High in the misty forests of North Bengal and Northeast India, a quiet conservation movement is unfolding around one of the world’s most charismatic yet misunderstood mammals — the red panda. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, host Anish Banerjee speaks with young conservationist Aamir Khan Sohel, whose pioneering work bridges red panda conservation breeding, community-led conservation, and the power of science communication through his initiative, Translating Conservation.

Aamir’s journey began unconventionally — from engineering to ecology — driven by a desire to use technology to aid conservation. He recounts how he was drawn to the red panda, a species native to the Eastern Himalayas and an important indicator of ecosystem health. Through his project in Darjeeling, he studies red panda behavior, welfare, and reintroduction success within India’s first red panda conservation breeding program, initiated at the Darjeeling Zoo in collaboration with the Government of India and international partners.

The episode delves into the fascinating world of red panda conservation breeding — how scientists train captive individuals to survive in the wild, teaching them essential behaviors like foraging and predator avoidance before their release into protected areas such as Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks. Aamir explains the scientific and logistical hurdles in bridging captive and wild populations, the reasons behind long gaps between reintroductions, and how welfare-based behavioral studies are improving the outcomes of conservation breeding programs.

Beyond the lab and breeding centers, the conversation explores the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation. Aamir’s community-led conservation model empowers local residents to become long-term wildlife monitors by combining traditional knowledge with scientific training. These community guardians help track red panda populations across the mountainous terrain, offering valuable insights into how climate change, tourism, and habitat degradation affect this elusive species and the broader Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.

He highlights the major threats facing red pandas — including biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, bamboo depletion, and the growing menace of feral dogs in high-altitude forests. Climate warming is altering microhabitats and pushing red pandas higher up the mountains, making long-term monitoring even more essential for conservation success.

Aamir also introduces Translating Conservation, his innovative science outreach platform that breaks down complex ecological research into accessible content — from simplified articles to comics and animations — ensuring conservation knowledge reaches local communities and the general public. For Aamir, translating conservation is not just about communication but about inclusion — enabling everyone to participate in protecting India’s rich biodiversity.

From funding challenges to field hardships, his story reflects the persistence and creativity required to conserve one of the most threatened species of the Himalayas. His upcoming research, supported by the University of Adelaide, aims to expand this model of collaborative, community-based conservation across North Bengal and the broader Northeast India landscape.

This episode offers a heartfelt and deeply insightful look at how science, empathy, and local stewardship come together to safeguard the red panda — a symbol of balance in fragile mountain ecosystems.

About the Host

Anish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:

Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSE

Field Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG

#redpanda #redpandaconservation #redpandaconservationbreeding #northbengal #northeastindia #translatingconservation #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversityhotspot #biodiversityloss

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Ishan Shanavas — a nature photographer, author, and founder of EcoInspire, an environmental education initiative that has already reached over 20,000 students across 70 schools in five Indian states. Through engaging storytelling, dynamic school sessions, and vivid wildlife photography, Ishan is helping shape how young people understand and appreciate biodiversity and the natural world.

Growing up on road trips through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and studying at a school nestled in the forests of Andhra Pradesh, Ishan’s early experiences surrounded by wildlife sparked his lifelong passion for conservation. His bestselling book The Lighter Wilder Things became the foundation for Mission EcoInspire, a project dedicated to promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness among students. Realizing that online conservation messages often remain confined to a small, like-minded audience, Ishan set out to bring these conversations directly into classrooms. His approach emphasizes the need for early biodiversity education and environmental education as essential tools to nurture empathy, understanding, and curiosity about wildlife and ecosystems.

In the episode, Ishan discusses the origins of his conservation journey and the goals of EcoInspire. He reflects on the power of face-to-face interaction in conservation outreach and conservation education, sharing how simple, accessible communication can inspire students to take interest in biodiversity management and wildlife conservation. He explains how schools across cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Trivandrum, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Gulbarga have welcomed his sessions, with both teachers and students showing overwhelming enthusiasm. The program’s success demonstrates that hands-on environmental engagement remains one of the most effective ways to build lasting connections with nature.

Ishan also explores the role of social media in spreading environmental awareness. He highlights how platforms can amplify meaningful conservation stories when used responsibly, but also cautions against misinformation and sensationalism. He shares valuable advice for conservationists aiming to improve their communication — simplifying complex topics, avoiding technical jargon, and using creativity, humor, and visual storytelling to reach wider audiences. He mentions innovative communicators like Rohan Chakravarti (Green Humor) and the Dhole Project in Kerala, both of whom effectively use art and media to connect people with Indian biodiversity.

The discussion underscores that conservation is not just about protecting species but about building emotional and cultural bridges between people and nature. Ishan’s message is clear: the success of wildlife conservation and biodiversity management depends on reaching beyond scientific circles and inspiring collective action. Through EcoInspire, he is demonstrating how passionate individuals can make conservation accessible, engaging, and relevant to younger generations.

By sharing his journey, Ishan shows that the heart of biodiversity conservation lies in empathy, education, and communication. Whether through a classroom presentation, a book, or a digital post, his work reminds us that protecting India’s natural heritage requires inspiring the minds and hearts of those who will shape its future.

Tune in to learn how one individual’s commitment to conservation outreach and environmental education is inspiring thousands of young Indians to rediscover their connection with wildlife and work toward a sustainable future.

About the Host

Anish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:

Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSE

Field Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, a nonprofit watchdog organization dedicated to the proposition that we should make the world a better place with each cup of coffee. We uncover the hidden environmental and social costs of the global coffee industry — from deforestation and ecosystem degradation to human rights violations in coffee plantations in tropical landscapes around the world, with a focus on the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot!

Once covered in dense tropical forests, the Western Ghats are now dominated by sprawling coffee plantations and monoculture plantations that have drastically altered the landscape. Our guest explores how the expansion of coffee production — driven by global demand — has replaced rich forest ecosystems with uniform monocultures, stripping away the region’s ecological resilience. The shift from traditional shade-grown systems to sun-grown monocultures has disrupted soil health, eliminated natural canopy cover, and endangered pollinators, birds, and mammals that once thrived in these biodiversity-rich ecosystems.

We dive deep into the link between coffee plantations and human–elephant conflict. As forest corridors shrink and elephants lose access to their migratory routes, they are forced into human settlements, resulting in tragic encounters that claim both human and animal lives. These conflicts reveal how unsustainable land use, habitat fragmentation, and poor biodiversity management intensify tensions between people and wildlife across the Western Ghats.

The conversation also exposes the human dimension of the coffee industry — from exploitative labor practices to widespread human rights abuses. Behind the global demand for coffee lies a system where workers, many from marginalized communities, face poor wages, long working hours, and limited access to healthcare and education. These persistent human rights violations highlight how plantation economies, often celebrated for sustainability branding, continue to mask deep social inequities.

Despite these challenges, the episode highlights pathways toward hope and reform through agroforestry and sustainable farming models. Traditional shade-grown coffee — where native trees coexist with coffee shrubs — demonstrates that economic production and biodiversity preservation can go hand in hand. Agroforestry practices support soil fertility, regulate microclimates, and restore ecological corridors, offering a viable alternative to monoculture plantations. They also provide co-benefits for farmers by diversifying income sources and improving resilience to climate change.

Our guest calls for systemic change within global coffee supply chains — emphasizing ethical sourcing, fair trade, and transparency from farm to consumer. Protecting the biodiversity of the Western Ghats requires not only reforesting degraded lands but also addressing the social injustices embedded within plantation economies. Sustainable solutions must integrate ecological restoration with social equity, ensuring that conservation uplifts both people and nature.

This episode challenges listeners to look beyond the aroma of their morning brew and consider its true cost. It’s a deep dive into how the pursuit of profit in the coffee industry has reshaped tropical forests, threatened biodiversity, and violated human rights, and how agroforestry and community-driven conservation can chart a more ethical, sustainable future for both the planet and its people.

About the Host

Anish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:

Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSE

Field Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG

#coffee #coffeeplantations #monocultures #monocultureplantations #agroforestry #humanrights #humanrightsviolations #humanrightabuses #humanelephantconflict #deforestation #tropicalforests #westernghats #biodiversityhotspots #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypreservation #ecosystemdegradation

Across Asia, nearly one in three elephants lives in captivity—used in temples, tourism, logging, and religious festivals. In this powerful episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Canadian photographer and elephant conservation advocate Larry Laverty joins host Anish Banerjee to shed light on the suffering of captive elephants and the urgent need for elephant conservation across both Asia and Africa.

