In this week's 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of pangolins, the most trafficked mammals on the planet. Rick shares his personal journey of learning about these unique creatures, their conservation status, and the challenges they face. The episode highlights the importance of pangolins in the ecosystem, their biological characteristics, and the ongoing efforts to protect them from extinction. The plight of pangolin seems dire, but Rick also shares that there is hope, and how you can help.

Noted links:

SavePangolins.org

WWF website: Pangolins

USFWS Website: Pangolins

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In Part 2 of my interview with Jack Baker, we hear more about how the pangolin help shape Jack's podcast.

Jack shares more his journey into conservation, the importance of joy in the field, and the challenges of measuring impact in environmental education. He discusses the evolution of his podcast, "Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast," and the significance of representation throughout conservation spaces. Jack and Rick also discuss the need for self-care and the importance of taking breaks to protect one's joy while working in conservation and environmental education. Oh, and yes... There's a polar bear, a stingray, tapirs, puffins and of course, pangolins.

Connect With Jack:

LinkedIn: Jack Baker

Instagram: @TheOnlyJackBaker

Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast:

Listen to Panglin Podcast Here

Instagram @PangolinPodcast

Facebook @PangolinPodcast

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In part 1 of this engaging conversation, Jack Baker shares his journey into conservation, the importance of joy in the field, and the challenges of measuring impact in environmental education. He discusses the evolution of his podcast, "Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast," and the significance of representation throughout conservation spaces. Jack and Rick also discuss the need for self-care and the importance of taking breaks to protect one's joy while working in conservation and environmental education. Oh, and yes... There's a polar bear, a stingray, tapirs, puffins and of course, pangolins.

Connect With Jack:

LinkedIn: Jack Baker

Instagram: @TheOnlyJackBaker

Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast:

Listen to Panglin Podcast Here

Instagram @PangolinPodcast

Facebook @PangolinPodcast

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Ever wondered how lizards drop their? Is it their choice when to detached or is it pulled off?

The science behind it is even cooler than you think! It involves muscles, preexisting fractures and a quick "peel-off like a sticker" that allows the whole process to happen. And there's more - The tail does grow back, but it's not quite the same. And if the growth point gets damaged again, teh lizard could end up with two new tails!

Noted links:

How many ties can a lizard regrow its tail?

Science.org video about tail detachment & regrowth

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

An engaging conversation with Dr. Earyn McGee, also known as Afro Herper on social media, shares her journey from a graduate student to a prominent figure in herpetology and science communications. She discusses her innovative social media initiative, 'Find That Lizard,' which combines research with community engagement. The conversation delves into the importance of lizards in ecosystems, her personal experiences in the field, and her advocacy for diversity in conservation. Dr. McGee emphasizes the need for inclusivity in science and shares her current projects aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

Dr. McGee's Website: EarynMcGee.com

Dr. McGee on Social Media:

IG: @Afro_Herper

TikTok: @Doc.McGee

Support her on Patreon: FindThatLizard

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

With awesome interviews happening every Thursday, 10 minute Tuesdays will be short, solo episodes where I can expand on something covered in the previous week's interview. Or, an opportunity to dive into and explore a topic that is current, discuss new finding or just get curious for the sake of being curious.

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In this episode, Mike Veale, the founder and CEO of Global Conservation Force, discusses the organization's multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation. Global Conservation Force brings together a team of experts, volunteers, and community members to work towards saving endangered species. Mike shares the pillars of conservation work, the founding of the GCF, the importance of conservation efforts, and how individuals can contribute. Mike shares personal experiences and highlights the interconnectedness of wildlife and human communities, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and education in conservation.

Rick wraps up this episode with a facts about rhinos and rhino poaching, and how you can help animals like the rhinoceroses from your own home.

Connect with Global Conservation Force:

GCF Website

GCF on Instagram

GCF on Facebook

GCF on YouTube

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Gabrielle Katanic, creator of "Talk Nerdy To Me California"  shares her journey from a nature enthusiast to a nature educator and influencer. She discusses the importance of reconnecting with nature, the role of curiosity in learning, and how guided experiences can transform people's perspectives on the natural world. Gabrielle also introduces her Nature Nerd Academy, aimed at teaching others how to observe and appreciate nature more deeply, while encouraging listeners to embrace their inner nerd and explore their passions.

Find Gabrielle's "Talk Nerdy To Me" and her Nature Nerd Academy on social media:

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

This is Part 2 of a 2 part episode.

In this episode of Animals, Nature and You, we delve into the fascinating world of big cats, specifically cheetahs, with Janet Rose-Hinostroza, a seasoned expert who has dedicated her life to working with these majestic animals. From her childhood passion to her professional experiences, Janet shares invaluable insights that inspire aspiring wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

We learn that Janet embraced opportunities as they came, including a significant role at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Cat Ambassador Program. This program allowed her to work closely with cheetahs, marking the beginning of her journey, dedicated to understanding and caring for these incredible animals. 

Janet’s journey into the world of cheetahs is a testament to the power of passion, preparation, and seizing opportunities. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to pursue a career in wildlife care and conservation. 

Connect with Cheetah Outreach Trust USA:

Website: Cheetah Outreach Trust USA

Instagram: Cheetah Outreach Trust USA

Facebook: Cheetah Outreach Trust USA

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode.

In this episode of Animals, Nature and You, we delve into the fascinating world of big cats, specifically cheetahs, with Janet Rose-Hinostroza, a seasoned expert who has dedicated her life to working with these majestic animals. From her childhood passion to her professional experiences, Janet shares invaluable insights that inspire aspiring wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

We learn that Janet embraced opportunities as they came, including a significant role at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Cat Ambassador Program. This program allowed her to work closely with cheetahs, marking the beginning of her journey, dedicated to understanding and caring for these incredible animals. 

Janet’s journey into the world of cheetahs is a testament to the power of passion, preparation, and seizing opportunities. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to pursue a career in wildlife care and conservation. 

Connect with Cheetah Outreach Trust USA:

Website: Cheetah Outreach Trust USA

Instagram: Cheetah Outreach Trust USA

Facebook: Cheetah Outreach Trust USA

Connect with  Rick:

Website:  ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.