks with Oishinee Chakraborty from the Kuddle Life Foundation, a young organization redefining marine conservation in Pondicherry through science, community collaboration, and artificial reefs.Oishinee introduces listeners to the Foundation's origins—founded in 2020 by Punit Dhandhania and Hans Dhandhania, who transformed a small circle of ocean enthusiasts into a leading grassroots force for marine ecology and biodiversity conservation. With limited institutions working on ocean protection in southern India, Kuddle Life fills a critical gap by creating local, science-driven projects that link marine ecosystems, coastal livelihoods, and sustainable development.At the heart of their work lies the artificial reef program—a groundbreaking effort to restore degraded marine ecosystems and revive marine biodiversity. Oishinee explains that space is the ocean's most limiting factor, and artificial reefs—built using eco-friendly materials like concrete and steel—mimic the natural hard surfaces that corals, sponges, and fish larvae need to attach, grow, and form thriving underwater communities. These structures replicate some functions of natural coral reefs, acting as catalysts for marine biodiversity management and ecosystem recovery.The process of building an artificial reef begins with community engagement. Fisherfolk are invited to share local ecological knowledge and help identify suitable sites for reef deployment. Scientists then assess seabed topography, water quality, and existing biodiversity before designing reef modules—each over 500 kg and a meter tall. Local divers and fishermen help deploy the structures less than five kilometers offshore, making the effort both participatory and empowering.Monitoring continues for years, as reefs mature and attract a diversity of marine wildlife. In Pondicherry, Kuddle Life has recorded remarkable results: a 20% rise in dissolved oxygen, increased chlorophyll levels, and nearly a fourfold growth in fish abundance. For local fishers, incomes have doubled—from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per day—while fuel costs have halved because fishing now occurs closer to shore. These outcomes highlight how marine biodiversity conservation can drive both ecological and economic resilience.Globally, artificial reefs have become vital tools for restoring marine ecosystems damaged by climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Yet, as Oishinee reminds us, nothing can replace natural coral reefs. Artificial structures can only supplement lost habitat, not substitute for nature's complexity. Still, by reviving degraded areas and promoting sustainable fishing, these reefs help maintain ocean productivity in a warming world.Beyond reef restoration, the Kuddle Life Foundation runs educational and research programs across India. Through marine litter surveys, bycatch reduction initiatives, dive training, and youth internships, the foundation is building a generation of ocean stewards. Its unique for-profit dive center reinvests earnings into conservation, while volunteers support marine ecology projects both underwater and onshore—from data analysis to biodiversity monitoring.Oishinee also discusses the challenges of sustaining NGO work in India—funding barriers, bureaucratic delays, and the slow pace of conservation impact. Yet, she finds hope in the growing public interest in marine biodiversity, particularly when students and non-biologists approach her asking how they can help. That curiosity, she believes, is the first step toward lasting ocean change.This episode reveals how grassroots innovation, science, and compassion are reshaping marine biodiversity hotspots along India's coast—proving that ocean recovery begins not just beneath the waves, but within communities themselves.#artificialreefs #marineecology #marineecosystems #marinebiodiversity #marineconservation #marinewildlife #marinebiodiversityhotspot #marinebiodiversityconservation #biodiversityconservation #biodiversity #biodiversitymanagementAbout the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Nepal is home to some of the world's most iconic wildlife — from tigers, rhinos, and elephants to lesser-known species like pangolins and medicinal orchids. Yet behind its breathtaking biodiversity lies a complex struggle against wildlife poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Kumar Paudel, founder and director of Greenhood Nepal, one of the nation's leading conservation organizations working to combat wildlife crime and promote community conservation across the Himalayas.Kumar shares his inspiring journey from a childhood in the mountains of Nepal to leading national efforts in biodiversity conservation. Through his work with Greenhood Nepal, he has helped transform the country's conservation landscape — from early advocacy against poaching and corruption to the establishment of community-based monitoring networks and policy reform. Under his leadership, Nepal became the first nation to achieve zero poaching of rhinos, elephants, and tigers, an achievement rooted in strong enforcement, military protection, and deep community engagement.The conversation delves into the evolution of Nepal's conservation success. Kumar discusses how community intelligence and local anti-poaching networks have become vital in protecting wildlife across national parks and buffer zones. Yet, he warns that while attention often centers on charismatic megafauna like tigers and rhinos, smaller and lesser-known species such as pangolins, tortoises, and orchids face rising threats from illegal wildlife trade and unsustainable harvesting.Greenhood Nepal's work along the China–Nepal border provides critical insights into cross-border wildlife trade networks, revealing the motivations behind trafficking and empowering enforcement agencies through training, data sharing, and behavioral change campaigns. Kumar also highlights their pioneering research on orchid conservation, mapping over 500 native species — including more than 100 medicinally important orchids — and developing sustainable management plans that align with CITES compliance.The discussion also explores pangolin conservation, where Greenhood has led community outreach, identified priority habitats, and hosted Nepal's first Pangolin Conservation Roundtable, catalyzing national policy action. Kumar explains how the team's on-ground efforts — from habitat restoration to education and enforcement — have shaped the future of biodiversity management in Nepal.Beyond enforcement, Kumar reflects on the importance of compassion and understanding. His most memorable conservation experience came from visiting prisons and speaking with wildlife offenders, gaining firsthand insights into the socio-economic pressures that drive poaching and wildlife trade. His reflections underscore that sustainable conservation depends on addressing poverty, awareness, and opportunity — not just punishment.We also revisit Nepal's remarkable success in tiger conservation, where populations have nearly tripled between 2010 and 2022, and discuss emerging challenges such as human–wildlife conflict. As Nepal continues to balance conservation and development, Kumar calls for stronger investment in coexistence strategies, habitat restoration, and community-led solutions.This episode offers an in-depth look at the intertwined issues of wildlife crime, community conservation, and biodiversity preservation in one of the world's richest ecological regions. Tune in to learn how Nepal's story of resilience, innovation, and collaboration continues to inspire the global conservation movement.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#Nepal #tigers #elephants #rhino #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifecrime #poaching #wildlifepoaching #hunting #wildlifetrade #illegalwildlifetrade #conservation #biodiversity #biodiversityofNepal #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #orchids #orchidconservation #pangolins #communityconservation #communityengagement5 Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Learn of the pros and cons plus a whole lot more...Pet Health Cafe' is broadcast live at Thursdays 8PM ET and Music on W4HC Radio – Health Café Live (www.w4hc.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com).Pet Health Cafe' TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com). Pet Health Cafe' Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

