This Wild Life Conservation Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Greg Rasmussen, a world leader in Painted Dog conservation. Greg regales us with heartwarming stories, including one involving a dog named Circus, and captivating insights into working with local ranchers to put an end to the killing of painted dogs. Greg also talks passionately about the wonderful social structure of these unique animals, including how no dog is ever left out. Please head to www.painteddogresearch.org to find out how you can support Greg and his Zimbabwean team. An episode certainly not to be missed. 

This week we have a fascinating conversation with Roderick Stien-Rostaing, Founder and Director of Reef Doctor. Reef Doctor is a pioneering organisation that has been conducting conservation and social development in southwest Madagascar for 15 years. A major part of their work is the preservation of the delicate coral reef system. The Reef Doctor team have been instrumental in preserving biodiversity and relieving poverty in the area. From military coups to terrible roads, Roderick gives us an insight into what it's really like to start a conservation organisation. 

This week we have the privilege of being joined by Sergeant Nkateko Mzimba, a key member of the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa. Not only has the unit reduced poaching by over 60% in the Balule region of the Greater Kruger National Park but also broken tradition as the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Nkateko gives us a fascinating insight into what it's like to become a Black Mamba and the threats she faces everyday. From being chased by lions, to the worry of coming face to face with armed poachers. Join us!

Join us to hear all about the mysterious world of the Amazon River Dolphin with Suzanne Smith, founder of the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation (ARDCF). Suzanne shares stories of her expeditions into the depths of the Amazon rainforest. From being caught in tropical storms to swimming for hours with these incredible dolphins. ARDCF is firmly intertwined with the local communities and conducts world-leading research on the dolphins that call the mighty Amazon river their home. Tune in to hear about Suzanne’s Amazon adventures!

We go behind the scenes of a National Graphic Ocean expedition with renowned explorer Paul Rose. Paul is the expedition leader for the Nat Geo Pristine Seas project that has led to the protection of 23 marine reserves from Costa Rica to the Galapagos. Alongside a team of world-leading scientists, Paul explores areas of the planet that have never been seen before. In this episode Paul talks of challenging ocean currents, getting bitten by a moray eel while filming, and what it’s like to share the water with a vast number of sharks. Don’t miss it! 

Want to hear why our host, Amy stubbornly locked herself in the Landrover Defender whilst in the bush? Join Amy and David as they discuss the highs and lows of Series One of the podcast! From recording in the back of a sweltering car to realising some episodes were unpublishable - this episode is all about the trials and tribulations of learning the ropes in the world of podcasting! Join us for the final episode of Series One...see you on the other side!

This week we give a warm welcome to Verena Gill, a specialist on marine mammals, specifically: sea otters, the Beluga whale and North Pacific Right whale. A major aspect of Verena's work at the NOAA Fisheries is aimed at the conservation of a special population of Beluga whale that lives in the Cook Inlet in Alaska. Sadly the population is decreasing due to several human threats, yet Verena is working tirelessly to save the species. During this conversation, Verena also talks to us about her fascinating work with Sea Otters and tells us the story of the trials and tribulations of doing fieldwork on the vast tidal waters of Cook Inlet! At the end of the episode, we will also be announcing who has won our latest competition - good luck!

This week we are focusing on a big cat that could be described as the ghost of the mountains as we welcome Dr. Rodney Jackson and Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson from the Snow Leopard Conservancy. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Jackson is a pioneer in snow leopard conservation and his seminal research has been showcased in National Geographic. Ashleigh and Rodney take us into the extraordinary world of these cats, from where they live, to the threats they face. We will also learn about the extreme challenges required to monitor them, including how Rodney spent 15 days walking to get into Snow Leopard territory! Finally, they describe the importance of working with the local people to change their perception of these animals and even re-ignite the snow leopard's sacred status. So join me for this episode in the mysterious world of the snow leopard! 

This week we chat with Vera Castro and Sam Turley from Imire Wildlife and Rhino conservation, Zimbabwe. From baby rhinos that bring hope during this challenging time to a cape clawless otter that nearly stole the show, you won’t be disappointed! In short, Imrie was founded in 1948 by the inspirational Norman and Gilly Travers and is a conservancy dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, most specifically the breeding and protection of the critically endangered black rhino. We hear about how Imire never gave up on their mission to save the black rhino, even after a devastating rhino poaching incident. Vera and Sam also give us a deep insight into how Imire is completely intertwined with the local people. Vera talks passionately about the women's support group that enables girls to get a full education. Sam also describes the shocking living conditions that the local school children were staying in after school and how this became the catalyst for a much-needed community project. Head over to https://www.imire.co.zw/ to support Imire's tireless work in enabling both wildlife and people to thrive!

Would you like to discover why a ban on trophy hunting may not be beneficial to conserving species such as lion? This week we have the privilege of talking to Dr. Amy Dickman, founder of the Ruaha Carnivore Project and a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford. In this episode, Amy provides incredible insight into the innovative methods her team employs to reduce the number of lion killings. Importantly, how the engagement of local communities helps to protect these large carnivores. We also discuss the divisive topic of trophy hunting and Amy explains the complexities of this emotive issue and why it’s not always as clear cut as it seems.