The Week in Conservation News for July 27, 2018

To kick off 2022 we travel to New Zealand and Australia to cover the world's smallest penguin. The Little Blue Penguin, or also called the Fairy Penguin or just Little Penguin, is as fascinating as it is cute. Sadly, the Little Blue Penguin's numbers are decreasing and are under incredible pressure. Penguins of all sizes are captivating but these Little Blue or Fairy Penguins will capture your hearts. They have carved out an important ecological niche down in our southern oceans and need our attention if they are to survive. Listen to this week's episode to learn how these flightless birds live and differ from their larger cousins.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Tammi 20221h 8min

We are excited to chat with scientist and all around conservation rock star Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Outside of her scientific career and advocacy for wildlife, Dr. Grant is also the host to PBS's latest podcast titled "Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant." You can learn more about her podcast and observations from the field by visiting the website HERE.  To learn more about Dr. Grant, from her website which you can access HERE it states: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist with an expertise in uncovering how human activity influences carnivore behavior and ecology. In particular, she focuses on the ecological and social drivers of human-carnivore conflict. Her current field system encompasses the central coast of California where she is studying the unique ecology of carnivores in coastal zones, as well as the role of protected areas in connectivity of high quality habitat for large carnivores. Her previous research questions surrounded the ecological drivers of human-carnivore conflict with grizzly bears in the Northern Great Plains, black bears in the Western Great Basin, African lions in rural Kenya and Tanzania, as well as grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. A native Californian, Dr. Wynn-Grant attributes her interest in wildlife and conservation from the television shows she watched as a child. She was introduced to the field of conservation biology as an undergraduate and is unapologetic about her passion for studying charismatic megafauna. Dr. Wynn-Grant serves on the Board of Directors for NatureBridge, where she largely aids the organizations in their equity, inclusion, and diversity strategies. Dr. Wynn-Grant received her B.S. in Environmental Studies from Emory University, her M.S. in Environmental Studies from Yale University, and her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Columbia University. She completed a Conservation Science Research and Teaching Postdoctoral fellowship with the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History. She is currently a Research Faculty member at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management leading carnivore research on the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve. She maintains a Research Fellow position with National Geographic Society focusing on carnivore conservation in partnership with the American Prairie Reserve and a Visiting Scientist position at the American Museum of Natural History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Joulu 202154min

As we continue to celebrate our holiday animals, this week we cover the elegant Snow Goose. A group of Snow Geese are actually known as an "avalanche" or "blizzard." In the early and mid-20th century, the Snow Goose and many other waterfowl were heading towards extinction in North America. With focused conservation, these birds have rebounded and are a species showcasing how conservation can and does work. Snow Geese are incredible birds that nest in the Arctic and winter in the southern reaches of North America. The Snow Goose also shows us these birds are much smarter than we give them credit for.  From us to you, we want to thank you for listening and supporting our podcast over the years. We hope everyone listening has a wonderful end to this trying and difficult 2021. We are looking forward to a better 2022!! Happy Holidays! Credit also to Love to Sing for their 12 Days of Christmas song  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Joulu 202157min

We welcome author Mark Hawthorne on the podcast to discuss everything about rabbits. We often do not realize just how much rabbits influence our daily lives. They are woven into so many of our own cultures and are actually living near many of us in most areas of the world. Mark shares his vast knowledge on rabbits, giving insights into their history, conservation, why they are considered pests in Australia, some of their folklore and so much more. Much of this is in his new book The Way of the Rabbit, which is a must read if you have the slightest interest in these special animals.  You can learn more about Mark Hawthorne by visiting his website HERE You can learn more about The Way of the Rabbit by visiting HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Joulu 202151min

One of nature's most crafty survivalist, the Snowshoe Hare, has evolved to change its coat to match its environment. White in the winter, and brown in the summer, Snowshoe Hairs blend in to avoid becoming a meal. Hares differ from rabbits in many ways, but as lagomorphs, they are some of natures most important animals. They serve a critical role in our complex ecosystem food webs. Many do not realize just how much these animals are in danger. In fact, many species of rabbits and hares are in trouble and populations are trending downwards. For the Snowshoe Hare, climate change is a real threat and is starting to have dire consequences. We cover this and much more with another amazing species with an amazing story to tell.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Joulu 20211h 8min

A species often forgotten about but captures the imagination of many is the Lynx. There are actually four species of Lynx, and this week we focus on the Eurasian Lynx. However, we do pay some attention to the endangered Iberian Lynx, who has made a remarkable comeback in Spain. The Eurasian Lynx has one of the largest ranges of any terrestrial animal. They stretch from Norway all across Siberia, then down into China and beyond. They have a special niche and are a critical predator for many biomes. In fact, Lynx is also playing another critical role in helping us understand better strategies for reintroducing predators to their environment. Another fun cat species to learn about and one to keep an eye on.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Joulu 20211h 5min

The Cape Seahorse, also called the Knysna Seahorse, is located off the southern African coast. Sadly, the Cape Seahorse is one of the most endangered species of seahorse found in the world. Off the coast of South Africa, they are located in three small estuaries and due to human activity are heading towards extinction. Fortunately, many organizations, with help from the South African government, are working hard to save these special creatures. Seahorses overall are just an awe inspiring species of fish. They just blew us with their physiology and life cycle. In fact, these by far are some of the most dedicated fathers you will find anywhere across all taxa. In fact, male seahorses "give birth" and with some other facts, make seahorses some of the most unique animals found on our planet.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Marras 20211h 10min

This week we travel back to Australia to cover one of their most beloved species and highly endangered Wombat. First, the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat is actually one of the most endangered mammals in the world. With only around 300 animals left, they are close to extinction. Wombats are marsupials and play such a critical role to the Australian environment as important herbivores. They also have some very surprising physiology and behaviors that held us in wonder. A fun fact is, a group of Wombats is also known as a "Wisdom of Wombats." Another fun species to learn about.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 Marras 20211h 14min