With nearly 1500 species, bats account for more than twenty percent of mammalian species. The most successful and most diverse group of mammals, bats come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, from the tiny bumblebee bat to the giant golden-crowned flying fox. Some bats eat fruit and nectar; others eat frogs, scorpions, or fish. Vampire bats feed on blood. Bats are the only mammals that can fly; their fingers have elongated through evolution to become wings with a unique, super-flexible skin membrane stretched between them. Their robust immune system is one of the reasons for their extreme longevity. A tiny bat can live for forty years.Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, is passionate about deciphering the secrets of bats, including using AI to decipher their communication. In The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal (St. Martin's Press, 2025), he brings to vivid life these amazing creatures as well as the obsessive and sometimes eccentric people who study them–bat scientists. From muddy rainforests to star-covered night deserts, from guest houses in Thailand to museum drawers full of fossils in New York, this is an eye-opening and entertaining account of a mighty mammal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

With nearly 1500 species, bats account for more than twenty percent of mammalian species. The most successful and most diverse group of mammals, bats come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, from the tiny bumblebee bat to the giant golden-crowned flying fox. Some bats eat fruit and nectar; others eat frogs, scorpions, or fish. Vampire bats feed on blood. Bats are the only mammals that can fly; their fingers have elongated through evolution to become wings with a unique, super-flexible skin membrane stretched between them. Their robust immune system is one of the reasons for their extreme longevity. A tiny bat can live for forty years.Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, is passionate about deciphering the secrets of bats, including using AI to decipher their communication. In The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal (St. Martin's Press, 2025), he brings to vivid life these amazing creatures as well as the obsessive and sometimes eccentric people who study them–bat scientists. From muddy rainforests to star-covered night deserts, from guest houses in Thailand to museum drawers full of fossils in New York, this is an eye-opening and entertaining account of a mighty mammal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science

With nearly 1500 species, bats account for more than twenty percent of mammalian species. The most successful and most diverse group of mammals, bats come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, from the tiny bumblebee bat to the giant golden-crowned flying fox. Some bats eat fruit and nectar; others eat frogs, scorpions, or fish. Vampire bats feed on blood. Bats are the only mammals that can fly; their fingers have elongated through evolution to become wings with a unique, super-flexible skin membrane stretched between them. Their robust immune system is one of the reasons for their extreme longevity. A tiny bat can live for forty years.Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, is passionate about deciphering the secrets of bats, including using AI to decipher their communication. In The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal (St. Martin's Press, 2025), he brings to vivid life these amazing creatures as well as the obsessive and sometimes eccentric people who study them–bat scientists. From muddy rainforests to star-covered night deserts, from guest houses in Thailand to museum drawers full of fossils in New York, this is an eye-opening and entertaining account of a mighty mammal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With nearly 1500 species, bats account for more than twenty percent of mammalian species. The most successful and most diverse group of mammals, bats come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, from the tiny bumblebee bat to the giant golden-crowned flying fox. Some bats eat fruit and nectar; others eat frogs, scorpions, or fish. Vampire bats feed on blood. Bats are the only mammals that can fly; their fingers have elongated through evolution to become wings with a unique, super-flexible skin membrane stretched between them. Their robust immune system is one of the reasons for their extreme longevity. A tiny bat can live for forty years.Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, is passionate about deciphering the secrets of bats, including using AI to decipher their communication. In The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal (St. Martin's Press, 2025), he brings to vivid life these amazing creatures as well as the obsessive and sometimes eccentric people who study them–bat scientists. From muddy rainforests to star-covered night deserts, from guest houses in Thailand to museum drawers full of fossils in New York, this is an eye-opening and entertaining account of a mighty mammal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/animal-studies

As the global biodiversity crisis intensifies, the race is on to design financial systems that protect nature rather than destroy it. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Dr. Samuel Sinclair, co-founder of Biodiversify, unpacks the evolution of biodiversity credits, the limitations of the current biodiversity credit market, and the urgent need for credible biodiversity conservation finance. Based in the UK, Biodiversify works with global corporations, governments, and NGOs to make businesses truly nature positive—moving beyond carbon neutrality to measurable biodiversity net gain.Dr. Sinclair traces his path from fieldwork in Tanzania and anti-poaching initiatives with the African Wildlife Foundation to pioneering frameworks that help major brands like Kering, Primark, Tetra Pak, and Amazon integrate biodiversity management into corporate strategy. He explains why biodiversity credits have not scaled like carbon credits, emphasizing the lack of standardized metrics, corporate incentives, and clear biodiversity credit standards. For credits to be effective, he argues, they must directly address business risks—such as threats to commodity supply chains—and become tied to real ecological outcomes.The discussion delves into the emerging biodiversity finance landscape: from the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN). These frameworks are transforming how companies assess, report, and invest in biodiversity. Sinclair explains how Biodiversify helps clients navigate these systems, ensuring their corporate biodiversity credits and biodiversity net gain commitments align with global best practices.We explore the critical difference between nature credits and carbon credits, why biodiversity cannot be reduced to a single global metric, and how new biodiversity credit regulations could create markets that reward genuine ecological restoration. Sinclair also reflects on his field experiences across Africa, where conservation taught him that protecting ecosystems is as much about people as wildlife.This episode is a must-listen for conservation professionals, sustainability officers, and anyone curious about investing in biodiversity as the next frontier in environmental finance. Learn how corporate action, regulatory innovation, and on-the-ground conservation can merge to halt biodiversity loss and deliver a nature-positive future.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#biodiversity #biodiversitycredits #biodiversitycreditmarket #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypreservation #biodiversityhotspot #biodiversitynetgain #naturepositive #biodiversitycrisis #biodiversitymarkets #biodiversityfinance #investinginbiodiversity #biodiversityconservationfinance #biodiversitycreditstandards #corporatebiodiversitycredits #biodiversitycreditregulations #differencebetweennaturecreditsandcarboncredits Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Dawn Barbone–founder of Samadhi Wildlife, a nonprofit refuge in Ormond Beach that rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife native to Florida—explains that she hasn't merely loved animals since she was a child, but has also loved healing them since then. It's not uncommon in the animal welfare world to encounter someone who was that kid […] The post Dawn Barbone, founder of Samadhi Wildlife first appeared on Talking Animals.

