What makes the hellbender North America's most captivating salamander? Join Monni Böhm and guest host/producer Kelly Griese as they unravel this mystery with humor and keen insights. You'll laugh along as we talk about quirky hellbender names and hear from Nick Burgmeier, a wildlife specialist from Purdue University, who gives us the lowdown on these unique amphibians.

Nick helps us understand the challenges facing these cute-in-their-own-way creatures. From habitat degradation and agricultural runoff, hellbenders face an upstream swim for survival, but powerful partnerships are helping to protect and grow hellbender populations. Learn about the zoos, conservationists, farmers and landowners coming together to ensure a bright future for the "snot otter." We'll also share information about how YOU can contribute to hellbender conservation.

Links:
Help the Hellbender
Helping Hellbenders: Conservation Program Repopulates Indiana Waterways
Hellbender in the Blue - documentary
Hellbent - documentary

Ever wondered how a serendipitous encounter can shape an entire career? Join us on the Protect Species Podcast as we chat with Dr. Kit Kovacs, a distinguished marine mammal researcher, who recounts her enchanting journey from an undergraduate student to a leading expert at the Norwegian Polar Institute. Kit shares her first magical field season in Canada, where she fell in love with walruses and embarked on a lifelong mission to understand these magnificent creatures.

Discover the cutting-edge techniques and innovations that make walrus research possible as Kit reveals the complexities of tagging and monitoring these enormous animals. From the meticulous process of intubating and tracking oxygen levels to overcoming logistical challenges with Russian colleagues, Kit highlights the fascinating advancements and adaptations that enable researchers to gather critical data on walrus migration and behavior.

We also tackle the pressing conservation issues walruses face today, delving into the effects of climate change and the importance of sustainable hunting practices. Kit sheds light on the delicate balance between sea ice dependency and the species' adaptability to coming ashore. Plus, Kit shares heartwarming stories of close encounters with curious walruses.

If you like this episode, we'd love for you to rate and review the Protect Species Podcast! And, as is often the case, the highest form of praise you can offer is to tell others about our show.

Links:
The University Center in Svalbard
Norwegian Polar Institute
Dr. Kit Kovacs Google Scholar
IUCN SSC Marine Conservation Committee

Fungi are so much more than JUST mushrooms. Dr. Greg Mueller, former Chief Scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden and current Chair of the IUCN SSC Fungal Conservation Committee, has a lot to say about the "fungus among us." And, spoiler, he's a FUN GUY!

In this episode of the Protect Species Podcast, we explore a world beyond pizza toppings. Fungi play a critical role as nature’s decomposers. From mycelium bricks to synthetic fungal leather, and even their role in cleaning up environmental disasters through bioremediation, fungi are the unsung heroes of the natural world!

Dr. Mueller brings to light the significant conservation challenges fungi face, largely due to habitat loss and climate change. We discuss the intricacies of fungi/plant relationships and how they are crucial for reforestation success, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to conservation that integrates soil health and forest ecosystems. This episode also unpacks the fascinating process of nutrient and signal exchange between plants and fungi, dispelling myths and highlighting scientific realities.

We think you'll agree that Dr. Mueller is a passionate fungi expert, who shares his enthusiasm and insights, leaving us with a playful yet profound appreciation of the fungal kingdom.

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Additional links:
Chicago Botanic Garden
IUCN SSC Fungal Conservation Committee
The Fungus Among Us - Protect Species Blog

Renowned wildlife photographer Joel Sartore takes us on an extraordinary journey from his early days in newspaper photography to his groundbreaking work with National Geographic and the ambitious Photo Ark project. Learn how Joel uses innovative techniques, such as black and white backgrounds, to give equal prominence to all creatures, whether they are tiny insects or massive lions. Delve into the unique challenges and collaborative effort required to photograph Earth's biodiversity, and discover how pictures play a vital role in raising public awareness about the extinction crisis.

Brace yourself for exhilarating adventure stories from Joel’s wildlife photography escapades. From close encounters with grizzly bears and spitting cobras to the humorous ordeal of Joel's boots melting on hot lava or the time he was pelted with monkey poo! Each tale offers a vivid glimpse into the unpredictable and often perilous world of wildlife photography. Joel also shares his personal battle with a tropical disease and the fascinating discovery of traditional healing methods in the Amazon, adding an element of intrigue and danger to his conservation efforts. Join us for an episode packed with stories, insights, and a powerful message about the importance of protecting our natural world.

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Joel's work can be seen on the Photo Ark website.

Additional links:
Photo Ark Project
Joel Sartore Instagram
Joel Sartore named 2023 Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador
"The Spider Monkey Incident"

Soaring through the skies of conversation, we welcome our colleague Dr. Sam Ivande, the Bird Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival. He's also a cardinal enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge about birds and community science. In a narrative that spans from personal connections to the environmental significance of our avian friends, Sam weaves a tapestry of anecdotes that reveal the profound kinship we share with birds. The gentle chirp of a backyard visitor, the silent glide of a distant raptor; our discussion illuminates the mosaic of human-bird relationships, from the simple joys of birdwatching to the complex challenges these creatures face due to human interference.

Like a bird takes flight on unexpected winds, Sam's journey into conservation biology has been filled with twists and turns. How exactly did make his way from architecture to ornithology? Sam shares his passion for our feathered friends and the folks who are trying to protect them. Learn how birdwatching has created a flock of its own that's filled with as much vibrance and diversity as we find among the birds themselves.

Links:
State of the World’s Birds Report
Citizen Science
Merlin Bird ID App
eBird App
Preventing Bird Window Strikes

From the moment Fanny Cornejo cradled a rescued baby howler monkey, her path in life became clear. Fanny, a dedicated primatologist and founder of Yunkawasi, shares her transformative journey and the conservation efforts she spearheads in Peru. Delving beyond adorable primate encounters, Fanny paints a vivid picture of the intersection between conservation and community empowerment, underscoring how education and sustainable practices can lead to a harmonious existence between humans and wildlife.

Have you ever considered the impact your morning cup of coffee has on the world's primates? Fanny's stories reveal the intricate connection between our daily choices and the survival of species like the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Her candid discussion on the hurdles faced by women in the field of primatology sheds light on a broader struggle for equality in science. The episode is a celebration of local heroes and a call to action, illustrating how supporting eco-friendly agriculture can safeguard our planet's biodiversity without breaking the bank.

Links:
Yunkawasi

Dive beneath the surface with us as we bring to light the enchanting and perilous world of sharks, alongside the indomitable shark conservationist Dr. Rima Jabado. She's not just making waves; she's here to guide us through the blue abyss, unraveling myths and broadcasting a clarion call for the protection of these majestic creatures. Our conversation navigates from the spine-tingling theme of "JAWS" to the stark realities threatening shark populations, striking a balance between jest and the sobering urgency for marine conservation.

Throughout the episode, we traverse the diverse tapestry of marine life, spotlighting not only the apex predators of the sea but also the lesser-known species that are equally crucial to the oceanic ecosystem. Rima shares her journey from childhood wonder to conservation crusader, shedding light on the remarkable projects aimed at safeguarding our finned friends. We navigate the complexities of marine protected areas, the nuances of shark behavior, and the global challenges that loom large over the survival of these enigmatic species. In the midst of it all, we conjure the peculiar allure of the ocean's more obscure residents, from the curious goblin shark to the vibrant freshwater stingrays.

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Rima mentions the Elasmo Project, a non-profit initiative she founded in 2010 to encourage work in data-poor areas focused on investigating shark and ray fisheries and trade. She also recently launched the Important Shark and Ray Areas project to map critical habitats for these species around the world and support area-based management. Additionally, Rima is Deputy Chair of the IUCN SSC and the Chair of the Shark Specialist Group.

Venture into the frozen realm of the Arctic with Dr. Steve Amstrup, a leading authority on polar bears, as we explore the profound impact of climate change on these iconic predators. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Amstrup draws from his extensive fieldwork experience, highlighting the urgent challenges posed by melting sea ice and the behavioral adaptations that polar bears are forced to make. Prepare to be captivated by tales from the frontline of wildlife research and discover the meticulous efforts behind tracking and conserving these majestic animals.

Dr. Amstrup's journey from documenting polar bear population recovery to pioneering research in their conservation opens a window into the complex world of Arctic wildlife management. Our episode traverses the inventive process of immobilizing polar bears for study, the surprising discoveries from radio collaring, and the tricky techniques developed to observe these elusive giants. As sea ice retreats, we are offered a rare glimpse into the altered existence of polar bears and the innovative science that seeks to safeguard their future.

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Steve speaks extensively about a recent publication tying greenhouse gas emissions to polar bear populations. You can find that study here.

Additional links:
Polar Bears International
The Hill - Scientists link greenhouse gas emissions to polar bear population declines
CNN - Scientists say they've found a direct link between planet-warming pollution and polar bear survival