Nature Signals Podcast

This week, we cover six fascinating stories from the world of wildlife and conservation. Discover how scientists are working to save Ukraine's European bison despite the ongoing war, and how environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionizing biodiversity research by revealing entire ecosystems from a single water sample. We also explore surprising evidence that ancient ground squirrels scavenged mammoths...

How can scientists help endangered turtles survive? In this episode, we explore how wildlife conservation professionals in Michigan are using a technique called "headstarting" to raise rare baby turtles in captivity before releasing them into the wild. You'll learn why young turtles face such steep odds from predators, habitat loss, road mortality, and the illegal pet trade, and how researchers ar...

Scientists long assumed tropical species would be hit hardest by climate change. But a new global study found that animals and plants in temperate regions, including North America and Europe, are already disappearing from parts of their range at alarming rates. We explore how wildlife and plants are responding to warming temperatures, why local extinctions are rising around the world, why many spe...

Gray wolves have recovered in parts of the Great Lakes region after decades of federal protection, but research suggests they could thrive across much more of the eastern United States. Scientists identified several large areas with suitable wolf habitat, yet highways, cities, farmland and human-caused mortality make expansion difficult. The findings also fuel ongoing debate over whether wolves sh...

This episode explores six biodiversity stories from around the world: how elephant dung supports diverse dung beetle communities that drive nutrient cycling and seed dispersal in African ecosystems; the death of the last known Sacramento Mountains checkerspot caterpillar, which could mean that the rare butterfly is now extinct; surprising new evidence that daddy longlegs in South America can hunt...

A recent study found dozens of previously unidentified PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in Lake Huron’s water, fish and mussels, suggesting contamination is more widespread than previously thought. Some PFAS are linked to serious health risks, but most of the thousands of PFAS compounds in use remain poorly studied. The episode features Clarkson University environmental chemist Bernard Crimmins, who...

Summary: This episode of Nature Signals examines recent biodiversity and environmental news, ranging from bird behavior to wolf-moose dynamics and plastic pollution. You’ll hear about how Hawaiian songbirds steal nesting materials from one another, why European city birds fear women more than men, how wolf reintroduction on Isle Royale has successfully reduced an overabundant moose population, and...

Millions of butterflies are traded all over the world each year to entertain visitors in butterfly houses. But is it good for butterflies, as proponents claim? Listen to the episode to find out more about the industry, impacts on conservation and local communities, and why many experts are concerned about potential negative effects on the butterflies themselves. Key points: 1:59 - The hidden world...

Here is the recorded version of Saturday’s State of Nature Update, in case you prefer to listen to your biodiversity news or just don’t have the time to read everything you’d like to. This week I’m covering stories about: Biodiversity: * Ukrainians find joy in releasing bats rescued from war. * Chimpanzees are waging a civil war . No one knows why. * More than half of Britain’s butterflies are dec...

Here’s the recorded version of Saturday’s post about an encouraging study that found that the loss of animals, plants and fungi seems to be slowing down, at least compared to the past 500 years. Have an extra two minutes? If you haven’t already done so, I’d greatly appreciate if you could answer a few questions to help me make Nature Signals better! For links to the study and other resources, chec...

Here’s the recorded version of Saturday’s post about the importance of protecting both large natural areas and connecting smaller patches. Have an extra two minutes? If you haven’t already done so, I’d greatly appreciate if you could answer a few questions to help me make Nature Signals better! For links to the study and other resources, check out the written version here: Know someone who might e...

If you didn’t have time to read Saturday’s State of Nature Update, here’s your chance to listen to it instead! This week I’m covering the stories: Biodiversity: * ‘God Squad’ votes unanimously to exempt offshore drilling from Endangered Species Act restrictions. * Project to restore Atlantic salmon to Maine streams shows promise, but challenges remain. * Some snakes get their venom from poisonous...

Here’s the podcast version of today’s post about Minnesota’s decision to allow the burning of biomass and waste under its landmark 2023 climate law. Check out the written post here, including links to the resources I mention: Nature Signals is a reader-supported publication. It takes many hours to write and research each post. To receive new posts in your inbox and support my work, consider becomi...

Here is the audio edition of yesterday’s State of Nature Update. Listen to hear about: Biodiversity: * Elephants’ special whiskers help them sense the world. * Parasitic beetles trick bees by mimicking the smell of flowers. * Michigan’s moose population is lower than expected. * Female tortoises are driven to walk off cliffs by constant sexual aggression on this remote island. * An Ecuadorian fami...

Here is the audio edition of today’s post, about the American chestnut, a majestic tree that once dominated many forests in the eastern U.S. - but then an invasive fungal disease wiped out most of them in the last century. Listen about how researchers are using DNA to drastically speed up efforts to breed a resistant strain, with the ultimate goal of restoring these trees to their former glory. If...

Here is the audio edition of yesterday’s State of Nature Update. Listen to hear about: * Australian bat hospital cares for rare ‘flying foxes’ - and don’t forget to check out the Vox article to see photos of baby flying foxes getting a bubble bath! * Gray wolf reaches Los Angeles County for the first time in 100 years * Decoding whale communication with AI * Bonobos can play make-believe like chil...

I’m a little behind this week, but here, finally, is the recording of Saturday’s post. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, I included links to some resources and related articles in the written version of this post: Nature Signals is a reader-supported publication. It takes many hours to write and research each post. To receive new posts in your inbox and support my work, consi...

Here is the audio edition of this week’s State of Nature Update. Listen to hear about: Biodiversity: * European wildcats are making a comeback in Central Europe * Coyote photobombs cougar capture on live TV * Norway’s polar bears seem to be adapting to climate change - for now * Fake AI images of wildlife complicate conservation efforts Climate change & energy transition: * Michigan sues oil giant...

Here is the audio edition of this week’s Saturday post. If you’re interested in learning more about the topic, I included links to the study and other resources in the written version of this post . Know someone who might enjoy this post? I’d love for you to share it: Nature Signals is a reader-supported publication. It takes many hours to write and research each post. To receive new posts in your...

Here is the audio edition of this week’s State of Nature Update. If you’re interested in learning more about any of the stories I covered, I included links in the written version of the post: Know someone who might enjoy this post? I’d love for you to share it: Nature Signals is a reader-supported publication. It takes many hours to write and research each post. To receive new posts in your inbox...