Episode 249: Born Free USA Dr. Liz Tyson

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

Skunks invoke fear in many animals, to include many people. This is not due to their obviously adorable looks, but all because of their deadly stink. Skunks have evolved a biological weapon that scares even the most ferocious predator. Their obnoxious stink comes from a highly accurate spray emitted from their anal glands. They are quite accurate with their aim, with a reach of nearly 10 feet (3 meters). The smell is so horrendous that most predators avoid them at all costs. In fact, skunks are rarely preyed upon by other mammals. There are so many more fun facts about these black and white stinkers that this week's podcast is well worth a listen.  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

10 Marras 20211h 7min

Dr. John Vucetich is a professor and scientist at Michigan Tech University. For the past few decades Dr. Vucetich has studied wolf and moose interactions on one of the world's most unique biomes, Isle Royale in the United States. Isle Royale is a very unique biome as it is mainly isolated from the mainland of North America. It also offers many unique scientific perspectives on wolf/moose interactions and their impact on the environment. Dr. Vucetich also discusses his latest book Restoring the Balance: What Wolves Tell Us About Our Relationship With Nature, which highlights much of his work. This week's podcast is a fascinating insight into the life of a field scientist studying the lives of wolves and moose on Isle Royale.  You can learn more about Dr. John Vucetich HERE You can learn more about his book HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 Marras 20211h 7min

One of the many incredible and unique birds of New Guinea is the Dracula Parrot. This unique psittacine (sit-a-scene) or  "parrot" is the only one left alive in its family. In fact, the Dracula Parrot is heading towards extinction as it is sought for its feathers and is losing its pristine habitat. The Dracula Parrot does not have a fearsome reputation as it name might suggest. Rather, it is a frugivore that is a fig specialist. They are highly selective and usually feed on a few fig species, making them very important for their ecological niche. Parrots are also some of the most highly intelligent animals on our planet. They are amazing birds and very worth learning more 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

27 Loka 20211h 11min

The Aye Aye is one of the world's most misunderstood and endangered primates. Native to Madagascar, Aye Ayes have been targeted and killed by locals due to superstitions. Coupled with massive loss of habitat and other pressures, this species is on a beeline towards extinction.  The Aye Aye is also one of the world's most unique primates and has radical physiology compared to other primates. Sadly, Madagascar has had a horrific year with not only the covid pandemic, but is experiencing one of the worst famines in their modern times. Thankfully, conservationists from around the globe and within Madagascar are responding in a fight to save species like the Aye Aye.  This unique animal has so much to teach us and deserves our attention and help.  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

20 Loka 20211h 5min

When you think of your typical songbird, you probably imagine a cute small bird fluttering about. Singing their songs and maybe catching a few insects here and there. Well, the Loggerhead Shrike has something to teach you. Not all songbirds are innocent. The Loggerhead Shrike is often called a "butcher bird" for its unique diet and behaviors. See the Loggerhead Shrike hunts all sorts of prey, small reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals and even other birds. Then, when they catch their prey, they like to fly and spike it on a twig, fence, or anything that will hold their food. Sometimes they let their food spiked for days before they eat it. This cute bird has astounded the scientific and bird watching community for years, and is one you want to learn more 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

13 Loka 20211h 3min