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we travel to the frozen frontiers of the Arctic to uncover one of conservation's most inspiring success stories — the revival of the Arctic fox in Svalbard and Fennoscandia. Host Anish Banerjee is joined by Nina Elisabeth Eide from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), who shares her remarkable two-decade journey studying and protecting wild canids in one of the world's harshest environments.Once reduced to barely 40–60 individuals, the Arctic fox population in Scandinavia teetered on the edge of extinction due to overhunting, climate change, and competition with red foxes. Through dedicated efforts in wild canid conservation, the population has rebounded more than tenfold to nearly 600 foxes — a triumph made possible by scientific research, adaptive management, and international cooperation.Nina describes how her PhD work in Svalbard explored the ecology and spatial behaviour of Arctic foxes, revealing how these resilient predators adapt to shifting prey availability across coastal and inland tundra. She explains their extraordinary biological adaptations — from thick fur and fat reserves to metabolic slowdown — that allow them to endure months of Arctic winter without freezing even at –40°C.The discussion delves deep into the innovative conservation measures behind the Arctic fox's recovery:Supplemental feeding stations strategically placed near den sites to enhance pup survival and reproduction.Red fox control programmes that limit competition in critical Arctic habitats.A successful captive-breeding and reintroduction programme, which has released over 460 foxes into the wild, boosting eight distinct sub-populations across Norway, Sweden, and Finland.Long-term genetic monitoring, collecting nearly 800 DNA samples annually to track individuals, maintain genetic diversity, and assess the success of reintroduced foxes.Beyond the science, Nina reflects on the emotional highs of conservation — from the joy of releasing foxes into the wild to the collective sense of achievement when a once-critically endangered species begins to recover. Yet, she warns that ongoing threats like climate change, habitat fragmentation, and red fox expansion still pose challenges to the long-term survival of Arctic biodiversity.This episode offers a rare glimpse into the perseverance and ingenuity that define modern wildlife conservation. It highlights how collaboration between scientists, governments, and local communities can restore fragile ecosystems and preserve the delicate balance of Arctic biodiversity.Join us to learn about the ecology, behaviour, and conservation of one of the Arctic's most charismatic species — and what its recovery means for the broader effort to safeguard biodiversity hotspots under a changing climate.Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, conservation biologist, or simply someone inspired by stories of nature's resilience, this conversation captures the essence of why protecting wild canids like the Arctic fox is vital for the future of our planet's biodiversity and nature.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#ThinkWildlifePodcast #ArcticFoxes #WildCanids #FoxConservation #WildCanidConservation #SvalbardBiodiversity #ArcticBiodiversity #ArcticBiodiversityConservation #Biodiversity #BiodiversityConservation #BiodiversityHotspot #Ecology #Wildlife #Nature Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for a lively, curiosity-filled deep dive with author and researcher Cat Bohannon, whose award-winning book Eve reframes 200 million years of evolution through the female body. Cat brings her signature blend of science, storytelling, and humor to Talking Apes, guiding us through the missing pieces in our evolutionary story and the surprising role that female biology plays in shaping everything from mammal reproduction to primate societies.In this episode, we explore how scientific blind spots took hold, why female behavior and anatomy were overlooked for so long, and what happens when you return the female body to the center of the evolutionary narrative. From gynecology as the original technology to rethinking ape sociality and the hidden histories behind everyday traits, Cat illuminates a world that's been hiding in plain sight.Expect laughter, big ideas, and a refreshingly human conversation about what our bodies can teach us, and what we've missed by ignoring half the story. Watch the full episode on our Apes Like Us YouTube Channel, or listen on our website at talkingapes.org.More about Cat's work: https://www.catbohannon.comSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

1/8. The Deep History of North American Mammals and the Arrival of Human Predators — Dan Flores — Flores's book Wild New World examines North American fauna spanning 66 million years, detailing the evolutionary processes and intercontinental migration patterns that created the diverse Pliocene animal assemblage. Flores argues that Eurasian animals including deer and elk possessed significant adaptive advantages over indigenous species because they possessed millennia of evolutionary experience with humans functioning as apex predators. Flores emphasizes that humans emerged as a distinctive carnivorous mammalian species possessing unprecedented hunting capabilities, ultimately driving them across continents and oceans in search of prey.

While out tracking in the new snow the other day I came across some relatively small tracks, reminiscent of a Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) or Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), though small enough to be a Short-tailed Weasel (Mustela ermina). It took a second before I recognized them as Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) tracks. I have been encountering Southern Flying Squirrels in various ways for a few years, including tracks, scat, feeding sign, live sightings, and I even pet one once, but through all of this, I didn't know much about them. Hence, inspired by my recent tracking outing, I figured I would take some time to get to know the Southern Flying Squirrel a little better. Hopefully we can learn a little more together.To learn more : Mammal Tracks and Sign by Mark Elbroch and Casey McFarland. Stackpole Books, 2019.The Wild Mammals of Missouri 3rd Ed. by Charles W. Shwartz and Elizabeth R. Shwartz. University of Missouri Press, 2016.Mammals of Algonquin Provincial Park. The Friends of Algonquin Park, 2018. Climate change induced hybridization in flying squirrels by GARROWAY, BOWMAN, CASCADEN, HOLLOWAY, MAHAN, MALCOLM, STEELE, TURNER, WILSON. Global Change Biology, 2009.

The African savannas once echoed with herds of graceful antelopes—species perfectly adapted to life in some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. Among them, the Beisa oryx stands out as a symbol of resilience, yet today it faces growing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human expansion. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we explore the inspiring story of oryx conservation and rewilding efforts that are giving this striking desert antelope a second chance. Joining us on this episode is the Save Beissa Oryx Community Trust.Our guest shares insights into the ongoing work to restore beisa oryx populations across East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Ethiopia, and northern Tanzania, where community-led initiatives are transforming degraded landscapes into thriving habitats. Once driven to near-extinction in many parts of its range, the beisa oryx is now a beacon of what community conservation and science-based rewilding can achieve when local people, governments, and conservation organizations work together.The discussion delves into how rewilding oryxs serves as a powerful tool for biodiversity conservation, helping to restore the ecological balance of savanna ecosystems. By reintroducing oryxes into protected landscapes, conservationists are not only reviving a species but also revitalizing entire food webs that depend on large herbivores. The Beisa oryx, with its striking black-and-white facial markings and long, straight horns, plays a key role in shaping grassland dynamics, dispersing seeds, and maintaining healthy vegetation.Listeners will also learn how community conservation models are making this success possible. From the conservancies of northern Kenya to collaborative management zones across the Horn of Africa, local communities are leading the charge—monitoring wildlife, reducing poaching, and promoting coexistence with antelopes and other large mammals. By linking livelihood benefits to conservation outcomes, these programs are redefining what it means to protect wildlife in the 21st century.The episode also explores how rewilding efforts for the beisa oryx tie into larger continental and global biodiversity goals. As African nations implement ecosystem restoration targets under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, projects like oryx rewilding highlight the power of combining indigenous knowledge, modern ecological science, and grassroots participation. Beyond simply bringing back a species, rewilding aims to rebuild functional ecosystems where antelope species like the oryx can once again roam freely across their historical range.In this thought-provoking conversation, we discuss the challenges ahead: securing enough land for expanding populations, mitigating conflicts with livestock herders, and addressing the pressures of climate change. Yet, amid these challenges lies hope—the sight of newly reintroduced beisa oryxes galloping across restored savannas is proof that conservation can turn back the clock of extinction.Ultimately, this episode is a celebration of resilience—of the oryx, of the communities that protect it, and of the collective belief that conservation is not just about saving wildlife, but about sustaining the ecosystems and cultures that depend on them.Join us as we journey into the heart of oryx conservation, learning how science, storytelling, and community action are uniting to rewild Africa's landscapes. Discover how each reintroduced antelope represents a step toward restoring the continent's wild beauty—and a vision of coexistence where people and wildlife thrive together.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#antelope #oryx #oryxconservation #rewilding #rewildingoryxs #beisaoryx #beisaoryxrewilding #beisaoryxconservation #communityconservation #biodiversityconservation #conservation #wildlifeconservation #africanwildlife #ecosystemrestoration #rewildingafrica Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

No doubt many of you heard the recent news that “Wicked: For Good” star Jonathan Bailey was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. Okay... But what species would you select to be the most attractive small mammal in North Dakota?

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we explore one of India's most unique and little-known primates — the slender loris, a small nocturnal primate that thrives in the tree canopies of southern India and Sri Lanka. Joining us is Professor Kaberi Kar Gupta, visiting scientist at the Indian Institute of Science and founder of the Urban Slender Loris Project, who shares her decades-long journey from studying forest ecology to pioneering urban ecology and urban wildlife conservation in Bengaluru.Professor Gupta recounts her early fascination with nature, from growing up in the green outskirts of Kolkata to working in the forests of Tamil Nadu. Her research on primate ecology began in the forests of Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, where she studied slender loris behavior, home ranges, and mating systems, uncovering intricate details about their ecology and survival strategies. Over time, she turned her attention to how these primates adapt to city environments — leading to the creation of the Urban Slender Loris Project in Bengaluru, a groundbreaking citizen science initiative that brings together researchers, local communities, and volunteers to monitor and conserve these elusive nocturnal primates.The discussion dives into the urgent need for urban biodiversity conservation and biodiversity management in rapidly growing cities. Professor Gupta highlights how urban green spaces — once thriving with life — are vanishing under expanding infrastructure. Through the project, community members were trained to conduct night surveys, map loris habitats, and identify key trees and corridors that sustain these animals. Their collective effort revealed both the resilience of urban biodiversity and the fragility of these ecosystems under urban expansion.We also discuss the results of a recent study on public attitudes towards slender lorises in Bengaluru. The findings show that while urban residents often appreciate local wildlife, awareness about species like the slender loris remains limited. Cultural myths, once linked to black magic, are fading, but habitat destruction and lack of awareness continue to pose serious threats.Professor Gupta's reflections go beyond the science — touching on her personal experiences in wild Karnataka, encounters with wildlife traders during early conservation work, and moments of awe witnessing tigers and lorises in their natural habitats. Her message is clear: connecting people to nature within cities is essential for the future of conservation. As more people become urban dwellers, initiatives like the Urban Slender Loris Project show how science, community participation, and empathy for wildlife can coexist in even the most crowded environments.Whether you're a student of urban biology, a wildlife enthusiast, or a conservationist, this conversation offers a profound look into how small nocturnal primates like the slender loris can inspire a new model of biodiversity preservation in the heart of India's tech capital.Tune in to discover the story of the slender loris — the hidden primate of Bengaluru — and how local communities are shaping the future of urban wildlife conservation.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#urbanecology #urbanbiology #urbanbiodiversity #urbanwildlife #urbanwildlifeconservation #urbanbiodiversityconservation #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypreservation #slenderloris #loris #slenderlorisconservation #slenderlorisecology #primateecology #primates #primateconservation #wildkarnataka #conservation Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of BatChat, we explore the 50-year history of the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) and its vital role in bat conservation. I speak with CEO Lucy Rogers about her role with VWT, the organisation's founding by the Hon. Vincent Weir and its ongoing efforts to protect our rarest bat populations here in the UK. With Jenny O'Neil and Phil Morgan we discuss the importance of community involvement, collaboration with local bat groups, and the strategic initiatives that VWT is implementing to enhance bat habitats. This conversation reflects on past achievements while addressing current environmental challenges, emphasizing the commitment required to ensure that bat populations thrive for future generations.Impact Report & LHS Conservation Handbook are hereFancy volunteering for VWT? Find out how hereRead their latest news Sign up for the VWT Newsletter to receive newsletters with information and updates on the Trust's workCurrent projects such as Horseshoe's Heading East & Natur am Byth!Leaving a review helps other listeners find the show more easily and spread the good word about bats. Don't know how to leave a comment? Check out our simple instructions here.Support the showPlease leave us a review or star rating if your podcast app allows it because it helps us to reach a wider audience so that we can spread the word about how great bats are. How to write a podcast review (and why you should).Got a story to share with us? Please get in touch via comms@bats.org.ukBats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!

