ZSL Wild Science Podcast

How does our DNA, the tiny building blocks that make every species, and every individual, totally distinct, impact our evolution? In this episode, we learn how we can visualise our DNA, or genome, to allow us to better organise the tree of life, and how learning more about this genetic make-up can provide insights into how a species survives in the face of a changing environment. We head to Cambridge, to ring native UK birds and collect samples of their DNA, and then to the Wellcome Sanger Institute, to see learn how those samples are processed and sequenced as part of a collaborative project aiming to sequence the genomes of all eukaryotes in Britain and Ireland; the Darwin Tree of Life project. Overview 00:11 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, Episode introduction 01:26 Bird ringing in Cambridgeshire and Dr Ava Jenkins, Wildlife Veterinarian and Postdoctoral Research Associate, ZSL Institute of Zoology 03:13 Professor Mark Blaxter, Head of the Tree of Life Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute 06:18 Dr Tom Mathers, Senior Computer Biologist, Wellcome Sanger Institute 12:44 A word of thanks 18:44 A final thought from Mark Blaxter 22:57 Outro Hi-C contact map of the common crane (Grus grus) Hi-C contact map showing the common crane genome (https://wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-119/v1) after manual curation. Each block represents a chromosome in order of size from left to right and top to bottom, with dark red cluster in the bottom right hand corner showing unplaced repetitive content. Resources wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Sciencewww.zsl.org/conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/darwin-tree-life-projecthttps://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/dr-ava-jenkins https://www.bto.org/get-involved/volunteer/projects/bird-ringing-scheme https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.14.536868v1.full.pdf Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org

Do you know where the wood in your floorboards comes from? Or your desk, or dining chairs? In this episode, we dig deep into the grain of a global issue that is often hidden in plain sight in our offices, our houses and our cities – tracing timber back to its source. Harriet talks to Annabelle Dodson, ZSL’s Sustainable Business Project Manager, and Victor Deklerck, Director of Science at World Forest ID, about how scientists use isotopes to pinpoint where the trees behind our wood products were grown, the role of digital tracking systems in supply chains, and real-world cases where traceability has driven more responsible sourcing and enforcement. This project is funded by Fondation Lombard Odier and the EU through the ECO-SOLVE project. This episode is part of a series showcasing ZSL’s Sustainable Business and Finance work. Please note that this podcast was recorded before the European Commission confirmed changes to the implementation timeline of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Compliance requirements for micro and small enterprises have been delayed to 30 December 2026 (previously June 2026), while medium and large enterprises must still comply by 30 December 2025. Overview 00:14 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, Episode introduction 02:10 Annabelle Dodson, Sustainable Business Project Manager, ZSL 03:19 How does illegal timber enter supply chains, and how does traceability help? 05:17 ZSL Cameroon and World Forest ID 07:50 Victor Deklerck, Director of Science, World Forest ID 09:06 From chemical fingerprints to final verification 12:36 Implications for industry 17:05 The future of supply chain transparency 19:21 What can consumers and companies do to support traceability? 20:40 Harriet McAra, summary and outro Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgCheck out our science and conservation work at: www.zsl.org/Science or www.zsl.org/conservation www.zsl.org/news-and-events/feature/responsible-sourcing-africahttps://worldforestid.org/https://worldforestid.org/insights/partnership-with-wwfhttps://www.spott.org/timber-pulp/Free training materials on forest-driven commodities: https://www.spott.org/training-hub/ Help keep SPOTT going. Without continued funding, these assessments can’t continue. Donate today at https://donate.zsl.org/spott/ or email spott@zsl.org Find out more about ZSL’s Sustainable Business and Finance team: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/working-with-business Get in touch wild.science@zsl.orgspott@zsl.org https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/working-with-business/advisory-services

What do car tyres, yoga mats and trainers have in common? They all contain natural rubber, tapped from trees by millions of small farmers, mostly in Asia. While natural rubber production is renewable, its impact on the environment through deforestation, habitat loss and soil degradation, can be great when not managed sustainably. In this episode, we hear from a Thai rubber farmer, about the challenges faced on the ground, as well as one of the world’s biggest tyre makers, Michelin, about rubber’s colonial history, its tangled supply chains, and how they’re working with farmers on sustainability. Finally, we explore how investors can use their influence to demand better practices and drive industry-wide change that benefits both people and nature. This episode is part of a series showcasing ZSL’s Sustainable Business and Finance work. Overview 00:15 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, and Rachel Poluan, ZSL SPOTT Team: Episode introduction 02:58 Introduction to the natural rubber sector and how rubber is produced 07:30 Edouard De Rostolan, Michelin: The historical legacy of rubber production and supply chains 12:54 Exploring ESG risks and opportunities 23:52 Khun Soontorn, a rubber smallholder in Thailand: A smallholder perspective 32:04 Agroforestry and the environmental aspects of rubber farms 41:38 Joe Horrocks Taylor, Columbia Threadneedle: How can investors and buyers affect change? 1:02:15 Rachel Poluan, summary and outro Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgCheck out our science and conservation work at: www.zsl.org/Science or www.zsl.org/conservationSPOTT: https://www.spott.org/Natural rubber: SPOTT’S ESG policy transparency assessments: https://www.spott.org/natural-rubber/SPOTT training hub: https://www.spott.org/training-hub/Help keep SPOTT going. Without continued funding, these assessments can’t continue. Donate today at https://donate.zsl.org/spott/ or email spott@zsl.orgFind out more about ZSL’s Sustainable Business and Finance team: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/working-with-business Get in touch wild.science@zsl.orgspott@zsl.org https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/working-with-business/advisory-services

The coastal waters of Wales are home to a whopping 27 species of sharks, skates and rays, known collectively as elasmobranchs, and they are a fundamental part of Wales’ natural heritage. But even so, research on their biology and conservation status is lacking. In this episode, Wild Science hits the road to join scientists from Project SIARC and the Ocean Predator Lab in North Wales as they work with local fishing communities to monitor tope sharks, and contribute to better understanding and conservation of shark species in the region. Overview 00:11 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, Episode introduction 01:26 Welcome to Pwllheli 03:13 Interview with David Curnick, Research Fellow, Institute of Zoology, ZSL and Head of the Ocean Predator Lab 06:18 How to tag a tope shark 12:44 Interview with Daniel Montgomery, Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Institute of Zoology, ZSL 18:44 Interview with Jake Davies, Project SIARC Technical Specialist, ZSL and Natural Resources Wales 22:57 Outro and final reflections Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Scienceorwww.zsl.org/conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/project-siarchttps://www.oceanpredatorlab.com/https://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/david-curnick https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.70044 Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org

Making sure that the animals held in ZSL’s two conservation zoos, London and Whipsnade, are fed a diet that can help them thrive is crucial, both for keeping them healthy under managed care, and ensuring they are in the best possible shape for a return to the wild. Amanda Ferguson is ZSL’s Diet Management Officer and is responsible for creating tailored diets for all the animals across both ZSL Zoos, from snails to elephants! We learn how to feed an animal for which there are no guidelines, why enriched feeding methods are so important, and why you’ll rarely see a monkey at London Zoo with a banana. Overview 00:11 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, Episode introduction 01:10 Interview with Amanda Ferguson 25:16 How does nutrition help us recover wild populations? 33:04 Outro and final reflections Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Scienceorwww.zsl.org/conservationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hqrweox2UAhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amanda-Ferguson-9https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/conserving-native-birdshttps://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/mountain-chicken-frog-conservationLeptodactylus fallax) to improve its captive husbandryhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30221785/ Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org

