All Creatures Podcast

In this episode of Our Creatures podcast, hosts Chris and Angie explore the unique characteristics and behaviors of the gelada monkey, a grass-grazing primate found primarily in Ethiopia.

They discuss the monkey's unusual foraging habits, social structures, and reproductive practices, as well as its contributions to its native ecosystem. The conversation then shifts to discuss local conservation efforts, specifically highlighting the commendable work of the African Wildlife Foundation.

The hosts emphasize the importance of community partnerships in conservation, mentioning initiatives like the Seminole Mountain Cultural Tourism Project and the role of holistic land use planning in ensuring sustainable livelihoods. The episode concludes with a look ahead at upcoming special content.

Please visit www.factormeals.com/creatures50 and use code creatures50 to get 50% off.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:06 Exploring the Complex Vocalizations of Geladas

01:45 The Fascinating World of Primates

01:55 The Unique Characteristics of Geladas

03:11 The Importance of Ecotourism for Geladas

03:12 The Unusual Grazing Habits of Geladas

03:26 The Physical Appearance of Geladas

03:44 Dedication and Acknowledgements

04:03 The Challenges of Podcasting

05:20 The Importance of Primate Social Behavior

05:46 Shoutouts and Acknowledgements

07:15 The Importance of Reviews and Social Media Engagement

07:57 The Unique Features of Gelada Monkeys

17:20 The Role of Geladas in Their Ecosystem

26:28 The Importance of Local Conservation Efforts

28:05 The Evolution and Adaptation of Geladas

36:38 Fun Facts About Geladas

39:11 Adaptations to High Altitude

40:26 Unique Dietary Habits and Physical Features

41:44 Specialized Movement and Foraging Techniques

46:12 Observations on Grazing and Diet

52:25 Complex Social Structure and Communication

59:53 Intricate Vocalizations and Linguistic Patterns

01:08:14 Reproduction and Parenting Behaviors

01:18:03 Conservation Efforts and Threats

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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

Just how do animals navigate over thousands of miles (kilometers) to find their way home?

We are joined with filmmaker Sarah Gibbs to discuss this incredible series, now debuting on Nat Geo (November 19) and Disney+ (November 20). We discuss the series and how they made it. A fun interview and inspiring on how they told these heartwarming and harrowing stories.

From the IMDb description:

Humans may believe that they are the greatest explorers in the world, but they are not. Millions of animals migrate across the globe every day on paths that have been used for centuries. As they soar, fly, and swim from the Antarctic to the African Savanna and the Pacific Ocean to Alaska. This series immerses viewers in the action. Join the devoted mother humpback who is watching over her young calf, the small dung beetle, the monarch butterfly, the persistent barn swallow, and many other species. These intrepid travelers navigate thousands of miles during the course of their lives by using the Earth's magnetic field, stars, moon, ocean currents, and their natural senses on land and in the sea. Join Jeremy Renner as he recounts the most extreme adventure.

You can watch the series trailer ==> HERE<==

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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

What do you know about Dholes? What about Dhole conservation?

This week we welcome Dr. Arjun Srivatha, who is working with the Dhole Project to save these endangered canids. Endemic to areas of India down into Indonesia, Dholes are slipping towards extinction. With an estiamted population of as few as 950, or maybe just over 2000, Dr. Srivatha's work is critical to their future.

From his website, Dr. Srivatha states:

"I have long been interested in nature and wildlife, and my career now revolves around studying the natural world in an attempt to better understand and conserve it. I earned a PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the School of Natural Resources and Environment/Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida. I am currently a DST INSPIRE Campus Fellow at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, India."

You can learn more about Dr. Arjun Srivatha by visiting his website -->HERE<--

You can learn more about the Dhole Project by visiting their website -->HERE<--

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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

This week we go on a captivating journey into the world of bonobos, our enigmatic primate cousins, on this special episode of the All Creatures Podcast. Delve into the incredible world of these remarkable apes, exploring their behavior, significance in the animal kingdom, and the critical conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

Episode Highlights:

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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

Welcome back to the All Creatures Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of the Gaur, the largest species of wild cattle on the planet. Join us as we explore the life, behavior, and conservation efforts surrounding these magnificent creatures.