Hominins and feathered dinosaurs get all the publicity, but what even is a non-mammalian synapsid? They are some of the weirdest and coolest fossils in the fossil record, and they get almost no attention! Join Todd and Paul as they chat with paleontologist Matt McLain about these weird fossils. Do they really prove mammal evolution, or is there much more to the story? Find out on this episode of Let's Talk Creation!Episodes mentioned in this episodeEpisode 8Where is My Missing Link?https://youtu.be/KlHuBactLEEEpisode 42Why are Horse Fossils Important to Creationists?https://youtu.be/ZtDvd7mcAQgPlaylist of Paleoanthropologyhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOzn-NecEi8EQEPL-CsmVZRo--osOXXFfMaterials Mentioned in this EpisodeThe origin and evolution of mammalsTS Kemp https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-origin-and-evolution-of-mammals-9780198507611?cc=us&lang=en&von Baer, Karl Ernst. Über Entwickelungsgeschichte der Thiere. Beobachtung und reflexion. [On the Developmental History of the Animals. Observations and Reflections]. Königsberg: 1828. http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/28306Written in GermanBiography on von Baer.https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Ernst-Ritter-von-Baer-Edler-von-HuthornKemp, TS. 2009. Phylogenetic interrelationships and pattern of evolution of the therapsides: testing for polytomyhttps://www.tskempoxford.com/_files/ugd/0c689e_1b3b7fcb16b4447e848ad84a1362b1f6.pdf

High in the misty forests of North Bengal and Northeast India, a quiet conservation movement is unfolding around one of the world's most charismatic yet misunderstood mammals — the red panda. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, host Anish Banerjee speaks with young conservationist Aamir Khan Sohel, whose pioneering work bridges red panda conservation breeding, community-led conservation, and the power of science communication through his initiative, Translating Conservation.Aamir's journey began unconventionally — from engineering to ecology — driven by a desire to use technology to aid conservation. He recounts how he was drawn to the red panda, a species native to the Eastern Himalayas and an important indicator of ecosystem health. Through his project in Darjeeling, he studies red panda behavior, welfare, and reintroduction success within India's first red panda conservation breeding program, initiated at the Darjeeling Zoo in collaboration with the Government of India and international partners.The episode delves into the fascinating world of red panda conservation breeding — how scientists train captive individuals to survive in the wild, teaching them essential behaviors like foraging and predator avoidance before their release into protected areas such as Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks. Aamir explains the scientific and logistical hurdles in bridging captive and wild populations, the reasons behind long gaps between reintroductions, and how welfare-based behavioral studies are improving the outcomes of conservation breeding programs.Beyond the lab and breeding centers, the conversation explores the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation. Aamir's community-led conservation model empowers local residents to become long-term wildlife monitors by combining traditional knowledge with scientific training. These community guardians help track red panda populations across the mountainous terrain, offering valuable insights into how climate change, tourism, and habitat degradation affect this elusive species and the broader Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.He highlights the major threats facing red pandas — including biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, bamboo depletion, and the growing menace of feral dogs in high-altitude forests. Climate warming is altering microhabitats and pushing red pandas higher up the mountains, making long-term monitoring even more essential for conservation success.Aamir also introduces Translating Conservation, his innovative science outreach platform that breaks down complex ecological research into accessible content — from simplified articles to comics and animations — ensuring conservation knowledge reaches local communities and the general public. For Aamir, translating conservation is not just about communication but about inclusion — enabling everyone to participate in protecting India's rich biodiversity.From funding challenges to field hardships, his story reflects the persistence and creativity required to conserve one of the most threatened species of the Himalayas. His upcoming research, supported by the University of Adelaide, aims to expand this model of collaborative, community-based conservation across North Bengal and the broader Northeast India landscape.This episode offers a heartfelt and deeply insightful look at how science, empathy, and local stewardship come together to safeguard the red panda — a symbol of balance in fragile mountain ecosystems.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#redpanda #redpandaconservation #redpandaconservationbreeding #northbengal #northeastindia #translatingconservation #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversityhotspot #biodiversityloss Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Ishan Shanavas — a nature photographer, author, and founder of EcoInspire, an environmental education initiative that has already reached over 20,000 students across 70 schools in five Indian states. Through engaging storytelling, dynamic school sessions, and vivid wildlife photography, Ishan is helping shape how young people understand and appreciate biodiversity and the natural world.Growing up on road trips through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and studying at a school nestled in the forests of Andhra Pradesh, Ishan's early experiences surrounded by wildlife sparked his lifelong passion for conservation. His bestselling book The Lighter Wilder Things became the foundation for Mission EcoInspire, a project dedicated to promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness among students. Realizing that online conservation messages often remain confined to a small, like-minded audience, Ishan set out to bring these conversations directly into classrooms. His approach emphasizes the need for early biodiversity education and environmental education as essential tools to nurture empathy, understanding, and curiosity about wildlife and ecosystems.In the episode, Ishan discusses the origins of his conservation journey and the goals of EcoInspire. He reflects on the power of face-to-face interaction in conservation outreach and conservation education, sharing how simple, accessible communication can inspire students to take interest in biodiversity management and wildlife