Larry Laverty’s remarkable journey began with his first book Power and Majesty, which documented the African elephant and exposed the brutal realities of the ivory trade and wildlife crime driving their decline. Traveling across ten African countries, he captured the spirit of wild elephants and the people striving to protect them. His second book, The Majestic Humanity and the Asian Elephant, turns the lens toward Asian elephants, revealing how centuries of human use—from temple elephants to those exploited in logging and tourism—have shaped their tragic fate.

In this conversation, Larry explains how his camera became a tool of empathy and activism. Through conservation photography, he documents not just the beauty but the suffering of elephants—images that demand global attention to animal welfare, animal rights, and the moral questions surrounding captive elephants. He recalls heartbreaking encounters, including a baby elephant orphaned during illegal logging, and discusses the cruel realities behind elephant rides and festival processions.

The discussion also highlights promising alternatives like robotic elephants being introduced in India’s temples, offering a humane replacement for live elephants used in ceremonies. Larry shares how he personally contributed funds for one such robotic elephant, symbolizing a new era of compassionate conservation that honors culture without perpetuating animal abuses.

The episode explores deeper cultural, ecological, and ethical contrasts between African and Asian elephant conservation. While African elephants remain largely wild, human-elephant relationships in Asia stretch back nearly 5,000 years, complicating efforts to end captivity. Larry emphasizes that saving elephants means reimagining this bond—through education, empathy, and stronger laws against illegal wildlife trade, ivory trafficking, and elephant poaching.

He also discusses the potential for rewilding captive elephants, citing encouraging examples from Laos where rescued elephants are gradually returned to the wild. Yet, he warns that without stronger land protection and political will, true freedom for these elephants remains a distant dream.

This episode is a tribute to elephants—creatures of immense intelligence and empathy—and to those fighting to protect them. It’s also a call to listeners to act: avoid elephant rides, support ethical sanctuaries, advocate for animal welfare laws, and amplify the voices working to end exploitation.

Larry Laverty’s words remind us that elephant conservation is more than protecting a species—it’s about redefining humanity’s relationship with nature. By choosing empathy over entertainment and awareness over ignorance, we can help ensure that elephants, whether African or Asian, live the lives they were meant to—wild and free.

Watch now to explore the untold stories behind captive elephants, the courage of photographers on the frontlines of conservation, and the hope that drives global efforts to protect these majestic beings.

About the Host

Anish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:

Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSE

Field Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG

#elephant #elephants #elephantconservation #africanelephant #africanelephantconservation #asianelephants #asianelephantconservation #captiveelephants #templeelephants #animalabuses #animalrights #animalwelfare #ivorytrade #illegalwildlifetrade #wildlifecrime #elephantpoaching #wildlifeconservation #conservation #biodiversity

India’s growing population of free-ranging dogs has become one of the most complex and divisive conservation challenges of our time. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of animal welfare, public health, and biodiversity conservation with ecologist Arshyaan Shahid, who unpacks the ecological, legal, and ethical dilemmas surrounding India’s 60 million stray dogs.

The discussion begins with the recent Supreme Court order directing Delhi authorities to relocate all dogs into shelters—an unprecedented move that sparked national debate among animal rights, animal activism, and conservation communities. Arshyaan explains why the free-ranging dog population in India has exploded to over 60 million, how human-subsidized feeding, waste mismanagement, and lack of predators have allowed dog numbers to soar, and why sterilization alone cannot solve the crisis.

We explore how dogs, once companions of humans, have transformed into powerful ecological disruptors. Free-ranging dogs now threaten over 80 wildlife species, including 31 listed as IUCN Red List threatened species. From attacking blackbuck, chital, and great Indian bustards to competing with jackals, hyenas, and vultures, their impact extends deep into India’s biodiversity hotspots. Arshyaan discusses how dogs act as invasive wild canids, spreading diseases like rabies and parvovirus, hybridizing with wolves, and altering predator-prey dynamics.

But this is not just an ecological crisis—it’s also a public health crisis. India records over 3.7 million dog bites annually, with Delhi alone reporting 68,000 cases in 2024. With 36% of global rabies deaths occurring in India and over 20,000 human deaths each year, the connection between public health, urban ecology, and animal welfare has never been clearer.

