The All Creatures Podcast

Dr. John Vucetich is a professor and scientist at Michigan Tech University. For the past few decades Dr. Vucetich has studied wolf and moose interactions on one of the world's most unique biomes, Isle Royale in the United States. Isle Royale is a very unique biome as it is mainly isolated from the mainland of North America. It also offers many unique scientific perspectives on wolf/moose interactions and their impact on the environment. Dr. Vucetich also discusses his latest book Restoring the Balance: What Wolves Tell Us About Our Relationship With Nature, which highlights much of his work. This week's podcast is a fascinating insight into the life of a field scientist studying the lives of wolves and moose on Isle Royale.  You can learn more about Dr. John Vucetich HERE You can learn more about his book HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the many incredible and unique birds of New Guinea is the Dracula Parrot. This unique psittacine (sit-a-scene) or  "parrot" is the only one left alive in its family. In fact, the Dracula Parrot is heading towards extinction as it is sought for its feathers and is losing its pristine habitat. The Dracula Parrot does not have a fearsome reputation as it name might suggest. Rather, it is a frugivore that is a fig specialist. They are highly selective and usually feed on a few fig species, making them very important for their ecological niche. Parrots are also some of the most highly intelligent animals on our planet. They are amazing birds and very worth learning more about.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will

The Aye Aye is one of the world's most misunderstood and endangered primates. Native to Madagascar, Aye Ayes have been targeted and killed by locals due to superstitions. Coupled with massive loss of habitat and other pressures, this species is on a beeline towards extinction.  The Aye Aye is also one of the world's most unique primates and has radical physiology compared to other primates. Sadly, Madagascar has had a horrific year with not only the covid pandemic, but is experiencing one of the worst famines in their modern times. Thankfully, conservationists from around the globe and within Madagascar are responding in a fight to save species like the Aye Aye.  This unique animal has so much to teach us and deserves our attention and help.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode,

When you think of your typical songbird, you probably imagine a cute small bird fluttering about. Singing their songs and maybe catching a few insects here and there. Well, the Loggerhead Shrike has something to teach you. Not all songbirds are innocent. The Loggerhead Shrike is often called a "butcher bird" for its unique diet and behaviors. See the Loggerhead Shrike hunts all sorts of prey, small reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals and even other birds. Then, when they catch their prey, they like to fly and spike it on a twig, fence, or anything that will hold their food. Sometimes they let their food spiked for days before they eat it. This cute bird has astounded the scientific and bird watching community for years, and is one you want to learn more about.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently po

Born Free USA was founded in 2002.  In 1966, Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers starred in the classic wildlife film Born Free. The film told the true story of conservationists Joy and George Adamson who rescued a lioness cub named Elsa and successfully returned her to the wild. The mission of Born Free USA states that their vision is a co-existent future where humans no longer exploit wild animals. The further state they are working to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. Dr. Liza Tyson is the Program Director of Born Free USA and spent time with us discussing her and Born Free USA's work.  You can learn more about Born Free USA by visiting their website HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off our "Spooky October" with a unique creature of the deep, the Goblin Shark. While grotesque looking to some, this predator serves a critical role in helping our ocean ecosystem stay healthy. Not only is this shark freaky looking, it has some incredible physiology unseen in other species of sharks. In fact, the Goblin Shark is one of the oldest known species of sharks in our oceans. It has been described as a "living fossil" and is a fun species to learn about.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE    

With less than 80 animals left in the world, the Sumatran Rhino is one of the world's most endangered rhino species. Only the Javan Rhino with estimates of maybe 60 animals is as close to extinction. Both Angie and Chris were very fortunate to meet up close one the these highly endangered mammals back in 2011. Harapan, one of 3 Sumatran Rhinos born at the Cincinnati Zoo, was held at a conservation center in Florida, and was returned to Sumatra in 2015 to help his species. While this species is on the brink of extinction, many are working hard to save what animals remain. We highlighted this in our interview of Dr. Barney Long (Episode 55) and his efforts to bring some of the Sumatran Rhinos under human care for a focused breeding program.  We discuss this and many more aspects of how scientists around the world are fighting for these animals. These are an incredibly unique and ancient species of rhinoceros and well worth a listen.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast o

