Timothy Mousseau explores the effects of radiation from the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear incidents on local wildlife. Host Heather Lynch and Mousseau, a professor at the University of South Carolina, discuss the current state of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the biological impacts on various species, particularly birds and feral dogs, and how these findings can inform our understanding of the risks associated with nuclear energy and radiation. 

Mousseau spoke at Stony Brook University in February 2025 to celebrate International Darwin Day.

Learn more with:

• “Genomic reconstruction reveals impact of population management strategies on modern Galápagos dogs” by Timothy Mousseau, Elaine A Ostrander, et al.
• “Is increased mutation driving genetic diversity in dogs within the Chornobyl exclusion zone?” by Timothy Mousseau, et al.
• “The Evolution of Nuclear Landscapes: A Darwin Day Discussion” (SBU News)

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

• 00:00 Chernobyl's Legacy
• 00:47 Welcome and Introduction of Guest
• 01:57 Setting the Scene: Chernobyl Today
• 02:58 Wildlife in the Exclusion Zone
• 05:20 Impact of War and COVID on Research
• 06:01 Debunking the Biological Paradise Myth
• 08:34 Birds and Biodiversity in Chernobyl
• 11:40 Nematodes and Unexpected Findings
• 14:26 Radiation and Cancer in Wildlife
• 15:51 The Dogs of Chernobyl
• 26:17 Conclusion and Further Research

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C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program manager: Jennifer Gilday