ZSL Wild Science Podcast

The world is facing a crisis of species extinction, however targeted efforts in conservation biology can provide a glimmer of hope. A new study led by ZSL, published recently in Science, is the first to assess animals and plants categorised as ‘Extinct in the Wild’ by the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species – until now, a surprisingly overlooked group. In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey, with the help of four fantastic guests, discovers the incredible potential for conservation zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and seedbanks across the world to save these species from the brink of extinction. What are the problems associated with tiny populations? How is ZSL involved in Extinct in the Wild projects? And why won’t anyone just choose their favourite species?! Overview 03:36 - Ellie Darbey introduces the first guest, Dr Donal Smith (Postdoctoral Research Associate) to discuss the new publication and small population biology 18:50 - Ellie is joined by Dr John Ewen (Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Zoology, ZSL) to talk about ZSL’s Extinct in the Wild initiative and conservation decision making 28:25 - Species Spotlight: Partula snails! 29:40 - Ellie welcomes Alex Cliffe (Ectotherms Team Leader, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo), to discuss breeding programmes in zoos, and ZSL’s work with the Mexican pupfish 39:45 - Ellie is joined by the final guest, Melanie Mesa Blas (Guam Department of Education and recipient of 2022 National Geographic Explorer Grant with ZSL) to find out about the future of the Sihek, or Guam kingfisher and considerations for releasing back into the wild 49:28 - The guests give their thoughts on the most important thing needed now to save these species on the brink of extinction Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts on the one thing these Extinct in the Wild species need to survive, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.org Check out our science and conservation work at: www.zsl.org/Science or www.zsl.org/conservation Previous Episode mentioned #010 on the IUCN Red List: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcastIUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add2889and blog: https://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/news/conservation-zoos-have-powerful-potential-reverse-extinction ZSL’s conservation work with partula snails: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/partula-snail-conservation ZSL’s Sihek or Guam Kingfisher conservation project: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/sihek-conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/events/return-wild-how-can-we-recover-extinct-wild-species Get in touch Email wild.science@zsl.org with your questions, comments, and thoughts for future episodes! Tweet us @ZSLScience with the hashtag #ZSLWildScienceFollow us on Facebook @ZSLScienceAndConservation

It’s no secret that cities are generally perceived as spaces of little conservation relevance, yet local urban wildlife underpins a range of ecosystem services. In a time where rapid changes in the climate are causing more extreme natural events, wildlife is disappearing and we are becoming more and more disconnected from nature through urbanisation, could the recovery of urban ecosystems be a potential solution for a more resilient planet? In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey will discover how we can recover nature in our cities, with ZSL’s experts in rewilding, reconnecting habitats and river restoration. Does the answer lie in empowering local communities? Or is it in the plight of the hedgehog? And why must we enact the mysterious Schedule Three? Guests Professor Nathalie PettorelliDr Chris CarboneJoe PecorelliMarine and Freshwater Overview 03:3116:3926:5928:1237:19 Resources wild.science@zsl.orgzsl.org/Sciencewww.zsl.org/conservation https://www.zsl.org/global-biodiversity-monitoring/indicators-and-assessments-unit/living-planet-index/living-planethttps://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcast https://www.zsl.org/science/news/rewilding-our-cities-could-reduce-impacts-of-extreme-weather-says-new-reporthttps://www.rewildmystreet.org/https://www.zsl.org/conservation/species/mammals/london-hogwatch https://www.zsl.org/conservation/news/nationally-critically-endangered-pine-marten-spotted-in-london https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/londons-rivershttps://www.zsl.org/natureatheart/the-state-of-the-thames-2021 https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/volunteer-for-londons-rivershttps://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/29/contents Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org@ZSLScience@ZSLScienceAndConservation

Pathology is the science of diagnosing diseases by observing physical changes in animal cells and tissues, either in living, or more commonly dead animals. In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey will explore the unseen…or rather, unheard world of wildlife pathology with the help of ZSL’s experienced pathologists, veterinarians, and scientists. Through post mortems on black widow spiders, to giant stranded humpback whales, these four pathology professionals will show the value of this diagnostic work to the conservation and welfare of animals in zoos and in the wild. What are the practicalities of examining large animals like elephants and rhinos? How can pathology be used to solve wildlife crimes? And what do pathology and The Supreme Court have in common? Guests Dr Becki LawsonRob DeavilleDr Tammy Shadbolt Overview 01:22 – Ellie Darbey introduces the first guest, Dr Simon Spiro, to discuss what it’s like to be a veterinarian pathologist, and how pathology can be used for animal welfare and conservation 14:06 – Ellie is joined by Dr Becki Lawson to explore the Garden Wildlife Health Project and the detective work used to discover a snake fungal pathogen in Europe. 27:15 – Rob Deaville joins to explain what happened to “Hessy” the humpback whale, and how the Cetacean Strandings programme works. 40:10 – Ellie welcomes the final guest Dr Tammy Shadbolt to discuss the Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance Project and how pathology can help solve wildlife crimes. 49:44 – The speakers give their advice for pursuing a career involving wildlife pathology from their varied backgrounds and perspectives. Resources https://www.zsl.org/science/whats-on/revealing-the-unseen-the-amazing-world-of-wildlife-pathology https://www.zsl.org/blogs/science/grass-in-the-snake-zoo-pathology-in-practice https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/careers-in-pathology.html https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/careers-in-pathology/become-a-veterinary-pathologist.htmlgardenwildlifehealth.org https://www.zsl.org/science/research/uk-cetacean-strandings-investigation-programme-csip https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/09/humpback-whale-found-dead-thames-hit-by-shiphttps://www.cefas.co.uk/publications/techrep/tech131.pdf https://www.zsl.org/science/wildlife-health/disease-risk-analysis-and-health-surveillance https://www.zsl.org/blogs/science/dormouse-reintroductions--a-landmark-dayhttps://www.zsl.org/science/postgraduate-study

The anthropogenically driven climate crisis and unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss are both threatening the foundations of economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide. Treating these two crises separately can be ineffectual or even deepen the problem. A recent landmark study calls for a more integrated approach to tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. Ellie Darbey will be joined by lead author of the article, Dr Nathalie Pettorelli, along with three co-authors, to share their expertise on these issues and help untangle the web of science and policy. Why is it important to tackle both these crises together? How can Nature-based Solutions help? And what needs to be done to integrate these solutions into global science-policy agendas? Guests: Dr Nathalie Pettorelli Professor Heather KoldeweyProfessor William Sutherland CBE Matthew Lowton Overview 01:26 – Ellie Darbey introduces the co-host of this episode, Dr Nathalie Pettorelli, to discuss the climate change and biodiversity crises, and introduce Nature-based solutions (NbS). 12:12 – Ellie and Nathalie are joined by Professor Heather Koldewey to explore the use of protected areas and restoration projects in the marine world. 28:59 – Professor William Sutherland joins to explain how to measure the risks of NbS, and emphasises the importance of evidence-based science policies. 38:42 – Ellie and Nathalie welcome Matthew Lowton to discuss the global conventions for climate change and biodiversity, and the ways to get NbS into science-policy agendas. Resources https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13985 https://www.zsl.org/science/whats-on/time-to-integrate-global-climate-change-and-biodiversity-science-policy-agendashttps://www.zsl.org/natureatheart https://www.zsl.org/news/unite-solutions-to-climate-and-biodiversity-crises-to-save-life-on-earth-says-zsl-led-study https://www.zsl.org/science/whats-on/nature-to-get-out-of-the-climate-crisis-how-does-that-workhttps://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcasthttps://unfccc.int/https://ukcop26.org/https://www.cbd.int/ https://www.zsl.org/regions/uk-overseas-territories/chagos-archipelago https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/asia/rehabilitating-mangroves-in-the-philippines https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/thames-conservation/native-oyster-restorationhttps://www.conservationevidence.comet al.https://www.openbookpublishers.com/product/1490https://www.zsl.org/conservation/how-we-work

Coastal marine habitats are essential to the health of our marine ecosystem, and hold both environmental and social importance. They provide valuable ecosystem services, but for decades they have been impacted by harmful human activities. In her final episode as host, Monni Böhm will be joined by co-host Celine Gamble and an expert panel to explore the need for active restoration to conserve four incredible marine habitats: native oyster beds, saltmarshes, kelp forests and seagrass. How can we scale up these restoration efforts? What makes some species in these habitats ecological superheroes? And what on earth is a scuba-diving spider? Please note: this episode was recorded in 2020. Guests: Celine Gamble Dr Joanne PrestonAngus GarbuttDr Ian Hendy Dr Richard Unsworth Overview 01:06 – Dr Monni Böhm introduces the co-host of this episode, Celine Gamble, to discuss why marine habitat restoration is needed, and introduce the Native Oyster Network. 05:29 – Monni and Celine are joined by Dr Joanne Preston who will discuss the forgotten ecosystem of oyster beds, and how to restore native oyster reefs in the UK. 14:51 – Angus Garbutt describes the diversity of saltmarshes of the UK, provides unique insight into their ecological and cultural importance, and the methods used to restore them. 28:12 – Monni and Celine introduce Dr Ian Hendy who explains what can be done to ‘Help our Kelp’ and why conserving it is crucial for marine biodiversity in the UK. 39:16 – Dr Richard Unsworth joins the hosts to talk about the importance of seagrasses, and the lessons learned from the UK’s first major seagrass restoration project . Resources https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-planhttps://www.decadeonrestoration.org/https://nativeoysternetwork.org/ https://nativeoysternetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020/11/ZSL00150%20Oyster%20Handbook_WEB.pdf https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/thames-conservation/native-oyster-restoration@NativeOysterNethttps://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/restorationhttps://www.saltmarshapp.com/https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/projects/sussex-kelp/https://www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/science/ https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13719https://www.projectseagrass.org/ https://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/sav1/restoration/index.php https://www.swansea.ac.uk/press-office/news-events/news/2020/03/750000-seeds-planted-in-wales-inuks-biggest-seagrassrestoration-scheme-.php

Reptiles - lizards, snakes, turtles and crocodilians – make up almost one third of all land vertebrate species on Earth, and also occur in many marine and freshwater systems. Yet despite their amazing diversity, reptiles remain hugely underrepresented in conservation research and action, when compared to mammals, birds, and even amphibians. In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey finds out from four fantastic reptile experts how this is changing through increased global efforts to put reptiles on the conservation map. What key advances in species assessments have already made an impact for reptile conservation? How does ZSL’s science and conservation work directly contribute to protecting reptiles in the wild? And wait…where is Monni? Guests: Dr Monika Böhm,Dr Rikki GumbsEmmanuel AmoahBenjamin Tapley Overview 01:38 – Ellie welcomes the first guest, Dr Monni Böhm, to discuss how assessments like the IUCN Sampled Red List Index and Global Assessment of Reptile Distributions are essential for advancing the agenda for reptilian conservation. 14:30 – Dr Rikki Gumbs joins the podcast to talk about the reptilian Tree of Life, and the purpose and impact of ZSL’s EDGE of Existence programme. 24:08 – Emmanuel Amoah discusses the aims of Ghanaian NGO, THRESCOAL, set up following his EDGE Fellowship, and how community-led conservation can be used to help protect the West African slender-snouted crocodile. 33:32 – Ellie is joined by the final guest, Benjamin Tapley, who provides an overview of the contribution of zoos to conservation in the wild, using the example of the Big-Headed Turtle project in Vietnam. 46:25 – All four guests provide their recommendations for the next step in reptile conservation. Resources zsl.org/global-biodiversity-monitoring/indicators-and-assessments-unit/the-sampled-red-list-index natureserve.org/conservation-tools/projects/global-reptile-assessmentgardinitiative.org/indianapoliszoo.com/conservation/edgeofexistence.org/https://granthaminstitute.com/threscoal.org/edgeofexistence.org/fellow/emmanuel-amoah/zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/exhibits/reptile-house zsl.org/science/whats-on/putting-reptiles-on-the-map-zsl-science-for-reptilian-conservationzsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcast

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, and more than 500 million people worldwide rely on coral reefs for their livelihoods, food security, and coastal protection. However, coral reefs are impacted by several threats, including rises in sea-surface temperature due to climate change. Join Monni as she navigates these unique underwater ecosystems with the help of five fantastic coral connoisseurs. How can new technologies be used to protect and preserve coral reefs for the future? Why is connectivity important? And which fascinating fact will make your brain (coral) explode? Guests: Dr Catherine HeadDr Jamie Craggs FLS Dr James GuestDr Rosa van der VenDr Chris Yesson Overview 01:05 – Monni is joined by the co-host of this episode, Dr Catherine Head, an expert in applied ecology and evolution in marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, and how tools like population genetics can help conserve them. 05:29 – First up, Monni and Catherine welcome Dr Jamie Craggs, to discuss how captive breeding techniques in aquaria can be used for coral conservation. 14:40 – Dr James Guest joins the podcast to talk about his work with ‘Coral Assist’, a project which examines the feasibility of using “assisted gene flow” and selective breeding to assist corals in the face of climate change. 24:14 – Dr Rosa van der Ven discusses genetic connectivity of corals between reefs, and explains why connectivity is important for their conservation. 30:52 – Monni and Catherine are joined by their final guest, Dr Chris Yesson, cold water coral expert, to discuss how genetic techniques like coral barcoding are used to identify corals in aquaria, and how this can be useful coral conservation. Resources https://www.horniman.ac.uk/project/project-coral/https://www.coralassistlab.org/https://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcast https://www.zsl.org/regions/uk-overseas-territories/chagos-archipelagohttps://www.fondation-bertarelli.org/ Hosted and edited by Dr Monni Böhm, ZSL Research Fellow, and produced by Eleanor Darbey, ZSL Scientific Events Coordinator.

After more than a year of Covid-19 impacting global populations, health systems and economies, one of the major questions being asked was how did this start, and how can we prevent it from happening again? As we humans increasingly disturb our planet’s natural habitats and convert them to agricultural and urban areas, the way we interact with wildlife around us also changes. In this episode, Monni turns to a team of experts in wildlife diseases, to discuss this link between ecosystem degradation and infectious disease outbreaks. What makes an animal a good host for carrying zoonotic diseases? Can we predict and prevent infectious disease outbreaks in the future? And exactly what does a job as ‘human bait’ entail? Guests: Dr Rory Gibb, Dr Christina FaustDr Kimberly Fornace Overview 01:40 Monni welcomes Dr Rory Gibb, to discuss zoonotic hosts and their response to land-use change, and how we should move forward to help human health in the future. 18:28 Dr Christina Faust joins Monni to explore disease transmission, explaining where transmission is more likely to happen in different types of landscapes, and how this could be tracked to avoid future outbreaks in humans. 28:43 Monni is joined by the final guest, Dr Kimberly Fornace, to discuss the Monkey Bar project, and how different technologies such as drones and radio collars were used to monitor monkey malaria. Hosted by Dr Monni Böhm, ZSL Research Fellow and produced by Eleanor Darbey, ZSL Scientific Events Coordinator.

Law breaking, such as poaching or fishing inside marine reserves, is a great challenge to conservationists because research is often complicated by ethics and data privacy. However, important technological progress has been made in recent years, especially in the fields of surveillance and vessel tracking. Join Monni as she finds out from a panel of experts how machine learning and technology developments in drones, infrared imaging, global positioning systems and cameras can help tackle wildlife crime. How can social science help us understand the motivations behind rule-breaking? And what rule is Monni so afraid of admitting that she once broke? Guests: Dr Tom B LetessierDr Kristina BoerderProfessor Serge WichLiverpool John Moores UniversityDr Colin BealeDr Ana NunoUniversity of Exeter Overview 00:53 - Monni is joined by the co-host of today’s episode, Dr Tom B Letessier, an expert in the use of drones and other technologies for marine protected area (MPA) surveillance, fisheries enforcement and megafauna monitoring. 03:49 - Monni and Tom welcome Dr Kristina Boerder to discuss the use of automatic identification systems (AIS) to track illegal activity of fishing vessels in MPAs. 17:48 - Professor Serge Wich joins the hosts to take the surveillance discussion on land, using drones and infrared cameras in tropical terrestrial ecosystems. 24:35 - Dr Colin Beale discusses how to tackle wildlife crime in Africa using algorithms to analyse evidence of illegal activity in the bush and inform ranger-led patrols. 33:44 - Monni and Tom are joined by their final guest, Dr Ana Nuno, to find out how social science can address rule breaking in conservation. Resources: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/08/wildlife-trafficking-science-technology-come-to-rescue-end-illegal-trade https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/feb/18/drones-and-big-data-the-next-frontier-in-the-fight-against-wildlife-extinctionhttps://globalfishingwatch.org/ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/21/magazine/palau-vs-the-poachers.html https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/oct/02/the-outlaw-ocean-by-ian-urbina-review

Conservationists are working hard to stem global biodiversity loss. Yet, just like biodiversity itself, the conservation movement is very diverse, with a variety of ideas shaping its framing, purpose and application. In this episode, Monni and co-hosts Yara Shennan-Farpón, Helen Muller and Thalassa McMurdo Hamilton, speak with Dr Chris Sandbrook, co-creator of the Future of Conservation Survey, about some of the lessons learned from analysing the perspectives of nearly 10,000 conservationists from around the world. What could the future of conservation look like? And what would need to happen for us to get there? Take the survey to find out and reflect on where you think the future of conservation lies: https://www.futureconservation.org/

Rewilding has emerged as a captivating, but controversial, concept in conservation. Depending on how rewilding is defined, it aims to increase “wildness” of nature, regenerate ecosystem functioning, develop self-sustaining ecosystems, or a combination of these. Join Monni as she finds out from the experts how real “wildness” can be achieved, and why now is an important time for the UK to be thinking about rewilding. What is even possible in places like the UK where we have quite limited space? Should people be part of rewilding? And why can the Tamworth Pig be considered the hippopotamus of the UK?

Madagascar is famed for its incredible biodiversity and charismatic lemurs, but has also seen extensive loss of natural habitat. Monni finds out from a panel of Madagascar aficionados what the island has been like in the past and what the challenges are for its surviving wildlife. How big is an elephant bird and its poo? What can old bones tell us? What are the ups and downs of conservation efforts on Madagascar? And why is the Madagascar pochard such a special bird? This episode was recorded in November 2019

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) provide around two-thirds of the world’s catch intended for human consumption, and support 90% of employment in the fisheries sector, therefore should have a huge role to play in achieving some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite this, they are barely mentioned. Monni finds out from a panel of SSF a-fish-ionados why SSFs are being overlooked, what we can learn from them, and how we can better incorporate SSFs into policy, to meet human needs while safeguarding marine biodiversity. But where does gender come into this? And what is this creature that breeds like a plant but feeds like a carnivore?

For decades, conservationists, vets and farmers in the UK have been at loggerheads about the best way to manage bovine tuberculosis (bTB). This cattle disease is a huge burden on the farming industry and can pass between cattle and badgers, making it difficult to eradicate. In this episode, Monni teams up with bTB & badger specialists, to discuss badger vaccination as an alternative to culling operations - the current approach to controlling the disease in England. How do the two approaches compare in terms of effectiveness, practicality and cost? How can the disease be eradicated? And what on earth is a Goodger©?

Human-induced urbanisation, invasive species and land clearing are changing the environment at a far quicker pace than animals are able to evolve. Cognitive mechanisms can play a crucial role in determining how well animals adapt to this change. In this episode, Monni and a team of experts explore how integrating cognitive mechanisms into conservation strategies offers a new approach to enable animals to adapt and survive. How can cognition play a role in caring for our animals at ZSL London Zoo? Why do some baboons think they’re being stalked? And will Monni ever learn?

Indigenous communities around the world possess an extremely rich body of knowledge about local environmental resources and biodiversity, which has the potential to be an invaluable conservation tool. However, this local ecological knowledge is being progressively eroded worldwide. Hear Monni and a diverse panel of experts discuss the challenges and opportunities for incorporating indigenous knowledge into conservation management. How can social science help? And why should more trees be ordained as monks? *Listener note: we apologise for the variety in sound quality on this episode, we experienced some technical issues during recording.

People and nature depend on each other, and although humans are needed to manage and protect nature, conservation practices can interfere with human livelihoods and create conflict between groups of people with competing interests. In this episode our guest host Charlotte Coales teams up with four experts to explore the complexity of these conflicts. What are the underlying drivers? Why do conservationists need to brush up on their people skills? And how could consensus building help?

June 9th is World Swallowtail Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to ZSL’s Butterfly Paradise to marvel at swallowtails, their bird poo mimicking larvae and get a good sniff of the osmeterium. The what? Find out in this episode, where Monni and guests discuss important conservation work for swallowtails at home and abroad, learn about butterfly houses and ZSL’s ongoing work assessing the status of swallowtails worldwide, and are introduced to the Dance of the Golden Birdwing. Happy World Swallowtail Day!

Hold your breath while we remain underwater for this next episode - Monni and a team of specialists investigate the science behind marine plastic pollution. What are the impacts of plastic on wildlife, people and our coasts? What are the future avenues for tackling this issue? What can each one of us do to reduce single-use plastic in our everyday lives? And how many washing machines can you fit into one small laboratory?

The marine environment is vast and until recently its sheer size and inaccessibility have hindered our ability to understand the impacts of environmental changes on marine life. Monni and a team of marine wildlife experts reveal how advances in electronic tracking equipment have allowed us to remotely monitor marine animals. How do you tag marine animals? What are the challenges we face when using tagging equipment in the marine environment? How can this help to improve conservation management? And fin-ally, why are plungers and egg timers involved?