168: Coexistence with Wolves in Estonia with Helen Arusoo

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SacXgnHbTR90b9C9AIjJQ On my podcast, we talk a lot about coexistence with large carnivores and the challenges it poses. Some of those challenges might seem insurmountable to some. To shed some light on overcoming these hurdles, I contacted Helen Arusoo, an Estonian nature journalist and the leader of the National Animal Working Group. In this conversation, … Continue reading 168: Coexistence with Wolves in Estonia with Helen Arusoo →

163: The EU Review of Wolf Protection Status

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TIXgTU3Rd1Lcn2moMsz0l The human-wildlife conflict with wolves has been brewing on the ground in the EU for some time. On the one hand, it has been fueled by a remarkable recovery of wolves across the continent, and on the other, by politicians trying to hijack it for their political gains. In September 2023 the European Commission … Continue reading 163: The EU Review of Wolf Protection Status →

159: Polar Bears in a Warming World with Andrew Derocher

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rOZNGaXFN6UUkz4sdrvby?si=5fxRZMCzSZCr7Lrn9BJOmQ Last week I published a blog post where I set out to answer the question of whether polar bears are facing impending extinction due to climate change or are they, in fact, doing better than ever. Around the time when I was investigating this question, I got in touch with Professor Andrew Derocher from … Continue reading 159: Polar Bears in a Warming World with Andrew Derocher →

Are Polar Bears Going Extinct or Are Their Populations Doing Better Than Ever?

Lately, a few listeners sent me links to blogs and videos suggesting that polar bears are thriving, which, some argue, is concealed by environmental groups to avoid undermining public action on climate change. This is something I've heard before, so I decided to do some digging. Disclaimer: I'm not a polar bear biologist, so I'm … Continue reading Are Polar Bears Going Extinct or Are Their Populations Doing Better Than Ever? →

158: Wildlife In The Balance with Simon Mustoe

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3X2PrVWc4H3ZxuNvnVpH9X?si=c5F0sIQ1RtyA0dyOZG1nmQ This is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read. Although I don’t agree with everything in the book, I can overlook my disagreements because of how brilliant some parts that I do agree with are. So I couldn’t wait to sit down with the author, expert ecologist, Simon Mustoe for a chat … Continue reading 158: Wildlife In The Balance with Simon Mustoe →

Animal Welfare and the Environment: Is Meat Consumption Still Possible?

Nutrition and meat consumption are probably two of the most controversial subjects on the entire Internet. I’m really not sure how we arrived at this point, but here we are. So, before I share some of my thoughts about these subjects a few disclaimers are due. First, I don’t pretend to have a societal solution … Continue reading Animal Welfare and the Environment: Is Meat Consumption Still Possible? →

157: Is The Red Wolf a Real Species? Conversation with Peter Brewitt

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6lsehN0AMB6t8AOIgzhI1X?si=XVCow1myTMCQIustrV8DgA Without exaggeration, red wolves are my favourite canid species. I don’t exactly remember where and when I heard about them for the first time but I really got interested after reading an excellent book by Dan Flores, “Coyote America”. The history of this species and the inept and ultimately futile conservation and recovery programs … Continue reading 157: Is The Red Wolf a Real Species? Conversation with Peter Brewitt →

151: Irish Sturgeon with Declan Quigley

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wptSB46whXZGeku6NBcXC?si=1b7b5c8c7dda408a One of the three pillars of my podcast is to preserve knowledge about how the natural environment was in the past and to record stories and experiences from many decades ago. One such story, that I have a feeling is slipping away, is the story of the Irish sturgeon. Or to be more precise … Continue reading 151: Irish Sturgeon with Declan Quigley →

147: Woodcock Research and Hunting with James O’Neill

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lJ0NUyd2J2FXQzjQLk5KT?si=c93bbd43a44942fb The woodcock is one of the most interesting birds. It is a wader that adapted to the woodland habitat. It has a range of unique characteristics like 360-degree vision, a flexible bill and white tail feathers that reflect up to 30% more light than the feathers of any other bird. It is also a … Continue reading 147: Woodcock Research and Hunting with James O’Neill →

Seal Cull in Ireland

This is something I would like to share with you after recently attending the SeaMonitor-STRAITS conference. I’m predicting that in the coming months, or years perhaps, we'll see a sanctioned seal cull in Ireland. Mark my words! The listeners who have been with me for some time might remember that a few years ago I … Continue reading Seal Cull in Ireland →