conservation. He explains how schools across cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Trivandrum, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Gulbarga have welcomed his sessions, with both teachers and students showing overwhelming enthusiasm. The program's success demonstrates that hands-on environmental engagement remains one of the most effective ways to build lasting connections with nature.Ishan also explores the role of social media in spreading environmental awareness. He highlights how platforms can amplify meaningful conservation stories when used responsibly, but also cautions against misinformation and sensationalism. He shares valuable advice for conservationists aiming to improve their communication — simplifying complex topics, avoiding technical jargon, and using creativity, humor, and visual storytelling to reach wider audiences. He mentions innovative communicators like Rohan Chakravarti (Green Humor) and the Dhole Project in Kerala, both of whom effectively use art and media to connect people with Indian biodiversity.The discussion underscores that conservation is not just about protecting species but about building emotional and cultural bridges between people and nature. Ishan's message is clear: the success of wildlife conservation and biodiversity management depends on reaching beyond scientific circles and inspiring collective action. Through EcoInspire, he is demonstrating how passionate individuals can make conservation accessible, engaging, and relevant to younger generations.By sharing his journey, Ishan shows that the heart of biodiversity conservation lies in empathy, education, and communication. Whether through a classroom presentation, a book, or a digital post, his work reminds us that protecting India's natural heritage requires inspiring the minds and hearts of those who will shape its future.Tune in to learn how one individual's commitment to conservation outreach and environmental education is inspiring thousands of young Indians to rediscover their connection with wildlife and work toward a sustainable future.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Prepare yourself for carnage and necks so overwhelming you may need to sit down.  — Support and sponsor this show! Venmo Tip Jar: @wellthatsinteresting Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wellthatsinterestingpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: @wtipod Threads: @wellthatsinterestingpod Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wti_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen on YouTube!! Oh, BTW. You're interesting. Email YOUR facts, stories, experiences... Nothing is too big or too small. I'll read it on the show: wellthatsinterestingpod@gmail.com WTI is a part of the Airwave Media podcast network! Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other incredible shows. Want to advertise your glorious product on WTI? Email me: wellthatsinterestingpod@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, a nonprofit watchdog organization dedicated to the proposition that we should make the world a better place with each cup of coffee. We uncover the hidden environmental and social costs of the global coffee industry — from deforestation and ecosystem degradation to human rights violations in coffee plantations in tropical landscapes around the world, with a focus on the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot!Once covered in dense tropical forests, the Western Ghats are now dominated by sprawling coffee plantations and monoculture plantations that have drastically altered the landscape. Our guest explores how the expansion of coffee production — driven by global demand — has replaced rich forest ecosystems with uniform monocultures, stripping away the region's ecological resilience. The shift from traditional shade-grown systems to sun-grown monocultures has disrupted soil health, eliminated natural canopy cover, and endangered pollinators, birds, and mammals that once thrived in these biodiversity-rich ecosystems.We dive deep into the link between coffee plantations and human–elephant conflict. As forest corridors shrink and elephants lose access to their migratory routes, they are forced into human settlements, resulting in tragic encounters that claim both human and animal lives. These conflicts reveal how unsustainable land use, habitat fragmentation, and poor biodiversity management intensify tensions between people and wildlife across the Western Ghats.The conversation also exposes the human dimension of the coffee industry — from exploitative labor practices to widespread human rights abuses. Behind the global demand for coffee lies a system where workers, many from marginalized communities, face poor wages, long working hours, and limited access to healthcare and education. These persistent human rights violations highlight how plantation economies, often celebrated for sustainability branding, continue to mask deep social inequities.Despite these challenges, the episode highlights pathways toward hope and reform through agroforestry and sustainable farming models. Traditional shade-grown coffee — where native trees coexist with coffee shrubs — demonstrates that economic production and biodiversity preservation can go hand in hand. Agroforestry practices support soil fertility, regulate microclimates, and restore ecological corridors, offering a viable alternative to monoculture plantations. They also provide co-benefits for farmers by diversifying income sources and improving resilience to climate change.Our guest calls for systemic change within global coffee supply chains — emphasizing ethical sourcing, fair trade, and transparency from farm to consumer. Protecting the biodiversity of the Western Ghats requires not only reforesting degraded lands but also addressing the social injustices embedded within plantation economies. Sustainable solutions must integrate ecological restoration with social equity, ensuring that conservation uplifts both people and nature.This episode challenges listeners to look beyond the aroma of their morning brew and consider its true cost. It's a deep dive into how the pursuit of profit in the coffee industry has reshaped tropical forests, threatened biodiversity, and violated human rights, and how agroforestry and community-driven conservation can chart a more ethical, sustainable future for both the planet and its people.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#coffee #coffeeplantations #monocultures #monocultureplantations #agroforestry #humanrights #humanrightsviolations #humanrightabuses #humanelephantconflict #deforestation #tropicalforests #westernghats #biodiversityhotspots #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypreservation #ecosystemdegradation Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

