Nature Signals Podcast

In this episode, we explore why the global insect decline matters far beyond pollination. A new paper in the journal Nature Reviews Biodiversity brings together findings from nearly 300 studies to document the many ways insects support wildlife and ecosystems. Eliza Grames, an assistant professor at Binghamton University and a lead author of the review, explains how insects serve as food for birds...

This episode explores the latest biodiversity news, from bird migration and animal behavior to the growing threat of climate change to coral reefs. We begin with the annual fall migration, examining why artificial light can be dangerous for birds and how dimming lights at night may help prevent deadly collisions with buildings. The New York Times reporter Ishani Desai cites Adriaan Dokter of Corne...

Butterflies are on the move — and climate change and habitat loss are largely to blame. A new global study offers one of the most comprehensive looks yet at how butterfly species are responding to a changing planet. Researchers found evidence that 1,758 species — nearly 10% of known butterfly species — have changed where they live. Many are expanding into new areas, often moving toward cooler regi...

The American chestnut was once one of the most important trees in eastern U.S. forests. It provided abundant nuts for wildlife and people and supplied strong, rot-resistant wood for homes, fences and furniture. Then, more than a century ago, an invasive fungus called chestnut blight began killing the trees. Within decades, billions of American chestnuts had disappeared from the forests, changing t...

In this edition of Nature Signals, we explore some of the latest stories shaping our understanding of biodiversity, wildlife and conservation around the world. The episode begins with the wandering glider dragonfly, also known as the globe skimmer, which can cross oceans and travel up to 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles) across multiple generations—making it the longest-known insect migration. We t...

Is FSC-certified wood really better for forests and wildlife? The Forest Stewardship Council is widely regarded as one of the strongest forest-certification systems, but what does the science actually show? In this episode, we examine a recent study of mammals in FSC-certified eucalyptus plantations in Portugal. Researchers found that wildlife generally favored healthier vegetation and avoided har...

We hear a lot about climate change, but far less about another global environmental crisis: biodiversity loss. Species are disappearing, ecosystems are changing and nature is under growing pressure—yet the biodiversity crisis receives much less media attention. Why aren’t we talking about it more? And could better storytelling, including more coverage of conservation successes, help turn concern a...

For decades, scientists have warned of dramatic insect declines, but new research suggests the crisis began much earlier than researchers realized. Drawing on nearly a century of records, researchers found that butterfly and deadwood beetle diversity in Switzerland has been declining since the 1930s—raising concerns that studies tracking changes over a couple of decades may underestimate the true...

In this episode, we cover five stories from around the world of wildlife and conservation. India's tiger population is booming—but can conservation keep pace with development? We discuss the growing need to protect tiger reserves and connecting habitat corridors that tigers rely on to survive, including through wildlife crossings that guide animals over or under major highways. We also uncover new...

Sea otters are one of the Pacific Ocean's most beloved animals, but new research suggests they face a growing threat from PFAS, also called ‘forever chemicals.’ In this episode, we explore a study that found every sea otter examined by biologists along the coast of British Columbia contained PFAS contamination, with the highest concentrations detected in animals found near urban areas and busy shi...

In this episode, we explore fascinating new research showing that invasive ornamental plants don't just outcompete native vegetation—they can also change the appearance of butterflies, making them less attractive to potential mates. The discovery reveals a previously unknown way that invasive plants can affect wildlife, raising fresh concerns for butterfly conservation and the long-term health of...

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...