BSSA Podcast

Marna Banggara means "healthy, prosperous country," and it's the fitting name of an ambitious rewilding project on Narungga Country, Yorke Peninsula. The project is reintroducing the Yalgi, or brush-tailed bettong, which was once widespread across the region. In this episode, we sit down with Chloe Frick, a PhD candidate whose research focuses on the reintroduction of these vital ecosystem engineers. Chloe shares with us the ecosystem benefits of the Yalgi's reintroduction and the innovative methods used in the Marna Banggara project. We also explore the challenges faced during the process as Yalgi behaviour can be a little unpredictable. Despite the challenges, the project is a standout example of a successful animal reintroduction. Tune in to learn about the future of the Marna Banggara project and the promising potential for the Yalgi to thrive in diverse landscapes. And if you ever decide to visit, remember to drive slowly to protect these incredible creatures.

Marna Banggara is jointly funded by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, the Australian Government, the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, WWF-Australia, and Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, in partnership with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

You can follow Chloe on Instagram @chloe_frick. For more info on the Marna Banggara project check out marnabanggara.com.au

CREDITS

Host: Adam Toomes

Producers: Adam Toomes and Kiri Marker

Copywriting and distribution: Jacob Maher

Music: Darcy Whittaker

Join us as we sit down with Megan Folwell, a Ph.D. student from the University of Adelaide, whose groundbreaking research made headlines in 2022. Megan, along with her supervisors, made waves with their unprecedented discovery: snakes have clitorises. In this episode, we embark on a journey with Megan as she unveils the intricacies of snake clitorises, providing the first comprehensive description of these enigmatic structures, known as hemiclitores. Through her groundbreaking research, Megan has expanded our understanding of reptilian anatomy, paving the way for future exploration into the world of female reproductive biology that illuminates the critical role of female reproductive biology in shaping evolutionary trajectories.

Follow along with Megan’s journey on Twitter @FolwellMegan, or Instagram @clitohiss.

CREDITS

Host: Kiri Marker

Producers: Kiri Marker and Elisabeth Williamson

Copywriting and distribution: Adam Toomes and Jacob Maher

Music: Darcy Whittaker

Are possum parties disrupting your slumber? We sit down with Tara McKenzie, a PhD student from the University of Adelaide, and delve into the nocturnal antics of urban brushtail possums. In this enlightening podcast, Tara unpacks her research on these adaptable creatures and their secret urban lives. Despite their common presence, she exposes the conservation risks they face, challenging our perception of their success in cities. Learn about their quirky diets (peanut butter, anyone?), vital ecological roles, and how to coexist peacefully with them. This engaging discussion will equip you with the know-how to turn your garden into a wildlife haven and give you a newfound appreciation for the symphony of sounds from your furry neighbours. So next time the dusk chorus begins, you'll know the crucial role these creatures play in our urban ecosystem.

Find Tara here!

https://www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/blog

twitter.com/taradoesscience

CREDITS

Host: Elisabeth Williamson

Producers: Elisabeth Williamson & Adam Toomes

Copywriting and distribution: Jasmin Broadbridge and Jacob Maher

Music: Darcy Whittaker

What's big, emits the stench of decaying flesh, and draws crowds of thousands? It's none other than the Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as the corpse flower! In this episode, our guest Matt Coulter, the horticultural curator for the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, enlightens us about this botanical rockstar and much more.

Embark on a damp and misty expedition through the Mt. Lofty Botanical Gardens with Matt as he guides our hosts, Alex and Kiri. Explore the Amorphophallus palace, a glasshouse where this master of disguise thrives and reproduces. Then, venture into other shade houses and nurseries where some of our state's most endangered flora are cultivated for conservation.

Following the tour, Alex, Kiri, and Matt delve into the topic of plant conservation over a cup of tea. Discover Matt's personal journey into horticulture and the significance of botanical gardens in preserving plant species. So come join us, even if you've forgotten your umbrella – there's much to explore!

BONUS: Some of the corpse flowers in their leaf growth phase are on display now at the Adelaide Botanical Gardens in the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion and the Rainforest Conservatory!

You can follow the Botanical Gardens on Facebook @AdelaideBotanicGarden, instagram @botanicgardenssa and twitter @botgardenssa.