In this special HALLOWEEN EPISODE ⚡️ Julian and Trace wear out Kyle's lightning button ⚡️ and answer some SpoOOoOooOOOoky questions about ⚡️ dangerous animals ⚡️ vampires and in true Millennial fashion…⚡️ ⚡️ ⚡️ alcohol ⚡️QUESTIONSJulian: "If a vampire bit and fed off of a very drunk person, would the vampire then get drunk from the persons contaminated blood? If so, would this also work for other substances (like caffeine or THC)?" from KellyTrace: "What is the most dangerous animal to become sentient?" from MacksDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION

Across Asia, nearly one in three elephants lives in captivity—used in temples, tourism, logging, and religious festivals. In this powerful episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Canadian photographer and elephant conservation advocate Larry Laverty joins host Anish Banerjee to shed light on the suffering of captive elephants and the urgent need for elephant conservation across both Asia and Africa.Larry Laverty's remarkable journey began with his first book Power and Majesty, which documented the African elephant and exposed the brutal realities of the ivory trade and wildlife crime driving their decline. Traveling across ten African countries, he captured the spirit of wild elephants and the people striving to protect them. His second book, The Majestic Humanity and the Asian Elephant, turns the lens toward Asian elephants, revealing how centuries of human use—from temple elephants to those exploited in logging and tourism—have shaped their tragic fate.In this conversation, Larry explains how his camera became a tool of empathy and activism. Through conservation photography, he documents not just the beauty but the suffering of elephants—images that demand global attention to animal welfare, animal rights, and the moral questions surrounding captive elephants. He recalls heartbreaking encounters, including a baby elephant orphaned during illegal logging, and discusses the cruel realities behind elephant rides and festival processions.The discussion also highlights promising alternatives like robotic elephants being introduced in India's temples, offering a humane replacement for live elephants used in ceremonies. Larry shares how he personally contributed funds for one such robotic elephant, symbolizing a new era of compassionate conservation that honors culture without perpetuating animal abuses.The episode explores deeper cultural, ecological, and ethical contrasts between African and Asian elephant conservation. While African elephants remain largely wild, human-elephant relationships in Asia stretch back nearly 5,000 years, complicating efforts to end captivity. Larry emphasizes that saving elephants means reimagining this bond—through education, empathy, and stronger laws against illegal wildlife trade, ivory trafficking, and elephant poaching.He also discusses the potential for rewilding captive elephants, citing encouraging examples from Laos where rescued elephants are gradually returned to the wild. Yet, he warns that without stronger land protection and political will, true freedom for these elephants remains a distant dream.This episode is a tribute to elephants—creatures of immense intelligence and empathy—and to those fighting to protect them. It's also a call to listeners to act: avoid elephant rides, support ethical sanctuaries, advocate for animal welfare laws, and amplify the voices working to end exploitation.Larry Laverty's words remind us that elephant conservation is more than protecting a species—it's about redefining humanity's relationship with nature. By choosing empathy over entertainment and awareness over ignorance, we can help ensure that elephants, whether African or Asian, live the lives they were meant to—wild and free.Watch now to explore the untold stories behind captive elephants, the courage of photographers on the frontlines of conservation, and the hope that drives global efforts to protect these majestic beings.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#elephant #elephants #elephantconservation #africanelephant #africanelephantconservation #asianelephants #asianelephantconservation #captiveelephants #templeelephants #animalabuses #animalrights #animalwelfare #ivorytrade #illegalwildlifetrade #wildlifecrime #elephantpoaching #wildlifeconservation #conservation #biodiversity Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Investigations into more than 200 educators in Wisconsin suspected of sexual misconduct with students. Eric Von Fellow Maria Peralta-Arellano chats about her upcoming series about Milwaukee's urban agriculture scene. A new bat documentary, “The Invisible Mammal.”

India's growing population of free-ranging dogs has become one of the most complex and divisive conservation challenges of our time. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of animal welfare, public health, and biodiversity conservation with ecologist Arshyaan Shahid, who unpacks the ecological, legal, and ethical dilemmas surrounding India's 60 million stray dogs.The discussion begins with the recent Supreme Court order directing Delhi authorities to relocate all dogs into shelters—an unprecedented move that sparked national debate among animal rights, animal activism, and conservation communities. Arshyaan explains why the free-ranging dog population in India has exploded to over 60 million, how human-subsidized feeding, waste mismanagement, and lack of predators have allowed dog numbers to soar, and why sterilization alone cannot solve the crisis.We explore how dogs, once companions of humans, have transformed into powerful ecological disruptors. Free-ranging dogs now threaten over 80 wildlife species, including 31 listed as IUCN Red List threatened species. From attacking blackbuck, chital, and great Indian bustards to competing with jackals, hyenas, and vultures, their impact extends deep into India's biodiversity hotspots. Arshyaan discusses how dogs act as invasive wild canids, spreading diseases like rabies and parvovirus, hybridizing with wolves, and altering predator-prey dynamics.But this is not just an ecological crisis—it's also a public health crisis. India records over 3.7 million dog bites annually, with Delhi alone reporting 68,000 cases in 2024. With 36% of global rabies deaths occurring in India and over 20,000 human deaths each year, the connection between public health, urban ecology, and animal welfare has never been clearer.Arshyaan dissects why sterilization campaigns—despite their humanitarian intent—struggle to reach the 70–90% coverage required for meaningful control. He reveals the enormous financial burden of sterilizing 700,000 dogs in Delhi alone, the vacuum effect that replenishes removed populations, and the time lag before any measurable impact. He also highlights the ethical complexities of culling, the global backlash against mass euthanasia, and the moral dilemma between compassionate conservation and ecological necessity.The conversation moves to the Supreme Court's evolving position, from its controversial order to relocate dogs, to a more balanced capture–sterilize–vaccinate–release (CSVR) approach inspired by Dutch models. Yet, Delhi's limited infrastructure—shelters for barely 5% of its 800,000 dogs—makes large-scale implementation nearly impossible.Arshyaan and host Anish Banerjee examine the difficult trade-offs between animal rights and biodiversity loss, exploring whether mass shelters improve or worsen welfare, and why unmanaged urban ecology and waste management remain the root of the crisis. They also discuss responsible pet ownership, microchipping, strict anti-abandonment laws, and urban planning reforms that could finally bring India closer to sustainable biodiversity conservation.Finally, Arshyaan shares insights from his upcoming PhD research on mapping dog aggression hotspots and fostering collaboration between the public, policymakers, and animal welfare advocates to balance compassion with science-based conservation.This episode asks a difficult question—can India protect both its dogs and its wildlife without compromising public safety or compassion?About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#straydogs #dogs #dog #freerangingdogs #ecologicalcrisis #supremecourt #wildcanid #biodiversityloss #biodiversityconservation #biodiversityhotspot #publichealth #publichealthcrisis #rabies #urbanecology #animalwelfare #animalrights #animalactivism #compassionateconservation #conservationdilemmas #conservation Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

At one time, nearly 60 million bison roamed across the United States. By the late 1880s, that number had shrunk to fewer than a thousand. Thanks to conservation and recovery efforts, the bison population in the United States has now grown to around 500,000. Eddie Gaw of Lazy G Ranch in Cookeville is one of many working to help bring bison back; he now raises bison exclusively on his ranch.

Brian Davis, an associate professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, loves looking for small fossils. His research focuses on early mammals, particularly teeth, jaws, and skull parts. Brian's most recent discovery is a mammal fossil quarry in Cisco, Utah, part of the Morrison Formation dating back to the Jurassic period. The site has yielded small animal fossils, including some potentially significant early mammals that correlate with a nearby site in Fruita, CO. We discuss the complexities of fossil excavation, preservation, and the analysis process as well as the importance of student education.

Kirk Johnson—paleontologist, Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and onscreen narrator of “Walrus: Life on Thin Ice,” a documentary that airs Oct. 22 in the season premiere of the PBS series “Nature”—recalls a research opportunity as a grad student some 40 years ago, involving walruses. It was, he says in the […] The post Kirk Johnson, onscreen narrator of “Walrus: Life on Thin Ice” first appeared on Talking Animals.

Nigeria is home to 100 known species of bats—about a third of Africa's bat species—but scientists don't know much about them. Ecologists Iroro Tanshi and Benneth Obitte, collaborators and life partners, are trying to change that. In addition to studying and protecting the bats of their homeland, they're also working to raise up a whole network of bat scientists across West Africa. Host Flora Lichtman talks with them about how they started their work, what they've learned, and how they're paving the way for other bat conservationists. Guests:Dr. Iroro Tanshi is an ecologist at the University of Washington and cofounder of the Small Mammal Conservation Organization.Dr. Benneth Obitte is a conservation ecologist at Texas Tech University and cofounder of the Small Mammal Conservation Organization.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.  Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Welcome to Episode #159 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr Felix Marx, palaeontologist, biologist and curator at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa! He explains why reptiles lay eggs and mammals don't.

These incredibly unique and cute cetaceans are quickly vanishing before our very eyes. Within the past decade, going from several hundred to less than 25 left. These creatures serve as a reminder of what happens when we don't take care of a species.

Today, the Safari heads out to Escondido, CA, to the world famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I sit down with Marco, one of the two ambassadors of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. We talk about his unique path to his career, how a background in training led to an office job that usually keeps him out of the office, why birds are his first love, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: @zoologymarco on socials @sandiegozoo on socials @sdzsafaripark on socials sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod

Carl Wright never intended to make a garden when he bought an old cottage in The Burren. Had he known he'd become smitten with plants he wouldn't have chosen to live in an area famous for it's limestone rock covered by a thin layer of soil. But after importing hundreds of tons of topsoil over 25 years he has created a garden like no other. It's a space that sensitively fits into its unique surroundings and is full of valuable lessons for those wanting to bring an old overgrown garden back from the brink. Also on the programme, Adam Frost chooses cotinus ‘Grace' as his shrub of the month. Garden wildlife expert Katy Bell brings in her skull collection and chats about mammals to look out for in the garden during autumn. Rosie Maye joins David in studio to answer listeners' questions and bring some seasonal gardening inspiration. Email the programme at gardenerscorner@bbc.co.uk

learn words and phrases for different mammals

Little Brown Bats are facing a disease that is pushing them to extinction. Filmmaker Kristin Tièche followed a group of female scientists working to save brown bats, in her new documentary "The Invisible Mammal." 

On today's show a musician from Walnut Creek makes it to the quarter finals on "America's Got Talent." Then, "Misfit Cabaret" celebrates 10 years of out-of-the-box fun on stage. And we look back at a documentary about women scientists trying to save little brown bats from extinction.

The Mammals (Ruth Ungar and Mike Merenda, who also have a project called Mike & Ruthy) are a band from the Woodstock area with deep roots in the folk scene and traditions of the area, have worked with Arlo Guthrie, and Pete Seeger (amongst others), are critically acclaimed by LA Times, No Depression, NPR, PopMatters, and run the roots music festival called The Hoot. We talk with them about gratitude for the ability to create art and music, having faith in the low moments, being links in the (musical) chain, square dancing, and a whole lot more.Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here.Links:The MammalsThe HootThe Ashokan CenterArlo GuthrieUtah PhillipsAni DifrancoWoody GuthrieEric WardWestern State CenterKen Burns Civil WarJay UngarDaniel QuinnClick here to watch this conversation on YouTube.Social Media:The Other 22 Hours InstagramThe Other 22 Hours TikTokMichaela Anne InstagramAaron Shafer-Haiss InstagramAll music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more.

On episode 342, Sabrina shares some discoveries from being a Pluto-based practitioner for more than a decade & the discovery of landing deeper into the human, the body, the mammalian reality - like at once we are souls on a multi-lifetime journey and we're also mammals. So how do esoteric, subtly sensitive people land more in a way that genuinely resonates and moves them?go deeper:Free Pluto course: https://www.sabrinamonarch.com/pluto-mini-courseThe Lunar Mysteries of Creation talk: https://www.sabrinamonarch.com/the-lunar-mysteries-of-creation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest episode of Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast features a conversation with Kirsten Donald, a marine mammal biologist, educator, and ocean advocate with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, California. This renowned rescue center responds to whales and dolphins in distress while rehabilitating and releasing hundreds of sick and injured seals and sea lions each year.Before joining the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Kirsten spent 18 years at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys, where she also co-founded and directed the College of Marine Mammal Professions.Learn about the current state of marine mammals, the impacts of climate change, and challenges facing gray whales. Kirsten shares memorable release stories—including a group of sea lion pups who checked in on each other before re-entering the ocean—and discusses why now is the time to strengthen, not weaken, marine mammal protection.** Links & Resources **Pacific Marine Mammal CenterIt's Time To Save The Whales AgainBlue Frontier: Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Blue Frontier on SubstackInland Ocean Coalition: Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios: Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

Learn More About Our Upcoming Live Shows! In this episode, Jethro dives face-first into one of the most perplexing murder investigations in modern history—complete with bizarre circumstances, inexplicable evidence, and a twist so jaw-dropping it left seasoned detectives cross-eyed. It's a true crime story that starts strange and somehow gets stranger. Meanwhile, Kat digs up the mystery of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna—a creature that sounds like it was designed by a committee of science fiction writers and hallucinating zoologists. It has a beak. It lays eggs. It's covered in spines. And it hasn't been officially spotted since 1961. Is it extinct, mythical… or just extremely introverted? It's true crime meets cryptid chic in a brand new episode of The Box of Oddities—where the inexplicable isn't a bug, it's the main feature. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Shagged, Married, Annoyed - Chris and Rosie run down the fifteen (apparently!) most unattractive ‘hobbies' . Stay tuned to find out how Brazilian jiu-jitsu ranks on the list. There has also been trampoline chaos, boomer run-ins and Rosie got caught red-handed on her iPad…  QFTPs include a very threatening legal letter, a mysterious stain and one of our favourite kinds of email… a midwife story!  One of our sponsors is giving away a £100 gift voucher. All you have to do is click this ⁠⁠link ⁠⁠and fill in a short questionnaire to be in with a chance to win! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices