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

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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

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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

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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

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In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke delves into the groundbreaking European bison reintroduction project in Romania's Carpathian Mountains. Joined by Gabriele Retez, Wildlife Ecologist for WWF-Romania's LIFE with Bison Project, the conversation explores the journey of bringing these majestic creatures back from the brink of extinction. Gabriele shares insights into the project's inception, its ecological impact, and the surprising discoveries about the bison's role in carbon sequestration. The discussion also touches on the delicate balance between conservation efforts and local community adaptation, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the challenges and triumphs of rewilding in the modern world. This episode not only highlights the remarkable resilience of European bison but also showcases how their return is reshaping ecosystems and potentially influencing climate change mitigation strategies, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative approaches to conservation and ecological restoration.

00:00 Introduction to European Bison Reintroduction 00:42 Meet Our Expert: Gabrielle Retez 01:55 Gabrielle's Journey to Studying Bison 04:51 The Bison Reintroduction Program in Romania 07:57 Challenges and Strategies in Bison Management 09:13 Scientific Insights and Findings 22:21 Bison's Role in Carbon Sequestration 33:45 Challenges of Species Reintroduction 34:30 Conflicts with Local Communities 36:10 Learning from Past Rewilding Efforts 41:07 Human-Wildlife Coexistence 49:51 Future of Bison Reintroduction 56:28 Defining Success in Rewilding 01:02:30 Personal Reflections and Future Directions

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In this special World Gorilla Day episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell sits down with renowned conservationist and author, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. As Uganda's first wildlife veterinarian and founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), Dr. Gladys shares her groundbreaking 'One Health' approach to gorilla conservation. The conversation spans her journey from studying gorilla parasites in 1994 to founding CTPH, which addresses both human and wildlife health to conserve mountain gorillas. Learn about her innovative projects that benefit local communities through alternative livelihoods like Gorilla Conservation Coffee, and her reflections on engaging women in conservation. This episode offers a deeper understanding of the ties between human health and wildlife conservation and provides actionable insights on how you can make a difference.

00:00 Introduction to Gorilla Conservation 00:35 Meet Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka 02:30 Dr. Gladys' First Encounter with Gorillas 05:58 Challenges in Gorilla Conservation 08:46 Becoming Uganda's First Wildlife Veterinarian 13:00 The Scabies Outbreak 20:50 Founding Conservation Through Public Health 37:27 Launching the Volunteer Program 37:56 Family Planning and Community Involvement 40:15 Gorilla Conservation Coffee Initiative 47:12 Expanding Conservation Efforts 55:08 Writing the Book and Personal Reflections 01:03:48 Advice and Final Thoughts

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Dive into the mesmerizing world of octopuses with conservation biologist Brooke Mitchell and Dr. David Scheel, a renowned marine biologist and author of 'Many Things Under a Rock, The Mysteries of Octopuses'! In this episode, David shares his 25 years of experience studying these fascinating cephalopods. Discover octopuses' unique behaviors, their intelligence, social interactions, and cultural importance, especially among Alaskan indigenous communities. Learn about their conservation status and what makes these creatures so captivating. David also discusses the challenges and future directions of octopus research and conservation. Don't miss this intriguing conversation and remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow ocean lovers!

00:00 Introduction to the Mystical World of Octopuses 00:35 Meet the Expert: David Scheel, PhD 02:21 Diving into Octopus Behavior and Intelligence 10:07 Octopus Biology 101 13:21 Social Lives of Octopuses 21:31 Understanding Octopus Intelligence 31:37 Octopus Camouflage Techniques 34:33 Octopus Vision and Color Perception 37:41 Cultural Significance of Octopuses 46:12 Challenges in Octopus Conservation 56:23 Future of Octopus Research 59:49 Resources and Further Reading

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In this special update episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell sits down with Mark 'Butch' Butcher to discuss the groundbreaking developments in the white rhino reintroduction efforts in the Hwange ecosystem, Zimbabwe. Revisiting their initial conversation from World Rhino Day 2022, Butch shares the latest successes and upcoming plans of Imvelo and its NGO partner, CRCI, including the establishment of a second rhino sanctuary driven by community involvement. They explore the socio-economic benefits of conservation, the role of local communities, the complexities of reintroduction, and the innovative approach of integrating computer-literate women into the conservation efforts. Tune in to hear the inspiring and hope-giving conversation that highlights the potential for conservation to transform local communities while protecting endangered species.

00:00 Introduction to Rewildology 00:35 Exciting Update from Imvelo 01:52 Conversation with Butch 02:26 Community Rhino Conservation Initiative 03:47 Challenges and Successes 04:34 Future Plans and Community Involvement 06:54 Sanctuary Development and Protection 13:05 Tourism and Socioeconomic Benefits 16:35 Volunteerism and Education Initiatives 19:07 Affordable Safari Options 19:30 Balancing Luxury and Conservation 23:03 Community Involvement in Rhino Conservation 23:39 Challenges and Solutions in Wildlife and Cattle Coexistence 26:41 Scaling the Rhino Reintroduction Project 28:29 Government and NGO Support 31:35 Empowering Women in Conservation 35:32 Upcoming Rhino Relocation

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