The Think Wildlife Podcast

Prowling the plains of the high Tibetan Platue is the Himalayan Wolf. Though considered a subspecies of the Gray Wolf, recent genetic studies have suggested that the Himalayan Wolf, is in fact a seperate species altogethe r. In fact, alongside the Indian Plains Wolf , the Himalayan Wolf is thought to be one of the oldest wolf lineages in the world. Unfortunately, like the other large carnivores of...

Also known as the "Ghosts of the Mountains" , the Snow Leopard is probably one of the most elusive cat in the world. They, however, are the apex predators of the high Himalayas, alongside the genetically unique Himalayan Wolf and the critically endangered Himalayan Brown Bear . Unfortunately, climate change is causing a significant loss of habitat across the Himalayas, which has a large cascading...

One of the largest challenges for any conservation project around the world is recieving suffecient funding. Projects aim to raise funds through various mechanisms, including grants, awards, scholarships, crowdfunding and the provision of services, such as consultancy. Fortunately, there are various organization, such as Whitley Awards for Nature, Ruffords and the Earthshot Prize which are working...

The Wildlife Society is amongst the oldest and most renowned wildlife conservation organizations around the world. Launched in 1936, the organization has over 11,000 members and is actively involved in conservation science, youth engagement, environmental education and the adoption of environmental policy. In this interview, I speak to the CEO of The Wildlife Society to discuss the rich history of...

There is growing consensus that the biodiversity and climate crisis are intricately interlinked. In fact, a report found that just  reintroducing  nine species can help limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees celcius. These are due to the immense ecosystem services provided by megafauna species including gray wolves , American bison, beavers , sharks ,  sea otters , whales and African forest...

One of the primary targets of poachers around the world are rhinos . Their keratin horns form amongst the most lucrative products in the illegal wildlife trade . This has led to the decimation of the world's rhino species. Fortunately, through conservation efforts, the White Rhino and the Greater One Horned Rhino (aka the Indian Rhino) have witnessed remarkable comebacks . Meanwhile the critically...

The revival of tiger populations across India is one of India's most successful conservation stories.  India has more than doubled her tiger population between 2006 and 2018. According to the preliminary results of the 2022 national census, India has approximately 3,100 tigers.  On Episode 2, I interview Anish Andheria, who is the CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Trust. We discuss  current challen...

The illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest illict industry in the world, after the trafficking of drugs, arms and humans. Unfortunately, various species, ranging from pangolins to bears are on the verge of extinction due to the illegal wildlife trade. Worth over $23 billion annually, the impacts of the illegal wildlife trade goes beyond ecological destruction . In fact, the illegal wildlife...

Join us on the final Episode of Season 1, where we speak to Dr. Aditi Sharma regarding the challenges of being a wildlife vetenerian in India, the challenges of translocating wildlife and the concept of one health .  Dr. Aditi Sharma is working as a National Wildlife Policy Expert & Veterinary Consultant with CAMP (Community Action through Motivation Program). She is a former Senior Veterinary Off...

Wildlife tourism has a crucial role in India's conservation success. With nearly 300 million people living in and around forests, tourism has a crucial role in bolstering the economies of local communities . Tourists also help monitor protected areas in detecting wildlife crimes, such as poaching .  Wildlife tourism was temporarily banned in protected areas in India in 2010 to minimise its impact...

The climate and biodiversity crisis are highly interlinked. One particular ecosystem which has a critical role to play in tackling the climate crisis, are oceans. The important of oceans is not surpising, as they cover over 70% of the earth's surface. Marine ecosystems, ranging from  coral reefs   to kelp meadows, host immense biodiversity. These ecosystems also store immense amounts of carbons an...

Resuming after a short break, The Think WIldlife Podcast returns with a new episode discussing  the role of ecological economics  with Nandan Nawn. We discuss the ideas and trends in ecological economics, how it varies from environmental economics, how the field is growing in India. We also discuss how  nature can be valued  and  the role of local communities in conservation.  We also discuss the...

India has more than doubled her tiger population since 2010. While this is certainly great news, it is still  too early to celebrate . Unfortunately, a population recovery has been met with significant habitat destruction and  forest fragmentation . Other than preventing consistent, long term gene flow, this encourages  human tiger conflict . A lack of natural habitat and prey, results in tigers p...

While many are celebrating the majestic recovery of the Asiatic Lion from the brink of extinction, it is still too early to celebrate.  Politics  is currently stalling the conservation of lions in India, while the  illegal wildlife trade  threatens their African counterparts, which  truly are struggling .  Habitat loss and the depletion of natural prey are also major contributing factors due this...

Oceans are the forerunners in our fight against  climate change . Unfortunately, we are destroying  our marine ecosystems . Overfishing,  pollution  and unplanned development has impacted these sensitive ecoystems significantly. In episode 12, with Akansha Tiwari, we talk about the importance of marine ecosystems, the ecological impact of marine debris and  potential solutions. Get full access to...

In just over 30 years, the United Nations predicts that the world population will reach 10 billion. While the current biodiversity and climate crisis is the doing of forgone generations, it is the youth of today who will be facing the brunt of environment destruction. Yet, they have the potential to create significant change. It is for this reason that Patrick Arnold founded 10 Billion Strong. Wit...

The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment is one of India's leading research institutes in conservation biology and ecology.  In 2022,  this presitigious institute celebrated its 25th aniversary. It was around this time when we spoke to Vamsidhar Pothula, the Chief Operating Officer of ATREE, about the organization's vision for conservation education and research, the importance...