After our Nature’s Negotiators miniseries, where we learned all about the complexities, challenges and importance of United Nations climate and biodiversity meetings, we wanted to give the gift of a bonus episode to round things off! We catch up with Bethan to hear how things went after she attended COP29, United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Azerbaijan. Overview 00:11 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, Episode introduction 00:54 Bethan Laughlin, ZSL’s Senior Policy Specialist, on how the finance negotiations at COP29 played out 06:37 Bethan on the strength of language used in texts agreed at COP29, and how that came to be 10:38 Bethan on the accuracy of the portrayal of COP29 in the media 12:38 The other themes discussed at COP29 14:04 What can be expected at the next climate COP in Belem, Brazil 16:17 Outro Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Scienceorwww.zsl.org/conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/bethan-laughlinZSL’s United Nations and Intergovernmental Policy Engagement: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/conservation/creating-change/informing-policy/united-nations-and-intergovernmental-engagement ZSL’s COP16 position statement: https://cms.zsl.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/CBD%20COP16%20Key%20Asks%20-%20October%202024.pdf “Negotiations ran out of time, but action on biodiversity loss cannot be postponed…” Blog written by Georgina Chandler: https://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/feature/cbd-cop16-negotiations-ran-out-time-action-biodiversity-loss-cannot-be Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org

2024 has been a big year for international climate policy, with two UN Conference of Parties, or COPs, taking place in quick succession; COP16 in Colombia followed just a few weeks later by COP29 in Azerbaijan. In this episode of Wild Science, we follow on from part one of our Nature’s Negotiators miniseries, and are once again joined by Bethan Laughlin, ZSL Senior Policy Specialist. We discuss the challenges and successes of the two biodiversity and climate COPs, tackle some new UN lingo, and hear about key hopes for the future of climate policy. Overview 00:12 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, Episode introduction 01:12 Bethan Laughlin, ZSL’s Senior Policy Specialist, speaking from COP16 in Cali, Colombia 02:13 Interview with Bethan Laughlin on the successes of COP16 04:05 Insights on the ground at COP16: Davi Teles, Mónica Franco Gutiérrez & Liliana Patricia Saboyá Acosta 07:47 Georgina Chandler, ZSL’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, on digital sequence information 10:34 Continued: Interview with Bethan on the challenges of COP16 and opportunities for the future 17:56 Carly Siege, Manager for International Policy Conservation International 19:30 Thomas Pickford, UK Partnerships and Policy Lead, The Nature Conservancy 30:45 Final reflections, an update from Bethan, and outro Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Scienceorwww.zsl.org/conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/bethan-laughlinhttps://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/georgina-chandlerhttps://www.edgeofexistence.org/edge-fellows/ https://cms.zsl.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/CBD%20COP16%20Key%20Asks%20-%20October%202024.pdf https://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/feature/cbd-cop16-negotiations-ran-out-time-action-biodiversity-loss-cannot-be Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org

What does it take to reintroduce an animal to the wild safely? How do we make sure that disease risk to existing populations, and to the animals being reintroduced, is mitigated? Hear from the Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance Team (DRAHS) at ZSL who are working to give animals the best start possible as they return to the wild, and whose work has contributed to the recovery of over 30 species across the world. Overview 00:11 Harriet McAra, Introduction to episode 01:01 Dr Tony Sainsbury, DRAHS lead, ZSL 05:44 Clare McNamee, Wildlife Veterinarian and Research Associate, ZSL 10:40 Dr Sophie Common, Wildlife Veterinarian and Research Associate, ZSL 17:27 Georgie Gerrard, DRAHS Project Manager, ZSL 20:32 Becky Foskett, Pathology and Field Technician, ZSL 27:45 Dr Claudia Carraro, Wildlife Veterinarian and Research Associate, ZSL 32:31 Outro and further information Resources and references wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Sciencewww.zsl.org/Conservation https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/wildlife-disease-risk-analysis-and-health-surveillanceHazel dormice - People's Trust for Endangered Species (ptes.org) National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP) (ptes.org)Extinct in the Wild | The Zoological Society of London (zsl.org) Chequered Skippers - Butterfly Conservationet alBiol Invasions26https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-024-03341-2EcoHealth21https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-024-01680-z Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org

You may have heard of a COP, and you’ve almost definitely heard of the United Nations (UN), but how much do you know about the negotiations that go into getting nature, climate and biodiversity embedded into international policy? Ahead of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) in Colombia this autumn, we’re hearing from policy experts in this two-part miniseries on how we can save the planet one meeting at a time…or at least try to. Overview 00:11 Introduction to Nature’s Negotiators mini-series 00:24 Bethan Laughlin, ZSL’s Senior Policy Specialist, speaking from a CBD intercessional meeting in Nairobi 01:07 Introduction from Harriet McAra 2:09 Interview with Bethan Laughlin on the history of the CBD, UNFCCC and Global Biodiversity Framework 10:02 Nelly Musyoka, ZSL Kenya’s Community Liaison Officer, on how the 23 CBD targets are applied to real world conservation 14:39 Bethan Laughlin on what ZSL’s priorities are for COP16 in Colombia 23:39 Fiona Dobson, RSPB, on what RSPB’s priorities are for COP16 in Colombia 33:18 Outro and further information Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Scienceorwww.zsl.org/conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/bethan-laughlin https://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/events/putting-nature-heart-global-decision-making https://cms.zsl.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/CBD%20UNFCCC%20timeline.png Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org

Out of sight…but not out of mind? Coral reefs exist largely out of sight for the majority of the world’s population, so the vast array of ecosystem services they provide for local communities are often forgotten, leading conservation efforts to feel like an uphill battle. In this episode, we talk to the people trying to tackle this problem; from using the sounds that healthy and degraded coral reefs make to monitor their restoration, to bringing people closer to coral reefs using virtual reality. Overview 00:13 Introduction to the topic from Harriet McAra 01:26 Ben Williams, PhD student at the Institute of Zoology and UCL, on coral reefs’ importance, coral soundscapes and the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System 08:30 Introduction to the Datascape Realities Project 08:52 John Zhang and Lourenco Viveiros, co-founders of Datascape Realities, and Jason Lynch, UCL and Institute of Zoology 28:14 Outro and further information Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgCheck out our science and conservation work at: www.zsl.org/Science or www.zsl.org/conservationBen Williams: https://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/ben-williamsMars Assisted Reef Restoration System: https://www.buildingcoral.com/ and https://www.buildingcoral.com/news/mars-data-scientists-turn-their-skills-to-coral-reef-restorationDatascape Realities: https://www.datascaperealities.com/ and @datascape_real Get in touch Email wild.science@zsl.org with your questions, comments, and thoughts for future episodes!Tweet us @ZSLScience with the hashtag #ZSLWildScienceFollow us on Facebook @ZSLScienceAndConservation

Co-existence between communities living on the Korean Peninsula and carnivores such as leopards, tigers and black bears, has historically presented many challenges leading to population declines in these species. However, thanks to international treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, as well as economic growth and conservation translocations, the tide is now turning on these declines in South Korea. In this episode, host Harriet McAra is joined by Joshua Elves-Powell to discuss how wildlife trade has impacted carnivores in East Asia, and the conservation measures being taken to protect these globally threatened species. Overview 00:20 - Introduction to the topic from Harriet McAra, and introduction to the podcast guest 02:24 - Josh Elves-Powell, PhD student at the Institute of Zoology and UCL, introduction and interview 27:06 - Outro and further information Resources If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Scienceorwww.zsl.org/conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/about-zsl/our-people/joshua-elves-powell https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0299783https://en.projectmoonbear.org/Missionhttps://blog.naver.com/savetigerhttps://theconversation.com/south-korea-is-bringing-back-bears-in-a-country-of-52-million-people-i-went-to-find-out-how-164301 https://theconversation.com/south-korea-to-ban-bear-farming-but-what-to-do-about-hundreds-of-captive-animals-that-remain-197316 Get in touch Email wild.science@zsl.org with your questions, comments, and thoughts for future episodes!@ZSLScience@ZSLScienceAndConservation

The ZSL Wild Science podcast is back! After a break, we have returned to explore even more topical issues in zoology, conservation and the environment. New host, Harriet McAra, Science Communications and Events Manager at ZSL's Institute of Zoology, will take listeners on a journey to learn more about the incredible science behind ZSL's cutting-edge conservation work. Resources wild.science@zsl.orgwww.zsl.org/Sciencewww.zsl.org/conservation@ZSLScience@ZSLScienceAndConservation

The world is facing a crisis of species extinction, however targeted efforts in conservation biology can provide a glimmer of hope. A new study led by ZSL, published recently in Science, is the first to assess animals and plants categorised as 'Extinct in the Wild' by the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species – until now, a surprisingly overlooked group. In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey, with the help of four fantastic guests, discovers the incredible potential for conservation zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and seedbanks across the world to save these species from the brink of extinction. What are the problems associated with tiny populations? How is ZSL involved in Extinct in the Wild projects? And why won't anyone just choose their favourite species?! Overview 03:36 - Ellie Darbey introduces the first guest, Dr Donal Smith (Postdoctoral Research Associate) to discuss the new publication and small population biology 18:50 - Ellie is joined by Dr John Ewen (Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Zoology, ZSL) to talk about ZSL's Extinct in the Wild initiative and conservation decision making 28:25 - Species Spotlight: Partula snails! 29:40 - Ellie welcomes Alex Cliffe (Ectotherms Team Leader, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo), to discuss breeding programmes in zoos, and ZSL's work with the Mexican pupfish 39:45 - Ellie is joined by the final guest, Melanie Mesa Blas (Guam Department of Education and recipient of 2022 National Geographic Explorer Grant with ZSL) to find out about the future of the Sihek, or Guam kingfisher and considerations for releasing back into the wild 49:28 - The guests give their thoughts on the most important thing needed now to save these species on the brink of extinction Resources If there's a topic you'd like to hear on a future podcast, or if you'd like to share your thoughts on the one thing these Extinct in the Wild species need to survive, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: wild.science@zsl.org Check out our science and conservation work at: www.zsl.org/Science or www.zsl.org/conservation Previous Episode mentioned #010 on the IUCN Red List: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcastIUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add2889and blog: https://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/news/conservation-zoos-have-powerful-potential-reverse-extinction ZSL's conservation work with partula snails: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/partula-snail-conservation ZSL's Sihek or Guam Kingfisher conservation project: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/sihek-conservationhttps://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/events/return-wild-how-can-we-recover-extinct-wild-species Get in touch Email wild.science@zsl.org with your questions, comments, and thoughts for future episodes! Tweet us @ZSLScience with the hashtag #ZSLWildScienceFollow us on Facebook @ZSLScienceAndConservation

It’s no secret that cities are generally perceived as spaces of little conservation relevance, yet local urban wildlife underpins a range of ecosystem services. In a time where rapid changes in the climate are causing more extreme natural events, wildlife is disappearing and we are becoming more and more disconnected from nature through urbanisation, could the recovery of urban ecosystems be a potential solution for a more resilient planet? In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey will discover how we can recover nature in our cities, with ZSL’s experts in rewilding, reconnecting habitats and river restoration. Does the answer lie in empowering local communities? Or is it in the plight of the hedgehog? And why must we enact the mysterious Schedule Three? Guests Professor Nathalie PettorelliDr Chris CarboneJoe PecorelliMarine and Freshwater Overview 03:3116:3926:5928:1237:19 Resources wild.science@zsl.orgzsl.org/Sciencewww.zsl.org/conservation https://www.zsl.org/global-biodiversity-monitoring/indicators-and-assessments-unit/living-planet-index/living-planethttps://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcast https://www.zsl.org/science/news/rewilding-our-cities-could-reduce-impacts-of-extreme-weather-says-new-reporthttps://www.rewildmystreet.org/https://www.zsl.org/conservation/species/mammals/london-hogwatch https://www.zsl.org/conservation/news/nationally-critically-endangered-pine-marten-spotted-in-london https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/londons-rivershttps://www.zsl.org/natureatheart/the-state-of-the-thames-2021 https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/volunteer-for-londons-rivershttps://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/29/contents Get in touch wild.science@zsl.org@ZSLScience@ZSLScienceAndConservation

Pathology is the science of diagnosing diseases by observing physical changes in animal cells and tissues, either in living, or more commonly dead animals. In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey will explore the unseen…or rather, unheard world of wildlife pathology with the help of ZSL’s experienced pathologists, veterinarians, and scientists. Through post mortems on black widow spiders, to giant stranded humpback whales, these four pathology professionals will show the value of this diagnostic work to the conservation and welfare of animals in zoos and in the wild. What are the practicalities of examining large animals like elephants and rhinos? How can pathology be used to solve wildlife crimes? And what do pathology and The Supreme Court have in common? Guests Dr Becki LawsonRob DeavilleDr Tammy Shadbolt Overview 01:22 – Ellie Darbey introduces the first guest, Dr Simon Spiro, to discuss what it’s like to be a veterinarian pathologist, and how pathology can be used for animal welfare and conservation 14:06 – Ellie is joined by Dr Becki Lawson to explore the Garden Wildlife Health Project and the detective work used to discover a snake fungal pathogen in Europe. 27:15 – Rob Deaville joins to explain what happened to “Hessy” the humpback whale, and how the Cetacean Strandings programme works. 40:10 – Ellie welcomes the final guest Dr Tammy Shadbolt to discuss the Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance Project and how pathology can help solve wildlife crimes. 49:44 – The speakers give their advice for pursuing a career involving wildlife pathology from their varied backgrounds and perspectives. Resources https://www.zsl.org/science/whats-on/revealing-the-unseen-the-amazing-world-of-wildlife-pathology https://www.zsl.org/blogs/science/grass-in-the-snake-zoo-pathology-in-practice https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/careers-in-pathology.html https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/careers-in-pathology/become-a-veterinary-pathologist.htmlgardenwildlifehealth.org https://www.zsl.org/science/research/uk-cetacean-strandings-investigation-programme-csip https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/09/humpback-whale-found-dead-thames-hit-by-shiphttps://www.cefas.co.uk/publications/techrep/tech131.pdf https://www.zsl.org/science/wildlife-health/disease-risk-analysis-and-health-surveillance https://www.zsl.org/blogs/science/dormouse-reintroductions--a-landmark-dayhttps://www.zsl.org/science/postgraduate-study

The anthropogenically driven climate crisis and unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss are both threatening the foundations of economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide. Treating these two crises separately can be ineffectual or even deepen the problem. A recent landmark study calls for a more integrated approach to tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. Ellie Darbey will be joined by lead author of the article, Dr Nathalie Pettorelli, along with three co-authors, to share their expertise on these issues and help untangle the web of science and policy. Why is it important to tackle both these crises together? How can Nature-based Solutions help? And what needs to be done to integrate these solutions into global science-policy agendas? Guests: Dr Nathalie Pettorelli Professor Heather KoldeweyProfessor William Sutherland CBE Matthew Lowton Overview 01:26 – Ellie Darbey introduces the co-host of this episode, Dr Nathalie Pettorelli, to discuss the climate change and biodiversity crises, and introduce Nature-based solutions (NbS). 12:12 – Ellie and Nathalie are joined by Professor Heather Koldewey to explore the use of protected areas and restoration projects in the marine world. 28:59 – Professor William Sutherland joins to explain how to measure the risks of NbS, and emphasises the importance of evidence-based science policies. 38:42 – Ellie and Nathalie welcome Matthew Lowton to discuss the global conventions for climate change and biodiversity, and the ways to get NbS into science-policy agendas. Resources https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13985 https://www.zsl.org/science/whats-on/time-to-integrate-global-climate-change-and-biodiversity-science-policy-agendashttps://www.zsl.org/natureatheart https://www.zsl.org/news/unite-solutions-to-climate-and-biodiversity-crises-to-save-life-on-earth-says-zsl-led-study https://www.zsl.org/science/whats-on/nature-to-get-out-of-the-climate-crisis-how-does-that-workhttps://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcasthttps://unfccc.int/https://ukcop26.org/https://www.cbd.int/ https://www.zsl.org/regions/uk-overseas-territories/chagos-archipelago https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/asia/rehabilitating-mangroves-in-the-philippines https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/thames-conservation/native-oyster-restorationhttps://www.conservationevidence.comet al.https://www.openbookpublishers.com/product/1490https://www.zsl.org/conservation/how-we-work

Coastal marine habitats are essential to the health of our marine ecosystem, and hold both environmental and social importance. They provide valuable ecosystem services, but for decades they have been impacted by harmful human activities. In her final episode as host, Monni Böhm will be joined by co-host Celine Gamble and an expert panel to explore the need for active restoration to conserve four incredible marine habitats: native oyster beds, saltmarshes, kelp forests and seagrass. How can we scale up these restoration efforts? What makes some species in these habitats ecological superheroes? And what on earth is a scuba-diving spider? Please note: this episode was recorded in 2020. Guests: Celine Gamble Dr Joanne PrestonAngus GarbuttDr Ian Hendy Dr Richard Unsworth Overview 01:06 – Dr Monni Böhm introduces the co-host of this episode, Celine Gamble, to discuss why marine habitat restoration is needed, and introduce the Native Oyster Network. 05:29 – Monni and Celine are joined by Dr Joanne Preston who will discuss the forgotten ecosystem of oyster beds, and how to restore native oyster reefs in the UK. 14:51 – Angus Garbutt describes the diversity of saltmarshes of the UK, provides unique insight into their ecological and cultural importance, and the methods used to restore them. 28:12 – Monni and Celine introduce Dr Ian Hendy who explains what can be done to ‘Help our Kelp’ and why conserving it is crucial for marine biodiversity in the UK. 39:16 – Dr Richard Unsworth joins the hosts to talk about the importance of seagrasses, and the lessons learned from the UK’s first major seagrass restoration project . Resources https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-planhttps://www.decadeonrestoration.org/https://nativeoysternetwork.org/ https://nativeoysternetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020/11/ZSL00150%20Oyster%20Handbook_WEB.pdf https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/thames-conservation/native-oyster-restoration@NativeOysterNethttps://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/restorationhttps://www.saltmarshapp.com/https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/projects/sussex-kelp/https://www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/science/ https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13719https://www.projectseagrass.org/ https://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/sav1/restoration/index.php https://www.swansea.ac.uk/press-office/news-events/news/2020/03/750000-seeds-planted-in-wales-inuks-biggest-seagrassrestoration-scheme-.php

Reptiles - lizards, snakes, turtles and crocodilians – make up almost one third of all land vertebrate species on Earth, and also occur in many marine and freshwater systems. Yet despite their amazing diversity, reptiles remain hugely underrepresented in conservation research and action, when compared to mammals, birds, and even amphibians. In this episode, our host Ellie Darbey finds out from four fantastic reptile experts how this is changing through increased global efforts to put reptiles on the conservation map. What key advances in species assessments have already made an impact for reptile conservation? How does ZSL’s science and conservation work directly contribute to protecting reptiles in the wild? And wait…where is Monni? Guests: Dr Monika Böhm,Dr Rikki GumbsEmmanuel AmoahBenjamin Tapley Overview 01:38 – Ellie welcomes the first guest, Dr Monni Böhm, to discuss how assessments like the IUCN Sampled Red List Index and Global Assessment of Reptile Distributions are essential for advancing the agenda for reptilian conservation. 14:30 – Dr Rikki Gumbs joins the podcast to talk about the reptilian Tree of Life, and the purpose and impact of ZSL’s EDGE of Existence programme. 24:08 – Emmanuel Amoah discusses the aims of Ghanaian NGO, THRESCOAL, set up following his EDGE Fellowship, and how community-led conservation can be used to help protect the West African slender-snouted crocodile. 33:32 – Ellie is joined by the final guest, Benjamin Tapley, who provides an overview of the contribution of zoos to conservation in the wild, using the example of the Big-Headed Turtle project in Vietnam. 46:25 – All four guests provide their recommendations for the next step in reptile conservation. Resources zsl.org/global-biodiversity-monitoring/indicators-and-assessments-unit/the-sampled-red-list-index natureserve.org/conservation-tools/projects/global-reptile-assessmentgardinitiative.org/indianapoliszoo.com/conservation/edgeofexistence.org/https://granthaminstitute.com/threscoal.org/edgeofexistence.org/fellow/emmanuel-amoah/zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/exhibits/reptile-house zsl.org/science/whats-on/putting-reptiles-on-the-map-zsl-science-for-reptilian-conservationzsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcast

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, and more than 500 million people worldwide rely on coral reefs for their livelihoods, food security, and coastal protection. However, coral reefs are impacted by several threats, including rises in sea-surface temperature due to climate change. Join Monni as she navigates these unique underwater ecosystems with the help of five fantastic coral connoisseurs. How can new technologies be used to protect and preserve coral reefs for the future? Why is connectivity important? And which fascinating fact will make your brain (coral) explode? Guests: Dr Catherine HeadDr Jamie Craggs FLS Dr James GuestDr Rosa van der VenDr Chris Yesson Overview 01:05 – Monni is joined by the co-host of this episode, Dr Catherine Head, an expert in applied ecology and evolution in marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, and how tools like population genetics can help conserve them. 05:29 – First up, Monni and Catherine welcome Dr Jamie Craggs, to discuss how captive breeding techniques in aquaria can be used for coral conservation. 14:40 – Dr James Guest joins the podcast to talk about his work with ‘Coral Assist’, a project which examines the feasibility of using “assisted gene flow” and selective breeding to assist corals in the face of climate change. 24:14 – Dr Rosa van der Ven discusses genetic connectivity of corals between reefs, and explains why connectivity is important for their conservation. 30:52 – Monni and Catherine are joined by their final guest, Dr Chris Yesson, cold water coral expert, to discuss how genetic techniques like coral barcoding are used to identify corals in aquaria, and how this can be useful coral conservation. Resources https://www.horniman.ac.uk/project/project-coral/https://www.coralassistlab.org/https://www.zsl.org/zsl-wild-science-podcast https://www.zsl.org/regions/uk-overseas-territories/chagos-archipelagohttps://www.fondation-bertarelli.org/ Hosted and edited by Dr Monni Böhm, ZSL Research Fellow, and produced by Eleanor Darbey, ZSL Scientific Events Coordinator.

After more than a year of Covid-19 impacting global populations, health systems and economies, one of the major questions being asked was how did this start, and how can we prevent it from happening again? As we humans increasingly disturb our planet’s natural habitats and convert them to agricultural and urban areas, the way we interact with wildlife around us also changes. In this episode, Monni turns to a team of experts in wildlife diseases, to discuss this link between ecosystem degradation and infectious disease outbreaks. What makes an animal a good host for carrying zoonotic diseases? Can we predict and prevent infectious disease outbreaks in the future? And exactly what does a job as ‘human bait’ entail? Guests: Dr Rory Gibb, Dr Christina FaustDr Kimberly Fornace Overview 01:40 Monni welcomes Dr Rory Gibb, to discuss zoonotic hosts and their response to land-use change, and how we should move forward to help human health in the future. 18:28 Dr Christina Faust joins Monni to explore disease transmission, explaining where transmission is more likely to happen in different types of landscapes, and how this could be tracked to avoid future outbreaks in humans. 28:43 Monni is joined by the final guest, Dr Kimberly Fornace, to discuss the Monkey Bar project, and how different technologies such as drones and radio collars were used to monitor monkey malaria. Hosted by Dr Monni Böhm, ZSL Research Fellow and produced by Eleanor Darbey, ZSL Scientific Events Coordinator.