Rewildology turns four! In this special Nature Happy Hour episode, Brooke and Dr. Charles van Rees, PhD, raise a glass to four years of the show, reflecting on its biggest moments—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. They also unveil exciting updates for the future before diving into this episode’s theme: New Horizons. From newly discovered species to astonishing rediscoveries of those thought lost to time, Brooke and Charles explore the thrill of nature’s greatest surprises. Grab your favorite drink and join the celebration!

Join the new Rewildology Book Club!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Rewildology's 4th Birthday Celebration!
00:59 Reflecting on Four Years of Rewildology
01:10 Exciting Updates and New Horizons
02:30 Nature Happy Hour with Dr. Charles Van Rees
04:16 Challenges and Triumphs of Podcasting
11:35 Rose, Bud, and Thorn: Reflecting on the Journey
18:33 Future Plans: Themed Seasons and More
22:35 Rewildology Book Club Announcement
32:05 Charles' New Role and Research at UGA
45:35 Rediscovering Species: A Scientist's Perspective
47:04 Integrative Conservation and New Species Discovery
48:18 Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge
49:16 The Joy and Reality of New Species
51:03 Molecular Tools and Cryptic Species
53:34 Rediscovery Missions and Lazarus Species
56:18 The Clouded Tiger Cat Discovery
01:02:05 Vampire Hedgehog and Other Unique Finds
01:08:01 Seamount Expedition and Marine Discoveries
01:13:57 Water Mouse and Pandanus Frogs
01:23:41 Conservation Challenges and New Horizons

Join Brooke as she reconnects with Brad Nahill, Co-Founder and President of SEE Turtles, to explore the latest developments in sea turtle and marine conservation. In this episode, Brad shares new challenges and successes from the field, updates on groundbreaking projects like Billion Baby Sea Turtles, and how conservation strategies differ across regions like Central America, Asia, and Africa. They also discuss the role of technology, including AI, in protecting marine biodiversity, the evolution of nonprofit funding models, and Brad’s vision for the future of SEE Turtles and global conservation. If you’re passionate about protecting our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:07 The Ancient Sea Turtles and Modern Threats
00:46 Meet Brad Nahill of SEE Turtles
01:12 Updates in Marine Conservation
01:43 SEE Turtles' Mission and Sponsorship
02:40 Reflecting on Past Conversations
03:47 Challenges and Wins in Sea Turtle Conservation
05:35 Global Efforts and Local Success Stories
11:26 Innovative Conservation Strategies
19:15 Billion Baby Sea Turtles Initiative
26:40 Expanding Conservation Efforts
27:57 Exciting Travel Plans for the Year
28:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Cuba
29:39 Popular Trips to Oaxaca
31:12 Record-Breaking Year and Future Plans
35:48 Innovative AI Solutions for Conservation
47:41 The Impact of Technology on Wildlife Conservation
51:41 Future Goals and Vision for SEE Turtles
56:15 Honoring a Legacy and Final Thoughts

Monarch butterflies are one of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet, undertaking a migration that spans thousands of miles across North America. However, their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and agricultural practices. In this episode of Rewildology, we sit down with Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, Program Director of Climate Resilient Habitats at the National Wildlife Federation, to explore the challenges and opportunities in monarch conservation. Rebeca shares insights into the cultural significance of monarchs in Mexico, the collaborative efforts between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the potential impact of listing monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act. We also dive into community-based programs, habitat restoration projects, and actionable steps anyone can take to help pollinators and biodiversity thrive. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about saving one of nature’s most iconic species.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:08 The Monarch Butterfly Migration
00:47 Meet Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñon
03:48 Rebeca's Journey into Conservation
10:00 Monarch Butterfly Biology and Migration
18:14 Tracking Monarch Populations
27:33 Challenges Facing Monarch Butterflies
39:34 Collaborative Conservation Efforts
42:04 Community-Based Projects in Mexico
46:00 Cultural Significance of Monarchs in Mexico
56:12 The ESA Proposal and Its Implications
01:05:44 Future Conservation Strategies
01:08:44 Individual Actions for Monarch Conservation
01:15:08 Resources and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Rewildology, Brooke sits down with Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach and Community Relations at Elakha Alliance, to explore the ambitious effort to reintroduce sea otters to Oregon’s coastline. Chanel shares her incredible journey from marine biologist to conservation advocate and how Elakha Alliance is working with tribes, scientists, and local communities to restore balance to marine ecosystems. We dive into the vital role sea otters play in controlling sea urchin populations, protecting kelp forests, and fostering resilience along the coast. You’ll learn how grassroots conservation efforts are making waves and why restoring sea otters could be key to Oregon’s coastal future.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:07 The Absence of Sea Otters on the Oregon Coast
00:46 Meet Chanel Hason: From Marine Biologist to Community Leader
03:28 Chanel's Journey: From SeaWorld to Miss Scuba
10:13 The Historical Context of Sea Otters in the U.S.
14:09 The Founding of the Elakha Alliance
16:11 The Impact of Missing Predators on Oregon's Marine Ecosystems
22:31 Efforts to Reintroduce Sea Otters to Oregon
28:12 Socioeconomic Considerations and Future Prospects
31:03 Conservation Tourism and Sea Otters
32:11 Indigenous Communities and Sea Otters
35:22 The Importance of Sea Otters in Ecosystems
40:07 Challenges and Strategies for Kelp Forest Restoration
43:13 Future Goals and Political Advocacy
49:07 Personal Journey and Career Advice
53:42 Supporting Alaka and Sea Otter Conservation
55:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Brooke for a conversation with marine biologist Melania López-Castro as she shares her journey protecting endangered sea turtles in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. From tracking mysterious hatchling movements to implementing innovative conservation strategies, Melania discusses her work with Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan to save critically endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. Learn how local communities, scientists, and tourism operators are working together to protect these ancient mariners, and discover how you can support sea turtle conservation in one of their most important nesting grounds worldwide.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Yucatan Peninsula and Sea Turtle Conservation

