All Creatures Podcast

This episode dates back to 2020, but the Galápagos tortoise is one of the most iconic animals on Earth. Not only for its immense size and extraordinary lifespan, but for what it reveals about time, resilience, and the deep interconnectedness of life. These tortoises are true ecosystem engineers. As they move across the islands, they shape landscapes, create pathways, disperse seeds, and help maintain the balance between grasslands and forests. Many native plants rely on tortoises for survival. With lifespans exceeding 100 years, they are masters of survival, adapted to endure harsh conditions and long periods without food or water—embodying a slower, more efficient way of living. Today, Galápagos tortoises range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, depending on the population. While they were once pushed to the brink by overharvesting, habitat loss, and invasive species, long-term conservation efforts have helped several populations recover—one of conservation’s most hopeful success stories. =========================================================== 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 [email protected] 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Johnny Hanson, an environmental social scientist at Queen's University Belfast. Dr. Hanson, who has extensive experience in conservation and farming, shares his journey and insights from working on Snow Leopard conservation in Nepal and reintroducing large carnivores like lynx and wolves to the British Isles. They underscore the complexity of conservation, noting the importance of communication, long-term planning, compromise, and community-led initiatives. The conversation also emphasizes the role of ecotourism and financial compensation schemes in promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. Dr Jonny Hanson Website HERE Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 03:36 Dr. Hanson's Background and Early Influences 06:38 The Intersection of Conservation and Farming 08:03 Pivotal Moments and the Path to Nepal 11:44 Challenges and Realities of Conservation 16:59 Youth Perspectives on Reintroducing Carnivores 21:24 Cultural Perceptions and the Role of Media 26:05 Romanticizing and Demonizing Wildlife 27:20 Reintroducing Wolves and Lynx in the British Isles 28:58 Challenges and Debates on Lynx Reintroduction 29:47 Political and Social Aspects of Reintroduction 33:16 Ecological and Social Suitability for Reintroduction 35:54 Personal Experiences and Historical Context 36:49 Risks and Perceptions of Wolves 39:03 Comparing Conservation Models in Nepal 43:16 Financial Schemes and Ecotourism in Conservation 48:18 Hope and Principles for Coexistence 55:55 Conclusion 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 [email protected] 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We first released this episode in 2019 and the story of the Bison, hunted to near extinction, and then brought back is one you must not miss! Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison shaped the grasslands of North America through their movement, grazing, and sheer presence. Then, in the late 1800s, they were driven to the edge of extinction—reduced to fewer than 1,000 animals in just a few decades through industrial hunting, westward expansion, and the deliberate dismantling of Indigenous food systems. In this episode, we explore one of conservation’s most powerful comeback stories: how bison were brought back from the brink, and why their return matters far beyond the species itself. =========================================================== 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 [email protected] 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angie welcomes Dr. Yoshi Jovel, an ecologist and neurobiologist, to discuss his new book 'The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of The Only Flying Mammal.' They delve into the fascinating world of bats, highlighting their intelligence, sophisticated social structures, and remarkable evolutionary traits. Dr. Jovel shares insights from his research, covering topics like echolocation, bat migration, and their robust immune systems. They also discuss the essential role bats play in ecosystems, the challenges they face due to human activities, and the importance of educating the public on bat conservation. 00:00 Introduction to the World of Bats 00:26 Meet Dr. Yoshi Jovel 01:58 Dr. Jovel's Background and Early Interests 04:46 Bats: Fascinating Facts and Misconceptions 10:51 The Importance of Bats in Ecosystems 13:56 Dr. Jovel's Multidisciplinary Approach 23:06 Echolocation: The Superpower of Bats 29:12 Understanding Doppler Shifts in Bats 30:35 AI and Bat Communication 33:29 Social Behavior and Navigation in Bats 39:22 Bats' Immune Systems and Their Secrets 44:27 Conservation Challenges and Efforts 51:36 Engaging the Public and Future Scientists =========================================================== 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 [email protected] 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie revisiting one of their earlier subjects, the polar bear. They discuss significant changes in polar bear populations over the last eight years, focusing on the impact of climate change and sea ice loss on their habitat and survival. Updates on new data, changes in conservation status, and regional population trends are shared. The hosts also explore the adaptations, behaviors, and physiological traits that make polar bears unique, including their incredible sense of smell and swimming capabilities. Special guest John, Angie's husband, provides insights into managing polar bears under human care and the challenges involved. The episode ends on a hopeful note, highlighting positive global shifts in environmental policies and conservation efforts aimed at protecting polar bears and their ecosystem. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings 02:08 Polar Bear Overview and Early Podcast Days 03:15 Polar Bear Adaptations and Climate Impact 04:23 Conservation Status and Regional Populations 05:55 Physical Characteristics and Habitat 09:18 Challenges of Climate Change 18:42 Energetics and Survival Strategies 31:46 Positive Conservation Efforts 36:00 Managing Polar Bears in Captivity 45:47 Ranking Carnivores: Polar Bears vs. Others 46:42 The Awe of Polar Bears: Up Close and Personal 48:56 The Importance of Protecting Polar Bears in the Wild 50:48 Evolution and Adaptations of Polar Bears 53:13 Polar Bears: Super Swimmers and Hunters 55:50 Polar Bear Physiology: Fur, Fat, and Survival 59:20 Polar Bear Behavior and Hunting Strategies 01:13:49 Polar Bear Reproduction: Mating and Maternal Care 01:21:00 Hope for Polar Bears: Conservation Efforts 01:23:56 Looking Forward: Future Episodes and Reflections =========================================================== 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 [email protected] 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices