Conservation calls, the podcast

In this episode of Conservation Calls, we explore how different role players combine to drive impactful conservation.  How we all have a role to play in making the world a better place, no matter how small the action.  Through the UAE Local Leaders Grants, we support conservationists making a real impact here in the UAE, while the young creatives from our Youth Grant for Nature bring those stories...

At Conservation Calls, we’ve always look at some incredible species supported by the Fund, exploring why we focus on certain ones and the vital roles they play in our ecosystems. But this time, with the help of the Repton Podcast crew, we’re shifting the spotlight to the inspiring individuals behind the scenes. Meet Emina Karalic from Albania, a passionate young conservationist recognized and supp...

This month’s episode of Conservation Calls look at the data deficient Double-banded forest damselfly, a rare beauty native to Java Island.  With limited info on its population and distribution, research is essential to figure out its bioecology, mapping where it lives, observing its behaviour, and exploring its potential role as a natural pest controller. Join the Repton Dubai podcast crew and Cha...

The MBZ Fund has been so inspired by the UAE’s amazing commitment to global conservation; it was no surprise when the UAE Embassy in Costa Rica stepped up with the same passion and dedication. Led by the incredible H.E. Rawdha Mohamed Jumaa Mohamed Alotaiba, they not only welcomed the MBZ Fund Advisory Board for a review meeting but also hosted a fantastic event for the 12 organizations already su...

The Clanwilliam sandfish in South Africa, also called Onderbek, may be small, but it has an epic story to tell.  Once swimming in abundance, this migratory freshwater fish is now facing some serious survival challenges. In this episode of Conservation Calls, we explore their struggles, especially the impacts of human activities and climate change. You'll hear from amazing heroes like Jeremy, O...

Fungi aren’t plants or animals but belong to their own amazing kingdom with unique cellular structures and reproduction styles. This makes them super cool and ultra unique. In this special edition of Conservation Calls, we join the team from Fungi Foundation in Chile as they set out to rediscover the Big Puma Fungus, an incredibly fascinating, quirky, and one-of-a-kind species. Their expedition fo...

Meet the incredible Black-and-chestnut Eagle, a stunning bird of prey facing serious challenges like human-eagle conflicts, hunting, and habitat loss. This elusiveneo-tropical raptor is one of the least-studied species, hidden in dense montane forests. But there’s hope! In this episode of Conservation Calls we venture to the beautiful Caquetá region of Colombia, where the Andes meet the Amazon. Jo...

We often hear about the amazing world of animals on our Conservation Calls podcast, but let’s not forget that plants have some pretty cool stories too… Take the critically endangered wildflower,  Gasteranthus extinctus , for example, which is only found in the Centinela cloud forest and the Padre Julio Marrero Botanic Garden in Western Ecuador. In this episode, project lead Dawson White from the H...

There’s nothing quite like rediscovering a species thought to be lost forever, especially one that faced a deadly fungus! Enter Atelopus mindoensis, a.k.a. the Mindo Harlequin Toad.   Meet Tyrone, the incredible sole survivor (or is he…?) of the Mindo Harlequin Toad family, believed to have beenwiped out by the devastating Chytridiomycosis pandemic that hit amphibian species worldwide during the 8...

Want to discover the coolest conservation job out there? If you’re not afraid of narrow openings, falling rocks, tight spaces, and deep, dark crevices - along with some creepy-crawly critters you might not even see - then you’re in for a treat! You guessed it; this episode is all about the amazing world of biospeleology! In this episode, we meet Dr. Iva Njunjic, a cave biologist who has explored o...

The Kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys gravipes ) has a unique appearance, with its distinctive hind legs significantly longer than its front, giving it a resemblance to a kangaroo. However, its tale of survival is even more remarkable. Once thought to be extinct for 30 years, this charmingspecies is making a comeback, thanks to the incredible dedication of Terra Peninsular, which is giving them a fighting...

This month, we visit Bermuda, it is home to several critically endangered and Lazarus species, and is the base of the Bermuda Petrel Translocation Project where one of the rarest seabirds on the Planet, the “Cahow” is now up to 165 pairs, after 300+ years being considered extinct. Thanks to Nonsuch Expeditions, along with the support of the MBZ Fund and Dolphin Energy, JP Rouja and his team receiv...

This episode of Conservation Calls is especially meaningful! It celebrates 15 years of species conservation, featuring some words of wisdom from our amazing grant recipients. The highlight of the podcast is a powerful poem titled “If the Fund Had a Voice,” which beautifully captures why we should all care about conservation. This celebratory edition is brought to you by our fantastic Repton Dubai...

This episode focuses on the important story of owl conservation in the stunning Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, featuring the elusive and extremely rare Omani Owl as the star.   Join Park Ranger Sami Majeed and our Repton podcast crew for a delightful blend of humour and owl-mazing facts!

This episode of Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Funds Conservation Calls is roaring with excitement as we explore how Panthera and project partner Sintas Indonesia are mitigating human-wild cat conflict in the Leuser Ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a vast area where humans and wild cats, including the elusive Sumatran Tiger, share the land. Panthera is working tirelessly to pr...

In this episode, we’re diving into the awesome world of the Western Leopard Toad! Nature Connect in South Africa has come up with a brilliant plan to protect this fascinating and endangered species. Get ready to uncover all the exciting details and discover how they’re working hard to keep these incredible toads safe and sound. Let’s jump in and explore together!

Get ready for an epic podcast adventure filled with intrigue and a hint of enigma! This time, we're diving into the world of the rare and elusive - the African manatees. Join us as we uncover the unique collaboration between the MBZF, African Aquatic Conservation Fund, and the National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi, home to two African manatees. The National Aquarium has created a sanctuary that mimic...

Episode 3 features an incredible story of how Asociación Armonía is working to protect the critically endangered Red-fronted Macaws in Bolivia. With only 1,200 individuals left, they are implementing various initiatives like safeguarding breeding cliffs, adding nesting boxes, and restoring habitats to boost the population. Additionally, they've turned the project into a wildlife and bird-watch...

This episode dives into the incredible journey of an MBZF-supported project.  The National Tropical Botanical Garden are using cutting-edge technology, to rediscover plants once thought extinct in the most remote and hard-to-reach places on the Island of Hawaii. It’s a gripping tale brought to life by the MBZF podcast team at Repton School Dubai. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sensory adventure. I...

Species conservation is super cool.  Don’t take our word for it, listen to the Conservation Calls podcast. Created for youth, by youth, join our team as we explore the world, uncover amazing species, and share inspiring discoveries. Tune in for a wild ride with humour, passion, and excitement! Welcome to our podcast journey! Your feedback matters, so tune in, share your thoughts, and let's ins...