Ep. 60 - The True(?) Story of the Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a rare example of a species humans managed to pull back from the brink of extinction by getting off our collective asses and doing some stuff. The typical story told involves the chemical DDT and its negative impacts on the eagle’s ability to reproduce and how the banning of DDT helped restore Bald Eagle populations across the continent. But a few out there question this narrative, claiming that DDT wasn’t a big problem for eagles and that banning it caused billions of unnecessary deaths because it prevented DDT’s continued use in the fight against malaria. These claims are mostly nonsense, drudged up by folks who hate regulations, but looking into them makes for an interesting ride. Join the guys as they find out…DUN DUN DUN…what THEY don’t want you to know about Bald Eagles.
Ep. 33 - Hart's-Tongue Fern - Restoring an Endangered Species
“Richer than millionaires! Happier than Kings! Envied by multitudes! May be said of hobnobbers with Hart’s-tongues.”
So said one enthusiast of the Hart’s-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum) long ago, and we think you’ll agree. This species is exceptional in many ways; its appearance (it doesn’t look like your typical fern), its uncommon habitat, and it’s rarity all add to the Hart’s-tongue fern’s mystique.
This month, the guys hit the road, traveling to central NY and hitting the trail with Mike Serviss, a conservation biologist working with New York State Parks. Among his many duties, Mike is researching the most successful ways to restore this picky plant to its habitat, and he’s also a fantastic science communicator.
Join us as Mike helps us peel back the mystery of what’s involved in restoring an endangered species.
Enjoy!