Key Points Covered:

1. The Gaur: A Giant of the Bovine World

2. Habitat and Distribution

3. Behavior and Social Structure

4. Conservation Challenges and Efforts

5. Human-Gaur Interactions

Thank you for joining us in this exploration of the Gaur on the All Creatures Podcast. Remember to share, subscribe, and join us for our next episode as we continue to uncover the incredible diversity of creatures that inhabit our world!

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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

Chris is excited to announce a new endeavor, his new podcast Mad About Horses. In this inaugural episode, Chris argues that Horses are Humans Best Friends!!

Please be assured, the All Creatures Podcast is our pride and joy and we plan on continuing to record and produce many episodes to come. We will be back next week with a new species, as Angie had to go be with family. As part of Chris's new role as the Director of Education with Mad Barn, and due to your support, the Mad About Horses podcast is another avenue to keep educating the masses on creatures we share this planet with.

Episode Show Notes:

Horses have been humankind's constant companions for thousands of years, and their hoofprints have left an indelible mark on our world. In this thought-provoking introductory episode, we delve into the profound influence horses have had on human evolution and history.

We start off by asking you to contemplate all the animals that have most significantly impacted human history. This thought experiment leads us on a journey through time, from the moment a brave human first mounted a wild equid, Equus ferus, to the countless ways in which horses have transformed our lives.

This episode highlights the importance of horses in changing geopolitics, boundaries, and how we travel and trade. We do recognize the role of donkeys and their significance in various parts of the world.

Throughout this episode, we explore the domestication of various animals, such as sheep, pigs, cattle, and chickens, and how they have influenced human history by altering food production and lifestyle. Horses, however, remain at the forefront of our conversation due to their unmatched athleticism and adaptability.

We also recognize the contributions of cats in controlling rodent populations and the deep bond between humans and dogs, which have been our loyal companions for millennia. This episode also touches upon research involving animals like horses and chickens, showing how these creatures have contributed to various aspects of human life and well-being.

At the end of the episode, we emphasize the irreplaceable role of horses in our history and encourage listeners to appreciate the profound impact these animals have had on human evolution. It is a reminder of the enduring connection we have with animals, with the horse standing out as a critical and influential partner throughout our shared history.

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"Mad About Horses" with Dr. Chris Mortensen PhD is the definitive podcast for all equine enthusiasts. Presented by Mad Barn, this podcast delves deep into the multifaceted universe of the horse and how we can make the world a better place for all equids. Dr. Mortensen is a renowned equine scientist and educator, who brings his passion for horses and his wealth of knowledge to diverse topics ranging from the ancient history of horse domestication to the latest advances in equine health, training and management. Whether you're a professional rider, a horse breeder, or someone who simply loves the sound of hooves on a morning trail, Mad About Horses is your weekly dose of all things equine.

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more.

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Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us to learn more at https://madbarn.com You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠Instagram @madbarnequine⁠

Facebook @madbarnequine

⁠YouTube @madbarn We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are releasing an older episode on a species that is near and dear to both our hearts and that is the Somali Wild Ass. We will be getting back to bringing you new species here very quickly, however life is throwing both of us curve balls right now. Angie is having to rush off to be with family and Chris will be making an announcement next week on a new endeavor he is working on and you will be interested in. However, the All Creatures Podcast is our passion and love. We have a slate of incredible animals coming your way very soon!

In this episode, we'll embark on a journey to discover the African wild ass, an often-overlooked and critically endangered species. Join us as we delve into their history, habitat, and the challenges they face in the modern world.

The African Wild Ass: A Living Fossil

The African wild ass (Equus africanus) is a fascinating species with a rich history. It's often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its close genetic relationship with the domestic donkey. These remarkable creatures have existed for millennia, their origins dating back to the African continent. However, despite their historical significance, the African wild ass remains one of the least-known and most endangered equid species.

African wild asses are primarily found in arid regions of northeastern Africa, such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. These areas are characterized by vast open savannas and deserts, where these hardy animals have evolved to thrive in harsh conditions. They are known for their adaptability to arid climates and are capable of surviving on minimal water, making them uniquely suited to their environment.

Despite their resilience, African wild asses face numerous challenges. Habitat loss, competition with livestock, and hunting are some of the key threats to their survival. Additionally, their limited population size and genetic diversity put them at greater risk. Conservation efforts, such as the establishment of protected areas and breeding programs, are essential to ensure the survival of this species.

The Importance of Preservation

Preserving the African wild ass is not only crucial for the sake of biodiversity but also for the ecological balance of their native habitats. These animals play a role in seed dispersal and habitat maintenance. Furthermore, they hold cultural and historical significance in many regions, serving as a symbol of local identity. In this episode, we've explored the African wild ass, shedding light on this often-overlooked species. As we continue to learn more about their importance in the ecosystem and their historical significance, it becomes ever more critical to support conservation efforts aimed at ensuring their survival. Join us in appreciating and preserving the unique African wild ass.

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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

Today, we embark on a journey to explore the enigmatic and majestic creature, the black rhinoceros. This iconic species, which has roamed the Earth for millions of years, has been subjected to severe threats and is now at the forefront of global conservation efforts.

The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is one of the most charismatic and striking animals on the African continent. Characterized by its powerful build and prehensile upper lip, it is a living testament to the grandeur of Earth's biodiversity. These incredible creatures have thrived for eons, adapting to a wide range of habitats from grasslands to dense forests.

Sadly, the black rhinoceros now faces a dire situation due to a variety of anthropogenic threats. Poaching, driven by the illegal trade in rhino horns, has decimated their populations. Habitat loss, driven by human activities and agriculture, has further compounded their struggles. In the 20th century, black rhino populations plummeted drastically, pushing them to the brink of extinction.

In response to these challenges, an army of conservationists, governments, and organizations have united to protect this iconic species. Anti-poaching efforts have been bolstered, and measures to curb illegal wildlife trade have been implemented. Black rhino populations are slowly recovering, thanks to the dedication and passion of those who work tirelessly to protect them.

Conservation is a complex, ongoing endeavor, but the story of the black rhinoceros serves as a beacon of hope. As we stand on the precipice of a new era in conservation, we must continue to support these magnificent creatures. The future of the black rhinoceros and countless other species is in our hands. By understanding their plight and the actions taken to protect them, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy viewing them in their natural habitats. Enjoy this episode!

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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

We will be back with a new species next week. Chris has just returned from the United States as he had to rush back for his father's funeral. We went back and found another episode many of you might have missed, but MOOSE! Incredible animals and we know you will love this one.

This week we go massive and talk about the largest deer species in the world, the Moose! Or in Europe known as the Eurasian Elk. Just a phenomenal species to discuss. We really nerd out this week talking about this animals physiology, it's behavior and all the other wonderful things that make the Moose one of our favorites. Also a special shout out to Julia from Minnesota who is a wonderful Patreon supporter and asked for this species. We also give a special shout out to our Canadian listeners.

Thanks HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/50creatures and use code 50creatures for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months!

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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

We start off with a brief announcement and update on the All Creatures Podcast. We have been nominated again as a Top 10 podcast, this time in the Education category. You can check that out at the People's Choice Podcast Awards website HERE

In honor of both Chris and Angie's fathers who passed away, we are releasing an older episode on what we consider to be one of the best fathers on the planet, the Cassowary. We will be back soon with more species episodes!

Thanks HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/50creatures and use code 50creatures for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months!

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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