00:54 Meet Melania Lopez Castro: From Academia to Conservation

05:20 The Journey of Sea Turtles: From Birth to Maturity

10:35 Challenges and Innovations in Sea Turtle Conservation

12:43 The Role of Pronatura in Sea Turtle Conservation

22:48 Tourism and Conservation: Balancing Act in the Yucatan

29:45 Switching from Fishing to Tourism

30:46 Collaborations for Conservation

31:57 Threats from Feral Dogs and Raccoons

37:00 Challenges of Coastal Development

38:40 Environmental Policy in Mexico

45:09 Efforts in Sea Turtle Conservation

51:25 How You Can Help

56:14 Connecting with Nature

The journey through 2024’s best continues! Here’s the fourth episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another incredible highlight from the year.

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[Repost] In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke sits down with Laurie Cummins, the Acting Deputy and Education Director at GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurie shares her incredible journey from Michigan to GRACE, where she now plays a crucial role in helping the team on the ground rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. The conversation explores GRACE's innovative three-pillar approach to conservation, which includes rewilding gorillas, protecting forest habitats, and engaging local communities. Laurie also discusses the organization's groundbreaking work amidst the challenges posed by the civil unrest in the region and highlights the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. Tune in to learn about the remarkable progress being made to save these majestic great apes and how GRACE is setting new standards for conservation worldwide.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

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We’re keeping the momentum going! Here’s the third episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—celebrating another standout conversation from the year.

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[Repost] Welcome to the latest 4-part expedition series on Rewildology: “In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In the upcoming four episodes, accompany Brooke on her adventure into the heart of the magnificent Pantanal in Brazil. Delve into the region’s expansive grasslands, winding waterways, and pockets of lush jungle that form distinct habitats within this biodiversity hotspot. Meet local biologists and conservationists diligently working within the Pantanal, and discover the on-the-ground efforts aimed at safeguarding the future of this critical landscape – and the majestic cats that reign over it. In Part 1, join Brooke as she explores São Paulo and unravels the answer to a simple yet crucial question: What exactly is the Pantanal?

[Repost] Welcome to Part 2 of the newest expedition series on Rewildology: “In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In this episode, accompany Brooke and her group as they navigate for hundreds of kilometers along the Paraguay River Basin, encountering incredible wildlife throughout the journey. Listen to insights from Fred Crema, the Expedition Leader, and engage with local communities that reside in the Pantanal. Gain knowledge about the key challenges endangering the Pantanal.

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The countdown continues! Here’s the second episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another listener favorite you won’t want to miss.

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[Repost] Today is World Rewilding Day and we’re celebrating by releasing this very special episode with Carolina Morgado, the Executive Director of Rewilding Chile! In this conversation, Carolina and Brooke explore so many topics including her serendipitous meeting with Doug Tompkins and her early career with Tompkins Conservation, the evolution of conservation and activism in Chile, the current state of Patagonia, how Rewilding Chile and the Route of the Parks came to be, and the top projects they are working on today.

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The numbers are in for the year! Kick off the countdown with the first episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series.

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[Repost] G’day, mates! Today, we're traveling to Australia to learn about rewilding on a continental scale with John Kanowski, PhD, Chief Science Officer at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). In this episode, John and Brooke explore the top conservation issues plaguing the island, notably invasive predators and inferno fires, how AWC is protecting and reintroducing Australia’s endangered mammals, the methods AWC is using to remove introduced predators, collaborating with indigenous communities and land owners to create ideal habitats for wildlife, the tech they’re using to monitor wildlife, the challenges and successes of his career, and so much more.

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In this Thanksgiving Special, Brooke sits down with Manda Kalimian and Dr. Ross McPhee from Rewilding America Now to explore their bold mission of restoring the American West by reintroducing wild horses to public lands. Together, they discuss the evolutionary history of horses, their role as keystone species in grassland ecosystems, and the systemic challenges facing conservation on public lands. The conversation also delves into the controversial topics of lithium mining, electric cars, and the broader implications of balancing green initiatives with land restoration. Packed with hope, science, and groundbreaking ideas, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rewilding and reimagining the future of our landscapes.

00:00 Introduction to the American West

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