CREDITS

Host: Alex Chu and Kiri Marker

Producer: Kiri Marker

Editor: Adam Toomes

Copywriting and distribution: Jacob Maher

Music: Darcy Whittaker

The BSSA podcast is supported by the Biology Society of South Australia

For more on the BSSA, head to our website www.biologysocietysa.com or follow us on instagram @biologysocietysa, facebook and twitter @BiolSocSA

Veggie gardening is a hobby growing in popularity, with more and more South Aussies learning to grow their own food. But have you ever thought of growing your own food as more than a pastime, and actually an important branch of agriculture?

Some hardcore green thumbs rely on their garden as their main source of food, while others simply grow the occasional herb on their windowsill. No matter your yield or experience, if you’ve dabbled in growing your own food, you might be considered an urban farmer.

In this episode, we talk to PhD student Hannah Thwaites, whose thesis is connecting the world of science and people by researching Adelaide‘s urban farming scene. Join us for a chat to see how the humble garden can bring together communities and persevere under a changing climate. Whether you’re a green thumb, or horticulturally hopeful, there is something for everyone in this episode!

CREDITS

Host: Elisabeth Williamson

Producers: Elisabeth Williamson and Kiri Marker

Copywriting and distribution: Jacob Maher

Music: Darcy Whittaker

The BSSA podcast is supported by the Biology Society of South Australia

For more on the BSSA, head to our website www.biologysocietysa.com or follow us on instagram @biologysocietysa, facebook and twitter @BiolSocSA

The arid zone covers 70% of the Australian landmass. So, how can we restore and protect our country’s largest landscape?

Arid Recovery is a wildlife reserve dedicated to conservation research in South Australia’s arid interior. Dr Katherine Tuft is the CEO and manager, undertaking conservation research to find practical on ground solutions to restore the arid landscape.

Tori Love sits down with Katherine to discuss the challenges of drought, feral animals, and reintroductions. But, it certainly hasn’t all gone to pot! Katherine shares with us plenty of “nuggets of hope”. From bettongs wising up to predators, to mapping of bush tucker knowledge and artists building heat refuges for our fuzzy friends. Katherine also has some great insights into women in conservation and some advice for budding ecologists.

If you want to learn more about Arid Recovery visit their website aridrecovery.org.au/ or follow @KatherineTuft and @AridRecovery on twitter.

Host: Tori Love

Producers: Tori Love, Tyler Dornan, Jacob Maher and Adam Toomes

Music: Darcy Whittaker

The BSSA podcast is supported by the Biology Society of South Australia

For more on the BSSA, head to our website www.biologysocietysa.com or follow us on instagram @biologysocietysa, facebook and twitter @BiolSocSA

How can we strengthen the bond between people, our landscape and cultural ways of learning?

The BSSA podcast is excited to present In The Spotlight, featuring voices of conservation within South Australia that you may not have heard of.

Our first guest is Mark Koolmatrie, a Ramindjeri man of the Ngarrindjeri Nation, Chairperson of the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee, founder and educator. Mark uses his wisdom and knowledge to ensure culture is strong and ever present. If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more, join Mark on a tour through his website or follow him on twitter @KoolmatrieMark

CREDITS

Host: Kiri Marker

Producers: Colette Blyth, Elisabetta Canteri, Tyler Dornan, Tori Love and Adam Toomes

Music: Darcy Whittaker

The BSSA podcast is supported by the Biology Society of South Australia

For more on the BSSA, head to our website www.biologysocietysa.com or follow us on instagram @biologysocietysa and twitter @BiolSocSA

In lieu of our annual BBQ and presentation, we have taken to our podcast to bring you this special Q&A panel. This recording brings together professionals from the industry to communicate some insights and grounding knowledge to the budding career conservationist or environmental scientist.

Is it important to study the right taxon, or just get something done? What are the strengths of government and non-government conservation? What is it that is truly rewarding in conservation careers? What is most challenging? Find the answers and much more in this episode.

Featuring Vicki-Jo Russell AM, Dr Dan Rogers, Jody Gates, and Dr Wendy Telfer. Hosted by Adam Toomes, edited by Kiri Marker, and produced by the BSSA committee.