Month: September 2025

211: When Reintroductions Cause De-wilding with Alex Lees

A large pelican with distinctive dishevelled, cream-coloured plumage rests on weathered wooden logs. The bird displays its characteristic enormous pale yellow bill and bright orange eyes, with wispy feathers creating an almost comical 'bad hair day' appearance atop its head. The pelican's posture is relaxed as it sits amongst the timber, with its substantial body and wings folded naturally. The wooden logs show signs of age and weathering, creating interesting textures and lines that frame the bird. The background is softly blurred in dark tones, making the pale pelican stand out prominently in the composition.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mrrImy0I4FvZqKCVVb5zP Can species reintroductions harm biodiversity rather than help it? Why might bringing back wolves or lynx create more problems than solutions? Are we using reintroductions as a distraction from the real drivers of our nature crisis? In conversation with Alex Lees, Reader at Manchester Metropolitan University, we explore these questions and cut through popular … Continue reading 211: When Reintroductions Cause De-wilding with Alex Lees →

210: The Culling Conundrum with Ryan Davy

A wildlife researcher or veterinarian kneels beside a sedated rhinoceros in an African savanna setting. The rhino is lying on its side with white bandaging wrapped around its head area where its horns have been removed as part of anti-poaching conservation efforts. The person, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, dark shirt, and shorts, appears to be monitoring the animal during the dehorning procedure. The scene takes place during golden hour with expansive grasslands stretching to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky, creating a dramatic backdrop for this crucial wildlife conservation work aimed at protecting rhinos from poachers.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lQrHB9lkIWzArwCA6h2Qc Why are elephants dying slow deaths from starvation in African parks? Can contraceptives really solve wildlife overpopulation in fenced reserves? What happens when international animal rights organisations influence conservation decisions from thousands of miles away? These are the uncomfortable questions at the heart of one of conservation's most contentious debates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BCi3d_eWH4 Ryan Davy spent … Continue reading 210: The Culling Conundrum with Ryan Davy →