We all are aware of the ecological crisis we find ourselves in. This week we interview Dr. Amanda Romo, who is a professor and Director of the Learning Center at East Los Angeles College. Realizing the need to inform and educate the next generation on our world, she turned to the All Creatures Podcast as a learning tool for her students. In our interview, Dr. Romo talks about how she has integrated our podcast and using other tools to teach her students. She gives fascinating insight into how today's college students are not as aware about the planet's ecological degradation and how that knowledge can be integrated into any subject.  Dr. Romo started her education at Pasadena City College, and then transferred to CSU Los Angeles, where she got her bachelor's and master's in English literature.  She then did her doctorate in education at Arizona State University.  In addition to teaching English/Composition, she is also am the director of the Learning Center at East Los Angeles College. She describes herself

Raccoons are a beloved species native to the Americas. These smaller carnivores are known for their high intelligence and incredible dexterity. You also might be surprised to learn Raccoons have been introduced to Europe and also Japan. They are now well established in these regions of the world. Additionally, while Raccoons as a whole are doing quite well living next to  humans, some subspecies are endangered. They are very adaptable creatures and have so many fun behaviors that you will want to hear more about. Overall, Raccoons are just a fun species to learn more about.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You

We once again head down under to Australia to cover one of its most iconic birds, the Laughing Kookaburra. With its extremely unique call, the Kookaburra is a favorite the world over. From the Family of kingfishers, Kookaburra's are an important species to the Australian continent and are also found in Papa New Guinea. The Laughing Kookaburra is the more famous of these birds and are a complete joy to learn more about. Australia and its wildlife, like most regions on the planet, are under threat of extinction. Thus, they deserve our love and attention.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our we

One of the more iconic mammals of Australia, this week we cover the Dingo. As a member of the Canid family, Dingos are technically not native to Australia. Rather, they were introduced by humans thousands of years ago. However, Dingos have remained relatively untouched from human interference for thousands of years. Today Dingos play a critical role in maintaining balance in Australia's ecosystem. These are amazing animals doing amazing things. It was a real pleasure to bring you this week's podcast covering everything Dingo!! For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE     Learn m

The Rocky Mountain Goat seems to defy gravity. They can scale and leap with ease across some of the most intense terrain on earth. What is especially interesting is the Rocky Mountain Goat is not a true "goat" but rather a "goat antelope." They also are the largest mammal that lives and survives at some of our highest altitudes, as well as in some of the harshest terrain in North America. They are just an absolute wonder to learn about.  While not yet listed as a species threatened with extinction, with climate change and other pressures their populations are in decline. They are a species to keep an eye on. In this week's podcast we explore this species and what makes them one of the most unique mammals on our planet.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Foo

We are so excited to have one of the world's foremost orangutan experts, Leif Cocks, on to discuss the peril of one of our most beloved primates. Leif is the founder and president of The Orangutan Project. From there website it states, The Orangutan Project was established in 1998 by founder and world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks, as a result of his almost 30 year career working with orangutans. Leif is a passionate campaigner for orangutans and has been the President of The Orangutan Project since its inception.  Leif’s years in the field have earned him respect within the conservation field. He has been a key player in developing conservation plans for orangutans and influencing positive change for orangutan protection and survival. This includes the first ever successful reintroduction of the zoo-born orangutan. This respect has given The Orangutan Project world standing in conservation. You can learn more about Leif and The Orangutan Project by visiting HERE Learn more about your ad choices. V

We are back in Asia to chat about another big cat heading towards extinction, the Clouded Leopard. These magnificent cats are the oldest of the modern big cats and some of the most beautiful. Native to southern and south-eastern Asia, Clouded Leopards are facing extinction. much like big cousins the Tiger. Clouded Leopards are a special animal, with traits superior to almost any other cat species. They have the largest canine teeth to skull ratio of any cat. Their canine teeth, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm), are the same size as the aforementioned adult Tiger!!  They are specially adapted to climb up and down trees, better than almost any other species of cat on the planet. These are truly amazing cats and are a real pleasure to learn about.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bo

Douglas Chadwick has led an incredible career as a wildlife biologist and author. He has written 14 books and more than 200 articles for multiple magazines to include National Geographic. In fact, he was with National Geographic for over 35 years. Doug brings insight into our natural world like none other. He has traveled all over the world and has personally observed multiple aquatic and terrestrial species, and all the deterioration of our natural spaces. In his latest book, Four Fifths a Grizzly, Douglas discusses our place in the natural world. This is an incredible book spanning multiple topics that any wildlife enthusiast needs to read.  You can learn more about Douglas Chadwick HERE You can learn more about Four Fifths a Grizzly HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While tuna is a fish many eat around the world, these fish are heading towards extinction. This is especially true of the most prized Bluefin Tuna. In fact, one 600 lb. Bluefin Tuna sold for $3 million USD at a market in Japan making this fish one highly sought after. The result is, Bluefin Tuna now number only 3.3% of their historic population. This is also distressing because tuna are some of the most unique and amazing fish in our world's oceans. They exhibit especially unique physiology and behaviors not observed in other fish. This week we take a deep dive (pun intended) into the world of tuna, with a particular focus on the Bluefin Tuna. The good news is, conservation efforts are being made around the world to not only protect Bluefin Tuna, but the other tuna species. We have so much to learn about our oceans and all the species that inhabit it.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we were recently able

Dr. Kini Roelser is another amazing award winner from the prestigious Whitley Fund for Nature. Dr. Roelser is working hard to save the critically endangered Hooded Grebe and other wildlife on the Patagonia Steppe. The Hooded Grebe was only discovered in the 1970s and has suffered a dramatic 80% decline in their population over the last 20 years. Dr. Roelser shares with us his work and all the pressures this bird and other native wildlife in Patagonia are suffering from. He gives us great insight to what is happening in his part of the world in South America.  ** NOTE: If you hear occasional baby noises during the interview you are not going crazy. Angie did an amazing job interviewing Dr. Roelser while keeping her newborn Maddox happy. She is an amazing mother and dedicated educator** You can learn more about Dr. Kini Roelser and the Whitley Nature Fund by going HERE Show notes HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. David Shiffman is a shark biologist who has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of sharks in our oceans. He is currently in South Florida, where he is working to understand sharks better, particularly off the coast of Miami in Biscayane Bay. He is also heavily involved in public outreach through his multiple social media channels. In our interview Dr. Shiffman talks everything sharks and lays to rest some disinformation out there and also tells us what the future looks like for sharks worldwide.  You can follow him at: Save Our Seas Website HERE Twitter (@whysharksmatter) IG (@whysharksmatter) Facebook HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue to cover species from the ocean during this Plastic Free July with the Great Hammerhead Shark. There are 9 species of hammerhead sharks, all are on a trajectory to extinction. Alarmingly, the largest of the family, the Great Hammerhead, is critically endangered. Due to the pressures of overfishing, shark finning, by catch, and others, the Great Hammerhead is in deep peril. These incredibly unique sharks with their hammer heads deserve our attention and they need your help. This week, again we are talking sharks and specifically, what makes the hammerhead shark one of the most unique animals in the world.  If you would like to join us this Plastic Free July you can join us https://plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/ and search for the All Creatures Podcast team. Please help to keep our oceans clean.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society

Pedro Fruet was recently awarded the prestigious Whitley Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature. The endangered Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphin is only one of two subspecies of the Common Bottlenose dolphin.  They have an estimated population of only around 600 individuals left in world off the coast of Argentina and southern Brazil and Uruguay. Pedro is leading the effort to save these special animals. He is working with local fisheries and government officials to help reduce the amount of bycatch, which is responsible for nearly 40% of dolphin fatalities in the area. He is also focused on educating the locals on the importance of the dolphins, among many other efforts.  You can learn more about Pedro Fruet and the Whitley Nature Fund by going HERE Show notes HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices