Rewildology

Latest Episodes:

#196 | Top Hits 2024: In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal Part 1 & 2 Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

We’re keeping the momentum going! Here’s the third episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—celebrating another standout conversation from the year.

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[Repost] Welcome to the latest 4-part expedition series on Rewildology: “In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In the upcoming four episodes, accompany Brooke on her adventure into the heart of the magnificent Pantanal in Brazil. Delve into the region’s expansive grasslands, winding waterways, and pockets of lush jungle that form distinct habitats within this biodiversity hotspot. Meet local biologists and conservationists diligently working within the Pantanal, and discover the on-the-ground efforts aimed at safeguarding the future of this critical landscape – and the majestic cats that reign over it. In Part 1, join Brooke as she explores São Paulo and unravels the answer to a simple yet crucial question: What exactly is the Pantanal?

[Repost] Welcome to Part 2 of the newest expedition series on Rewildology: “In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In this episode, accompany Brooke and her group as they navigate for hundreds of kilometers along the Paraguay River Basin, encountering incredible wildlife throughout the journey. Listen to insights from Fred Crema, the Expedition Leader, and engage with local communities that reside in the Pantanal. Gain knowledge about the key challenges endangering the Pantanal.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#195 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Chilean Patagonia with Carolina Morgado Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

The countdown continues! Here’s the second episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another listener favorite you won’t want to miss.

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[Repost] Today is World Rewilding Day and we’re celebrating by releasing this very special episode with Carolina Morgado, the Executive Director of Rewilding Chile! In this conversation, Carolina and Brooke explore so many topics including her serendipitous meeting with Doug Tompkins and her early career with Tompkins Conservation, the evolution of conservation and activism in Chile, the current state of Patagonia, how Rewilding Chile and the Route of the Parks came to be, and the top projects they are working on today.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#194 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Australia on a Continental Scale with John Kanowski, PhD Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

The numbers are in for the year! Kick off the countdown with the first episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series.

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[Repost] G’day, mates! Today, we're traveling to Australia to learn about rewilding on a continental scale with John Kanowski, PhD, Chief Science Officer at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). In this episode, John and Brooke explore the top conservation issues plaguing the island, notably invasive predators and inferno fires, how AWC is protecting and reintroducing Australia’s endangered mammals, the methods AWC is using to remove introduced predators, collaborating with indigenous communities and land owners to create ideal habitats for wildlife, the tech they’re using to monitor wildlife, the challenges and successes of his career, and so much more.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#193 | Restoring the American West: Wild Horses, Public Lands, and Rewilding with Manda Kalimian and Ross MacPhee, PhD Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

In this Thanksgiving Special, Brooke sits down with Manda Kalimian and Dr. Ross McPhee from Rewilding America Now to explore their bold mission of restoring the American West by reintroducing wild horses to public lands. Together, they discuss the evolutionary history of horses, their role as keystone species in grassland ecosystems, and the systemic challenges facing conservation on public lands. The conversation also delves into the controversial topics of lithium mining, electric cars, and the broader implications of balancing green initiatives with land restoration. Packed with hope, science, and groundbreaking ideas, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rewilding and reimagining the future of our landscapes.

00:00 Introduction to the American West 02:15 Conversation with Manda and Ross 02:48 Manda's Journey to Rewilding 05:41 Ross's Academic Perspective 10:14 The Ecological Role of Horses 10:53 Historical Context of Wild Horses 15:10 Rewilding America Now: Vision and Challenges 26:28 The Importance of Grasslands 32:39 Cows vs. Horses: Ecological Impact 39:15 Public Rangelands and Management 40:35 Public Land Management and the Bureau of Land Management 41:28 The American Wild Horse and Burro Act 42:24 Multi-Use of Public Lands 43:57 The Impact of Industrial Lobbying 45:36 Changes in Cattle and Land Use 47:12 Challenges Faced by Small Ranchers 51:09 The Process of Acquiring Grazing Permits 01:00:09 Environmental Impact of Mining 01:10:41 Rewilding America's Rangelands 01:18:31 Future Goals and Community Involvement

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#192 | Rewilding the Planet: Restoring Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Hope with Alister Scott, PhD Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brooke sits down with Alister Scott, PhD, Director of Communications for the Global Rewilding Alliance, to uncover the powerful global movement aiming to restore ecosystems and ignite hope. Alister takes us through his inspiring journey from a passionate young environmentalist safeguarding Antarctica to a key leader in the Global Rewilding Alliance, where he's helped expand the network to over 200 partners worldwide. Together, we explore the Alliance’s four guiding pillars, discussing how rewilding is more than ecological restoration—it’s about reuniting people with nature, empowering communities, and envisioning a sustainable future. Through Alister’s story and the Alliance’s impactful work, we’re reminded that even in a world facing environmental crisis, there’s immense power in resilience and collaboration.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life 05:01 Epiphany and Early Activism 07:31 Campaigning and Achievements 09:13 Academic Pursuits and PhD Journey 11:12 Founding the Knowledge Bridge 14:01 Personal Challenges and Coaching 15:53 The One Leadership Project 18:27 Joining the Global Rewilding Alliance 40:47 Rewilding Chile: Building Trust with Local Communities 42:03 Policy and Advocacy in Rewilding 46:12 The Four Pillars of the Global Rewilding Alliance 46:26 The Science of Rewilding: Reanimating the Carbon Cycle 54:47 Joining the Global Rewilding Alliance 01:03:14 The Future of Rewilding: Goals and Hopes 01:09:06 How to Get Involved with Rewilding

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#191 | Island Revival: The Art of Rebuilding Caribbean Ecosystems with Shanna Challenger Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

The Caribbean's offshore islands are treasures of biodiversity, but centuries of human impact and invasive species have pushed many of these delicate ecosystems to the brink. In this episode, Brooke sits down with Shanna Challenger, Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator of the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda, to explore the complex challenges of rewilding islands. From combating invasive species to securing the future of the Antiguan racer snake, Shanna details the dramatic transformations of the islands and the dedication required to revive these delicate ecosystems. Join us as we uncover the successes, challenges, and inspiring stories behind island restoration in the Caribbean.

00:00 Introduction to Caribbean Island Biodiversity 00:36 Meet Shanna Challenger: Island Restoration Expert 01:02 Challenges and Successes in Island Rewilding 02:30 Personal Journey: From Childhood to Conservation 09:21 The Redonda Restoration Project Begins 11:37 Conservation Challenges in the Caribbean 33:01 The Unique Wildlife of Redonda 37:47 Goat Relocation Efforts 43:28 Rat Eradication on Redonda 53:14 Seabirds and Clever Rats 56:08 Rat Eradication Strategy 01:03:34 Impact on Redonda's Ecosystem 01:10:37 Conservation Efforts and Challenges 01:26:54 Future Plans and Community Involvement 01:33:16 How You Can Help 01:45:38 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#190 | Rewilding Grauer’s Gorillas: The GRACE Story with Laurie Cummins Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke sits down with Laurie Cummins, the Acting Deputy and Education Director at GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurie shares her incredible journey from Michigan to GRACE, where she now plays a crucial role in helping the team on the ground rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. The conversation explores GRACE's innovative three-pillar approach to conservation, which includes rewilding gorillas, protecting forest habitats, and engaging local communities. Laurie also discusses the organization's groundbreaking work amidst the challenges posed by the civil unrest in the region and highlights the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. Tune in to learn about the remarkable progress being made to save these majestic great apes and how GRACE is setting new standards for conservation worldwide.

00:00 Introduction to Grauer's Gorillas 00:41 Meet Laurie Cummins from GRACE 02:41 Laurie's Journey into Conservation 09:53 Understanding Grauer's Gorillas 13:55 Community-Based Conservation at GRACE 22:06 Challenges and Success Stories 43:52 Rewilding Gorillas: From Trauma to Triumph 45:28 Lulingu's Heartwarming Journey 46:16 Integrating Rescued Gorillas into Groups 48:03 The Goal of Rewilding Grauer's Gorillas 48:55 Hands-Off Care and Gorilla Health 51:19 The Community-Driven Corridor Project 01:01:10 Navigating Civil Unrest and Conservation 01:07:53 Future Goals and Personal Motivation 01:13:04 Advice and How to Help

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#189 | Saving Snow Leopards: From Conflict to Coexistence with Tshiring Lama Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

Join Brooke for a journey to Nepal's remote Dolpo region, where conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama is revolutionizing snow leopard conservation. From witnessing cubs being harmed during her research to founding the women-led Snow Leopard Journey, Tshiring shares her inspiring story of transforming human-wildlife conflict into sustainable coexistence. Discover how she's empowering local communities through innovative tourism, training youth as wildlife guides, and proving that protecting these ethereal cats can create opportunities rather than obstacles. This episode offers a powerful glimpse into the future of conservation, where ancient traditions meet modern solutions, and where saving a species means uplifting the communities who share its home.

00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Tshiring Lama: A Conservation Pioneer 02:43 From Childhood to Conservationist 08:31 The Impact of Caterpillar Fungus Harvesting 15:25 Challenges and Solutions in Snow Leopard Conservation 21:31 Innovative Approaches to Coexistence 27:49 Starting Snow Leopard Treks 28:19 Convincing the Community 29:00 Learning from Ladakh 30:19 Training Local Youth 32:51 Challenges and Strategies 34:47 Snow Leopard Tourism Impact 36:36 Upcoming Film: Snow Leopard Sisters 39:16 Personal Struggles and Triumphs 42:22 Balancing Motherhood and Conservation 47:26 Final Thoughts and Message

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#188 | Rewilding Islands to Benefit the Sea: Removing the Land-Ocean Barrier with Coral Wolf [Repost] Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Join us in a compelling exploration of island conservation efforts. Featuring insights from Coral Wolf, Conservation Science Program Manager at Island Conservation, we delve into the critical work of removing invasive species to restore island and marine ecosystems. Discover personal stories from field biologists, the impact of seabird recolonization, and the holistic benefits of projects like the Island Ocean Connection Challenge Campaign. Uncover how these initiatives enhance biodiversity, connect terrestrial and marine environments, and engage local communities. Tune in for an exhilarating snorkel adventure in the Galapagos, and learn how you can support global conservation efforts. [Originally aired February, 2023]

00:00 Introduction and Episode Update 00:47 Women in Conservation Science Series 01:16 Meet Coral Wolf: Journey to Island Conservation 02:23 The Impact of Invasive Species on Islands 05:04 Island Restoration Success Stories 13:20 The Island-Marine Connection 18:43 Harnessing Island-Ocean Connections 30:35 Future of Island and Marine Restoration 33:41 Stakeholders and Their Roles 35:56 Island Restoration Efforts in Palau 37:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Island Conservation 42:30 Personal Insights and Experiences 47:29 Balancing Parenthood and Fieldwork 52:59 Advice for Aspiring Conservationists 54:10 Galapagos Islands: A Magical Experience 58:28 Conclusion and Ways to Support

Read full show notes at the website. Recording gear provided by Focusrite.

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#187 | The Battle for Johnson Tract: Mining, Conservation, and Native Rights in Alaska's Wilderness with Jen Woolworth Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

In this compelling episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell delves into the controversial Johnson Tract issue with guest Jen Woolworth, Alaska Program Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association. The discussion unravels the complex web of interests surrounding a proposed mining project within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. You will gain insight into the unique history that placed valuable minerals on native-owned land within park boundaries, setting the stage for a clash between conservation efforts, indigenous rights, and resource extraction. Woolworth exposes the marketing tactics employed by mining companies, explains the unconventional review process that has sparked concern, and outlines the potential long-term impacts on wildlife and Alaska's tourism industry. This episode offers a balanced exploration of the economic, environmental, and cultural stakes, ultimately challenging listeners to consider the true value of preserving America's last wild places.

00:00 Introduction to Alaska's Wilderness Battle 00:40 Spotlight on Lake Clark National Park 00:48 Meet Jen Woolworth: Conservation Advocate 03:02 Jen's Journey to Alaska 05:16 Challenges in Federal Job Market 10:24 Transition to Nonprofit Sector 14:16 The Johnson Tract Mine Controversy 17:18 Legal and Environmental Implications 26:57 Mining Interests and Native Corporations 31:58 Funding and Development of Lucky Shot and Johnson Track Mine 32:48 Unique Mining Methods at Johnson Track 34:36 Environmental Concerns and Permitting Issues 37:50 Community Engagement and Public Comment Periods 44:09 Tribal Consultation and Potential Alternatives 51:18 Current Status and Future Actions 56:16 How You Can Help and Final Thoughts

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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