Arshyaan dissects why sterilization campaigns—despite their humanitarian intent—struggle to reach the 70–90% coverage required for meaningful control. He reveals the enormous financial burden of sterilizing 700,000 dogs in Delhi alone, the vacuum effect that replenishes removed populations, and the time lag before any measurable impact. He also highlights the ethical complexities of culling, the global backlash against mass euthanasia, and the moral dilemma between compassionate conservation and ecological necessity.

The conversation moves to the Supreme Court’s evolving position, from its controversial order to relocate dogs, to a more balanced capture–sterilize–vaccinate–release (CSVR) approach inspired by Dutch models. Yet, Delhi’s limited infrastructure—shelters for barely 5% of its 800,000 dogs—makes large-scale implementation nearly impossible.

Arshyaan and host Anish Banerjee examine the difficult trade-offs between animal rights and biodiversity loss, exploring whether mass shelters improve or worsen welfare, and why unmanaged urban ecology and waste management remain the root of the crisis. They also discuss responsible pet ownership, microchipping, strict anti-abandonment laws, and urban planning reforms that could finally bring India closer to sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Finally, Arshyaan shares insights from his upcoming PhD research on mapping dog aggression hotspots and fostering collaboration between the public, policymakers, and animal welfare advocates to balance compassion with science-based conservation.

This episode asks a difficult question—can India protect both its dogs and its wildlife without compromising public safety or compassion?

About the Host

Anish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:

Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSE

Field Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG

#straydogs #dogs #dog #freerangingdogs #ecologicalcrisis #supremecourt #wildcanid #biodiversityloss #biodiversityconservation #biodiversityhotspot #publichealth #publichealthcrisis #rabies #urbanecology #animalwelfare #animalrights #animalactivism #compassionateconservation #conservationdilemmas #conservation

Welcome to Season 4 of the Think Wildlife Podcast, where we explore the frontlines of biodiversity conservation through stories that shape the future of our planet.

In this episode, host Anish Banerjee speaks with Ram Pratap Singh, a social entrepreneur, conservationist, and founder of the Indian School of Nature, who has spent over two decades working to restore the Chambal River—one of India’s most extraordinary examples of riverine conservation. Once infamous for its dacoits, the Chambal region is today a biodiversity hotspot, home to thriving populations of gharial, marsh crocodile (mugger), Gangetic dolphin, smooth-coated otter, and Indian skimmer. Ram describes how the Chambal Riverine ecosystem, once threatened by sand mining, overfishing, and pollution, was transformed into one of the most successful biodiversity conservation landscapes in South Asia.

The conversation traces the rediscovery of the gharial in the 1970s, when the species was presumed extinct, leading to the launch of Project Gharial, one of the world’s earliest captive-breeding and reintroduction programs. Singh explains how the combined threats of mining, riverbed agriculture, and plastic fishing nets once devastated riverine biodiversity, and how determined scientists and forest officers worked with local communities to rebuild habitats critical for gharial and crocodile conservation. He highlights how dedicated field staff revived the Chambal wildlife population from just 200 individuals to over 2,500 today through conservation breeding, making it a global model for wildlife conservation and biodiversity management.

The discussion also explores the ecological and cultural role of gharials in India, their significance in Hindu mythology as the sacred vehicle of the goddess Ganga, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining this fragile riverine ecology. Ram discusses the looming threats of pollution, heavy metal contamination, climate change, dams, and river-linking projects that could once again endanger Chambal biodiversity. He underscores the urgent need to safeguard sandbanks, maintain ecological flows, and strengthen inter-state cooperation to secure the future of this unique riverine ecosystem.

Ram also reflects on the evolution of his conservation journey—from founding the Chambal Conservation Foundation to establishing the Indian School of Nature, which now promotes climate-compatible agriculture, and environmental education. He also talks about his eco-tourism efforts at the Chambal Safari Lodge. His vision extends beyond wildlife, aiming to align human livelihoods with biodiversity management and the long-term health of India’s riverine wildlife.

This episode captures one of India’s greatest conservation success stories: how the Chambal River rose from infamy to become a sanctuary for endangered species and a living symbol of hope for biodiversity and crocodiles across the subcontinent. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or nature enthusiast, this is an inspiring exploration of how local action can restore entire river systems.

#Chambal #ChambalRiver #ChambalBiodiversity #RiverineConservation #RiverineEcology #RiverineBiodiversity #RiverineWildlife #ChambalWildlife #Gharial #MarshCrocodile #Mugger #IndianBiodiversity #Biodiversity #BiodiversityHotspot #BiodiversityConservation #BiodiversityManagement #CrocodileConservation #Conservation #WildlifeConservation #Crocodiles #Crocodile #Gharials #Conserving #RiverineEcosystem #ThinkWildlifePodcast #RamPratapSingh #AnishBanerjee #IndianSchoolOfNature

As the world rapidly urbanizes, our cities face growing challenges of ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate impacts. In the 1950s, only 30% of the world’s population lived in cities; by the 2030s, that number will exceed 60%. While this shift creates opportunities for rural rewilding, it also threatens the health of our urban ecosystems. One of the most powerful solutions emerging is the creation of urban forests through the Miyawaki method, a pioneering approach to ecosystem restoration that has transformed degraded cityscapes into thriving green habitats.

In this episode, we speak with Nicolas de Brabandère, founder of Urban Forest, an organization dedicated to greening Europe’s cities by creating Miyawaki forests. Nicolas shares the story of how he started with a single experimental forest and went on to establish over 100 urban forests across Belgium, France, and Germany. These dense, native tree plantations not only restore urban biodiversity but also provide crucial ecosystem services that build urban resilience against the impacts of the climate crisis.

We explore the origins of the Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki, who studied plant communities and natural vegetation to design a system for recreating self-sustaining forests. By planting native trees densely in degraded soils, the method accelerates growth, enhances soil biology, and supports urban wildlife conservation. Within just three years, these forests become independent, creating vibrant urban habitats that benefit both nature and people.

Nicolas walks us through the practical steps of creating a Miyawaki forest: selecting suitable land, preparing degraded urban soils, choosing the right native species, and involving the community in planting and maintenance. He highlights the importance of community engagement, from neighborhood planting events to school-based programs like Kids in the Woods, which connect children with nature while building long-term stewardship of green cities.

We also discuss the challenges of financing, soil preparation, and ensuring proper maintenance until the forest is self-sustaining. Despite these hurdles, the method has proven transformative, offering a blueprint for urban ecosystem restoration worldwide. Miyawaki forests combat ecosystem degradation, sequester carbon, restore ecological connectivity, and serve as nature-based climate solutions that cities urgently need.

This conversation underscores how urban biodiversity conservation is not just about planting trees, but about building ecosystem resilience, fostering community, and creating cities that work in harmony with nature. Whether it’s through corporate partnerships, grassroots neighborhood initiatives, or educational programs, everyone can take part in greening their surroundings and restoring balance to our urban landscapes.

Tune in to learn how small patches of forest can create massive ecological and social impacts, why the Miyawaki method is considered one of the most effective tools for restoring degraded ecosystems, and how you can get involved in bringing nature-based solutions into your city.

#urbanforests #urbanbiodiversity #urbanecology #urbanwildlife #urbanecosystems #urbanecosystemrestoration #urbanbiodiversityconservation #urbanwildlifeconservation #ecosystemrestoration #ecosystem #ecosystemdegradation #greencities #naturebasedsolutions #naturebasedclimatesolutions #urbanresilience #ecosystemresilience #treeplantations #miyawakiforest #miyawaki #miyawakimethod #urbanhabitats

Coral reefs are among the most extraordinary ecosystems on our planet, supporting nearly a quarter of all marine life despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor. In this episode, we dive deep into the wonders and challenges of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers and visible even from outer space. Our guest, Carolyn Trewin, Senior Program Manager at the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, shares her journey into marine conservation and the critical work being done to protect and restore these fragile coral ecosystems.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 600 types of corals and more than 1,600 species of fish, making it a global center of coral reef biodiversity and marine biodiversity. It provides food, coastal protection, and livelihoods for millions, while also serving as a powerful natural carbon sink through its seagrasses, mangroves, and wetlands—key players in storing "blue carbon" and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Yet this vital ecosystem faces unprecedented threats from rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, unsustainable fishing, pollution, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish.

Carolyn explains how the Great Barrier Reef Foundation was founded in response to the first mass coral bleaching event in 1998 and how it has since grown into one of the leading organizations dedicated to coral reef conservation, marine conservation, and biodiversity protection. She highlights pioneering initiatives such as coral IVF, cryopreservation of coral species, and large-scale reef restoration projects aimed at deploying millions of heat-tolerant corals by 2030. These efforts represent cutting-edge science combined with the stewardship of Australia’s First Nations people, who have cared for sea country for over 60,000 years.

The episode also explores broader global challenges—the biodiversity crisis, environmental degradation, and the worsening climate crisis—and how coral reef protection is central to achieving sustainable oceans and long-term biodiversity conservation. From restoring seagrass meadows and turtle nesting habitats to building resilience against extreme weather events like El Niño, the strategies discussed provide hope for the future of coral reefs worldwide.

Listeners will also hear inspiring stories of Carolyn’s experiences working on reef islands such as Lady Elliot and Heron Island, witnessing turtle hatchlings, and collaborating with conservation partners in regions like Belize. Her reflections remind us why the fight for coral reefs matters—not just for marine species but for human communities and the health of the entire planet.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand why coral reef protection is one of the most urgent priorities of our time and how innovative science, traditional knowledge, and global cooperation can come together to safeguard these ecosystems. Supporting coral reef conservation is not just about saving the Great Barrier Reef—it’s about securing the future of ocean biodiversity and ensuring that future generations inherit thriving, resilient seas.

Tune in to discover how you can be part of the movement to protect coral reefs, fight climate change, and preserve the oceans for generations to come.

#coralreefs #coralecosystems #coralreef #GreatBarrierReef #coralbiodiversity #marineecology #coralreefbiodiversity #marinebiodiversity #marineconservation #coralreefconservation #coralreefprotection #biodiversityprotection #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversity #environmentalpollution #environmentaldegradation #pollution #climatechange #climatecrisis #biodiversitycrisis #sustainableoceans #oceanbiodiversity

Human-elephant conflict is one of the most pressing challenges in conservation biology, especially across Asia’s biodiversity hotspots where elephants and people share fragmented landscapes. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Anish speaks with Anandi Gandhi, a PhD researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz, whose work in Eastern Thailand explores how farmers and elephants navigate complex realities of human-elephant coexistence.

Anandi’s journey into elephant conservation is as unique as it is inspiring. Coming from a philosophy and agriculture background, she combines anthropology, agriculture, and ecology to study how farmers and elephants interact in one of the most conflict-prone regions of Thailand. With only 3,000–4,000 wild Asian elephants left in Thailand, and around 600 concentrated in the east, human-elephant conflict has already resulted in dozens of deaths this year. Yet, amid habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, and pressures from industrial agriculture, she finds remarkable stories of resilience, tolerance, and coexistence.

Drawing on over 15 years of work on farming systems, Anandi highlights how monocrop plantations such as sugarcane, cassava, and rubber fuel human-elephant conflict. Farmers are caught between global markets and government subsidies, often suffering huge losses while being blamed by conservationists. Against this backdrop, she explores how Vanakase (forest gardening) agroforestry systems create biodiversity-rich landscapes that benefit both elephants and people. These agroforests function as ecosystem engineers, mimicking secondary forests while providing food, income, and resilience to climate change. Elephants, the gentle giants of Asia, move through these farms as they would in natural forests—feeding lightly, passing through without causing severe damage.

Anandi also reflects on how language shapes conservation practice. While media and policy often frame the issue as “human-elephant conflict,” local farmers prefer terms such as “problems with elephants” or “coexistence.” For government officials, coexistence may mean separation, while for conservationists it suggests harmony. But for Vanakase farmers, coexistence means co-survival: humans and elephants sharing space and resources with mutual respect, grounded in reality rather than idealism. This perspective challenges Western conservation models that separate people from nature and instead points toward community-driven, ground-up coexistence conservation.

Beyond research, the episode delves into how regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and biodiversity preservation can tackle not only wildlife conservation challenges but also the global climate crisis. By rethinking agriculture as part of the solution, rather than the problem, Anandi demonstrates how farming can reduce human-farmer conflict, support elephant conservation, and strengthen biodiversity management. Her stories include encounters with elephants like Mamuang, a wild male known and loved by local villagers, who walks peacefully through communities—symbolizing the fragile yet powerful potential of coexistence.

This episode sheds light on elephants as keystone species and ecosystem engineers whose survival is intricately linked with that of rural farmers. It examines how biodiversity conservation and biodiversity preservation are inseparable from social and cultural contexts, how habitat loss and fragmentation fuel conflict, and how coexistence offers pathways for the future. By weaving together the voices of farmers, elephants, and conservationists, Anandi’s work underscores the importance of empathy, tolerance, and radical imagination in biodiversity management.

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion on human-elephant coexistence, agriculture, and conservation biology in Thailand. It is a conversation not only about elephants but about the future of coexistence conservation, biodiversity hotspots, and the survival of both people and gentle giants in a rapidly changing world.

#human-elephantconflict #humanelephantcoexistence #humanfarmerconflict #humaelephantcoexistence #elephant #elephants #elephantconservation #Asianephants #asiaticelephants #conservationbiology #biodiversity #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitypreservation #biodiversityhotspots #keystonespecies #gentlegiants #ecosystemengineers #habitatfragmentation #habitatloss #coexistenceconservation #coexistence #wildlifeconservation

Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on Earth, making them critical indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity preservation. In this episode, we are joined by Mark Mandica, Executive Director of Amphibian Foundation, who shares his expertise on amphibian ecology, conservation biology, and the urgent need to protect these keystone species and ecosystem engineers. His leadership highlights how amphibians are at the heart of biodiversity management and biodiversity conservation strategies worldwide.

Despite their ancient evolutionary history and vital ecological roles, amphibians are facing an unprecedented crisis. Pollution, habitat loss, disease, and the escalating impacts of climate change are driving widespread declines in amphibian biodiversity, with serious consequences for freshwater ecosystems and wildlife ecology. Amphibians such as frogs, salamanders, and caecilians are not only fascinating in their biology but are also shaping freshwater ecosystems and influencing the survival of countless other forms of wildlife. Their sensitivity to pollution, habitat degradation, and shifts in freshwater ecology makes them some of the most powerful biodiversity indicators, helping us measure the health of freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems.

Mark discusses how amphibian conservation intersects with conservation biology at large. He examines the threats amphibians face from environmental pollutants, agricultural runoff, and urban expansion, as well as the spread of deadly pathogens like chytrid fungus. He also explains how amphibian conservation is directly linked to broader biodiversity preservation, since their survival influences ecosystem stability, food webs, and freshwater biodiversity across rivers, wetlands, and streams.

Amphibians also illustrate the deep connections between wildlife biology, climate change, and the climate crisis. As global temperatures rise, amphibians are losing habitat, experiencing altered breeding cycles, and facing water stress in freshwater ecosystems. Their declines foreshadow broader biodiversity loss, making amphibian conservation urgent for protecting both wildlife and human futures. Conservation biology initiatives increasingly recognize amphibians as frontline species in the battle to mitigate biodiversity loss and adapt to environmental change.

We also explore practical approaches to amphibian conservation, from habitat restoration and protection of freshwater ecosystems to addressing pollution and promoting climate resilience. By integrating amphibian ecology into biodiversity management and biodiversity conservation strategies, researchers and conservationists are not only protecting amphibians but also securing the ecological services that healthy freshwater biodiversity provides.

This conversation with Mark and the Amphibian Foundation underscores that saving amphibians is about far more than protecting a single group of animals—it is about maintaining biodiversity hotspots, sustaining ecosystem balance, and ensuring that wildlife and people alike benefit from thriving freshwater ecology. Amphibians remind us that conservation biology must address the intersections of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity preservation. Their story is a powerful call to action to safeguard amphibian biodiversity and confront the global climate crisis.

#amphibians #amphibianconservation #amphibianbiodiversity #amphibianecology #biodiversityindictaors #keystonespecies #ecosystemengineers #amphibian #freshwaterecology #freshwaterbiodiversity #freshwaterecosystems #biodiversity #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitypreservation #wildlife #wildlifeecology #wildlifebiology #conservationbiology #pollution #climatechange #climatecrisis