Episode 308: Spix's Macaw Coming Back

Angie engages in a conversation with Alice Stroud, the Director of Global Conservation Programs at Born Free USA, about the organization's international mission to save threatened species, specifically focusing on frogs. Alice shares insights on the significance of frogs in the ecosystem, their current population threats, and Born Free's active programs addressing wildlife trafficking and poaching. The discussion also highlights the importance of local and international collaboration in conservation, as well as specific successes and challenges faced by the organization. This episode emphasizes the ecological impact of frogs and provides practical steps listeners can take to contribute to conservation efforts. You can learn more about Born Free USA HERE  Podcast Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:08 Meet Alice Stroud: Director of Global Conservation Programs 00:31 Highlighting the Plight of Frogs 01:51 Alice's Journey into Conservation 03:42 The Importance of Diverse Skill Sets in Conservation 10:13 Born Free USA: Mission and History 13:47 International Conservation Campaigns 23:39 The Extinction Crisis and Amphibians 27:25 Threats to West African Frogs 31:52 Advocating for Wildlife Conservation 32:17 Enforcement Support and Training 33:39 Challenges and Rewards in Conservation 35:27 Community Involvement and Education 39:28 Global Impact of Wildlife Trafficking 43:03 Navigating Conservation Challenges 52:06 Supporting Conservation Efforts 59:02 Final Thoughts and Call to Action ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Loka 20241h 5min

Brining back this older episode, a charismatic bird, Hummingbirds are unique animals native to the Americas. These fast fliers have incredible physiological adaptations that give them the ability to conduct their aerial acrobatics. Sadly, over 10% of all Hummingbird species are threatened with extinction. You can learn more on our website HERE ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Syys 20241h 9min

Chris welcomes Harry Borman, author of 'New Zealand's Biggest Year.' Harry shares his incredible journey of birdwatching in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to break records and explore the country's unique bird life. Discover the challenges, thrills, and community spirit that define birdwatching, as Harry reveals tales of rare bird sightings, unexpected adventures, and the benefits of birdwatching for mental health. The episode also touches on Harry's competition with fellow birder Dave Howes and his collaborative book-writing process with his mother, Felicity Boorman. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, this episode offers inspiration and valuable insights into the world of birdwatching. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:53 Harry's Journey to New Zealand 03:21 The Birdwatching Bug 04:48 Gamification and Benefits of Birdwatching 11:31 The Big Year Challenge 17:29 COVID-19 and Birdwatching Adventures 28:43 Casual Birder vs. Die-Hard Birder 29:51 Birdwatching During Lockdown 31:20 Local Birding Adventures 34:02 Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement 36:26 The Big Year Challenge 38:32 Sub-Antarctic and Chatham Islands Expeditions 50:07 Birdwatching Equipment and Tips 51:14 Future Birding Plans and Reflections 52:24 Favorite Bird Sightings and Final Thoughts ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 Syys 20241h 3min

One of our earliest episodes that just blew our minds. These rodents from Africa have some of the most incredible physiology & sociology of any species we have ever covered!! A really fun episode and worth the listen. ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Syys 20241h 13min

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of the hyrax, an obscure but incredibly unique mammal often mistaken for a rodent. Fueled by a recent interview with renowned zoologist Dr. Eric Kirschenbaum, we explore the hyrax's complex songs, unique physiological traits, and surprising evolutionary history. Discover how these small, furry creatures are closely related to elephants and manatees, their peculiar thermoregulation challenges, and their communal living habits. The episode also touches on conservation efforts to protect these evolutionary marvels in their natural habitats. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Creatures Podcast 00:05 Discovering the Hyrax: An Obscure Species 01:27 Fascinating Facts About Hyraxes 02:16 Hyrax Evolution and Relatives 03:36 Supporting the Podcast and Dr. Kirshenbaum's Work 05:24 Describing the Hyrax 08:17 Hyrax Habitat and Range 10:08 Why Hyraxes Matter 13:59 Research Stories and Conservation Efforts 15:56 Elephant Research and Personal Stories 22:43 Elephant and Manatee Reproductive Studies 29:55 Hyrax Evolutionary History 37:36 The Miocene Era and Bovid Displacement 38:52 Primitive Traits and Lifespan of Hyraxes 39:48 Hyrax Physiology and Thermoregulation 43:00 Adaptations for Rock and Tree Life 45:15 Unique Dental and Digestive Systems 51:33 Social Structure and Communal Living 54:58 Vocalizations and Songs of Hyraxes 01:03:56 Reproductive Anatomy and Behavior 01:13:34 Conservation and Final Thoughts ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 Syys 20241h 21min

Another return to a classic, the Axolotl!! YOU WANT to know about this special little creature. One of our first 100 episodes, we covered this species and are still mind blown about their incredible physiology! One of nature’s most amazing creatures, the Axolotl, has the ability to regenerate lost limbs and other body tissues. Sadly, these amphibians are almost extinct in the wild, and scientists are racing to discover its secrets, secrets that could benefit humans and other species. ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Syys 20241h 1min

In this episode, we delve into the unique and incredible world of the Baikal seal, the only exclusively freshwater seal in the world. We explore the seal's remarkable physiology, adaptations, and its exclusive habitat in Lake Baikal, Siberia. Our discussion covers the seal's evolutionary history, behavior, diet, and conservation status, along with highlighting the importance of freshwater conservation. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Baikal Seal 00:45 Unique Features of the Baikal Seal 02:51 Conservation and Listener Shoutouts 04:33 Physical Description and Adaptations 10:01 Lake Baikal: The Seal's Unique Habitat 17:50 Freshwater Conservation Challenges 24:08 Seal Classification and Related Species 27:45 Exploring Seal Population Dynamics 28:12 Evolutionary Journey of Seals 29:09 Theories on Baikal Seal Migration 34:01 Adaptations of Baikal Seals 36:05 Diving and Hunting Techniques 42:35 Seasonal Movements and Behavior 47:55 Reproduction and Pups 54:03 Conservation Challenges and Efforts 01:00:00 Final Thoughts and Future Topics ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 Syys 20241h 5min

Angie talks with Dr. Arik Kershenbaum, a renowned zoologist and lecturer at the University of Cambridge, about the fascinating topic of animal communication. They explore the insights from his new book, 'Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication,' discussing why and how animals communicate, the complexity of their signals, and whether animals have language. Dr. Kirschenbaum shares his field experiences, his inspirations, and the importance of understanding animal communication for conservation efforts. They also touch upon Dr. Kirschenbaum's previous book, 'The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy,' which applies principles of evolution to theorize about life on other planets. The episode offers an engaging blend of scientific knowledge and storytelling.  You can learn more about Why Animals Talk HERE You can learn more about Dr. Kershenbaum HERE Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to Animal Communication 00:11 Meet Dr. Arik Kirschenbaum 01:02 Diving into 'Why Animals Talk' 01:44 The Journey to Becoming a Zoologist 03:11 Exploring Animal Behavior and Communication 05:05 The Importance of Popular Science Writing 08:49 Understanding Animal Communication 11:27 The Role of Sound in Animal Language 15:28 Syntax and Animal Communication 19:03 Field Work and Memorable Experiences 23:29 Empathy and Communication in Animals 23:59 Evolutionary Roots of Human Language 24:44 Complex Social Interactions and Communication 26:39 Animal Communication and Conservation 28:43 Field Research and Conservation Challenges 30:03 The Importance of Disseminating Research 31:02 Respecting Animal Sophistication 35:04 Anthropomorphism and Evolutionary Behavior 36:31 The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy 39:33 Future of Animal Communication Research 43:31 Advice for Aspiring Zoologists 45:17 Conclusion and Book Promotion ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Syys 202451min