This week Megan and Jen talk landlines before Jen shares her Science News about a Ugandan Ivory Trader being sentenced to life in prison for poaching endangered species. Then Megan talks the American Bison! Thanks to listener Lacy Smith for the suggestion!

1st Organization to Support: Heifer International

https://www.heifer.org/

Ending poverty begins with agriculture

We’re on a mission to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities.

2nd Organization to Support: National Wildlife Federation

https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Wildlife-Conservation/Bison/Tribal-Lands

Tribal people have a deep historical, cultural, traditional, and spiritual connection to bison that stretches back thousands of years. The National Wildlife Federation and the tribes share a common vision of establishing herds of genetically pure wild bison across the West and restoring Native Americans' cultural connection to bison.

Protecting Wild Bison and Tribal Culture

In 1997 the National Wildlife Federation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Intertribal Bison Cooperative, the first-ever conservation agreement between an environmental organization and an inter-tribal group, to advocate for the return of wild bison to tribal lands.

The political opposition to the return of the bison seemed insurmountable, as bison were seen as a threat to domestic livestock. Overcoming these challenges is a significant conservation milestone and opens the door to moving wild bison onto other large landscapes.

During the last six years, the National Wildlife Federation has partnered with tribal governments and other partners to return more than 250 bison to tribal lands, ensuring tribal connections to bison for generations to come. By bringing bison back to reservations, we are revitalizing a landscape, habitat, and a diversity of wildlife, while also re-establishing Native Americans’ cultural and historic connections to wildlife and the land.

The National Wildlife Federation and tribes share a common vision of returning wild bison to historical habitat and restoring Native Americans' cultural connections to bison. For more than two decades, the National Wildlife Federation’s Tribal Program has worked with tribes to bring wild bison back to their lands and cultures and restore this iconic American species to its rightful home on the prairies.

References:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/woman-gored-by-a-bison-in-yellowstone-national-park-180980195/

https://www.livescience.com/bison-attacks-yellowstone-2022

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/yellowstone-visitor-gored-by-bison-tossed-10-feet-rcna31371

https://www.wemjournal.org/article/S0953-9859(94)71137-2/pdf

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10874911/Woman-25-killed-gored-bison-thrown-10-feet-air-Yellowstone.html

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/american-bison#:~:text=They%20are%20massive%2C%20shaggy%20beasts,land%20animals%20in%20North%20America.&text=Despite%20their%20hefty%20size%2C%20bison,feet%20(61%20centimeters)%20long.

https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/management/bison-management.htm

https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-buffalo-and-bison

https://www.nps.gov/articles/bison_badl.htm#:~:text=The%20word%20buffalo%20is%20derived,living%20in%20Africa%20and%20Asia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JExj6O3FWg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWABmr48vyY

https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/brucellosis.htm

https://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/buffalo-and-native-americans

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/12/how-native-american-tribes-are-bringing-back-the-bison-from-brink-of-extinction

https://www.insidescience.org/news/bison-slaughter%E2%80%99s-destructive-legacy-native-americans

This week, Megan talks Thanksgiving science for a science news to start off November. Then Jen sticks around Halloween a little longer to talk about Rats!

Organization to Support: Apopo.org

APOPO is a non-profit organization with Belgian roots. For 25 years they have tackled landmines or tuberculosis around the world. APOPO provides a low-tech, cost-efficient solution to pressing humanitarian challenges.

You can make a monthly or yearly donation, purchase a Hero gift for the animals like PPE, food, supplies – or you can adopt a Hero Rat! Right now you can find out more about Baraka who is a little guys in training. Aw!

References:

https://www.history.com/news/rats-didnt-spread-the-black-death-it-was-humans

https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rat/

https://allthatsinteresting.com/rat-torture-method

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42708127

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/04/23/178604711/ratting-out-tb-scientists-train-rodents-to-diagnose-disease

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/rats-plague-black-death-humans-lice-health-science#:~:text=In%20cases%20of%20plague%20since,go%20on%20to%20bite%20humans.

https://www.mpg.de/18595905/0503-evan-spread-of-black-rats-was-linked-to-human-historical-events-150495-x

https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/research-at-cambridge/animal-research/what-types-of-animal-do-we-use/rats#:~:text=Why%20do%20we%20use%20rats,test%20drug%20efficacy%20and%20safety.

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/rat

https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-smart-are-rats-3975140#:~:text=Like%20a%20pet%20dog%2C%20a,through%20mazes%2C%20and%20perform%20tricks.

https://www.mpg.de/18595905/0503-evan-spread-of-black-rats-was-linked-to-human-historical-events-150495-x

https://www.victorpest.com/articles/seven-rat-facts-cringe

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/general-animals/facts-about-rats/#:~:text=A%20group%20of%20rats%20is%20called%20a%20'mischief'!

https://www.britannica.com/list/abundant-animals-the-most-numerous-organisms-in-the-world

https://www.telegram.com/story/sports/outdoors/2020/06/15/exploring-long-history-of-rats/113733132/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rats_in_New_York_City

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54747625

https://www.scgniagara.com/2018/04/fascinating-rat-facts.html

https://www.mamamia.com.au/cynosure-picosecond-laser/

https://www.ranker.com/list/rat-kings-what-are-they/jacob-shelton

https://onekindplanet.org/animal/rat/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-doomed-mouse-utopia-that-inspired-the-rats-of-nimh

https://www.npr.org/2022/04/26/1094766076/throughline-how-rats-became-one-of-earths-most-successful-mammalian-colonizers

Happy Halloween Nature Nerds! This week Jen shares some news about how people react to Haunted Houses and then Megan talks folks getting stuck in Chimneys, the plight of Chimney Sweeps, and bats! We hope you enjoy!

Organization to Support: Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC)

https://www.merlintuttle.org/

No group of mammals has been more misunderstood, needlessly feared, or intensely persecuted than bats. Relying on a powerful combination of science, field knowledge, and photography, MTBC is helping save millions of bats, protecting public health, economies and worldwide ecosystems by teaching people to live harmoniously with bats through Merlin’s one-of-a-kind experience.

Our mission: inspiring bat conservation worldwide.

Hey all you Nature Nerds! We're catching you up with another episode this week where Megan starts us off with a science news about uncombable hair syndrome. Then Jen continues the Tiger theme with some wild stories about Tigers in the wild, including some man eaters. Enjoy!

Organization to Support:

World Wildlife Fund India (WWF-India) www.wwfindia.org/

WWF India has been working toward tiger conservation for 50 years.

WWF India’s work for tiger conservation aims to maintain and restore tiger habitats and critical corridors while conserving the tiger and its prey, eventually increasing and stabilizing tiger populations.

Our work involves camera-trapping exercises and line-transect monitoring in all its tiger landscapes to monitor tigers, co-predators and prey base. We also work closely with local communities around tiger habitats to mitigate human-tiger conflict issues.

On July 29th, 2010, all the 13 tiger range countries of the world adopted the declaration to ensure a sustainable tiger population and double within 12 years. Since then, the day has been marked as Global Tiger Day.

LINKS:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/tiger

https://wildlifeday.org/content/factsheets/tiger

https://storyteller.travel/types-of-tigers/

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-world-tiger-day-big-cats-prosper-in-india-worlds-largest-tiger-range-country/389775

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_attack

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/india-saw-highest-number-of-tiger-deaths-in-2021-1080697.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-63193114

https://www.corbettnationalpark.in/corbett-heritage.htm

https://nypost.com/2019/02/02/how-a-lone-irishman-killed-a-terrifying-people-eating-tiger/

https://darktales.blog/2019/05/17/the-champawat-tiger/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett

https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/the-story-of-champawat-maneater-an-injured-tigress-that-killed-at-least-436-humans-575671.html

https://curioushistorian.com/jim-corbett-and-the-champawat-tiger

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_National_Park

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/india-tiger-attack

https://ntca.gov.in/monitoring/#monitoring

https://www.hauntjaunts.net/9-times-real-life-beasts-stalked-and-ate-humans/

This week Jen and Megan share a heartfelt thanks to Jo Moore for sharing her book, CATNIP - A cat in the family. Then Jen gives us an update on Proudfoot, our Orangutan foster from Orangutan Foundation International. Jen goes on to tell us some cool facts about hummingbirds shared with us by @kelly.inthewoods (thanks Dr. Kelly!). September 3rd was World Hummingbird Day! Then Megan talks all things Otters- another depraved marine mammal that Megan loves to hate. j/k <3

Organization to Support: International Otter Survival Fund

https://www.otter.org/Public/

Check out Jo's webpage: https://www.jomoorephotographer.co.nz/

You can get your own copy of CATNIP - A cat in the family at: https://shophuha.co.nz/collections/books-gifts/products/catnip-acatinthefamilybyjomoore

The long awaited episode 77 is here!

This week, Megan shares some good science news about the apparent decline in the world's serial killers. Jen then talks all the ins and outs of Tiger King and the problematic lack of focus on big cats, issues with cub petting, and the exotic pet trade.

Organization to Support: The Wild Animal Sanctuary

wildanimalsanctuary.org

Our Mission -The Sanctuary travels across America and into foreign countries around the world to rescue animals that are suffering. Each rescued animal is rehabilitated and released into large natural habitats with others of their own kind. Their remarkable recoveries lead to a life filled with friendship, love, freedom and joy!

Currently, there are more than 20,000 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores living outside of our zoo system in America.

Enjoy this release of our Patreon July 2021 episode- Megan shares the crazy story about the "Man-Eating" Tsavo Lions of Kenya.

Jen also shares some timely science news about the loudest animals in the world!

We hope you enjoy this episode! If you are interested in more bonus content like this, check out our Patreon link on the website!

Organization to Support:

www.TsavoTrust.org

Hey hey Nature Nerds! This week we're still long-distancing while Jen is on the mainland. But no worries, Jen shares some science news about the largest bat colony in the world and then Megan talks about Kununurra and the tragic, yet inspiring story of Turia Pitt.

Organization to Support: Miriwong Language Nest

http://mirima.org.au/

The Miriwoong Language Nest began as a pilot program in 2013, before being rolled out formally in 2014. The program creates an immersive environment and uses immersion techniques to enable young children to learn Miriwoong and exposes them to new language experiences. It is based on a model developed by the Maori in New Zealand and the Language Nest at MDWg is one of the first to operate for Indigenous languages in Australia.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week, Jen is off island, but we figured it out (kind of) to bring this fun episode where Megan gives you the deets on the Praying Mantis pet Market. Then Jen tells us the tragic story of Michael Rockefeller and the head hunting of Papua New Guinea. Hold on to your heads and enjoy!

Organization to Support:

Wildlife Conservation Society of Papua New Guinea: png.wcs.org

WCS is the longest established international conservation organization operating in Papua New Guinea and has been undertaking conservation work in the country since the 1970s. Today, WCS Papua New Guinea program (WCS PNG) employs more than 60 staff based at four offices around the country. WCS works with local communities on a wide range of conservation issues in a variety of locations spanning coral reefs to mountain rainforests.

WCS PNG’s vision is: “Gutpela sindaun, gutpela solwara, gutpela bus”, which translates to, “Empowered people with healthy forests and seas”. This vision fits within WCS’s global vision which “envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth”.

Welcome back Nature Nerds! This week Jen tells us about an amazing 20 pound Guard Cat, Bandit, for Science News. Then Megan tells us about the 1996 Mount Everest Disaster. Bundle up and enjoy!

Organization to Support: https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/

The American Himalayan Foundation was founded in 1981 by a small group of climbers who were drawn to Nepal for the mountains, but returned again and again for the people. They wanted to respond to the pressing problems of this magnificent but very poor part of the world, where many still struggle without healthcare or education, thousands of young girls live in danger of being trafficked, and traditional ways of life are fast disappearing. AHF exists to bring positive, tangible change to people’s lives.

"I don’t believe any nongovernmental organization could possibly do as much, with as little contribution as the American Himalayan Foundation. They are extremely efficient. There is no bureaucracy. There is no waste. And the most important thing is they know the people there and have known them for decades, so there is an absolute perfect efficiency in making the most out of every dollar contributed.”

– President Jimmy Carter

Hey all you Nature Nerds! This week Megan shares some not really new-new science news on walking sharks. Then Jen starts off with the story of the life of Elizabeth Blackwell (thanks to listener and Patron, Val Webb, for this suggestion!), and finishes with info on the top 10 most poisonous plants! Enjoy!

Organization to Support: Society of Ethnobiology https://ethnobiology.org/

The Society of Ethnobiology is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the relationships of plants and animals with human cultures worldwide, including past and present relationships between peoples and the environment.

They are committed to scholarly research and to inclusive relationships with communities with whom they work and with colleagues around the world.

Thanks for your patience, Nature Nerds- travelling and posting is a fun challenge! This week Megan talks Virtual Reality murder, then Jen tells us all about Camels with their lovely lumps!

Organization to support: Wild Camel Protection Foundation

www.wildcamels.com

The sole aim of the Wild Camel Protection Foundation is to protect the critically endangered wild camel (Camelus ferus) and its habitat in the fragile and unique desert ecosystems in the Gobi desert in north-west China and south-west Mongolia. It is the only charitable environmental Foundation in the world which has this exclusive objective.

Hey there Nature Nerds! This week Jen tells us about the plight of the Koalas. Then Megan talks the top 5 tsunamis! Thank you to listener, Christine, for this suggestion! <3

Organization to Support: The Pacific Tsunami Museum

www.tsunami.org

Through education and awareness, we believe that no one should die due to a tsunami. The goals of the Museum are to promote public tsunami education and to preserve history. The Museum serves as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in past tsunami events.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week Megan shares some science news about the tiniest artificial intelligence and then Jen tells us some fascinating stories of "Big Scary Birds!" We hope you enjoy and thank you to listeners, Jen's mom, Julie <3, and Kalene (sp?) and her boyfriend, Chase! Enjoy!

Organization to Support: Bush Heritage Australia

https://bushheritage.org.au

Bush Heritage Australia is an independent not-for-profit that buys and manages land for conservation and works in partnerships with Aboriginal people and the agricultural sector, to protect our irreplaceable landscapes and our magnificent native species forever.

Bush Heritage has Emus on many of their reserves. They’re protecting emu chicks by reducing feral cat, fox and pig populations. They remove internal fences and reduce competition from stock and feral herbivores.

Hi Nature Nerds! This week Jen tells us about the plight of the earth's largest living organism, Pando! Megan then takes us through the life and adventures of Percy Fawcett and his final expedition in search of the Lost City of Z! Thanks to long time listener, Mel, for this suggestion!

Organization to Support: Amazon Watch

https://amazonwatch.org/

Amazon Watch is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 to protect the rainforest and advance the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin. We partner with Indigenous and environmental organizations in campaigns for human rights, corporate accountability and the preservation of the Amazon’s ecological systems.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week Megan talks dolphin urine- fun! Then in preparation for her family trip to the mainland, Jen talks all things Grand Canyon!

Organization to support: Grand Canyon Conservancy at grandcanyon.org

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, meaning we are focused solely on the park’s priorities as shared with us by the Park’s Superintendent and National Park Service team. This year we celebrate 90 years of protecting and preserving Grand Canyon.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week's episode has Jen sharing some creepy science news about all the corpses showing up in Lake Mead! Then Megan talks about a couple different situations going on in Mendocino National Forest and the Point Reyes National Seashore before telling the story sent in by listener Bob Potts! Thanks Bob for this suggestion!

Organization to check out:

The Federated Indians of Granton Rancheria

https://gratonrancheria.com/

The Graton Rancheria community is a federation of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo groups recognized as a tribe by the US Congress.

Organization to Support: The Student Conservation Association

https://www.thesca.org/

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is America’s conservation corps. Our members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week Megan talks about some proposed new menstruation legislation in Spain and Jen tells us the story of Olive Oatman! Thanks to listener Tracy Simpson from Minnesota for this story recommendation!

Organization to Support: www.honorspiritmountain.org

Sign the petition!

The proposed Avi Kwa Ame (Ah-VEE kwa-meh) National Monument spans nearly 450,000 acres of public land in Southern Nevada contains some of the most visually stunning, biologically diverse, and culturally significant lands in the entire Mojave Desert.

The entire area is considered sacred by ten Yuman speaking tribes as well as the Hopi and Chemehuevi Paiute. Energy developers recently tried to build a large, 30,000-acre wind farm in the heart of this dramatic landscape and newly proposed project has heightened efforts to protect the region. Such development would forever scar these valuable lands and degrade their world-class habitat and nationally recognized cultural resources.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week Jen tells us why it's impractical to harness lightning (not lightening) for power and Megan talks Geysers!

Organization to Support: Yellowstone Forever

https://www.yellowstone.org/

Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park.

We protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy.