The saga of the Mexican Grey Wolf is about how politics interfere in the efforts of independent scientists to recover an endangered species. With my guest David Parsons, who formerly led the USFWS efforts to reintroduce the Mexican Grey Wolf to the American Southwest in 1990-to 99, we learn how difficult it is to reintroduce a species and save it from extinction when powerful vested interests who control legislators hijack the policy process down to even the scientific modeling results for how many wolves are needed to recover the species. The problem for these wolves is that all of the critical states for reintroduction reject accepting the number of wolves necessary for true recovery. But this lack of political tolerance for wolves in our government is not reflective of the general public and is a result of a subset of society that controls our decision-makers. As David explains, we have a huge political fight ahead to save this iconic animal that once roamed by the thousands.

Today, with Ashwell Glasson, we address deep-seated Wicked Problems as a root cause of civil unrest and social disruptions that are occurring globally, as a result of unrestrained economic growth leading to environmental problems. We gain an understanding that we cannot isolate environmental issues to a specific region as they have far-reaching effects and lead to interconnected series of problems on national and global scales. We must break our cycle of short-term thinking and pushing problems off, as we are only going to see more “day zero’s” with less and fewer resources. These underlying wicked problems permeate the globe and it is time for deep-seated reforms – politically and socially, nationally and internationally, economically and environmentally, and the normalization of the abnormal breakdown of civil society. It’s time to face up to our collective human responsibilities and address these issues.

Today’s conversation with my guest Ashwell Glasson gives provides us with a view of the scale and scope of the challenges we are facing in securing biodiversity. What is being called for is an overhaul of the current models and mindsets driving conservation efforts in global landscapes under multiple pressures, including transnational wildlife crime at unprecedented levels. For the sake of frame of reference, our discussion is focused on rhino conservation as it holds markers of all that is changing and is at stake. The conversation takes multiple twists and turns as we unravel layers and identify the players toward a new world vision that can redefine the benchmark of health and wealth in passing the torch to new generations. Rather than a revision of what doesn’t work; solutions that resonate and engender cross-cultural participation at all levels of society, are augmented with new tool kits and skillsets for a holistic–earth one-health operating system.

Join us today with special guest, investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer as we discuss his book Killing For Profit, which reads like an international thriller, but is a terrifying true story of greed, corruption, and ruthless criminal enterprise centered around the illegal trafficking of rhino horn and wildlife. This is a compelling, meticulous and revelatory account of one the worlds most secretive trades aiding in the decimation of one of our world’s unique endangered species, the Rhino. Since publication, Mr. Rademeyer attended the CITES 2013 in Bangkok, reporting first hand the human folly and convoluted international conservation policies, politics, players and loopholes which undermine the global efforts to save the rhino from extinction.

Rewilding has long been a conservation term for connectivity and creating corridors for wildlife movement. In recent decades, it is the concept finding suitable existing habitats for species on the brink of extinction that may exist outside of where they currently live or are being extirpated. Today there is a new meaning. My guest Marc Bekoff, discusses his book, ‘Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence’. Rewilding in this sense brings us to an understanding if not to undo, at least find ways to fix what we’ve done, to transform and rehabilitate ourselves. From pandemic and covid-19 in 2020 and into another difficult year of 2021, we all can use a reminder and a primer of compassion 101, how to reconnect with ourselves, each other and to embrace compassionate co-existence with our wild world and all its magnificence to turn from policies of tearing apart toward pathways of re-imagination, re-enchantment and redefine what we is possible. We have a lot of work to do to rebuild our connections to each other, find a unity amongst ourselves, and a beneficial place in rewilding our hearts and minds.

Despite the incredible successes in conservation, overall, something isn’t working. We are losing ground. What are the missing links? Delving deeply into this question, we keep butting up against the fundamental conflicts between economic growth and wildlife conservation. With my guest Brian Czech, we tackle this subject head-on., Brian documented the causes of species endangerment for US Fish and Wildlife Services only to have his findings squelched as a taboo subject in any conversation in government where politicians and officials are committed to growth as a policy goal, but also in NGOs and conservation groups. Brian retired from USFW and founded the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE) and published a candid and open letter, “Farewell to FWS – Goodbye to Gag Orders” In today's full world economy” we must instill the public economic policy makers toward a full tilt transition from unsustainable growth to a steady state economy. Rebroadcast from 2018

A Wild Idea: It is easy to think that conservation is something going on in places so far away and exotic that it seems unimaginable that one person could have any significant impact on the greater outcome of a child, a community or even an entire species. This is an encore of our very first episode, the goal to help folks understand and learn about the big picture of what is involved in making conservation happen, and provide a platform to engage listeners to speak up about what is important to you, and how individuals can get involved in making a difference for your life and our future as a whole through a variety of conservation challenges such as climate change, poverty and disease, along with practical tips that you can implement at home in living with and enjoying the wildlife in your back yard. We want you to participate in Our Wild World. Since 2012 this podcast has provided expert outlooks of where we've been, and where we need to be, as we enter into this new year of 2021

Are conserving wildlife and protecting animals the same thing? Award winning environmental reporter, Glen Martin, guides us as this question applies to Africa's mega fauna. Conservation planning of large landscapes and species survival includes the cascades of biodiversity that depend upon them. Animal rights, animal activists, and animal welfare consider each individual life as critical, and that none should die because of us. Animal rights restrictions present a challenging paradox for making long-term species survival and large landscape conservation, workable. Through one-on-one conversations with legendary figures throughout Africa’s game management history in wildlife rich range states from E Africa to S.West Africa, Glen's book “Game Changer” originally aired here in 2014 vividly demonstrates, even 6 years on, how our world's last great populations of wildlife are hostages in the battle between those who love them, those who kill them and those who want to save them.

Botswana Predator Conservation Trust is one of the longest running conservation research projects in Africa, and one of a handful of its caliber worldwide. Founded in 1989 as the Botswana Wild Dog Research Project, today it covers all the large carnivore species in Botswana. The goal of BPCT is to preserve Africa's large predators-African wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion and spotted hyena-and their habitats by using scientific inquiry to better understand the behaviors and communication systems of these animals. Strengthening the links between conservation and environmental issues to decision-making processes - the Government of Botswana acknowledges that appropriate and necessary resource management must have accurate information about its natural resources, and has entrusted BPCT with the task of leading northern Botswana’s conservation and research initiatives on all large carnivores and their associated habitats.

With cougar biologist John Laundré, today we discuss the matter of who owns wildlife. More and more we must consider the public costs of wildlife mismanagement in the United States, with increasing conflicts and polarization between hunting and anti-hunting, animal rights and animal welfare groups. From hunting groups invoking the European mindset of colonizers they contend the right to hunt is undeniable and essential to sound management of wildlife. Anti-hunting groups contend the ‘need’ to kill wildlife is unjustified and barbaric. However, the vast majority of citizens- wildlife watchers- are without influence and left completely out of the management decision making processes. As a result, the financial interests in ‘game species’ have disproportionate influence on our bureaucratic decisions, with severe consequences that fail to consider the public good and the intrinsic value of all wildlife, non-game species and the critical role of predators in our landscapes and ecosystems.

During a time when most wild animals are experiencing decline in the face of development and climate change, the intrepid mountain lion—also known as a puma, a cougar, “ghost cat,” and by many other names—has experienced reinvigoration as well as expansion of territory. In Path of the Puma: The Remarkable Resilience of the Mountain Lion (Patagonia Books, October 9, 2018), wildlife biologist Jim Williams celebrates wildlife research and conservation of ghost cats from Canada’s southern Yukon Territory to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina and Chile, exploring what makes this cat, the fourth carnivore in the food chain—just ahead of humans—so resilient and resourceful. Williams writes, “They are beating the odds, and their success provides a remarkable opportunity for wild nature to regain a toehold and to shape possibilities for the persistence of natural systems. They are hope for those of us who believe our future will depend, in large part, on finding the wild.”

With my guest, author and wildlife advocate, Rick Lamplugh, we walk down the path of how deeply important the immersive aspect is to protecting our wilds and our perceptions of it, and our human need in knowing there are wild places and wild animals who thrive there. Wildness fills an essential part of our spirit, our soul, we’ve evolved with it and our ancient psyche needs it. Author of 3 award winning books, including ‘In the Temple of Wolves’, Rick takes us on a journey of what it means to step away from our comfortable lives, how important adventure and advocacy of wildness is for our humanity, and that in settling into the pace and nuances of living in the wild can bring us in sync to our inner nature and the resonance of the natural world around us. Sharing his own experience of living in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley for three winters and transformation into an activist for wolves, Rick guides us how to advocate for wildlife in ways that are both respectful and effective.

As Coloradans face this 2020 election, we must consider the role of wolves in our western states. My guest Mike Phillips is one of the world?s foremost experts on why wolf restoration is critical to balancing western ecosystems and the reality of co-existing with wolves is far from the perpetuated livestock industry?s fear-based myths. At issue is diffusing the grossly misunderstood myths of people, livestock and wolves co-existing, that this challenge can and has been mitigated with a variety of reasonable measures. The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project seeks to re-establish wolves in Western Colorado, creating a connectivity corridor for North American wolf population all the way from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan through Canada and Alaska, and down the Rocky Mountains into Mexico. It would be difficult to overestimate the biological and conservation value of this achievement and benefits in habitat restoration.

The saga of the Mexican Grey Wolf is a story of how politics interferes in the efforts of independent scientists to recover an endangered species. With my guest David Parsons, who formerly led the USFWS efforts to reintroduce the Mexican Grey Wolf to the American Southwest from 1990-99, we learn how difficult it is to reintroduce a species and save it from extinction when powerful vested interests who control legislators hijack the policy process down to even the scientific modeling results for how many wolves are needed to recover the species. The problem for these wolves is that all of the critical states for reintroduction reject accepting the number of wolves necessary for true recovery. This lack of political tolerance for wolves is not reflective of the general public but the result of a subset of society that controls our decision makers. With all efforts to protect wolves, we all wolves face enormous political fights ahead. Wolves are on the Colorado 2020 ballot.

Both reviled and loved, our history with the wolf is complex and emotional and the stuff of legends. Today, we have an opportunity to learn from one of the most knowledgeable wolf biologists around, Carter Niemeyer, author of “Wolfer” which should be prerequisite reading for everyone involved in the back and forth of the wolf debate! We’ll get into the politics and policies that surround wolf management to human interaction and conflict, to public perceptions vs. those of ranchers and the vested interests of those who want to see all wolves dead. From our earliest history to now we continue to wage war against the wolf, and it ‘s taken more than 100 years for science to catch up to understand the ecological cascade of consequences in the wake of their absence and what their presence means for our future- the wolf issue a parable and a symbol of the very soul of wildness. Rebroadcast from 2014.

Wild, Incisive, Fearless, the Revelator. With John Platt, editor of the independent online environmental news and ideas initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity, we delve into and question some of the top conservation headlines: From the Extinction Countdown, to ways to ward off despair, to the state of our world and the positive trends in science conservation communication. The Revelator is an incredibly rich online resource for the public turn to learn what the critical issues are today, from the ongoing challenges of the pandemic to meaningful actions we can take every day, from wherever we are, to do something whenever we can, and that social networking allows for meaningful conversations and activism vs. clickavism. This encore is relevant for today's challenges in staving off despair while we remain safer at home and headlines are hijacked by so much we cannot control. Today we provide a wide base of other news to remind us there is a whole wild wide world out there.

It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Can’t Change You. This fast-paced and richly stitched documentary, employing mesmerizing visuals driven by Keith David’s commanding narration, and fueled by dozens of engaging experts. Five years in the making and filmed across 9 countries, the feature-length documentary depicts the dire threats facing African wildlife. Survival hangs in the balance. This powerful cinematic call to action demonstrates the dire challenges facing species who depend on biodiversity, including our own. Through interviews with dozens of conservation experts ranging from Dr. Jane Goodall, to wildlife trophy hunters, filmmaker and director Phyllis Stuart, Co-Produced by Eli Weiss, Wild DaZe explores the relationship between international crime cartels, colluding government officials, animal poaching, the illegal ivory trade, cattle barons and human beings, as she examines how rampant corruption complicates the fight to save species nearing extinction. Tickets on sale Now!

With special guest Professor Emeritus Marc Bekoff, we will discuss that increasing our compassionate footprint will improve our overall relationship to animals and our earth, thus also improve conservation outcomes. As our species causes deep and enduring pain all over our amazing planet, there is growing evidence that we need to ask ourselves how other animals feel about the loss of their homes. Solid science now tells us they suffer as we do without a safe and peaceful place to live, thrive, and survive. Compassionate conservation is concerned with the humane treatment and welfare of animals within the framework of traditional conservation biology, finding a way through polarization between those interested in animal protection and those interested in conservation. Compassion for animals should be fundamental for conservation as poor conservation outcomes are often consistent with the mistreatment of animals.

Transferring data and knowledge gained through research into a journal that sits on a shelf won’t carry us through to creating the interdisciplinary and collaborative results we in the real world- from research and science in the field and the lab into the hands and households of the communities where it is needed to best take advantage of all dimensions and perspectives for an inclusive understanding and creative solutions of the challenges that real people and real communities face on a daily basis, at the crossroads of human, wildlife and environmental needs of tomorrow. This is the goal of Dr. Kathy Alexander PhD, Professor at Virginia Tech, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation at the College of Natural Resources and co-founder of the CARACAL Biodiversity Center of the Chobe Research Institute in Botswana: amplifying partnerships and integrated systems benefits that will provide tomorrow’s solutions today.

As we continue to infringe upon bear territory, Karelian Bear Dogs have become a way to get the attention of local communities living with bears and educate them of their responsibility to live in partnership with our wildlife. Today with my guest Nils Pedersen, of the Wind River Bear Institute and their Karelien Bear Dogs, we discuss this wholly different non-lethal approach to human-bear conflict than the standard response of removing bears from the landscape - one that addresses the root problems of conflicts in human communities and leaves the bears alive and in their habitat. Using the concept of “Bear Shepherding” the Karelian Bear Dogs simultaneously teach humans to prevent conflicts and teach problem bears behaviorally based lessons that create boundary awareness and avoidance of human-occupied space. Taking on the role of conservationist, the highly adaptable “Wildlife K-9” has proven to be a perfect partner for wildlife managers and an ambassador for educating the public.

The urban wilderness: The bear, raccoon, beaver or the lion in your yard, patrolling your neighborhoods and nearby recreation areas, and rising numbers of risky and close encounters with the wild animals in our backyards, and those when we’re in what we have designated as 'their space.' These rising encounters signify changes both environmentally and culturally, of our rapidly growing human footprint causing fuzzy boundaries of our understanding and attitudes toward wildlife, and those between what belongs to whom–– is it our back yard or their living room? We are provided with many opportunities for increased awareness about human and non-human communities as to how to interact with each other while living side by side, and, sometimes in the same places at the same time. Today we'll explore some of the facets around these issues and what can happen when we forget there really are wild things out there.

In the eons of time immemorial, life has eked out an existence from the fundamental ingredients of Planet Earth and its unique essences, our nature, our wildlife and .. us. In the few short centuries of Modern Man, earth processes have shifted in orders of magnitude, and so have ours. Whether you agree or not as to humanity’s role in these shifts is almost moot, for the point is that things have changed. That’s life, right? Life is a series of societal, cultural and personal shifts, a constant state of transition with big mile marker posts along the way. In this rebroadcast from 2015 the medley of thoughts and questions about our role on earth, who we are vs. who we can be, resonate with the world we are facing today. as well as some of the ridiculousness that we sell ourselves as solutions as we navigate these challenges. Have we, and are we, positioning ourselves in the best possible pathways for survival of earth and humankind?

Over the many episodes of Our Wild World, we’ve shared the wonder of wildlife and wilderness through a variety of perspectives from scientific, to solutions based, to a naturalist view, from that which brings about collapse to that which reimagines ourselves and thus our world, and all the myriad beings and life-forms with whom we share multitudinous relationships and the natural laws that sustain our vitally. In today’s rebroadcast from 2016, we find ourselves eerily facing many of the same issues and challenges that we could not have imagined just four years ago. In this episode I provided selected readings from favorite authors illustrative of the every-day spectacular happenings that surround, envelope and knit together the magnificence that is life, and the transformative role and influence we humans have had, and in that, how we can transform our future out of these desperate times.

The dangers of global wildlife trafficking have made global headlines. From an obscure wildlife wet market in Wuhan China, a frightening message jumped from the wild and right into a global pandemic crisis: COVID-19, a new zoonotic virus highly contagious to humans.My guest Dr. Peter Li specializes in Northeast Asian security, U.S.-China relations; China’s environmental governance and animal welfare politics of the People’s Republic of China. Dr Li’s decades of work highlight the direct relationship between income, social status and the importance of meat consumption to the Chinese consumer. China has become the world’s largest animal farming nation- from captive bred wildlife farms to large scale breeding of pork, beef and chicken. The message is clear: burgeoning human populations intersecting with wildlife in novel ways requires globally enforced environmental and wildlife protection laws. Nature has secrets, and we are not prepared to lift the lid on her zoonotic pandora’s box.

With Special Guest Philip Tedeschi , Clinical Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. We’ll explore the changing paradigm of recognizing incorporating the bond and relationships between people and non-human beings and and the implications for animal abuse to public health and human security. Our relationships with animals has become an enduring feature in so many families, homes, and communities. For centuries, the importance of animals in people’s lives has been recognized beneficial effect that animals have on human health, well being, and motivation- across age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and life condition. Images of animals appear in literature of all kinds art, celebrations, dreams, fables, folklore, language, medicine, music, religion, work, and recreation. Animals are found in nearly every aspect of life.

Current data tells us our world has slid past far tipping points of no return. Viable populations of wildlife across the board are disappearing. Our human response for sustainable development and environmental goals are not compatible nor conducive to the continuance of ecosystem earth. We need intensive multilayered actions for creative solutions, options and alternatives. Today’s rebroadcast provides necessary background to remind us of critical changes that have happened in just 6 years, and the disastrous effects we see now. My guests Nick Lynch and Tim Gorski, two of WildiZe Observers to CITES reporting direct from Johannesburg in 2016. Here we are in 2020, in the midst of catastrophic climate changes, a pandemic of a virus transferred to humans from wildlife, and political machinations that remove underpinnings of environmental protections. New CITES CoP18 regulations were supposedly responses to these crises, however, we now see whole system failures.

COVID-19 has shifted our world and our consciousness. We are on the razors edge leading wave of a new paradigm. The shift is uncomfortable, frightening and exhausting while wondering what the future holds. This program has continuously focused on the tools at our disposal to work through crises, and find new models of how we live. This episode from 2013 could have been today. As we face COVID, climate change and economic crises, we need our great big brains to think us out of these crises. It is imperative that we shift how we relate to each other, and get down to the business of cleaning up our act, our oceans, our air and our policies and economic systems, and begin the processes of healing, for each other and earth’s natural and wild systems. We must rise above our differences and celebrate our common desires-life and respect, and get busy accepting magnificent opportunities of creating a whole new normal.

The saga of the Mexican Grey Wolf is a story of how politics interferes in the efforts of independent scientists to recover an endangered species. With my guest David Parsons, who formerly led the USFWS efforts to reintroduce the Mexican Grey Wolf to the American Southwest from 1990-99, we learn how difficult it is to reintroduce a species and save it from extinction when powerful vested interests who control legislators hijack the policy process down to even the scientific modeling results for how many wolves are needed to recover the species. As we see our political agenda rolling back more and more of the protections previously implemented, the politically entrenched and vested interests in government is not reflective of the general public. As David explains, we have a huge political fight ahead to save this iconic species, and by extrapolating across this concept, these challenges affect security for the environment that provides for the health of all living beings.

With this rebroadcast from 2015, we see so many parallels, as so many is global crises converge. My guest, clinical social worker, Philip Tedeschi, Denver University, Institute for Human Animal Connection (IHAC) provides real-world situations for graduate students and continuing programs and presentations to the public, which offer solutions that provide for healthy avenues to recognize challenges, and grow the social skills for youth and adults to clearly understand the relationships and benefits between humans and non-human animals. and the significance of living systems and animals in human health and wellness, specific animal welfare and conservation activity, research, education.

A critical component of any discussion in wildlife trade that is glaringly missing from major decision making processes such as CITES, is the real-world understanding wildlife markets and pricing. My guest, the late renowned economist Alejandro Nadal, leads us into deep research on the shifting connections between macroeconomics and the environment, working toward new models reaching crucial objectives of trade in wildlife and endangered species: This concerns the survival of the entire biosphere, including us. With so much at stake, these vital connections have so far received little attention by both the academic and policy-making communities. Major transformations are required in economic structures and policy recommendations, in conjunction with deep and sweeping economy-wide reforms and shifts. The elephant is standing in the room, with ‘Macroeconomic Policies’ stamped on its forehead- while to our detriment and peril, we continue spending billions ignoring it.

Eli wrote this episode six years ago, March 2014, and it aired as The Wild Effect. We are now living in the consequences of a global pandemic caused by human intersection and our ever-increasing intersections fracturing ecosystems importance of our wildlife, especially predators. Healthy ecosystems are the glue that binds a healthy planet, which in the end, means healthy human and wildlife populations, and ultimately the survival of all of us. We have the tools: science, data, and expertise, and just plain commons sense in asking the right questions. There is common ground for co-existence, but that decision requires human, societal, cultural, and political action and behavior shifts. Over the past fifty years much has changed for the better, yet we are still losing wildlife in increasing numbers. With COVID-19 shifting our future, we need to implement we have known about for decades, massive transformative action for conservation of the future of life as we know it.

Are conserving wildlife and protecting animals the same thing? Award winning environmental reporter, Glen Martin, guides us as this question applies to Africa's mega fauna. Conservation planning of large landscapes and species survival includes the cascades of biodiversity that depend upon them. Animal rights, animal activists, and animal welfare consider each individual life as critical, and that none should die because of us. Animal rights restrictions present a challenging paradox for making long-term species survival and large landscape conservation, workable. Through one-on-one conversations with legendary figures throughout Africa’s game management history in wildlife rich range states from E Africa to S.West Africa, Glen's book “Game Changer” originally aired here in 2014 vividly demonstrates even 6 years on, how our world's last great populations of wildlife are hostages in the battle between those who love them, those who kill them and those who want to save them.

“East Africa, is just a microcosm, where you can still see open plains shared by so many different people and creatures has a visceral impact on most humans who see it, and fill the most jaded of us with a profound sense of wonder. If we follow our present path of development and rate of destruction, we will see the unique megafauna of Africa disappear. We are living through the antithesis of genesis right now. All those billions of years to reach a place of such wondrous diversity, and then in just a few shockingly short years, an infinitesimal pinprick of time, to annihilate it.” In his newest book, ‘Inherit the Dust’, my guest, Nick Brandt, photographer, conservationist and Cofounder of BigLife Foundation, brings into stunning conversation what visualization and conservation together can accomplish to highlight not only in our minds, but on our earth fundamental and necessary changes and a way forward and to become involved.

We have deeply manipulated the earth’s landscapes and wild places like no other time in human history, and we are now wholly facing the impacts we've forced upon the biological world that gives us life. Our 'use' model has proven to be unsustainable yet we are still being duped by this veneer of ‘successes’, which has no realistic basis on the capacity of our resources, our earth to sustain life as we know it. Across Africa and the world, we have come face to face with the unintended consequences of our version and definition of Sustainable Utilization. Our loss of respect and responsibility for our environment have unleashed deadly consequences under an onslaught of sustained abuse. In this rebroadcast with Pieter Kat from 2015- it is evident, we are the catalysts of where will will be for the future. The question is, what will we do to get out of this mess?

As COVID19 has us sheltering in place, our lack of presence outside has reduced pressures on wildlife: A changed world is happening outside our windows. Wildlife is coming into our yards, streets, green spaces natural habitats. We now may find ourselves face to face with our wild neighbors who have taken a liking to our yards or homes. In this rebroadcast with my guest John Hadidian, we talk about how wildlife and the natural environment are important to our psyche and well-being, but that our wild neighbors find our homes fulfill their needs very nicely. This is where conflicts can arise- the raccoon in our chimney or the deer who find our lawns and parks quite yummy. Dr. John Hadidian is the Director of the Humane Society of the U.S. Urban Wildlife and conflict resolution project. Join us today as John helps us to see the world from our wild neighbors perspective, and how we shift our paradigm to co-existence and creating holistic landscapes.

Rewilding has long been a conservation term for connectivity and creating corridors for wildlife movement. In recent decades, it is the concept finding suitable existing habitats for species on the brink of extinction that may exist outside of where they currently live or are being extirpated. Today there is a new meaning. With Marc Bekoff, and his newest book, ‘Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence’. Rewilding in this sense brings us to an understanding if not to undo, at least find ways to fix what we’ve done, to transform and rehabilitate ourselves. A necessary primer and reminder for Compassion 101, not only for those who have forgotten, but a preparation for those yet to learn- how to embrace the concept of compassionate co-existence, to renew how we see ourselves, each other, and especially our wild world and all its magnificence. A pathway and to reimagine and redefine what we can believe is possible.

What is an urban bear? Sharon Baruch-Mordo helps us answer this question as a result of a multi year experiment and study in Aspen, CO that evaluated on-site education in residential and construction sites; Bear Aware educational campaigns in neighborhoods; and elevated law enforcement, and using the carrot and the stick approach to get people to secure garbage to reduce confrontations. Interestingly, the study found little support for education or enforcement in the form of daily patrolling in changing human behavior! What she did find was more support for proactive enforcement, and mandating bear-resistance refuse containers. The end result found that evidence-based decision-making is critical for implementing conservation actions for human-wildlife conflicts by altering human behaviors through public education and enforcement of wildlife-related laws. When we can get humans to stop irresponsible behavior in wildlife habitat, we are both protecting them and the bears.

Wouldn’t it be great if today’s headlines were : It’s okay. We can all come out now! the Global crises are over, and We’ve Won! because humanity came to its senses the other day. With the COVID19 pandemic our latest crises, this previous broadcast is as relevant as ever. In these unprecedented times we must globally come together to turn our wild world around to create a paradigm shift for the future. Each of us can say to the other, here’s what I did today, and I’m going to do it every day from now on, and we change who we are.

The dangers of global wildlife trafficking have made global headlines. From an obscure wildlife wet market in Wuhan China, a frightening message jumped from the wild and right into a global pandemic crisis: COVID-19, a new zoonotic virus highly contagious to humans.My guest Dr. Peter Li specializes in Northeast Asian security, U.S.-China relations; China’s environmental governance and animal welfare politics of the People’s Republic of China. Dr Li’s decades of work highlight the direct relationship between income, social status and the importance of meat consumption to the Chinese consumer. China has become the world’s largest animal farming nation- from captive bred wildlife farms to large scale breeding of pork, beef and chicken. The message is clear: burgeoning human populations intersecting with wildlife in novel ways requires globally enforced environmental and wildlife protection laws. Nature has secrets, and we are not prepared to lift the lid on her zoonotic pandora’s box.

Today, with returning guest Ashwell Glasson, we address deep seated Wicked Problems as a root cause of civil unrest and social disruptions that are occurring globally, as a result of unrestrained economic growth leading to environmental problems. We gain an understanding that we cannot isolate environmental issues to a specific region as they have far reaching effects and lead to interconnected series of problems on national and global scales. We must break our cycle of short term thinking and pushing problems off, as we are only going to see more “day zero’s” with less and less resources. These underlying wicked problems permeate the globe and it is time for deep seated reforms – politically and socially, nationally and internationally, economically and environmentally, and the normalization of the abnormal break down of civil society. it’s time to face up to our collective human responsibilities and address these issues.

Coexisting with America’s Song Dog, with Camilla Fox and Robert Crabtree America’s Song Dog, the Trickster, of mythological status to Native Americans; Clever and intelligent, they are critical players in ecosystem health, yet they are the most persecuted. Today I welcome guest experts from Project Coyote: Camilla Fox, Founder and Executive Director and Dr. Robert Crabtree, Scientific Advisory Board member. We learn from Fox and Crabtree why our model of predator management in the form of “coyote killing contests’ and extreme exploitation is not, and will not work- particularly for our Wile E Coyote. We continue hot on the heels unveiling the barbaric practices of our USDA’s secretive killing agency ‘Wildlife Services’, using our tax dollars, on public and private land, to indiscriminately and overkill our wildlife, especially the carnivores - coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and other animals under the mantel of managing human-carnivore conflict toward agricultural and livestock interests.

With cougar biologist John Laundré, today we discuss the matter of who owns wildlife. More and more we must consider the public costs of wildlife mismanagement in the United States, with increasing conflicts and polarization between hunting and anti-hunting, animal rights and animal welfare groups. From hunting groups invoking the European mindset of colonizers they contend the right to hunt is undeniable and essential to sound management of wildlife. Anti-hunting groups contend the ‘need’ to kill wildlife is unjustified and barbaric. However, the vast majority of citizens- wildlife watchers- are without influence and left completely out of the management decision making processes. As a result, the financial interests in ‘game species’ have disproportionate influence on our bureaucratic decisions, with severe consequences that fail to consider the public good and the intrinsic value of all wildlife, non-game species and the critical role of predators in our landscapes and ecosystems.

In our previous episode we learned the interesting history of cats becoming our pets, yet barely covered the tip of the iceberg of feral cats and their impacts on our world. Today we continue the conversation about cats with Dr. John Hadidian and Katie Lisnik. Feral cats are not only an abuse or cruelty issue, a health issue but they are also a conservation issue. From TNR programs to euthanasia, how do we respond to cats gone wild in our wildlands, and more so, what we can do to prevent this, solve the problem, and reach the ultimate goal, that cats have homes and our birds and other wildlife are safe from predation. From Shelters to sanctuaries there are a lot of resources the cat lover can find from the Humane Society of the US. Learn more http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/?credit=web_id212453451

We’re not talking about the furry loveable housecat. There are currently an estimated 30-40 million cats in the US alone, living in our neighborhoods, our wildlands and in their own communities. With Dr. John Hadidian and Katie Lisnik of the Humane Society of the US we’re talking about the cats that are not owned, live in your community, and are feral, and what the differences are. A stray cat is a pet who has been lost or abandoned, used to contact with people and tame enough to be adopted. A feral cat is the offspring of stray or feral cats and is not accustomed to human contact, we often see them everyday, but don’t know they are feral. From the community cat to the feral cat, there is an interesting history and quite a story. And then there are the impacts all these cats have on our wildlife and environs, and what we can do about it. Learn More http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats/qa/feral_cat_FAQs.html

Today we’re discussing civil rights, however, probably not what first comes to your mind, considering these turbulent times. With my guest Steven Wise, the founder and president of The Nonhuman Rights Project, the only civil rights organization in the United States working gain legally recognized and fundamental rights for nonhuman animals in the courtroom. One by one, these cases of law of personhood are gaining a groundswell of movement, a paradigm shift of how we interact and perceive the other earthlings and non-humans we live amongst and with. The paradigm shift holds hope that eventually, we humans will shift our mindset to understand that earth is a person, with the full associated rights of law. We humans have given ‘personhood’ to corporations, which may be at the bottom of these entities breaking her apart for sheer economic gains. With these cases one by one, NhRP activism globally builds the human mindset that all life on earth has basic civil rights

Today we talk with John Platt and Tara Lohan, with the Revelator, a publication under the Center for Biological Diversity, and the column Extinction Countdown. John and Tara highlight what stories they’ll be paying attention to in 2020, a run-down of the 2019 Extinction Countdown and what we can learn from them for the years ahead and current events which wouldn’t be complete without discussing Australia bushfires, water and consequences of EPA rollbacks and upcoming election. An award-winning environmental journalist John is the editor of The Revelator, with his work appearing in Scientific American, Audubon, Motherboard, and numerous other magazines and publications. His “Extinction Countdown” column has run continuously since 2004 and has covered news and science related to more than 1,000 endangered species. Tara Lohan is deputy editor of The Revelator and has worked for more than a decade as a digital editor and environmental journalist focused on the intersections of energy

My guest is Chris Slappendel, founder of Wildlife Advocates Foundation and administrator of the Facebook page, I Am A Tiger Advocate, a leading warehouse of all things tiger, news and articles about tigers world-wide joins me. Chris visited 24 countries where tigers once lived or still live: Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Nepal where he was interviewed more than a 100 times by journalists for TV and radio programs, to raise awareness of the horrific conditions of tigers in captivity across the globe, the increasing illegal trade in tiger parts for Traditional Chinese Medicine, and to learn the challenges wild and captive tigers face- from the people who live with tigers, and the organizations working to protect them, and those who provide sanctuary for them. Today Chris tells us his story, his passion for tigers and what advocated can do for securing a future for them.

Many environmental protection products are buried within layers upon layers of various corporate stakeholders that are distanced from the end consumer, who often gets confused and misled by competing interests in a world mostly driven by soundbites and social media. One product jumps out above others: Glyphosate- an ingredient of Roundup, who’s maker is Monsanto, who’s parent company is Bayer. Through intense lobbying and social media, well-meaning NGOs disseminate damaging misinformation about glyphosate, one of the safest herbicides ever produced, instead creates a lucrative business for anti-environmentalism at the expense of our native species. Ted Williams, renowned fish and wildlife conservation journalist, returns today to dispel myths associated with the mass hysteria surrounding glyphosate, and widen our scope of knowledge debunking the cancer myth and why glyphosate is a critical tool for wetland and fisheries restoration managers.

Our guest Michael Soule, the father of conservation biology, shares his deep insights from decades working in conservation. Over the past several decades, as a society, we spend more time living through devices than connecting with tangible nature. Michael helps us to understand that connecting with nature is spending time being in and listening to the wild. That the responsibility lies with each of us and our institutions to care about the environment to get our communities, especially children, to experience nature and bring the connection to wild places into our everyday psyche and culture, and look at our future as a series of possibilities rather than despair. As a “possibilist”, Michael describes that rooted deep within us is the ability to alter our future. After all, we like to be liked, and optimism is attractive and sexy and what better way than to use these inherent traits to facilitate positive changes in society, connecting us individually and as a whole, back to nature.

Our Wild World often focuses upon the charismatic and iconic species, their roles within our ecosystems, and how we relate to them. Today, with my guest Bill Rulon Miller, herpetologist and naturalist educator, we’re going to discuss one of our perhaps less charismatic species- the rattlesnake. We’re going to highlight another outmoded and inhumane behavior, Rattlesnake killing contests. These roundups as well as the history of snake bounty hunting and extermination campaigns have impacted rattlesnake populations, and how these negative impacts are leading to states reforming and regulating these hunts. Snakes, particularly the rattlesnakes, like all wildlife up and down the food chain, have important roles in our ecosystems. The changing attitude that people have had towards rattlesnakes. How this influences rattlesnake both their conservation and effects toward changing these roundups from killing to education

Life and living are processes that happen on the local scale of our bodies to the global and universal scales of adaptability and evolution. Time is both temporary and eternal, an elegant, messy, orchestrated and chaotic complex combination of cosmic, geologic, earthly, cultural individual frames of reference, whereby the clock is simply a tool of human convenience and measurement. When we embrace responsibility, accountability and ownership as actionable matters, we can realize that we have all the time we need to do what needs doing while encouraging knowledge and growth and become that we wish to be. Here we are, on the brink of never before faced challenges, we can sit still, turn our backs or soar gladly into the unprecedented opportunities to heal ourselves, our earth and live in a state of mindfulness.

With my guest, author and wildlife advocate, Rick Lamplugh, we walk down the path of how deeply important the immersive aspect is to protecting our wilds and our perceptions of it, and our human need in knowing there are wild places and wild animals who thrive there. Wildness fills an essential part of our spirit, our soul, we’ve evolved with it and our ancient psyche needs it. Author of 3 award winning books, including ‘In the Temple of Wolves’, Rick takes us on a journey of what it means to step away from our comfortable lives, how important adventure and advocacy of wildness is for our humanity, and that in settling into the pace and nuances of living in the wild can bring us in sync to our inner nature and the resonance of the natural world around us. Sharing his own experience of living in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley for three winters and transformation into an activist for wolves, Rick guides us how to advocate for wildlife in ways that are both respectful and effective.

“Under the bright lights, elephants perform tricks for excited humans who never wonder what happens to these massive animals after the show ends. Earnest knows.” The only things captive born elephants may ever know are zoo paddocks and circus rings. What we do know is that elephants are complex intelligent, emotive and social beings, and we know they talk to each other. Have we considered what captive born elephants might learn from their wild-born captive friends? With my guest, Debbie McFee, author of Through the Eyes of Earnest, we travel on a journey of this consideration.. that of “Earnest”, the elephant in the book who represents every elephant, we are taken on a somber but hopeful tale from an elephant’s point of view, which asks us to consider why we continue to keep such intelligent social animals in captivity when we know now, how and why we must provide for and protect them in the wild.

In the eons of time immemorial, life has eked out an existence from the fundamental ingredients of Planet Earth and it’s unique essences, our nature, our wildlife and .. us. In the few short centuries of Modern Man, earth processes have shifted by orders of magnitude, and so have ours. Whether you agree or not as to humanity’s role in these shifts is almost moot, for the point is that things have changed. That’s life, right? Life is a series of societal, cultural and personal shifts, a constant state of transition with big mile marker posts along the way. Today is a medley of thoughts and questions about our role on earth, who we are vs. who we can be, along with some of the ridiculousness that we try to sell ourselves as solutions toward navigating the challenges we face today, and whether we really are positioning ourselves in the best possible fashions for survival?

How we treat and relate to animals in captivity has everything to do with how we will protect them in the wild. Ed Stewart has dedicated his life to providing sanctuary and protection to abused, abandoned and retired performing animals and efforts to enforce the best standards of care for all captive wildlife, to the preservation of wild species and their habitat, and promoting public education about captive wildlife issues. Ed is a multi-talented and skilled man who with humor and aplomb, has carried PAWS from it’s humble beginnings, to an international organization that is shifting our human mind-set and legislation that surrounds the landscape and very human and state of affairs of how and why we humans must reevaluate our relationships to animals and curb our appetitesfor keeping wildlife in captivity. I would like to greatly thank Ed and PAWS for opening my eyes to the critical issues discussed at the 30th Annual Conference.

In late 2014, approx. 33 young elephant calves were forcefully taken from the wild in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Zim is a signatory to CITES, and Zim Authorities stated that this capture complied with CITES regulations. A group of concerned Zimbabwean citizens state this was not the case, and in contravention under Zimbabwean National Law, The Prevention of Cruelty Act. Animal Welfare Inspectors were denied access to these animals at all stages of the capture, the holding area, and their transfer to China in July 2015. My guest Jane High navigates us through these facts and further, with regard to already ongoing future planned exports of more wild young elephants. With this this breach of National Law, it has become apparent that ZIMPARKS has dealt a itself a mortal blow against effectively defending itself against accusations from the national and international communities.

Selling off wildlife to the highest bidders where in the end both wildlife and Zimbabwe losing the balance point between ‘if it pays it stays’ eco-tourism in living landscapes where whole communities benefit from live wildlife, and ‘if it pays it plays’ consumptive utilization model, where only a few benefit from killing or exporting it for profit and entertainment, While still calling it conservation. Right now, Zimbabwe is on the global hot seat. From the silent screams of wild caught baby elephants exported to Chinese zoos, to the global outrage from the killing of a lion named Cecil. My guest Johnny Rodrigues founder of Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, who first reported the capture of 24 wild caught baby elephants and the death of Cecil, we bring the focus back to the larger mission getting lost in sensational headlines: Global efforts by many to make a living out of living with live wildlife. http://www.zctfofficialsite.org

Despite the big win for elephants at CITES in August: No more trade in live elephants outside of Africa; a loophole the size of Zimbabwe and China opened due to the critical caveat the EU added as a condition to supporting the ruling - “unless in an emergency or exceptional case” – allowing for the most recent sale and shipment of 32 baby elephants from Zimbabwe to China, for lives in captivity in “inappropriate destinations” as entertainment in super-sized theme parks. Meanwhile, why did the CITES Secretary-General take a publicly partisan response to this violation? With my guest Adam Cruise, internationally renowned journalist and editor of Journal of African Elephants, along with host Eli Weiss, who have been reporting on this issue since 2011, we break down what’s still happening to elephants and how to light the fire of change. We may not be able to repatriate the Zim Eles, but we can ensure that the price of development doesn’t fall squarely on the backs of elephants.

2019 CITES international convention decides the trade of every endangered species, and often its very fate, and CoP18 made critical changes. As the dust settles, we can analyze the cascade of consequences of the lofty decisions made far from the wildlife they protect. We are quickly seeing the real world ramifications of these enormous decisions, and more powerfully, their relationship to illegal and black markets. Now, we are all left with the question: Is CITES enough or is more needed for its enforcement? John Platt, environmental journalist and editor of the Revelator, joins us today in a lively conversation looking at the bigger picture, and help unscramble the complexities of this historic meeting: from big wins to unanswered debates that often put the burden of ever pressing development goals and security on to the backs of trade in wild resources; to the SADC nations threats of withdrawal; to the ramifications of listing an extinct species for the first time.

As we continue to infringe upon bear territory, Karelian Bear Dogs have become a way to get the attention of local communities living with bears and educate them of their responsibility to live in partnership with our wildlife. Today with my guest Nils Pedersen, of the Wind River Bear Institute and their Karelien Bear Dogs, we discuss this wholly different non-lethal approach to human-bear conflict than the standard response of removing bears from the landscape - one that addresses the root problems of conflicts in human communities and leaves the bears alive and in their habitat. Using the concept of “Bear Shepherding” the Karelian Bear Dogs simultaneously teach humans to prevent conflicts and teach problem bears behaviorally based lessons that create boundary awareness and avoidance of human-occupied space. Taking on the role of conservationist, the highly adaptable “Wildlife K-9” has proven to be a perfect partner for wildlife managers and an ambassador for educating the public.

How we heal our personal traumas does affect our relationships with our animals. Intentionally working with your animal can release traumas, as animals are completely present, which helps us to clarify our intentions. Returning guest Alecia Evans, Animal Communicator, acts as a spiritual leash between canines and their humans, and while teaching us that a clear sense of self and space is needed to be able to hear what your animal is telling you. Today Alecia guides us through breathing techniques to open up our parasympathetic system and tap into the energy field of the “alpha brain wave state” where you are in the zone and grounded. Through her signature Walk In Sync methods, Alecia focuses on cleaning up the problem behaviors on both ends of the leash, and facilitates a pathway for personal growth for her clients and healing of trigger points.

We are in a crisis time where science tells us that livestock production is the leading cause of climate change, and habitat destruction to wildlife loss and pollution. The science tells us wolves and apex predators are ecosystem architects, restoring ecosystems. Yet, despite these facts, outdated myths and fears about wolves persist, deeply imbedded in our culture and government. Newly drafted management plans remove carnivores in favor of livestock industry. So how do we change attitudes of lawmakers and ranchers, to accept the science and live with wolves? My returning guest, advocate and author Rick Lamplugh explains signing petitions and social media is not enough. To change policy, advocates need to be present at the critcal public comment meetings and fill the room, so decision makers can put a face to the statements which count far more than thousands of faceless signatures. The anti-wolf lobbyists understand this- so wildlife advocates must too.

How do we learn to get in tune with the center of ourselves and our world in our busy lives? To tune toward our instincts, rather than rationalizing everything minds? With my guest Alecia Evans, animal communicator, we discover that by listening to the wisdom of the wild we can learn to clarify our intentions, which grants us the ability to clearly communicate when engaging with our non-human companions and our human friends. Through her 30-year career working as an animal communicator, Alecia understands that animals are imploring us to heal our disconnection from nature as well as how we live our daily lives. We know intellectually that we are eviscerating the very life systems we depend upon, but that this can affect us on a cellular level may be a new idea to many. By learning how, and to tune in, to that ancient wisdom is what Alecia shares with us, so we may indeed heal our bodies, and damage and pain we are causing- to our wild world and to each other.

With my guest, author and wildlife advocate, Rick Lamplugh, we walk down the path of how deeply important the immersive aspect is to protecting our wilds and our perceptions of it, and our human need in knowing there are wild places and wild animals who thrive there. Wildness fills an essential part of our spirit, our soul, we’ve evolved with it and our ancient psyche needs it. Author of 3 award winning books, including ‘In the Temple of Wolves’, Rick takes us on a journey of what it means to step away from our comfortable lives, how important adventure and advocacy of wildness is for our humanity, and that in settling into the pace and nuances of living in the wild can bring us in sync to our inner nature and the resonance of the natural world around us. Sharing his own experience of living in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley for three winters and transformation into an activist for wolves, Rick guides us how to advocate for wildlife in ways that are both respectful and effective.

In this illuminating discussion with Chris Searles, accomplished musician turned founder of Biointegrity, a for-profit fundraising business to empower the most efficient means of protecting the earth’s biosphere, we talk about an issue that conservation has strayed from: that to protect biodiversity and the ability for any and all life to survive on a habitable earth, we must protect the intact biosphere. Otherwise, we are just another planetary rock in the universe devoid of life. Biointegrity’s mission is to help the world’s most impactful, global environmental solutions succeed as fast as possible by investing in projects that protect tropical forests.. unlike man made technology, tropical forests absorb greenhouse gas emissions, maintain our temperate climate system and produce a quarter of our planetary life support services. It’s time for a wakeup call for us all to acknowledge that we depend on the integrity of our biosphere, for without it, life on earth cannot exist.

Have you ever looked deep into the eyes of an animal and felt entirely known? Often the connections we share with non human animals represent our safest and most reliable relationships, with unique and profound opportunities for healing through periods of hardship. This is the focus today with my guests Philip Tedeschi and Molly Jenkins, from the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work, Institute for Human Animal Connection (IHAC). Their newest book, Transforming Trauma, examines how our relationships with animals can help build resiliency and transform the healing of trauma. Techeschi and Jenkins have produced the go to sourcebook on the role of animal assisted interventions for children and adults coping with the debilitating effects of psychological trauma as well as a deep consideration for how we can respect animals participation in trauma recovery practices and establish ethical standards to ensure the well being of therapy, companion and trauma recovery animals.

Big cats in captivity can be found everywhere. From Las Vegas to shopping malls, to roadside zoos, and even in backyards and basements. There is a captive wildlife crisis and Pat Craig of The Wild Animal Sanctuary spends his life changing this. Not bred for the bullet, but in horrific circumstances none-the-less, law and licensing doesn’t always guarantee proper or humane treatment of animals and the entire captive wildlife industry stands divided by ethical views. The most effective way to attain positive captive wildlife management is through an educated public and the subsequent social pressure they will apply. Pat educates us on the nuts and bolts of what rescue involves. How are rescued animals from diverse situations introduced to one another? How do you ensure their security? What happens behind the scenes for an animal coming from a life of horror into one with dignity? Education is knowledge... and this knowledge saves lives.

International wildlife crime, illegal ivory and elephant poaching have reached all time highs decimating elephant populations to an all time low. Using highly trained detection dogs, my guest Dr. Samuel Wasser, has developed DNA mapping methods from dung samplings that can determine both the geographic origins of poached African elephants and match that to major ivory seizures. Collaborating with the Interpol Working Group on Wildlife Crime, DNA testing provides investigators with a detailed map of where poaching is most prevalent while also matching the DNA fingerprint of ivory to individual elephants. These methods, combined with existing information on known criminal networks, enables law enforcement agencies to track and crack down on wildlife trafficking, further enhancing wildlife conservation management policies around the world while also adding pressure to implicated countries toward greater law enforcement actions within their borders.

“For the worst possible reasons, elephants and rhinoceroses are front-page news today, the poster children for the worst excesses of organized wildlife crime. The present crisis is the outcome of some 40 years of history, some of it acted out in nature and some at international meetings where the rules defining the fate of species are endlessly fought over.” What has changed dramatically is the landscape of highly organized crime, of which the sole purpose is economics: get rich. When at the CITES level, focus is brought to the true costs of illegal trade and wildlife crime, we do have, in place, through CITES, a binding international system and mechanisms to buttress participatory working groups, creating solutions and enforcing them. And this is where we, through our member nations laws and the work of public NGOs, to reflect changes in the overarching the landscape relevant to our times.

The recent trend is that CITES is outdated, that it has no teeth, that the very trade in endangered and threatened species is causing them to slip toward extinction. On the face of it that would seem a compelling argument., WildiZe Observers had the opportunity roam the halls, and like many others; we came away with more questions than answers. I felt it imperative to better understand CITES from those more knowledgeable than myself. Dr. Ronald Orenstein is a highly involved participant and Observer at CITES since 1987, a member of Board of Directors of the Species Survival Network (SSN), the Elephant Research Foundation (ERF), author and prolific writer- So who better to ask? Today we start from the beginning as Ron guides us through the layers, intricacies and inner workings of CITES in ariveting, in-depth conversation about What is CITES? What makes it unique? Does it provide a framework for the future? And provide some clarity and answers.

Today with my guest John R. Platt, editor of the Revelator, an independent online environmental news and ideas initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity, we delve into and question some of the top conservation headlines: the Extinction Countdown to what is at stake for us from the knowledge that will be gone from living in an increasingly homogenous world. How we think of ‘trade in species’ as this year’s critical CITES CoP18 with an agenda of 57 species listings and the decisions that can well affect the continued existence of earths’ megafauna from elephants and rhinos to lions to sharks and whales, to insects. Is de-extinction possible? What are the ramifications? What are the positive trends in science conservation communication? Where can the public turn to learn more and take meaningful action every day, from wherever we are, to do something whenever we can, and just how important social networking is to converse with each other verse ‘clickavism’.

The saga of the Mexican Grey Wolf is a story of how politics interferes in the efforts of independent scientists to recover an endangered species. With my guest David Parsons, who formerly led the USFWS efforts to reintroduce the Mexican Grey Wolf to the American Southwest from 1990-99, we learn how difficult it is to reintroduce a species and save it from extinction when powerful vested interests who control legislators hijack the policy process down to even the scientific modeling results for how many wolves are needed to recover the species. The problem for these wolves is that all of the critical states for reintroduction reject accepting the number of wolves necessary for true recovery. But this lack of political tolerance for wolves in our government is not reflective of the general public and a result of a subset of society that controls our decision makers. As David explains, we have a huge political fight ahead to save this iconic animal that once roamed by the thousands.

With returning guest Stephen Capra, we delve into a topic full of myths and outdated policies: that of wolves and wildness and ranching. Stephen explains with clarity why conservationists have not been able to make any traction with ranchers who have received the benefit of grazing their livestock on public lands and adopt a shoot to kill approach with predators. How do you negotiate with a group that is very good at saying no to any changes to an arcane system that greatly benefits them? And says that they will trap and torture and kill wolves in a barbaric way if they are reintroduced – which is sadly being done today in “killing contests” of wolves and coyotes in the US. Unfortunately, the conservation community has not been responding in a cohesive manner regarding wolves - which play a vital role in our ecosystem in the U.S. However, as Stephen details, the stage is being set for grass roots rebellion and now is the time to bring a bold vision forward and be strong for wildlife.

During a time when most wild animals are experiencing decline in the face of development and climate change, the intrepid mountain lion—also known as a puma, a cougar, “ghost cat,” and by many other names—has experienced reinvigoration as well as expansion of territory. In Path of the Puma: The Remarkable Resilience of the Mountain Lion (Patagonia Books, October 9, 2018), wildlife biologist Jim Williams celebrates wildlife research and conservation of ghost cats from Canada’s southern Yukon Territory to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina and Chile, exploring what makes this cat, the fourth carnivore in the food chain—just ahead of humans—so resilient and resourceful. Williams writes, “They are beating the odds, and their success provides a remarkable opportunity for wild nature to regain a toehold and to shape possibilities for the persistence of natural systems. They are hope for those of us who believe our future will depend, in large part, on finding the wild.”

Scary words. What does this look like? My guest Tiffany Yap, a scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), explains with California cougars. Tiffany is one of the authors of the petition to add cougars to the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The listing would create the umbrella for lions, by factoring in connectivity between genetically distinct sub-populations in fractured landscapes with impenetrable boundaries the likes of mega-freeways and housing developments, which can lead to a biodiversity end-game- the extreme isolation or island pockets of mega-fauna leading into a vortex of inbreeding, population depressions and high mortality rates, as well as more human-livestock-lion conflicts. A CESA listing would mandate better connectivity in intra-agency planning of utilities, roads and housing to build in wildlife corridors which would enhance the lions resilience, genetic diversity and benefit everything under the lion’s umbrella.

What is an urban bear? Sharon Baruch-Mordo helps us answer this question as a result of a multi year experiment and study in Aspen, CO that evaluated on-site education in residential and construction sites; Bear Aware educational campaigns in neighborhoods; and elevated law enforcement, and using the carrot and the stick approach to get people to secure garbage to reduce confrontations. Interestingly, the study found little support for education or enforcement in the form of daily patrolling in changing human behavior! What she did find was more support for proactive enforcement, and mandating bear-resistance refuse containers. The end result found that evidence-based decision-making is critical for implementing conservation actions for human-wildlife conflicts by altering human behaviors through public education and enforcement of wildlife-related laws. When we can get humans to stop irresponsible behavior in wildlife habitat, we are both protecting them and the bears.

Wolves are one of the most misunderstood, maligned and hated animals to roam the earth, yet revered to the point of mythological status. My guest Mike Phillips is one of the world?s foremost experts on why wolf restoration is critical to balancing western ecosystems and the reality of co-existing with wolves is far from the perpetuated livestock industry?s fear-based myths. At issue is diffusing the grossly misunderstood myths of people, livestock and wolves co-existing, that this challenge can and has been mitigated with a variety of reasonable measures. The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project seeks to re-establish wolves in Western Colorado, creating a connectivity corridor for North American wolf population all the way from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan through Canada and Alaska, and down the Rocky Mountains into Mexico. It would be difficult to overestimate the biological and conservation value of this achievement and benefits in habitat restoration.

Our guest Michael Soule, the father of conservation biology, shares his deep insights from decades working in conservation. Over the past several decades, as a society, we spend more time living through devices than connecting with tangible nature. Michael helps us to understand that connecting with nature is spending time being in and listening to the wild. That the responsibility lies with each of us and our institutions to care about the environment to get our communities, especially children, to experience nature and bring the connection to wild places into our everyday psyche and culture, and look at our future as a series of possibilities rather than despair. As a “possibilist”, Michael describes that rooted deep within us is the ability to alter our future. After all, we like to be liked, and optimism is attractive and sexy and what better way than to use these inherent traits to facilitate positive changes in society, connecting us individually and as a whole, back to nature.

What is the importance of our wildlife, especially predators, to our ecosystems? Healthy ecosystems means a healthy planet, which in the end, means healthy populations- people and wildlife, and ultimately the survival of all of us. With science, data, and expertise, new updates and recent findings, and also just plain commons sense and asking the right questions, we can begin to common ground between what may seem opposing camps. Over the past century a lot has changed, for the better, yet we still find ourselves losing wildlife in some places in ever increasing numbers, where in others we see successes. So, what’s the overall outlook? What are the changes that have been accomplished? What are those that yet require reform? What are our successes and how can we learn from both these and our failures?

When engaging in wildness through travel, work or vacation, there comes the time when one crosses the line from the urban mentality into heightened awareness where the wild things are- animals, habitats and ecosystems. How we choose to behave and live our lives in our urban and sub-urban life-ways and life-paths has a dramatic effect on how wildness, wilderness and wildlife thrive - whether we are engaging or recreating in it or not. Some stories of how folks behave when out of their element or comfort zone and in direct contact with wilderness; foolishness and foolhardiness when preparedness and attention will bring about healthier, happier and wiser and safer relationships between people to people and people to wildness.

Cougar biologist and professional tracker, Phil Johnston joins us today with a glimpse into the world as seen through the eyes of Cougar. From learning the ways they communicate their gender, their needs, their territory in signaling other lions- for mating opportunities to telling a young male to keep on moving. Phil’s expertise teaches us to understand what lions are doing and why and where, that we can co-exist without the fear and thus reduce and prevent human-livestock-lion conflicts. The cougar is a shy cat, evolved over millennia more as a mesocarnivore than seeing itself as an apex predator, thus they are specialists at blending into the landscape, and living silently amongst their prey, and us. As we continue to encroach into cougar’s habitat with our developments and lush landscapes that invite deer in, it is up to us to educate ourselves to be aware that we are living in the lion’s living room, to co-exist rather than kill them when they do what they are supposed to do.

The urban wilderness: The bear, raccoon, beaver or the lion in your yard, patrolling your neighborhoods and nearby recreation areas, and rising numbers of risky and close encounters with the wild animals in our backyards, and those when we’re in what we have designated as 'their space.' These rising encounters signify changes both environmentally and culturally, of our rapidly growing human footprint causing fuzzy boundaries of our understanding and attitudes toward wildlife, and those between what belongs to whom–– is it our back yard or their living room? We are provided with many opportunities for increased awareness about human and non-human communities as to how to interact with each other while living side by side, and, sometimes in the same places at the same time. Today we'll explore some of the facets around these issues and what can happen when we forget there really are wild things out there.

My guest Camilla Fox, founder of Project Coyote, leads national advocacy efforts to outlaw killing contests in states across the US using scientific data and compelling documentaries, indicating people no longer tolerate the cruel and wasteful behavior of a few that treat our carnivores as vermin, and not the critical and essential ecosystem architects with roles in the web of life. The North American Wildlife model is weighted to protect game species for economic value, leaving fur-bearing, non-game species such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats and even wolves and lions, with little or no protections whatsoever-listed as pests to be legally killed year-round, including mass killing contests and no bag limits. Starting in CA, this is changing as a result of Camilla and her team’s work. Project Coyote is national non-profit organization based in CA that promotes compassionate conservation and coexistence between people and wildlife through education, science, and advocacy.

The protected Mountain lions in California live in highly fragmented habitats, where sport hunting is illegal. Yet lions are legally killed with depredation permits, easily obtained for killing pets or livestock. Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Director of Living with Lions, Dr. Quinton Martins, leads community lion conservation programs in the North Bay. What we learn is, depredation isn’t ‘problem lion’ behavior, as all lions will take the opportunity to kill unsecured potential prey, therefore, removing the lion does not solve the problems. With a strong outreach program, Living with Lions educates locals and hobby farmers to be proactive in prevention of lion conflicts, using creative methods he devised while observing and conserving leopards in South Africa, that lead to zero depredation. Conservation solutions are about people. We have to do things differently, as coexisting with our iconic lions translates into maintaining functioning ecosystems, which is essential for us all.

As our human communities develop and encourage green spaces and living alongside and in nature and natural landscapes, we now often find ourselves face to face with our wild neighbors who have taken a liking to our homes. As much as wildlife and the natural environment are important to our psyche and well being, our wild neighbors also find our communities fulfill their needs very nicely. That’s also where the conflicts can arise- the raccoon whose made its nursery in our chimneys or the deer who find our lawns and parks quite yummy. Dr. John Hadidian is the Director of the Humane Society of the U.S. Urban Wildlife and conflict resolution project. Join us today as John helps us to see the world from our wild neighbors perspective, and how we can learn to co-exist with our wild neighbors toward more holistic landscapes.

We hear of orphans being taken in all the time, but the larger problem is that which is causing more orphans- the taking of wildlife in the international illegal trade, and even in legal trade What happens to all the confiscated wild animals- seized by Interpol, Customs, USFW- when an illegal trafficker is busted at a border- an airport, a port, state lines, international boundaries? With my guest Bill Clark, we discuss the rules and guidelines that govern the international trade in wildlife and fauna under CITES and the rules for disposition of illegal capture and seizure as well. Unfortunately for the wildlife, there often isn’t the infrastructure of facilities to handle exotic species of fauna caught at no fault of their own, in the middle of a chain of inhumane and horrific circumstances. There are guidelines and rules for this, but how do we ensure they are adhered to, and how can we ensure these laws are enforced now and in future?

Mountain lions capture our attention and imagination – their beauty and our fear of them. With my guest Phil Johnston, cougar biologist and certified professional Track and Sign Specialist, we dispel many of the false portrayals of mountain lions and gain perspective of the “ghost cat” through their eyes and their habitat and competition with other carnivores and increasing human encroachment into sub-rural areas. Mountain lions are coming down populated neighborhoods because we provide everything their prey needs. Understanding that artificial numbers of prey in human areas is a direct result of our alteration of the landscapes, as well as the deep and cascading and fatal consequences resulting from the poisons we put into the ecosystems from our homes, gardens and lawns. As we continuously expand into wilderness areas to live and recreate, we have the responsibility to make good choices when we go out into our wild world, where the wild ones live.

One of the oldest conflicts is that between humans and carnivores and whether we are willing to share resources with them. As increased meat production on both public and private lands that historically provided prey in abundance for carnivores is turned to livestock ranching, we see increased conflicts and competition for the resources the land provides- for us and for wildlife. My guest today, Ron Thompson has been intimately involved with large carnivore conservation can tell you that killing all carnivores in an area simply increases livestock predation rates. Now, with Primero Conservation, Ron has turned his wildlife management skills and knowledge of carnivores to working with private landowners and ranchers in finding non-lethal methods reduce predation on domestic livestock- from reintroducing native prey to collaring and data on livestock predation- specifically for the animals being blamed for it-mountain lions and jaguars.

Wildlife Services-a barbaric, wasteful and misnamed agency within the US Department of Agriculture, has been having their way for almost a century, our government’s secret war on wildlife has been killing millions of native predators and birds as well as maiming, poisoning, and brutalizing countless non-targeted and endangered species, along with quite a few pets and seriously injuring people. Brooks Fahy, the man behind Predator Defense and the landmark film, “EXPOSED”, brings three former federal agents and a Congressman who blow the whistle on the atrocities committed under the guise of problem animal control, and proving Wildlife Services for what it really is: A barbaric, unaccountable, government sanctioned, out-of-control wildlife killing machine funded on our dime, which apparently thinks they will continue getting away with it. But, we can tell Congress to defund Wildlife Services, and after this program, you will.

Wouldn’t it be great if today’s headlines were : It’s okay. We can all come out now! the Extinction and Global crises are over, and We’ve Won! We don’t have to worry about environmental collapse or losing our polar bears and elephants, and our world turning into one big corporate machine, because humanity came to its senses the other day - we all pulled together and turned our wild world around! Each of us one day said to the other, well… here’s what I did today, and I’m going to do it every day from now on, and it caught on.

Our story today revolves around a heroic journey of one cat that apparently walked (and swam) from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the green estates of Greenwich, CT, looking for love. The Connecticut lion serves as vehicle for the larger story of the would-be repatriation of the East by mountain lions making forays from the eastern edge of the Rockies across the Great Plains, where they haven’t lived for a century or more. Reminiscent of US war on predators in the early 1900’s, bogus science, intolerance and draconian hunts, these pioneering lions are getting hammered by hunters and state agencies, essentially imposing a gauntlet against the lion’s eastward movements, and worse, this model of intolerance is being copied elsewhere. The news of coexistence coming out of California, while uplifting, is a world apart from the societal and cultural attitudes of America’s rural heartland towards our reigning big cat.

A modern day “Silent Spring” is sweeping across our world as humans and toxins infiltrate wild places, which have cascading consequences across all trophic levels, and have become a major problem for predators and their prey. My guest Dr. Jay Tischendorf, renowned wildlife veterinarian and I discuss what takes from us to provide the three pillars of “cougar habitat” that allow our iconic American lion a future. Through creative thinking we discuss possibilities about where alternative avenues for funding for conservation can be found that include the interests of the large percentage of non-consumptive wildlife advocates whose contributions can provide a voice for the wildlife watchers and those of us who enjoy our public lands and parks and the corridors that wildlife needs. Let’s inspire all to be stakeholders and motivate young people to capitalize on this momentum via social media, and finding the common ground, that we all want wildlife, and engage our perceived nemeses.

We humans have a long history of doing violence to one another and of doing violence to other species, including our closest relatives, the Great Apes, as we continue to avert our gaze to the destruction around us. Arcus Foundation is a leading global foundation advancing the connectedness between social justice and conservation issues, and is built upon the cornerstones that regardless of race, gender, socio-economic class, gender identity or sexual orientation, we must honor the inherent dignity, value and worth of all human and non-human beings around the world. That we humans are able to develop a culture that fosters social activism that works to counter injustice, building a future that invests in both the individual and collective ability to empower creativity and leadership that develops an attitude of acceptance, appreciation and affirmation of all forms of diversity.

Today with conservation journalist, Ted Williams, author of the monthly TNC “Recovery” column, we expose dark truths hidden right before our eyes. Oft disguised as wild beauty and conservation– there is an ugly underbelly invading social and print media: Canned ‘wild’ life photography of our iconic carnivores, and its crossover into canned hunting. This inhumane business of keeping wild animals in subpar enclosed conditions. In these days of instant gratification, rather than doing the arduous work, lazy journalists and photographers can take a short cut and rent live exotic animals in outdoor settings and often editors and readers are none the wiser. When these captive animals are no longer useful, they are then turned over to the ‘game-ranchers’ for canned hunts. We then cross over into the really ugly business of killing contests, targeting coyotes, foxes, bobcats, wolves and lions in the name of livestock protection.

Today with my guest John R. Platt, editor of the Revelator, an independent online environmental news and ideas initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity, we delve into and question some of the top conservation headlines: the Extinction Countdown to what is at stake for us from the knowledge that will be gone from living in an increasingly homogenous world. How we think of ‘trade in species’ as this year’s critical CITES CoP18 with an agenda of 57 species listings and the decisions that can well affect the continued existence of earths’ megafauna from elephants and rhinos to lions to sharks and whales, to insects. Is de-extinction possible? What are the ramifications? What are the positive trends in science conservation communication? Where can the public turn to learn more and take meaningful action every day, from wherever we are, to do something whenever we can, and just how important social networking is to converse with each other verse ‘clickavism’.

While we spend millions toward the legal battles and conservation of wolves, we are also spending millions of policies to eradicate them. What drives policy and who benefits? How do our protective wildlife laws get lost in the ever increasing political shifts and the need for resources? The plight of the wolf is, in short, a parable for African conservation and the future of conserving our world's predators.

With returning guest cougar behaviorist and ecologist John Laundré, we examine how recolonization of cougars in the Eastern United States could happen and why reintroducing cougars would not only be a sound decision from a scientific and ecological perspective but would also have a positive effect on society by reducing the exploding deer and elk populations and the negative impacts that arise such as deer-car collisions and increased cases of Lyme disease. The science is clear that carnivores have stabilizing effects on ecosystems, but the social and political will is lacking as we have lived for so long without them. Sport and Hunter-led policies of management to increase game-species without apex predators, is nothing short of an ecological crime. Apex predators are essential to ecosystem health and sustainability of North America’s wildlife and habitats and without them we face unparalleled trophic cascades with severe consequences.

With cougar biologist John Laundré, today we discuss the matter of who owns wildlife. More and more we must consider the public costs of wildlife mismanagement in the United States, with increasing conflicts and polarization between hunting and anti-hunting, animal rights and animal welfare groups. From hunting groups invoking the European mindset of colonizers they contend the right to hunt is undeniable and essential to sound management of wildlife. Anti-hunting groups contend the ‘need’ to kill wildlife is unjustified and barbaric. However, the vast majority of citizens- wildlife watchers- are without influence and left completely out of the management decision making processes. As a result, the financial interests in ‘game species’ have disproportionate influence on our bureaucratic decisions, with severe consequences that fail to consider the public good and the intrinsic value of all wildlife, non-game species and the critical role of predators in our landscapes and ecosystems.

In 2014 with my guest Rick Heede, of the Climate Accountability Institute, we discussed that it is approximately 90 companies world-wide in the fossil fuel and other mega industries, that are responsible for 2/3 of all emissions on earth. Rick joins me today as we discuss the rapid changes that have happened in just 4 years, help connect the dots as to how we account for climate change, and a radical proposal that would alleviate much of the burden on those areas places most impacted by climate change: That the companies responsible for these emissions be held financially accountable for the damage they have knowingly caused, and take the lead in mitigating the worst effects of the resulting disasters costing the world billions of dollars, with the most pressure on those who can’t afford it. Rick presents the reality that we cannot stop what is already in motion –but there are efforts that can be taken so the world is still an inhabitable place decades from now.

With my guest today, Will Roush, Executive Director of Wilderness Workshop, a non-profit advocacy organization based in the Roaring Fork Valley, CO, we talk about the citizens movements that are required to protect our beloved back country and public lands, which are under siege in unprecedented fashion under current administrations’ “energy domination” agenda. But there is another sector deeply impacting the wilderness – those who recreate in it – often loving it to death through detrimental impacts on landscapes and how this affects wildlife. Will and I discuss these impacts and how each of us can, and that the outdoor industry is stepping up to be a protector of public lands, as their business model depends on having wild places out there. Ultimately, we need education about our impacts and understand the wild is not solely our playground and entertainment, but a complex ecological bio-system upon which we all depend for life, as we know it.

The elusive, solitary and imperiled American Lion: puma concolor, cougar, panther, ghost cat, is the largest of the small cat species and roamed the full range of the continental United States and Europe, that is until the late 1600s when practically every nation on earth put out a bounty on them. By 1931 the US Congress passes the Animal Damage Control Act, giving the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to expand the destruction of mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, bobcats, prairie dogs, gophers, ground squirrels, jackrabbits, and other animals injurious to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, husbandry, game, or domestic animals, or that carried disease. The program was only dismantled after cougars could no longer be found. Although they are still hunted today, the mountain exists because it is so good at hiding from us. With our guests Lynn Cullen and Korinna Domingo of the Mountain lion foundation, we discuss the current threats facing this enigmatic cat of many names. By 1931 the US Congress passes the Animal Damage Control Act, giving the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to expand the destruction of mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, bobcats, prairie dogs, gophers, ground squirrels, jackrabbits, and other animals injurious to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, husbandry, game, or domestic animals, or that carried disease. The program was only dismantled after cougars could no longer be found. Although they are still hunted today, the mountain exists because it is so good at hiding from us. With our guests Lynn Cullen and Korinna Domingo of the Mountain lion foundation, we discuss the current threats facing this enigmatic cat of many names.

In the brief time scale since humans have occupied Earth we’ve managed to from interrupt climate and tip the scales of species loss and extinctions. It is this ‘model’ of Western civilization, led by the technological society, and its rain forest felling, atmospheric carbonization, and oceanic acidifying temper, that has upturned the planet’s normal metabolism. It is said we have until 2020 to turn things around. The Paris conference on climate change next year must be the definitive statement on changing course. The question remains: Will the business mind of bigger is better prevail, or will the earth’s tired and poor and pullulating masses of seven billion and still counting, be able to convince the 1 percent that the earth has a fever, and that humanity, as a whole, needs heart surgery.

With Special Guest Philip Tedeschi , Clinical Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. We’ll explore the changing paradigm of recognizing incorporating the bond and relationships between people and non-human beings and and the implications for animal abuse to public health and human security. Our relationships with animals has become an enduring feature in so many families, homes, and communities. For centuries, the importance of animals in people’s lives has been recognized beneficial effect that animals have on human health, well being, and motivation- across age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and life condition. Images of animals appear in literature of all kinds art, celebrations, dreams, fables, folklore, language, medicine, music, religion, work, and recreation. Animals are found in nearly every aspect of life.

Rewilding has long been a conservation term for connectivity and creating corridors for wildlife movement. In recent decades, it is the concept finding suitable existing habitats for species on the brink of extinction that may exist outside of where they currently live or are being extirpated. Today there is a new meaning. With Marc Bekoff, and his newest book, ‘Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence’. Rewilding in this sense brings us to an understanding if not to undo, at least find ways to fix what we’ve done, to transform and rehabilitate ourselves. A necessary primer and reminder for Compassion 101, not only for those who have forgotten, but a preparation for those yet to learn- how to embrace the concept of compassionate co-existence, to renew how we see ourselves, each other, and especially our wild world and all its magnificence. A pathway and to reimagine and redefine what we can believe is possible.

It may sound simple, but it is highly complex and fluid. A lifetime of experience and knowledge from Kenya, the African contintent and elsewhere, Danny understands the challenges, problems and needs of both wildlife and people. From KWS Sr. Warden to international consultant, he has been involved in every aspect of management- from flying to anti-poaching to community outreach. Danny is one of the few people today who knows the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem like the back of his hand; its life-threatening dangers, its beauty and potential, and the looming challenges facing wildlife today. Contempory wildlife security and solutions requires understandng politics, policies, and the realites on the ground- from immense pressures and threats facing ecosystems to the linked components of residents, wildlife, natural resources and tourism overlaid upon a modern landscape of increased human density to increased local and national development.

Both reviled and loved, our history with the wolf is complex and emotional and the stuff of legends. Today, we have an opportunity to learn from one of the most knowledgeable wolf biologists around, Carter Niemeyer, author of “Wolfer” which should be prerequisite reading for everyone involved in the back and forth of the wolf debate! We’ll get into the politics and policies that surround wolf management to human interaction and conflict, to public perceptions vs. those of ranchers and the vested interests of those who want to see all wolves dead. From our earliest history to now we continue to wage war against the wolf, and it ‘s taken more than 100 years for science to catch up to understand the ecological cascade of consequences in the wake of their absence and what their presence means for our future- the wolf issue a parable and a symbol of the very soul of wildness.

Our story today revolves around a heroic journey of one cat that apparently walked (and swam) from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the green estates of Greenwich, CT, looking for love. The Connecticut lion serves as vehicle for the larger story of the would-be repatriation of the East by mountain lions making forays from the eastern edge of the Rockies across the Great Plains, where they haven’t lived for a century or more. Reminiscent of US war on predators in the early 1900’s, bogus science, intolerance and draconian hunts, these pioneering lions are getting hammered by hunters and state agencies, essentially imposing a gauntlet against the lion’s eastward movements, and worse, this model of intolerance is being copied elsewhere. The news of coexistence coming out of California, while uplifting, is a world apart from the societal and cultural attitudes of America’s rural heartland towards our reigning big cat.

Wolves are one of the most misunderstood, maligned and hated animals to roam the earth, yet revered to the point of mythological status. My guest Mike Phillips is one of the world?s foremost experts on why wolf restoration is critical to balancing western ecosystems and the reality of co-existing with wolves is far from the perpetuated livestock industry?s fear-based myths. At issue is diffusing the grossly misunderstood myths of people, livestock and wolves co-existing, that this challenge can and has been mitigated with a variety of reasonable measures. The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project seeks to re-establish wolves in Western Colorado, creating a connectivity corridor for North American wolf population all the way from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan through Canada and Alaska, and down the Rocky Mountains into Mexico. It would be difficult to overestimate the biological and conservation value of this achievement and benefits in habitat restoration.

With returning guest Stephen Capra of Bold Visions Conservation, we discuss the state of the world – from what the US mid-term election results mean for wild places, wildlife and the environment to the mentality that is spreading across world leaders and CEO’s participating in the ecological genocide of our planet modeled on profiting off every last natural resource while it is still possible. What we need is bold leadership to fight for the health of our planet; ourselves, and a livable future for Biosphere Earth. Business as usual must end, as it simply raises false notions that we can have “mixed uses” –the paradox of infinite corporate profits based upon finite resources that must be protected at all costs. We all must engage in the processes. We only protect what we love, and to love something, we must experience it and reconnect with nature; educating ourselves, and young generations on what is at stake by losing the natural world as we know it.

How has species survival become about law enforcement? With my guests today, filmmaker Phyllis Stuart, and Elephant Action League Founder and Director Andrea Crosta, we talk about a groundbreaking and compelling new documentary wildlife film, Wild Daze, directed and produced by Stuart, that unveils what is really happening in the world of illegal trafficking in wildlife and the complexity of the models in place to protect nature. Wild Daze leads audiences through Africa’s complex and murky complicity and corruption, to understand the toll human activity has on the wild. Crosta, Elephant Action League, and creator of WildLeaks, shares how conservationists alone cannot succeed as law enforcement against illegal trafficking without the political will and support of the countries involved. Today’s forces make it critical to shift conservation models to supports local people living with wildlife – as we keep saying on this show, Conservation IS about People.

We had an incredible opportunity to catch up again with Dr. Laurie Marker of Cheetah Conservation Fund before she heads back to Namibia. With the illegal wildlife trade so much in the spotlight now, today we highlight the lesser-known incidents of illegal pet trade and trafficking in cheetah and its’ detrimental impact across the planet on the overall wild, and captive, gene pool. An estimated 300 cheetahs are poached and smuggled each year, and illegally sold in the Arabian Peninsula pet trade, and of that only one out of six cubs survive. While we often think of rhinos and elephants as the species critically endangered by the illegal trade, the cheetah is literally fighting for its survival with fewer than 7,500 remaining across populations that are highly fragmented and 80% of those located outside protected areas, putting the cheetah at great risk for extinction. For a species with low populations numbers to begin with, losses to trafficking threaten the cheetah’s very existence.

Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director of Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), is a pioneer of cheetah conservation. I have known of CCF’s work since its’ inception in 1990 in Namibia, yet we never crossed paths until this year when we finally met and she stayed at my home. Dr. Marker has worked with cheetahs since 1974, beginning with captive cheetahs in the US and was the first to successfully rewild the cheetah, developing cutting edge research on re-introducing cheetahs to the wild. With CCF, she has developed a holistic approach to the cheetahs conservation and survival that involves programs ranging from education of farmers to care for their livestock and implement predator-friendly livestock management, to habitat restoration by processing encroaching bush into Bushblok, a low-emission, compact log for cooking, to development of the best practices for storing cheetah sperm and blood samples in the Genome Research Bank to provide “insurance” for the cheetah’s survival.

In this illuminating discussion with Chris Searles, accomplished musician turned founder of Biointegrity, a for-profit fundraising business to empower the most efficient means of protecting the earth’s biosphere, we talk about an issue that conservation has strayed from: that to protect biodiversity and the ability for any and all life to survive on a habitable earth, we must protect the intact biosphere. Otherwise, we are just another planetary rock in the universe devoid of life. Biointegrity’s mission is to help the world’s most impactful, global environmental solutions succeed as fast as possible by investing in projects that protect tropical forests.. unlike man made technology, tropical forests absorb greenhouse gas emissions, maintain our temperate climate system and produce a quarter of our planetary life support services. It’s time for a wakeup call for us all to acknowledge that we depend on the integrity of our biosphere, for without it, life on earth cannot exist.

Today with returning guest Ken McCloud, ex-USFW special agent, we dive deep into the dark underbelly of Internet based illegal wildlife crime. The instant and global reach, the web provides cover and laundering for this illegal trade, and it happens every day. This illegal wildlife accelerates through global platforms such as eBay, Facebook and PayPal, to facilitate illegal canned hunting in the US, and trade in a multitude of endangered species. Wildlife trafficking is a serious and complex crime and needs to be treated as such by enforcement agencies, policies and the public. Wildlife crime is bigger than conservationists, rangers and NGOs- This is insidious big-time international crime, worth billions of dollars, being facilitated though social media despite efforts law enforcement and courts, and it continues unabated in the deep reaches of the Dark Web. Monitoring the illegal traffic through social media requires multi-agency cooperation and our public service to crack it down.

What is the importance of our wildlife, especially predators, to our ecosystems? Healthy ecosystems means a healthy planet, which in the end, means healthy populations- people and wildlife, and ultimately the survival of all of us. With science, data, and expertise, new updates and recent findings, and also just plain commons sense and asking the right questions, we can begin to common ground between what may seem opposing camps. Over the past century a lot has changed, for the better, yet we still find ourselves losing wildlife in some places in ever increasing numbers, where in others we see successes. So, what’s the overall outlook? What are the changes that have been accomplished? What are those that yet require reform? What are our successes and how can we learn from both these and our failures?

With his new book, 'Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do', award winning scientist and lifelong dog lover, Professor Marc Bekoff and I converse on the world of dog behavior and the deep emotional lives dogs live and how people, as their companions, need to make those lives as rich and fulfilling as possible. Our compelling conversation highlights common myths we have about dogs – dogs live in the present, for example - but also how dogs are individual beings and we need to refrain from generalizations about “the dog”. We also dig into the differences between domesticated dogs and socialized wolves and how we must not confuse a socialized wild animal with a truly domesticated one. Despite all the hype, dogs are not wolves, far from it. Ultimately, there is so much practical importance from understanding your dog’s behavior, as well as the ability to make your connection with your dog as rewarding as it can be.

Wolves are one of the most misunderstood, maligned and hated animals to roam the earth, yet revered to the point of mythological status. My guest Mike Phillips is one of the world?s foremost experts on why wolf restoration is critical to balancing western ecosystems and the reality of co-existing with wolves is far from the perpetuated livestock industry?s fear-based myths. At issue is diffusing the grossly misunderstood myths of people, livestock and wolves co-existing, that this challenge can and has been mitigated with a variety of reasonable measures. The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project seeks to re-establish wolves in Western Colorado, creating a connectivity corridor for North American wolf population all the way from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan through Canada and Alaska, and down the Rocky Mountains into Mexico. It would be difficult to overestimate the biological and conservation value of this achievement and benefits in habitat restoration.

With returning guest Stephen Capra, we delve into a topic full of myths and outdated policies: that of wolves and wildness and ranching. Stephen explains with clarity why conservationists have not been able to make any traction with ranchers who have received the benefit of grazing their livestock on public lands and adopt a shoot to kill approach with predators. How do you negotiate with a group that is very good at saying no to any changes to an arcane system that greatly benefits them? And says that they will trap and torture and kill wolves in a barbaric way if they are reintroduced – which is sadly being done today in “killing contests” of wolves and coyotes in the US. Unfortunately, the conservation community has not been responding in a cohesive manner regarding wolves - which play a vital role in our ecosystem in the U.S. However, as Stephen details, the stage is being set for grass roots rebellion and now is the time to bring a bold vision forward and be strong for wildlife.

With my guest today, Ken McCloud, retired undercover special agent USFW/OLE (Office of Law Enforcement) officer that gave illegal wildlife smugglers in the US and around the world, a run for their money. Known through his career as The Chameleon, Ken introduces us to how our USFWS officers go the full distance during and after undercover operations, to take down traffickers of rare and endangered species around the world, and stop the illegal trade in wildlife. From international cartels to professors, universities and zoos, Ken takes us through spectacular cases from his journey and the follow through to prosecution that stands up to CITES mandates. With Ken, we learn of how the USFW Special Agents are not only responsible for collecting prosecutable evidence of illegal traffic, but also provide the immediate and necessary care needed and required of the seized and traumatized animals while they either to be repatriated into a zoo, or if possible, sent back to the wild.

When asked to summarize his work Ian Redmond says, “I am a naturalist by birth, a biologist by training, and a conservationist by necessity. But conservation for me isn’t just about saving species. On a larger scale, the planet needs us to save functioning eco-systems; on a smaller scale, we must also recognize that species are made up of individual animals. For me, it became personal when I had the privilege of getting to know individual wild animals in the wild... I can truthfully say that some of my best friends are gorillas, and I care passionately about them and the future of all life on Earth. His career shifted from research to conservationist when one of his subjects was killed. His work on behalf of animals was recognized in 1996 when presented with PAWS Humane Achievement Award, and appointed O.B.E. in 2006 at the Queen’s Birthday Honours

We hear of orphans being taken in all the time, but the larger problem is that which is causing more orphans- the taking of wildlife in the international illegal trade, and even in legal trade What happens to all the confiscated wild animals- seized by Interpol, Customs, USFW- when an illegal trafficker is busted at a border- an airport, a port, state lines, international boundaries? With my guest Bill Clark, we discuss the rules and guidelines that govern the international trade in wildlife and fauna under CITES and the rules for disposition of illegal capture and seizure as well. Unfortunately for the wildlife, there often isn’t the infrastructure of facilities to handle exotic species of fauna caught at no fault of their own, in the middle of a chain of inhumane and horrific circumstances. There are guidelines and rules for this, but how do we ensure they are adhered to, and how can we ensure these laws are enforced now and in future?

With returning guest Chris Mercer, founder of the International Campaign Against Canned Hunting ICACH, we discuss how conservation has been hijacked by the focus on “Sustainable Consumptive Utilization”, a policy that encourages cruel exploitation where wildlife is not valued for its role in our living world, but only the dollar value commodity to be traded or sold; simply a value based on death. Lions are caught in the forces of greed driving the industrial farming of lions for cub petting, hunting and ultimately, the lion bone trade, and are the victims of policies surrounding the management of captive lions based on unsupported sustainable consumptive utilization rules and the interests of the hunting and breeding industry. Chris reveals what is really happening within this industry based on profits alone with no conservation value – and what activists can do to make an impact against these big money vested interests, and to strategically fight the actions at the policy level.

With the CITES CoP17 trade resolutions voted upon, now it’s time to look that the ramifications of conservation by committee based upon the utilization model pressure of supply vs demand. With my guests Dex Kotze we can a real world idea of actual numbers, how many real world animals it takes to provide for an ever increasing demand in a legalized trade and the arguments that a legal trade can out compete an illegal trade. Pippa Hankison, the force behind Blood Lions, the film that blew the lid of the Canned Hunting Industry and Trade, the effects, fate and future of farmed ‘wild’ life that lurk in the dark corners of unmonitored, unregulated, legal and illegal trade –the loss for lions out of CoP17 is the epitome of breaking down the value of the whole of nature into commoditized parts, available to the highest bidder. No matter how much we sell, nature cannot fulfill the demands of an ever increasing human population.

As our human communities develop and encourage green spaces and living alongside and in nature and natural landscapes, we now often find ourselves face to face with our wild neighbors who have taken a liking to our homes. As much as wildlife and the natural environment are important to our psyche and well being, our wild neighbors also find our communities fulfill their needs very nicely. That’s also where the conflicts can arise- the raccoon whose made its nursery in our chimneys or the deer who find our lawns and parks quite yummy. Dr. John Hadidian is the Director of the Humane Society of the U.S. Urban Wildlife and conflict resolution project. Join us today as John helps us to see the world from our wild neighbors perspective, and how we can learn to co-exist with our wild neighbors toward more holistic landscapes.

The one tool each of us has at our disposal is our brain, and the ability to think ourselves through to solutions. The headlines are downright scary these days, and while it seems like the world has been turned upside down around us while we weren’t looking, that suddenly the scale and scope of our challenges are so much bigger than the individual. But, historically, this is when we humans are often at our very best, and how we choose to respond to the challenges we are facing will define our future and the future of every living thing that calls Earth home. As there are millions of us, there are millions of solutions, which will, together, turn the tides; from grass-roots initiatives to concerted efforts––it’ll be our brains, and thinking, that will see us through.

Since this episode originally aired a year ago, traction from animal rights and welfare movements have certainly gained ground for exotic animals in captivity. However, in terms of large landscape-species survival plans, rights and welfare acts can create direct conflict to saving species in the wild: umbrella species and critical players in conserving large landscapes, biodiversity and ecosystems that depend upon them, where extinction of an entire species in the wild V's. an individual, would have devastating consequences. In Game Changer, by award winning environmental reporter Glen Martin, we look at this question as it applies to Africa’s megafauna, where the rising influence of the animal rights movement and animal welfare groups could paradoxically lead to their very elimination. Where our wild world's last great populations of wildlife may well be hostages in the battle between those who love them, and those who would save them.

We are dealing with an unprecedented spike in illegal wildlife trade, threatening to overturn decades of conservation gains. Wildlife overexploitation and crime is big business these days beyond the slippery slope and repercussions of impending extinctions. With my guest today, Will Gartshore of WWF we’ll gain in-depth understanding of the wide net involved in and stemming from illegal wildlife trafficking, and what the US government, our Congress, and the current Administration is doing about it. Will’s expertise is U.S. government relations and is World Wildlife Fund’s lead congressional liaison to overall issues of wildlife crime and trafficking. Will is actively involved in discussions around the US National Strategy on Combatting Wildlife Trafficking; the President’s Executive Order; and State Department activities among the security and intelligence communities on the illegal trade’s ties to transnational organized crime groups.

Despite the incredible successes in conservation, overall, something isn’t working. We are losing ground. What are the missing links? Delving deeply into this question, we keep butting up against the fundamental conflicts between economic growth and wildlife conservation. With my guest Brian Czech, we tackle this subject head-on., Brian documented the causes of species endangerment for US Fish and Wildlife Services only to have his findings squelched as a taboo subject in any conversation in government where politicians and officials are committed to growth as a policy goal, but also in NGOs and conservation groups. As a result, Brian retired from USFW and founded the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE) and published a candid and open letter, “Farewell to FWS – Goodbye to Gag Orders”. In today's full world economy”, we must instill the public and economic policy makers toward a full tilt transition from unsustainable growth to a steady state economy.

As the dust just begins to settle from CITES, the veil lifts and the shock waves of the decisions ripple across the world- through the conservation communities and the ‘industry’. The other side altruism is business, and philanthropy and conservation today has become very big business indeed, when model base is ‘utilization’, ‘consumptive’ and a flip definition of ‘sustainable use’. There is a disturbing trend with far reaching consequences when wild life becomes, as my guest Chris Mercer calls it, Alternative Livestock. Domestication of once wild animals as commodity, spin it into something appealing and call it conservation. The general public is being misled. In shiny halls and cafes back room deals political favor and alliances are being made, and at this level it’s about trade, and trade is about money. New boundaries are being crossed, losses expanding, and the last frontier, wild life, is under siege.

We hear of orphans being taken in all the time, but the larger problem is that which is causing more orphans- the taking of wildlife in the international illegal trade, and even in legal trade What happens to all the confiscated wild animals- seized by Interpol, Customs, USFW- when an illegal trafficker is busted at a border- an airport, a port, state lines, international boundaries? With my guest Bill Clark, we discuss the rules and guidelines that govern the international trade in wildlife and fauna under CITES and the rules for disposition of illegal capture and seizure as well. Unfortunately for the wildlife, there often isn’t the infrastructure of facilities to handle exotic species of fauna caught at no fault of their own, in the middle of a chain of inhumane and horrific circumstances. There are guidelines and rules for this, but how do we ensure they are adhered to, and how can we ensure these laws are enforced now and in future?

Our guest Michael Soule, the father of conservation biology, shares his deep insights from decades working in conservation. Over the past several decades, as a society, we spend more time living through devices than connecting with tangible nature. Michael helps us to understand that connecting with nature is spending time being in and listening to the wild. That the responsibility lies with each of us and our institutions to care about the environment to get our communities, especially children, to experience nature and bring the connection to wild places into our everyday psyche and culture, and look at our future as a series of possibilities rather than despair. As a “possibilist”, Michael describes that rooted deep within us is the ability to alter our future. After all, we like to be liked, and optimism is attractive and sexy and what better way than to use these inherent traits to facilitate positive changes in society, connecting us individually and as a whole, back to nature.

In today’s globalized world little now stays local- from tourists to terrorists – can reach almost anywhere. From headlines of S. Africa ruling for rhino horn trade, to recent reports of thieves breaking into a French zoo and into a South African rhino orphanage to kill captive rhinos for their horns. may suggest a renewed surge in demand for rhino horn and similarly, the killing of a famous bull elephant in Kenya has depressed wildlife advocates. Although appalling incidents, there are many positive signs in the fight against poaching, trafficking and consumption of wildlife products, a massive shift in attitudes among governments, transnational law enforcement, and people, in favor of reducing the demand and closing the illegal wildlife trade markets.. Today WildAid Exec. Director Peter Knights, Hong Hoang, WildAid Vietnam and Alex Hofford, WildAid Hong Kong, highlight just how massive these shifts are as we attempt a prognosis for the future, and the solutions at hand.

Today, with returning guest Ashwell Glasson, we address deep seated Wicked Problems as a root cause of civil unrest and social disruptions that are occurring globally, as a result of unrestrained economic growth leading to environmental problems. We gain an understanding that we cannot isolate environmental issues to a specific region as they have far reaching effects and lead to interconnected series of problems on national and global scales. We must break our cycle of short term thinking and pushing problems off, as we are only going to see more “day zero’s” with less and less resources. These underlying wicked problems permeate the globe and it is time for deep seated reforms – politically and socially, nationally and internationally, economically and environmentally, and the normalization of the abnormal break down of civil society. it’s time to face up to our collective human responsibilities and address these issues.

“East Africa, is just a microcosm, where you can still see open plains shared by so many different people and creatures has a visceral impact on most humans who see it, and fill the most jaded of us with a profound sense of wonder. If we follow our present path of development and rate of destruction, we will see the unique megafauna of Africa disappear. We are living through the antithesis of genesis right now. All those billions of years to reach a place of such wondrous diversity, and then in just a few shockingly short years, an infinitesimal pinprick of time, to annihilate it.” In his newest book, ‘Inherit the Dust’, my guest, Nick Brandt, photographer, conservationist and Cofounder of BigLife Foundation, brings into stunning conversation what visualization and conservation together can accomplish to highlight not only in our minds, but on our earth fundamental and necessary changes and a way forward and to become involved.

From the Sahara Desert in Mali to the frozen desert of Antarctica, extreme conditions require unique measures to deal with waste management and humanity’s footprint. My guest, Nigel Kuhn, and I discuss waste management at these two extreme places, both with sensitive, desert ecosystems where human impact is amplified. Nigel describes the tipping point that is happening in Mali where the country is suffering from excessive plastics and waste, and contrasts that with the extreme measures taken in Antarctica to prevent any waste left behind by humans; an increasingly difficult task with tourism there on the rise. In a world where western countries ship off their waste to the third world, we don’t see the ecological destruction that results from our incessant consumptive growth model in a throw-away culture thus an ever- growing footprint of waste. A paradigm shift, not just new technology, is needed to solve this problem. This is about people and the future is now.

Despite the incredible successes in conservation, overall, something isn’t working. We are losing ground. What are the missing links? Delving deeply into this question, we keep butting up against the fundamental conflicts between economic growth and wildlife conservation. With my guest Brian Czech, we tackle this subject head-on., Brian documented the causes of species endangerment for US Fish and Wildlife Services only to have his findings squelched as a taboo subject in any conversation in government where politicians and officials are committed to growth as a policy goal, but also in NGOs and conservation groups. As a result, Brian retired from USFW and founded the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE) and published a candid and open letter, “Farewell to FWS – Goodbye to Gag Orders”. In today's full world economy”, we must instill the public and economic policy makers toward a full tilt transition from unsustainable growth to a steady state economy.

There is a lot happening on the ground, in the news and in the courtrooms around the world in wildlife conservation. Battles are being fought and lines are being drawn as to the place our wildlife holds in our value systems, our economics and our hearts and our history. Between advocates and opponents of how we will manage our wildlife populations into the future and the reasons for doing so- ethics, morals, and economic benefits worldwide. Today we’ll discuss the footprint of wildlife conservation and background of why this issue is globally heating up to be one of our biggest challenges were facing today, that it is much more complicated than simply loving animals vs. commerce.

The needs of people and wildlife are inextricably linked, bound together by the common resources of our earth. Our human sense of entitlement over these resources vs. the needs of animals is where conflict arises that often turns into a boiling battle: Let’s call it the Tree-hugger vs. the Corporation. But what we're really talking about here is the economics of conservation vs. the moral and ethical dilemma of providing an atmosphere that allows for and includes security for the other life-forms we share this earth with. This is the basis of how we can define the health and wealth of our communities, both locally and globally; the decisions we make that affect not only our current quality of life, but that of future generations of both our human and wildlife communities.

Wouldn’t it be great if today’s headlines were : It’s okay. We can all come out now! the Extinction and Global crises are over, and We’ve Won! We don’t have to worry about environmental collapse or losing our polar bears and elephants, and our world turning into one big corporate machine, because humanity came to its senses the other day - we all pulled together and turned our wild world around! Each of us one day said to the other, well… here’s what I did today, and I’m going to do it every day from now on, and it caught on.

In continuing our series of facing extreme challenges, my guest Aaron Vandiver brings insights as to how the fundamental policies and structures of the global Growth Model by which we all operate within, ultimately brings about the ecological destruction we need to prevent. This model is written, enforced, and entrenched in just about every layer of society and policy today. Conservation and economists knew back in the sixties, that infinite growth is simply not possible on a finite planet. Our conversation today helps us pinpoint the seemingly small but infinitely critical linkages that have had dynamic, and systemic, effects on the conservation movement over the past 50 years. We were at one time gaining ground, and now half century later we are losing ground, as our legal, corporate and accounting systems do not take into consideration the environmental costs associated with doing business as usual.

We’ve been here before. At every convention of parties from Kyoto to Paris, from Millennium Development and Sustainability Goals to CITES, to Climate Talks by our worlds leading conservationists and scientists, we fail to fully commit to cleaning up our individual and collective act. We keep setting the bar for culpability and responsibility lower, and cooperation and sanctions farther afield down the timeline. From benchmarks set in 2000, to 2020, to 2050, we keep thinking we can dodge Day Zero. We are closer now to the proverbial Midnight than we were a half-century ago. Granted, since the 1960s and the recognition of a Silent Spring, we have accomplished a tremendous amount, albeit out of balance. What we must ask ourselves now, is are we doing all that we can? Today with Ashwell Glasson we discuss the water crisis in Cape Town, where the distance between comfort and discomfort has hit home right at the tap in a cosmopolitan 1st world city, and that we are all facing Day Zero.

In his new book, ‘Animals' Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age’ my guest Marc Bekoff and I converse on the science of animal-welfare versus animal well-being. “Whenever you see the word “welfare” in the literature, you can be pretty sure something unpleasant is being done to animals”. Our compelling conversation highlights the limitations and frustrations with the science of animal-welfare and works to emphasize that individuals matter, as well as shifting legal definitions of personhood and of the Animal Rights movement. Each aspect is a distinct facet of our anthropocentric 'humane-washing' over our relationships with non-human beings. ‘Animals’ Agenda’ calls more layers of consciousness and emotive language, that incorporates compassion and coexistence in how we approach human to human and human to non-human relationships as individuals, and how this applies in the real world, when we ‘do conservation’.

To save wildlife, we can start by saving a dog. Thousands of high energy dogs that don’t make good pets, are stuck in shelters. WDC offers a second chance to high-drive shelter dogs, many of whom would have been euthanized had they not saved themselves by getting a job saving wildlife. WD4C trains the world's best conservation detection dogs and put them to work protecting wildlife and wild places. Montana-based non profit WD4C, uses highly trained detection dogs to make conservation more efficient, effective and ethical. With noses for data and a love for dogs, WD4C has forged partnerships with 50 conservation groups across 5 continents. Bad dogs for pets are great champions for wildlife. WD4C put their dogs’ exceptional abilities to work finding and eliminating threats to rare and threatened species. WD4C does it to save the world. The dogs do it for the love of a ball.

With thirty to fifty percent of all species vanishing by mid-century, scientists call this the sixth extinction. Not knowing how to help stop this trend causes many people to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. With my guest Lori Robinson today, provide attainable antidotes for this despair. Author Lori Robinson, of ‘Saving Wild’ and ‘Wild Lives’, asked leading conservationists how we stay Inspired, and in the latter highlights conservation legends historical moments that often lay the foundation of today’s knowledge. Nature is the core element that provides us the energy we need to tackle the challenges we’ve created. We are all characters in this story, and by shifting our perception, embracing nature, the way forward is right beneath our feet, we are woven into the details of the web of life. When we focus our bodies, hearts and minds, we connect with this deep sense of Home. It is these connections, that we will find inspiration and the ability to do things differently.

Rewilding has long been a conservation term for connectivity and creating corridors for wildlife movement. In recent decades, it is the concept finding suitable existing habitats for species on the brink of extinction that may exist outside of where they currently live or are being extirpated. Today there is a new meaning. With Marc Bekoff, and his newest book, ‘Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence’. Rewilding in this sense brings us to an understanding if not to undo, at least find ways to fix what we’ve done, to transform and rehabilitate ourselves. A necessary primer and reminder for Compassion 101, not only for those who have forgotten, but a preparation for those yet to learn- how to embrace the concept of compassionate co-existence, to renew how we see ourselves, each other, and especially our wild world and all its magnificence. A pathway and to reimagine and redefine what we can believe is possible.

While much of the world of conservation today is focused on hot-spots and mega fauna elsewhere around the world, we are forgetting that the United States of America is losing it’s biodiversity and the wild lands that hold much of it: Our Federal public lands. My guest today, Stephen Capra of Bold Visions Conservation and I discuss the degradation of our US conservation movements, which have been under siege since the early 50s, as political agendas consistently tear away the very fabric that keep our wild spaces viable and connected via protected areas, national parks, monuments and corridors. By giving away our public lands to special interests that are diametrically opposed to protecting wilderness and wildlife: corporatized Big Gas & Oil, Agriculture and Livestock. With all the conservation movements, we are still losing ground. From sea to shining sea our future, our wilderness and wildlife, and the regulations that protect them, are threatened. Earth’s wonders are in our hands.

Today’s conversation with my guest Ashwell Glasson gives provides us with a view of the scale and scope of the challenges we are facing in securing biodiversity. What is being called for is an overhaul of the current models and mindsets driving conservation efforts in global landscapes under multiple pressures, including transnational wildlife crime at unprecedented levels. For the sake of frame of reference, our discussion is focused around rhino conservation as it holds markers of all that is changing and is at stake. The conversation takes multiple twists and turns as we unravel layers and identify the players toward new world vision that can redefine the benchmark of health and wealth in passing the torch to new generations. Rather than a revision of what doesn’t work; solutions that resonate and engender cross-cultural participation at all levels of society, augmented with new tool kits and skill sets for an holistic–earth one-health operating system.

In any plans for the future of African wildlife and its conservation, it is critical to understand the moving parts at play in the background. National and international politics and finances are continuously and strategically moving on the global game-board of who has wildlife and who wants it. Hunters, zoos, tourism to ecosystems and health - all are players in this global game of chess. Today, with my guest Ashwell Glassson, we pull back the curtain to peer at the tectonic movements of how this game is being played and what is at stake against the backdrop of recent real-world shifts in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, S. Africa and China. As governments and policies use wildlife as the chess pieces, wildlife advocates and activists have the ability and opportunities to shape our efforts and update outmoded models. Conservation is no longer just about science, habitat and biology; we have species survival figured out. The future of conservation lies in the dynamics of people today.

Today’s program with Damien Mander, IAPF began on the day after Mugabe resigned and amidst jubilation in the streets of Harare as Zimbabwe swore in a new interim President. This shift is one of the most hopeful messages the world and conservation can look to that systemic change is possible. We picked up the conversation one week later to further discuss the evolution of conservation in a country that historically has depended upon income generated by the hunting concessions- land that is not within the national parks. As sport hunting declines dramatically, income streams dry up and the land and the people become ever more vulnerable. Alternative sources of income must be created or these areas will be lost, along with their rich biodiversity. With a willing government and expertise of IAPF, enter Akashinga: locally based, all female teams, provided the skills, training and employment to fill this gap in management, presence and patrols through these lands.

Africa is changing. Most recent headlines are Zimbabwe. Now that Mugabe is out, an interim government in place and plans for inclusive elections with opposition parties at the table, what we are not hearing about are the continued capture of live, wild baby elephants and other species still being held in Zimbabwe for export to China. My guest today Johnny Rodrigues of Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF), has for years and in previous episodes on this program, made the world aware of these captures and exports Today we discuss the additional 40 wild caught baby elephants being held and other species already shipped out, amidst Zimbabwe’s transition to a new interim leader and the hope for that this new government take’s a leadership role in paving the way for conservation of wildlife, care for Zim’s people and her national parks amidst the politics and devastation Mugabe left behind.

Zimbabwe: Wildlife and mineral rich, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and World Heritage Site. My guest Nick Lynch an I discuss how, once a model of progressive management between Old and New Africa, Zimbabwe now daily symbolizes egregious cronyism and greed running rampant. The dubious murky dealings of 24 baby elephants taken from the wild for live-export to an ivory hungry China has roused national and international headlines of inept and failing wildlife policies management in favor of vested private interests and conflicting ideals. Opportunity knocks. Will Zimbabwe be the forerunner of catastrophe, or will it be a catalyst for reform, raising the bar of how we value life- of what, who and how we define ‘trade’ and ‘benefit’ of endemic, priceless and iconic wildlife and lead the way toward a new independence from looting a country’s coffers and citizens in favor of the peculiarly human penchant of commodifying nature- anything and everything can be had for a price.

Everyday, every year, every moment, we are on the brink: of a new day, a new year, and to be astonished. We live on the only blue ball that carries life, as we know it, and such an abundance of life it is. We are also on the brink of change throughout our human and non-human communities; shifts in thought, knowledge, culture and civilizations. Today we’ll highlight landmarks of 2013 and some hints at what’s in store from our wild world to you for a brand new year- the crossover paths and links where we can reengage, revitalize and renew ourselves and the amazing nuances, diversity and connectedness of this miraculous web of life called Planet Earth.

Decades of data tells us our world is quickly sliding past tipping points to points of no return. In just the last decade viable populations across the board have or are disappearing. That we not reaching global sustainable development and environmental goals compatible and conducive to the continuance of life as we know it. We must take action now to implement multilayered solutions, options and alternatives. The decisions of trade in endangered flora and fauna is CITES. CoP17 is happening right now. So what is CITES? How will the decisions made there affect life as we know it? To better understand what is at stake, today we have Nick Lynch and Tim Gorski,two of a team of four WildiZe Observers to CITES reporting direct from Johannesburg. Stay tuned over the coming weeks unfolding proceedings as we hear from experts and attendees around the world, deciding whether we trade-in and commodify or protect Life as we know it.

“For the worst possible reasons, elephants and rhinoceroses are front-page news today, the poster children for the worst excesses of organized wildlife crime. The present crisis is the outcome of some 40 years of history, some of it acted out in nature and some at international meetings where the rules defining the fate of species are endlessly fought over.” What has changed dramatically is the landscape of highly organized crime, of which the sole purpose is economics: get rich. When at the CITES level, focus is brought to the true costs of illegal trade and wildlife crime, we do have, in place, through CITES, a binding international system and mechanisms to buttress participatory working groups, creating solutions and enforcing them. And this is where we, through our member nations laws and the work of public NGOs, to reflect changes in the overarching the landscape relevant to our times.

The recent trend is that CITES is outdated, that it has no teeth, that the very trade in endangered and threatened species is causing them to slip toward extinction. On the face of it that would seem a compelling argument., WildiZe Observers had the opportunity roam the halls, and like many others; we came away with more questions than answers. I felt it imperative to better understand CITES from those more knowledgeable than myself. Dr. Ronald Orenstein is a highly involved participant and Observer at CITES since 1987, a member of Board of Directors of the Species Survival Network (SSN), the Elephant Research Foundation (ERF), author and prolific writer- So who better to ask? Today we start from the beginning as Ron guides us through the layers, intricacies and inner workings of CITES in ariveting, in-depth conversation about What is CITES? What makes it unique? Does it provide a framework for the future? And provide some clarity and answers.

Today my guest is Eric Schmidt, Executive Director of Wildlife Protection Solutions a nonprofit who’s mission is to use technology for the conservation of endangered species & ecosystems. I first encountered WPS at event 0with panel speakers specifically discussing wildlife issues, poaching, and species loss and how their effects relate to security needs that have global impacts and consequences. I was immediately intrigued their systems approach and the possibilities in both large landscape and species survival projects in the remote areas where the landscapes are often vast, and incursions can happen anytime day or night where the need to provide Rangers and Managers with real-time data to respond quickly becomes critical. WPS is a tech-savvy for profit and non-profit that has easy to use applications providing anyone to have a real-time participatory opportunity to protect endangered species. www.wildlifeprotectionsolutions.org

We’re seeing shifts of time, generations and modernization and technology all over the world, and it’s always a good thing to hear the voices from the rest of the world. My guest today, Will Knocker, joins us from Kenya, overlooking Nairobi National Park. Will has lifetimes of knowledge to share as a third generation Kenyan- and an eloquent ability to share both visions of the past and merge them with the present. Sharing conversations, drawing parralles through the lens of living generations gives us a perspective and perhaps some objectivity as to a view of our own challenges, shifts, cultures and priorities as we sift around time – from old Africa to the Old West.

Transferring data and knowledge gained through research into a journal that sits on a shelf won’t carry us through to creating the interdisciplinary and collaborative results we in the real world- from research and science in the field and the lab into the hands and households of the communities where it is needed to best take advantage of all dimensions and perspectives for an inclusive understanding and creative solutions of the challenges that real people and real communities face on a daily basis, at the crossroads of human, wildlife and environmental needs of tomorrow. This is the goal of Dr. Kathy Alexander PhD, Professor at Virginia Tech, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation at the College of Natural Resources and co-founder of the CARACAL Biodiversity Center of the Chobe Research Institute in Botswana: amplifying partnerships and integrated systems benefits that will provide tomorrow’s solutions today.

New conservation models and strategies are ripe for out of the box thinking to be responsive to the hierarchy of needs and shifts in both multi-use landscapes and various value systems, with economic benefits based upon productivity through payment for ecosystem services (PES). If wildlife has no value to the local private landowners that depend 100% on living off their land, then wildlife will not be considered as part of the economic equation of payment or solutions, or via utilization- a slippery term in itself. Through 'wildlife user rights', Wildlife Forums, a process was designed to culminate in devolved user rights and conservation responsibility to land owners , bringing landowners needs into the country’s wildlife policy. Whether we like it or not, coexistence comes at a price– how we define ‘price’, how it’s paid for and by whom, is the topic Calvin and I discuss today.

Rapid changes to our entire earth and our wild species and heritage is happening the world over: from climate change to regulations to law enforcement and models that unfortunately end up promoting continued illegal wildlife trade. With my guest Dr. Pieter Kat, we discuss the recent headlines of a legalized national trade in rhino horn within S. Africa and the ramifications and consequences, as yet still unknown, of the online auction of rhino horn for private use while at the same time it is still illegal via CITES for any country to import horn. We also draw parallels between the privatized large-scale farming/breeding of lions, and a ‘conservation model’ that is based solely upon profit through utilization rather than species survival in the wild, and discuss the facelift that is urgently needed for conservation of the wild as a whole to ensure not just the ‘big and furry’ survive, but biodiversity as a whole in the future of earth, and the necessity of protected wild places.

In a world inundated with captive bred African lions, why are we losing wild lions in Africa? With successful foreign bans against import of lion trophy and products, airline embargos, and bans of lions in circuses and performing entities - combined with the global push for USFW to list African Lions as endangered under the ESA, will we turn the tide for lions? Or will the illegal trade and pressure from moneyed private interests in S. Africa, the NRA, SCI and DSC to obfuscate collective data on real wild lion numbers and their decline? The African Lion's genetic diversity is collapsing; isolated populations reaching the tipping point toward extinction. The immensity of this catastrophe is simply unacceptable. To fail to use all the science, data and tools that we have at our fingertips to work out a global plan to protect African lions in Africa, would deal a disastrous blow in a long list of failures to keep natural populations of large predators alive in a human-centric world.

In our previous episode we learned the interesting history of cats becoming our pets, yet barely covered the tip of the iceberg of feral cats and their impacts on our world. Today we continue the conversation about cats with Dr. John Hadidian and Katie Lisnik. Feral cats are not only an abuse or cruelty issue, a health issue but they are also a conservation issue. From TNR programs to euthanasia, how do we respond to cats gone wild in our wildlands, and more so, what we can do to prevent this, solve the problem, and reach the ultimate goal, that cats have homes and our birds and other wildlife are safe from predation. From Shelters to sanctuaries there are a lot of resources the cat lover can find from the Humane Society of the US. Learn more http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/?credit=web_id212453451

We’re not talking about the furry loveable housecat. There are currently an estimated 30-40 million cats in the US alone, living in our neighborhoods, our wildlands and in their own communities. With Dr. John Hadidian and Katie Lisnik of the Humane Society of the US we’re talking about the cats that are not owned, live in your community, and are feral, and what the differences are. A stray cat is a pet who has been lost or abandoned, used to contact with people and tame enough to be adopted. A feral cat is the offspring of stray or feral cats and is not accustomed to human contact, we often see them everyday, but don’t know they are feral. From the community cat to the feral cat, there is an interesting history and quite a story. And then there are the impacts all these cats have on our wildlife and environs, and what we can do about it. Learn More http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats/qa/feral_cat_FAQs.html

Today we cap off the trilogy of Big Life Foundation, with my guest Richard Bonham, co-founder and keystone of the trio of creators in the model of Big Life’s structure. Richard grew up in Kenya, witnessing first-hand the increase in human population closely followed by changes in land use, and thus the wildlife, coupled with the increase in human-wildlife conflict. By creating clear links between land use, value and benefit, turned into an economic model where community ‘buy-in’ is critical to the success of any program, Big Life is a lesson in contemporary conservation- which is to bring innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships between communities, NGOs, national parks and government agencies, that the underlying vision and mission is one where resources- people and wildlife and land use-support and elegantly engage locals and visitors alike toward meeting term conservation.

Conservation Economics 101: How do we preserve the African pastoralist lifestyle and cultural heritage, while also securing the landscape and the predators who live within it? In 2003, my guest Tom Hill and his colleague Richard Bonham, co-Founder of BigLife Foundation, created the Predator Compensation Fund, an innovation in wildlife conservation strategy that has proven highly successful at saving the great predators of the region– especially lions, reversing their otherwise imminent extinction in the very cradle of their existence. In 2012, Tom helped to conceive, fund, and administer the first-ever Maasai Olympics, a sports alternative to lion hunting for Maasai warriors of the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem. Incorporating Western business concepts modified to fit the needs of modern pastoralists is a model for the future. When everyone has a stake in the outcome or consequences, working together is the only way forward.

“East Africa, is just a microcosm, where you can still see open plains shared by so many different people and creatures has a visceral impact on most humans who see it, and fill the most jaded of us with a profound sense of wonder. If we follow our present path of development and rate of destruction, we will see the unique megafauna of Africa disappear. We are living through the antithesis of genesis right now. All those billions of years to reach a place of such wondrous diversity, and then in just a few shockingly short years, an infinitesimal pinprick of time, to annihilate it.” In his newest book, ‘Inherit the Dust’, my guest, Nick Brandt, photographer, conservationist and Cofounder of BigLife Foundation, brings into stunning conversation what visualization and conservation together can accomplish to highlight not only in our minds, but on our earth fundamental and necessary changes and a way forward and to become involved.

When engaging in wildness through travel, work or vacation, there comes the time when one crosses the line from the urban mentality into heightened awareness where the wild things are- animals, habitats and ecosystems. How we choose to behave and live our lives in our urban and sub-urban life-ways and life-paths has a dramatic effect on how wildness, wilderness and wildlife thrive - whether we are engaging or recreating in it or not. Some stories of how folks behave when out of their element or comfort zone and in direct contact with wilderness; foolishness and foolhardiness when preparedness and attention will bring about healthier, happier and wiser and safer relationships between people to people and people to wildness.

There is a huge market in South Africa for dead or soon to become dead lions, from an industry where the value in these spectacular creatures lies in their demise: What they will look like as trophies on the wall, a mats on the floor, or their carcass for the bones. We’ve discussed the canned lion industry from all sides except one: The lions themselves. Today with my guest Andi Rive we talk about the lions she has rescued from the breeding industry, because for her, their value is in the fact that they are vital living beings with character and personality and deserve a life of dignity, living as free as possible within captivity, and further, to die naturally. Love Lions Alive is a project aimed at creating awareness and an appreciation for live lions, and an opportunity for our listeners to contribute toward the fulfillment of individual lion’s life, to thrive, and create relationships amongst themselves. lovelionsaliveproject.com

Today’s conversation spans across the past several months pointing ways forward. It appears that since S. Africa lifted the moratorium rhino horn trade, the deadly attacks on wild rhino has continued. In just the past few weeks 23 were slaughtered, 9 of those in a single incident in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park. This forcefully underscores the immediate need to fill the gaps, and create concrete plans, transnational policy and actionable strategies that encompass a multitude of dimensions. In globalized world this sustained assault on Earth’s resources, people, and wildlife requires we start digging much deeper into what drives the human dimension, because, after all, if it weren’t for people, we wouldn’t need conservation. Conservation 2.0 requires we include all layers of society- from technology and military to the social scientists, historians and psychologists, providing connectivity between human- animal and environmental relationships.

Humans and lions have coexisted for tens of thousands of years but rapid expansion of livestock farming in Africa has led to greater conflicts, with large numbers of lions killed in retaliatory and preemptive conflicts with livestock. Wild lion populations have declined 50% in the last 20 years, with an estimated 23,000 remaining. Listed by the ICUN as Vulnerable, reducing conflict between large predators, people and agriculture requires new tools with an understanding that accounts for both agricultural practices and predatory behavior. Conditioned Taste Aversion is a non-lethal, humane conservation tool that can modify large predator’s behavior powerfully and permanently dissuading them from predating upon domestic livestock, while leaving entirely unchanged their social and environmental dynamics to continue to play their essential role in the natural ecosystem, also creating the critical buffer between predators and farmers.

Working Dogs for Conservation trains and deploys the world’s best conservation detection dogs, finding everything from invasive beetle larvae, to reptiles, to invasive and endangered plants, and of course, elusive carnivores like wolverine, cheetah, and Amur Tiger. WDC dogs work non-invasively and without harming or harassing the target species, making conservation data collection sampling more effective, efficient and ethical. WDC also offers a second chance to high-drive shelter dogs, many of whom would have been euthanized but now have important jobs in saving wildlife, with operations in 11 countries and 18 US states. Pete has spent most of his career working in wildlife conservation from Kenya to South and North America. A trained biologist and landscape ecologist, Pete’s work has taken him rom research to conservation planning, to implementing conservation projects leading on the ground fieldwork.

Over the many episodes of Our Wild World, we’ve shared the wonder of wildlife and wilderness through a variety of perspectives from scientific, to solutions based, to a naturalist view, from that which brings about collapse to that which reimagines ourselves and thus our world, and all the myriad beings and life-forms with whom we share multitudinous relationships and the natural laws that sustain our vitally. Today we’ll weave together selected readings from favorite authors illustrative of the every day spectacular happenings that surround, envelope and knit together the magnificence that is life, and the transformative role and influence of the individual human, and non-human being.

Over the many episodes of Our Wild World, we’ve shared the wonder of wildlife and wilderness through a variety of perspectives from scientific, to solutions based, to a naturalist view, from that which brings about collapse to that which reimagines ourselves and thus our world, and all the myriad beings and life-forms with whom we share multitudinous relationships and the natural laws that sustain our vitally. Today we’ll weave together selected readings from favorite authors illustrative of the every day spectacular happenings that surround, envelope and knit together the magnificence that is life, and the transformative role and influence of the individual human, and non-human being.

Non -human rights. What does this mean? Who does it refer to? What is at stake and at risk? Who and what does this affect? As we learn more about the intricacies of animal rights and welfare, we find layers of minefields and mindsets that come into the spotlight. Many consider pets and other animals as family, but what is Personhood for a non-human animal in the legal sense, in terms of their rights? What about animals in zoos, or those we buy, sell, trade, and use in science, Those we Eat? What about wildlife? Marine life? What, or is it Who, qualifies for ‘personhood’ and rights and how, under the law, and what does this entail? My guest Steven Wise, President of the Non-Human Rights Project navigates us through the history and legal avenues on the path to personhood and Non-Human rights represented by laws, and the enormous paradigm shifts as a result that are happening right now.

I welcome back Philip Tedeschi from the University of Denver, Institute for Human Animal Connection. IHAC has increased its scope, doing more work in Green care: The significance of living systems and animals in human health and wellness, specifically animal welfare and conservation activity and education – bringing forward into that wholistic concept of One Health and collaborative efforts across disciplines and connecting communities. In addition, IHAC has implemented new research activities, and is operating both locally and internationally since our last episode. Philip just returned from Laikipia, Kenya, working with community’s human animal relationships, wellness and reducing wildlife conflicts. We also discuss several major public events coming up over the next couple months for both students and the public.

The urban wilderness: The bear, raccoon, beaver or the lion in your yard, patrolling your neighborhoods and nearby recreation areas, and rising numbers of risky and close encounters with the wild animals in our backyards, and those when we’re in what we have designated as 'their space.' These rising encounters signify changes both environmentally and culturally, of our rapidly growing human footprint causing fuzzy boundaries of our understanding and attitudes toward wildlife, and those between what belongs to whom–– is it our back yard or their living room? We are provided with many opportunities for increased awareness about human and non-human communities as to how to interact with each other while living side by side, and, sometimes in the same places at the same time. Today we'll explore some of the facets around these issues and what can happen when we forget there really are wild things out there.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our civilization. Every one of us is responsible for emitting carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. Our guest today is climate mitigation expert Rick Heede, author of the groundbreaking study, Carbon Majors. When looking at who’s responsible, we tend to point to individuals or countries, but here we have a different perspective – Corporations. A stunning two-thirds of all emissions have been traced to just 90 entities, such as Exxon Mobile and Chevron, who sell the products that result in these climate-changing emissions. Every gallon of gasoline we purchase from these corporations goes into these calculations. We will discuss how the Carbon Majors project might affect climate policy and what implications it might have for affecting the way we move forward with climate action- globally and, personally.

Today’s conversation spans across the past several months pointing ways forward. It appears that since S. Africa lifted the moratorium rhino horn trade, the deadly attacks on wild rhino has continued. In just the past few weeks 23 were slaughtered, 9 of those in a single incident in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park. This forcefully underscores the immediate need to fill the gaps, and create concrete plans, transnational policy and actionable strategies that encompass a multitude of dimensions. In globalized world this sustained assault on Earth’s resources, people, and wildlife requires we start digging much deeper into what drives the human dimension, because, after all, if it weren’t for people, we wouldn’t need conservation. Conservation 2.0 requires we include all layers of society- from technology and military to the social scientists, historians and psychologists, providing connectivity between human- animal and environmental relationships.

My guest today is Dr. Mordecai Ogada, co-author of ‘The Big Conservation Lie, in a frank discussion behind the book. The Big Conservation Lie is a wake up call focused on a field that has been ‘front and center’ of many people’s hearts and minds in recent years; The conservation of Africa’s wildlife. It is a pursuit whose power to inspire is only rivaled by it’s ability to blind it’s audience to reality. This book takes the reader through Kenya’s conservation ‘industry’ and the players therein with all their prejudices, weaknesses and commitment to causes, many of which are indistinguishable from their personalities. It is a call to indigenous Africans to claim their place at the table where the management of their natural resources is being discussed and invites well-meaning donors to look beyond the romantic images and detect the possible role of their money in the disenfranchisement of a people.

In a rapidly changed world, a multitude of cultures are shifting to a globalized model, and conservation models are not keeping up in asking the right questions about priorities in a multi-layered pressures often clash where humans and wildlife meet. Tobias Nyumba has been studying these multi-dimensional shifts: what security and conservation means to the millennial Maasai and address an age old problem- Human Elephant Conflict. Lofty Human Development Goals created in conference rooms far away have often missed the point in addressing contextual and conceptual perceptions within real communities and a shift in the hierarchy of needs- models created 50 years ago no longer apply. Conservation 2.0 World Version Update continues as we humans address and re-evaluate our operating systems of external vs. internal community conservation as holistic, an organically intertwined living system.

It’s the Big Six: Wildlife, People, Conflict, Ivory trafficking, transnational crime and climate change. How do you protect one of the oldest migration routes of one of the rarest elephants and some of the oldest cultures caught in the crosshairs of all this? Meet Rory Young and Chengeta Wildlfe, helping the communities whose history and future is entwined in living with the Desert elephants of Mali, as they make their 3000 mile circular trek around Timbuktu that has existed in an exquisite dance of survival for centuries. The speeded up human world and global pressures has dramatically affected the traditional cultures who live alongside these elephants and these corridors have become a locus for transnational crime, ethnic wars, and political agendas and extremism from all sides in extreme conditions. The evolution of the world has changed, and conservation models must also adapt and evolve, and our worldview evolve, adapt and take action.

In today’s globalized world little now stays local- from tourists to terrorists – can reach almost anywhere. From headlines of S. Africa ruling for rhino horn trade, to recent reports of thieves breaking into a French zoo and into a South African rhino orphanage to kill captive rhinos for their horns. may suggest a renewed surge in demand for rhino horn and similarly, the killing of a famous bull elephant in Kenya has depressed wildlife advocates. Although appalling incidents, there are many positive signs in the fight against poaching, trafficking and consumption of wildlife products, a massive shift in attitudes among governments, transnational law enforcement, and people, in favor of reducing the demand and closing the illegal wildlife trade markets.. Today WildAid Exec. Director Peter Knights, Hong Hoang, WildAid Vietnam and Alex Hofford, WildAid Hong Kong, highlight just how massive these shifts are as we attempt a prognosis for the future, and the solutions at hand.

My guest Ashwell Glasson and I take a deep look into the disturbing headlines that South Africa has legalized trade in rhino horn. Today we delve deeply into variety of perspectives- from financial value to market value; industrialized farming to conservation-and how we will choose to translate ‘value’ of wildlife, and all life, beyond human desires and the dollar, into a belief system in support of critical earth functions and her inhabitants as a whole greater than sums of parts. The ruling to open trade in rhino horn has created deep grey areas, from incomplete guidelines to law enforcement to legal parameters of how trade would commence, to our human consciousness. We have just upped the ante and pressure of rhino’s survival in the wild and their conservation champions, for whom ‘value’ is based upon rhino’s role in keeping ecosystems functioning and healthy for- for us and the numerous other species that depend upon them.

As we’ve been discussing over a long period of time, conservation models must change. We’ll be spending several episode highlighting just how this is happening on the ground and the new faces and people that are coming up the ranks, picking up the torch from the old guard and adding the new components, skill sets and tools that are required in a very changed landscape- from climate shifts to shifta, terrorism, and transnational wildlife criminal gangs. My guest today is Nigel Kuhn, who you’ll remember from WildiZe’s Observer Team at CITES CoP17. Nigel brings us an understanding of not only what it’s like to have grown up during some of Zimbabwe’s most troubling times, but what it’s going to take, and the people who are picking up the front lines of Conservation 2.0 World Version update, across the African continent and the world as a global community.

A critical component of any discussion in wildlife trade that is glaringly missing from major decision making processes such as CITES, is the real-world understanding wildlife markets and pricing. My guest, economist Alejandro Nadal, leads us into deep research on the shifting connections between macroeconomics and the environment, working toward new models reaching crucial objectives of trade in wildlife and endangered species: This concerns the survival of the entire biosphere, including us. With so much at stake, these vital connections have so far received little attention by both the academic and policy-making communities. Major transformations are required in economic structures and policy recommendations, in conjunction with deep and sweeping economy-wide reforms and shifts. The elephant is standing in the room, with ‘Macroeconomic Policies’ stamped on its forehead- while to our detriment and peril, we continue spending billions ignoring it.

Today’s conversation with my guest Ashwell Glasson gives provides us with a view of the scale and scope of the challenges we are facing in securing biodiversity. What is being called for is an overhaul of the current models and mindsets driving conservation efforts in global landscapes under multiple pressures, including transnational wildlife crime at unprecedented levels. For the sake of frame of reference, our discussion is focused around rhino conservation as it holds markers of all that is changing and is at stake. The conversation takes multiple twists and turns as we unravel layers and identify the players toward new world vision that can redefine the benchmark of health and wealth in passing the torch to new generations. Rather than a revision of what doesn’t work; solutions that resonate and engender cross-cultural participation at all levels of society, augmented with new tool kits and skill sets for an holistic–earth one-health operating system.

The mission, to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes by stopping the demand for wildlife products. Today, we must globally engage as many individuals on as many levels as possible, to sell wildlife awareness as a lifestyle choice. Focused on a single message “When the buying stops, the killing can too” Peter Knights and WildAid have created the first of its kind advertising campaign that brings hundreds of people around the world together. Through sophisticated marketing combined with hundreds actors, athletes, musicians and spokespeople, Peter and WildAid have created an international program and campaign aimed at reducing demand for endangered species. Our conversation today covers the array of issues that converge through the illegal trade and trafficking in wildlife, to the urgent need to shift global public awareness of the roles that wildlife and animals hold in keeping our world functioning.

Right now rhino are at the razor edge of existence on Earth. Since the CITES CoP17 decision of ‘No Trade”, South Africa has hit the headlines big time with the announcement by the Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa publishing her notice of intention to amend the Invasive Species List, to delisting of Diceros bicomis michaelii (Eastern black rhinoceros) from the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004; and The Protected Species in of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004. My guest today, Loraine Liebenberg of Save Our Rhino, lay open a scathing indictment of what is happening at the highest levels across the board of the sub-context that surrounds rhino conservation and rhino horn trade in contemporary South Africa in a world that is politically charged globally, at the height hard fought success, there is a reverse trend down a path that seeks to put a price on everything

At present, rhinos in sub-Saharan Africa are being exterminated at a rate of more than one per day, leading to extinction by 2020. With poaching reaching epidemic levels in the region. Something needs to be done to end the slaughter. Enter Damien Mander, ex-Australian Special Forces who founded the IAPF, who’s mission is to protect and preserve wildlife in volatile regions. IAPF focuses its mission through a number of methods, first and foremost through training, equipment, and deployment of rangers to the frontline of the war on poaching, providing them with the latest tactics and operating procedures. Key to the success of their mission is engaging, educating and involving local communities that border protected areas, through sustainable projects and initiatives, providing lifestyle and economic alternatives to poaching. Learn More: http://www.iapf.org/en/

Join us today with special guest, investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer as we discuss his book Killing For Profit, which reads like an international thriller, but is a terrifying true story of greed, corruption, and ruthless criminal enterprise centered around the illegal trafficking of rhino horn and wildlife. This is a compelling, meticulous and revelatory account of one the worlds most secretive trades aiding in the decimation of one of our world’s unique endangered species, the Rhino. Since publication, Mr. Rademeyer attended the CITES 2013 in Bangkok, reporting first hand the human folly and convoluted international conservation policies, politics, players and loopholes which undermine the global efforts to save the rhino from extinction.

Extinction Countdown: RHINO A Round Table Discussion CITES CoP17 ran high with emotions, politics and decisions of magnitude. Yes or No vote to legalize or ban trade in rhino horn. Pro and anti- trade stakeholders of politicians, breeders, conservationists, scientists, and NGOs riding on the decision. “No Trade”. Now, just four months on, the South African Dept. of Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa formally announces intention to delist S.A’s Eastern Black Rhino, ostensibly to open up a legal trade in horn. Today’s round-table discussion is right on the crosshairs of our history: Witnessing CITES play while the clock counts down to extinction of the species in the wild. My guests Lorinda Hern, Rhino Rescue Project innovators of horn infusion; Loraine Liebenberg, Save Our Rhino the first and largest comprehensive rhino social media hub; journalist Jamie Joseph Saving the Wild on corruption, politics, power and crime impacts the legal justice system; and Damien Mander, IAPF

Today my guest Kathleen Alexander, Associate Professor of Wildlife in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, and I discuss One Health and her work at Virginia Tech and in Botswana. “One Health” is the notion that the complex problems facing our local and global communities can only really be addressed with an approach that encompasses societal, animal, and environmental components in an integrated manner. It is no longer enough to evaluate the health status of an individual in isolation. We must engage the complexity of the systems- land use, disease and other complex changes occurring in our water and air, with consideration as to where the patient lives, interactions with animals and other humans, water and food, and household responses. When combined, science, technology and imagination, we have the tools to collectively and collaboratively create critical and crucial Wholistic solutions: To Invent The Future

Coexisting with America’s Song Dog, with Camilla Fox and Robert Crabtree America’s Song Dog, the Trickster, of mythological status to Native Americans; Clever and intelligent, they are critical players in ecosystem health, yet they are the most persecuted. Today I welcome guest experts from Project Coyote: Camilla Fox, Founder and Executive Director and Dr. Robert Crabtree, Scientific Advisory Board member. We learn from Fox and Crabtree why our model of predator management in the form of “coyote killing contests’ and extreme exploitation is not, and will not work- particularly for our Wile E Coyote. We continue hot on the heels unveiling the barbaric practices of our USDA’s secretive killing agency ‘Wildlife Services’, using our tax dollars, on public and private land, to indiscriminately and overkill our wildlife, especially the carnivores - coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and other animals under the mantel of managing human-carnivore conflict toward agricultural and livestock interests.

Rewilding has long been a conservation term for connectivity and creating corridors for wildlife movement. In recent decades, it is the concept finding suitable existing habitats for species on the brink of extinction that may exist outside of where they currently live or are being extirpated. Today there is a new meaning. With Marc Bekoff, and his newest book, ‘Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence’. Rewilding in this sense brings us to an understanding if not to undo, at least find ways to fix what we’ve done, to transform and rehabilitate ourselves. A necessary primer and reminder for Compassion 101, not only for those who have forgotten, but a preparation for those yet to learn- how to embrace the concept of compassionate co-existence, to renew how we see ourselves, each other, and especially our wild world and all its magnificence. A pathway and to reimagine and redefine what we can believe is possible.

We humans have a long history of doing violence to one another and of doing violence to other species, including our closest relatives, the Great Apes, as we continue to avert our gaze to the destruction around us. Arcus Foundation is a leading global foundation advancing the connectedness between social justice and conservation issues, and is built upon the cornerstones that regardless of race, gender, socio-economic class, gender identity or sexual orientation, we must honor the inherent dignity, value and worth of all human and non-human beings around the world. That we humans are able to develop a culture that fosters social activism that works to counter injustice, building a future that invests in both the individual and collective ability to empower creativity and leadership that develops an attitude of acceptance, appreciation and affirmation of all forms of diversity.

When asked to summarize his work Ian Redmond says, “I am a naturalist by birth, a biologist by training, and a conservationist by necessity. But conservation for me isn’t just about saving species. On a larger scale, the planet needs us to save functioning eco-systems; on a smaller scale, we must also recognize that species are made up of individual animals. For me, it became personal when I had the privilege of getting to know individual wild animals in the wild... I can truthfully say that some of my best friends are gorillas, and I care passionately about them and the future of all life on Earth. His career shifted from research to conservationist when one of his subjects was killed. His work on behalf of animals was recognized in 1996 when presented with PAWS Humane Achievement Award, and appointed O.B.E. in 2006 at the Queen’s Birthday Honours

It may sound simple, but it is highly complex and fluid. A lifetime of experience and knowledge from Kenya, the African contintent and elsewhere, Danny understands the challenges, problems and needs of both wildlife and people. From KWS Sr. Warden to international consultant, he has been involved in every aspect of management- from flying to anti-poaching to community outreach. Danny is one of the few people today who knows the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem like the back of his hand; its life-threatening dangers, its beauty and potential, and the looming challenges facing wildlife today. Contempory wildlife security and solutions requires understandng politics, policies, and the realites on the ground- from immense pressures and threats facing ecosystems to the linked components of residents, wildlife, natural resources and tourism overlaid upon a modern landscape of increased human density to increased local and national development.

Over the past one hundred years, the conservation movement has undergone dramatic changes- from a living in harmony ‘as is and at will’ concept through a series of models of protectionism to community based, from little research and knowledge to major technological and scientific understandings. Where has this led us today? And where is conservation as a lifestyle and model headed into the future? We'll discuss some of the history of how conservation came about, the changes it is had to face and must undergo to face the challenges of tomorrow.

With the CITES CoP17 trade resolutions voted upon, now it’s time to look that the ramifications of conservation by committee based upon the utilization model pressure of supply vs demand. With my guests Dex Kotze we can a real world idea of actual numbers, how many real world animals it takes to provide for an ever increasing demand in a legalized trade and the arguments that a legal trade can out compete an illegal trade. Pippa Hankison, the force behind Blood Lions, the film that blew the lid of the Canned Hunting Industry and Trade, the effects, fate and future of farmed ‘wild’ life that lurk in the dark corners of unmonitored, unregulated, legal and illegal trade –the loss for lions out of CoP17 is the epitome of breaking down the value of the whole of nature into commoditized parts, available to the highest bidder. No matter how much we sell, nature cannot fulfill the demands of an ever increasing human population.

A critical component of any discussion in wildlife trade that is glaringly missing from major decision making processes such as CITES, is the real-world understanding wildlife markets and pricing. My guest, economist Alejandro Nadal, leads us into deep research on the shifting connections between macroeconomics and the environment, working toward new models reaching crucial objectives of trade in wildlife and endangered species: This concerns the survival of the entire biosphere, including us. With so much at stake, these vital connections have so far received little attention by both the academic and policy-making communities. Major transformations are required in economic structures and policy recommendations, in conjunction with deep and sweeping economy-wide reforms and shifts. The elephant is standing in the room, with ‘Macroeconomic Policies’ stamped on its forehead- while to our detriment and peril, we continue spending billions ignoring it.

“For the worst possible reasons, elephants and rhinoceroses are front-page news today, the poster children for the worst excesses of organized wildlife crime. The present crisis is the outcome of some 40 years of history, some of it acted out in nature and some at international meetings where the rules defining the fate of species are endlessly fought over.” What has changed dramatically is the landscape of highly organized crime, of which the sole purpose is economics: get rich. When at the CITES level, focus is brought to the true costs of illegal trade and wildlife crime, we do have, in place, through CITES, a binding international system and mechanisms to buttress participatory working groups, creating solutions and enforcing them. And this is where we, through our member nations laws and the work of public NGOs, to reflect changes in the overarching the landscape relevant to our times.

The recent trend is that CITES is outdated, that it has no teeth, that the very trade in endangered and threatened species is causing them to slip toward extinction. On the face of it that would seem a compelling argument., WildiZe Observers had the opportunity roam the halls, and like many others; we came away with more questions than answers. I felt it imperative to better understand CITES from those more knowledgeable than myself. Dr. Ronald Orenstein is a highly involved participant and Observer at CITES since 1987, a member of Board of Directors of the Species Survival Network (SSN), the Elephant Research Foundation (ERF), author and prolific writer- So who better to ask? Today we start from the beginning as Ron guides us through the layers, intricacies and inner workings of CITES in ariveting, in-depth conversation about What is CITES? What makes it unique? Does it provide a framework for the future? And provide some clarity and answers.

Tremendous shifts happened during 2016. It will be one of those stand-out spikes in history, when everything turned on a pivot. From the ICUN, to CITES to Brexit to the US Presidential election- we hold the cards of consequences in our hands based upon the ramifications of the decisions the human race took. We’ve been on the razors edge of political shifts, population shifts, resource wars, climate shift and we are living and seeing the outcomes. Today I’m taking us back to 2012 and to the future- a reminder at this critical juncture in time, that we know what is at stake, but leave you with the question, What will we do about it? And then, pick up again into the future as this program continues to bring you a host of perspectives and solutions that will carry us forward into a future that begins right now, and point us in the direction doing things differently. We’ve asked for change, we got it. Now what are we going to do with the tremendous opportunities it presents us all?

Trade in endangered species is about money and politics, and everything can be had for a price. Is the ultimate price the loss of the very definition of ‘wildness’ when trade models based on privatized farming and domestication of the wild? When the poaching of wildlife happens inside the private fences and the breeders have blatantly stated that conservation is not their goal? Can breeders credibly cry wolf and animal cruelty when the value of the animal is only tallied upon its worth as a carcass or its parts? We’re now seeing in earnest both the expected and the unexpected acid fallout and backlash of CITES resolutions and the interests at heart in predator breeding facilities. The way it’s going so far, once again, it seems money will win the day as politics and trade negotiations put our earth and its living biosphere on the table to the highest bidders and the depth of what is wildness becomes sidelined.

There is a huge market in South Africa for dead or soon to become dead lions, from an industry where the value in these spectacular creatures lies in their demise: What they will look like as trophies on the wall, a mats on the floor, or their carcass for the bones. We’ve discussed the canned lion industry from all sides except one: The lions themselves. Today with my guest Andi Rive we talk about the lions she has rescued from the breeding industry, because for her, their value is in the fact that they are vital living beings with character and personality and deserve a life of dignity, living as free as possible within captivity, and further, to die naturally. Love Lions Alive is a project aimed at creating awareness and an appreciation for live lions, and an opportunity for our listeners to contribute toward the fulfillment of individual lion’s life, to thrive, and create relationships amongst themselves. lovelionsaliveproject.com

As the dust just begins to settle from CITES, the veil lifts and the shock waves of the decisions ripple across the world- through the conservation communities and the ‘industry’. The other side altruism is business, and philanthropy and conservation today has become very big business indeed, when model base is ‘utilization’, ‘consumptive’ and a flip definition of ‘sustainable use’. There is a disturbing trend with far reaching consequences when wild life becomes, as my guest Chris Mercer calls it, Alternative Livestock. Domestication of once wild animals as commodity, spin it into something appealing and call it conservation. The general public is being misled. In shiny halls and cafes back room deals political favor and alliances are being made, and at this level it’s about trade, and trade is about money. New boundaries are being crossed, losses expanding, and the last frontier, wild life, is under siege.

With the CITES CoP17 trade resolutions voted upon, now it’s time to look that the ramifications of conservation by committee based upon the utilization model pressure of supply vs demand. With my guests Dex Kotze we can a real world idea of actual numbers, how many real world animals it takes to provide for an ever increasing demand in a legalized trade and the arguments that a legal trade can out compete an illegal trade. Pippa Hankison, the force behind Blood Lions, the film that blew the lid of the Canned Hunting Industry and Trade, the effects, fate and future of farmed ‘wild’ life that lurk in the dark corners of unmonitored, unregulated, legal and illegal trade –the loss for lions out of CoP17 is the epitome of breaking down the value of the whole of nature into commoditized parts, available to the highest bidder. No matter how much we sell, nature cannot fulfill the demands of an ever increasing human population.

br Today we are back on the trail of the canned lion breeding with guests Drew Abrahamson and Paul Tully of Captured In Africa, who’s mission is to bring awareness through safari, the tourism sector and through schools, of canned lion industry and its spin-offs of urban 'lion safari parks', the cub-petting and lion walking 'parks' which on the whole are a cover for the insidious canned hunting of lions who’s sole purpose on earth is to raise profits to breed more lions for the trophy hunting industry which insidiously feeds the illegal markets in lion bone trade and trafficking. Drew and Paul take us through the chain of events of captive lions vs. 'reserves' in a country where wildlife is completely fenced in, and the campaigns and advocacy work in educating 'voluntourists' and school children toward advocacy for Africa’s dwindling wild lion populations.

Wildlife and the environment are the silent victims of any land in turmoil. With my guest Lisa Hywood, The Tikki Hywood Trust, we discuss the plight of the pangolin, and what Zimbabweans and the world, are doing about it. Over the past 15 years, little remains of Zimbabwe untouched by man. Socio–political upheaval, coupled with economic distress have contributed to the plunder and decimation of this natural heritage. Human need and greed has surpassed the capacity of the country to give, resulting in the suffering of both the environment and its inhabitants. As a nation, Zimbabweans need to react quickly and decisively to preserve what’s left. The Tikki Hywood Trust and stakeholders have joined forces to plan and implement solutions and protection of the environment and wildlife via strategic partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

Decades of data tells us our world is quickly sliding past tipping points to points of no return. In just the last decade viable populations across the board have or are disappearing. That we not reaching global sustainable development and environmental goals compatible and conducive to the continuance of life as we know it. We must take action now to implement multilayered solutions, options and alternatives. The decisions of trade in endangered flora and fauna is CITES. CoP17 is happening right now. So what is CITES? How will the decisions made there affect life as we know it? To better understand what is at stake, today we have Nick Lynch and Tim Gorski,two of a team of four WildiZe Observers to CITES reporting direct from Johannesburg. Stay tuned over the coming weeks unfolding proceedings as we hear from experts and attendees around the world, deciding whether we trade-in and commodify or protect Life as we know it.

From our previous episode, we discussed wolf reintroduction and it’s history and where and how wolves are doing now, 20 years on. Today, we delve a bit deeper into some of Carter’s personal journey, discuss his two books, Wolfer -2010- and his newest book, Wolf Land -2016-, some of his experiences and, wolf advocacy- the many groups purporting to support wolves- are they effective or does it fracture and deter from the on-ground effectiveness where your voice and contributions actually make a difference for wolves. Wolves are here to stay. Coexistence is key. They are not mythical l, they are evil incarnate, nor indiscriminate killers of livestock to be feared by either ranchers or hikers, as they reclaim their once and future homes across North America- they are resilient and coming back. Oh, to once again hear the howls in the night, telling us that wilderness is alive and well.

We’re all very aware of the multitude of changes and challenges our wildlife and wild places are facing – right now and into the near and far future. From climate change to political change, huge shifts are afoot challenging every level of systems… from increased encounters between humans and wildlife - particularly with large carnivores, occurring more frequently in urban, suburban, exurban and rural landscapes, to the political shifts affecting our national parks, federal and state public lands, while as we expand ever outward, the boundaries between us and them get fuzzier. This requires that we pay attention and understand the rules, laws and protections that are in place, and do our part protections and wild places remain intact. To help us navigate how this pertains to wolves, we welcome back Carter Niemeyer, and get up to speed on wolf recovery and the challenges we face today.

Today we cap off the trilogy of Big Life Foundation, with my guest Richard Bonham, co-founder and keystone of the trio of creators in the model of Big Life’s structure. Richard grew up in Kenya, witnessing first-hand the increase in human population closely followed by changes in land use, and thus the wildlife, coupled with the increase in human-wildlife conflict. By creating clear links between land use, value and benefit, turned into an economic model where community ‘buy-in’ is critical to the success of any program, Big Life is a lesson in contemporary conservation- which is to bring innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships between communities, NGOs, national parks and government agencies, that the underlying vision and mission is one where resources- people and wildlife and land use-support and elegantly engage locals and visitors alike toward meeting term conservation.

What is the importance of our wildlife, especially predators, to our ecosystems? Healthy ecosystems means a healthy planet, which in the end, means healthy populations- people and wildlife, and ultimately the survival of all of us. With science, data, and expertise, new updates and recent findings, and also just plain commons sense and asking the right questions, we can begin to common ground between what may seem opposing camps. Over the past century a lot has changed, for the better, yet we still find ourselves losing wildlife in some places in ever increasing numbers, where in others we see successes. So, what’s the overall outlook? What are the changes that have been accomplished? What are those that yet require reform? What are our successes and how can we learn from both these and our failures?

What is the whole? We daily face a whole host of challenges, decisions to make from the moment of waking to going to sleep. We see this as a natural continuum of moments of separate steps to be taken along the way, and together each of these myriad actions accomplish the over arching goal- and are, whole But, is this really what is happening? As we reduce the whole down into ever smaller parts…are we perhaps losing sight of the e whole and big picture- that which is greater than the sum of and because of all of its parts, and therefore also distinct. From food to lifestyle, Wholism: what does it look like and where can it lead us, and why how we get there is important!

We’re into a brand new year and unprecedented opportunities to make a difference in our wild world. Coming up we’ll be focused on conservation, ethics, value systems, and the changing paradigm that incorporates a culture of acceptance and social justice, and science-based discussions that focus not only the changes we’ve made, but the shifts we have yet to make to become the society and the humane species we can be. We have a great line up of Guest Hosts from authors to NGOs and working projects, to exposés about what is happening around our world. Today we’ll provide some highlights and background on upcoming topics that will be over the next couple of months!

Mike is a multi-generational Kenyan. He’s one of the many folks who run businesses, take elephants in their yard for granted, bush pilot extraordinaire with tales to tell of the Kenya of the “Out of Africa” days, but also of the Kenya today. He’s a man on the ground, a local perspective. Mike and Eli reminisce of the Kenya of the old days, the days of his grandfather, and a vibrant life in between. About not only sociological and political changes, but changes over time and recent history in both the landscape, the wildlife and the people. With a firm belief that wildlife is one of the most precious resources in Africa both economically and environmentally, Mike’s history in the wildlife services and ranching industry, his family history, gives him a unique perspective on a pulse in Kenya and in a larger frame, the continent of wildlife rich Africa.

Here we are one year after Cecil, one lion of thousands, captured the world because an American was involved. Today’s episode with Johnny Rodrigues from one year ago attests we have witnessed a paradigm shift, and the effects will continue to ripple out near and far into the future. It is good we can rally around an iconic species, that USFW EPA has listed lions; that trophy and canned hunting may not be the best way to increase tourism. The impact gained by the attention of multitudes of people can make rapid change happen. We've found some answers for lions, yet the question remains, When will we gather together to solve the elephant and rhino crises? Whether wild or captive or farmed? From burning to crushing to banning, we have not succeeded in either crushing the demand nor stopped killing nor made a dent in the cartels, changed legal status or hunting, nor the illegal trafficking and trade. What will it take to find and rally around the equivalent of ‘Cecil’ The Elephant?

Throughout human history Lions have represented royalty and power and universally symbolize hope, courage and strength. Around the world Lions are heralded through art, literature to representations on flags to national emblems to sports. Like no other animal, Lions directly appeal to people spanning all ages regardless of culture, race, and national origin. My guest Pieter Kat of LionAid provides us an insight and perception into lions not only as an ancient species and how our evolution relates to them, but to their drastic population decline and our disastrous failures to protect them. Lions face entirely new sets of human related challenges, from habitat loss to this surge of industrialized captive utilization- the farming lions as a commodity for a burgeoning industry pandering to human entertainment not just recognizing their importance to us sociologically, also an apex predator and critical component of our wild world. www.lionaid.org

Over the many episodes of Our Wild World, we’ve shared the wonder of wildlife and wilderness through a variety of perspectives from scientific, to solutions based, to a naturalist view, from that which brings about collapse to that which reimagines ourselves and thus our world, and all the myriad beings and life-forms with whom we share multitudinous relationships and the natural laws that sustain our vitally. Today we’ll weave together selected readings from favorite authors illustrative of the every day spectacular happenings that surround, envelope and knit together the magnificence that is life, and the transformative role and influence of the individual human, and non-human being.

New conservation models and strategies are ripe for out of the box thinking to be responsive to the hierarchy of needs and shifts in both multi-use landscapes and various value systems, with economic benefits based upon productivity through payment for ecosystem services (PES). If wildlife has no value to the local private landowners that depend 100% on living off their land, then wildlife will not be considered as part of the economic equation of payment or solutions, or via utilization- a slippery term in itself. Through 'wildlife user rights', Wildlife Forums, a process was designed to culminate in devolved user rights and conservation responsibility to land owners , bringing landowners needs into the country’s wildlife policy. Whether we like it or not, coexistence comes at a price– how we define ‘price’, how it’s paid for and by whom, is the topic Calvin and I discuss today.

Raabia Hawa is one of the most visible and vocal environmental warriors of our time. From billboards to film to radio she carries the voice for rangers who put their lives on the line to protect elephants. Forming Care For The Wild (Kenya), Walk With Rangers, and this year founding Ulinzi Africa Foundation, Raabia is fully active in working to end poaching and the demand for ivory. Growing up in the wake of the most disastrous levels of elephant poaching in Kenya, her quest was to fully understand how ranger units operate, and she jumped right in to the action. As a well-known media personality presenting on two major local radio stations in Kenya, Raabia went from the urban landscape to roughing it out in the wild, to dangerous field missions chasing armed poachers, to rescuing poached animals, Raabia’s efforts have raised awareness about of the lives led by rangers and the state of poaching – first to Kenyans, and now the world.

In late 2014, approx. 33 young elephant calves were forcefully taken from the wild in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Zim is a signatory to CITES, and Zim Authorities stated that this capture complied with CITES regulations. A group of concerned Zimbabwean citizens state this was not the case, and in contravention under Zimbabwean National Law, The Prevention of Cruelty Act. Animal Welfare Inspectors were denied access to these animals at all stages of the capture, the holding area, and their transfer to China in July 2015. My guest Jane High navigates us through these facts and further, with regard to already ongoing future planned exports of more wild young elephants. With this this breach of National Law, it has become apparent that ZIMPARKS has dealt a itself a mortal blow against effectively defending itself against accusations from the national and international communities.

Join Eli and special guest Dr. Max Graham, PhD CEO of Space For Giants and Member of IUCN Elephant Specialist Group as we discuss Human-wildlife conflict. Over 3 years ago we discussed crop damage by elephants, and how this causes immediate subsistence crises resulting in enormous resentment and anger among rural people. Recently African countries have taken huge steps forward in protecting and preventing human-elephant conflict. The aim was to bring together African Heads of State, global business leaders, conservation experts and key influencers to provide the political will, financial resources and new rapid reaction ranger units, support for strengthening prosecutions, electrified fences, and conservation investment strategies to ensure a future for elephants and the landscapes they depend on, forever. These preventative measures will not make it impossible for conflict but will give conservationists and African countries a fighting chance to save our #Giants.

Conservation Economics 101: How do we preserve the African pastoralist lifestyle and cultural heritage, while also securing the landscape and the predators who live within it? In 2003, my guest Tom Hill and his colleague Richard Bonham, co-Founder of BigLife Foundation, created the Predator Compensation Fund, an innovation in wildlife conservation strategy that has proven highly successful at saving the great predators of the region– especially lions, reversing their otherwise imminent extinction in the very cradle of their existence. In 2012, Tom helped to conceive, fund, and administer the first-ever Maasai Olympics, a sports alternative to lion hunting for Maasai warriors of the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem. Incorporating Western business concepts modified to fit the needs of modern pastoralists is a model for the future. When everyone has a stake in the outcome or consequences, working together is the only way forward.

The news is filled with crises threatening wildlife and our environment- from deforestation to desertification, climate change, human overpopulation and encroachment, poverty and crashing numbers of wildlife populations. We hear a lot of poachers and poaching, criminal cartels and the illegal wildlife trade. But, what we don’t hear about is the Bushmeat trade itself, what drives it, and what effects it leaves in its wake. Today, my guest is long time friend and colleague Evanson Kariuki- who has studied this issue for more than a decade and its relationship to biodiversity, conservation efforts, national and international economies, and global public health. I have seen Evans grow into an expert conservationist with a deep knowledge gained through working alongside and in partnership and collaborative efforts across the spectrum of fellow colleagues from governmental, non-governmental, communal to private and public conservation program consulting.

In the brief time scale since humans have occupied Earth we’ve managed to from interrupt climate and tip the scales of species loss and extinctions. It is this ‘model’ of Western civilization, led by the technological society, and its rain forest felling, atmospheric carbonization, and oceanic acidifying temper, that has upturned the planet’s normal metabolism. It is said we have until 2020 to turn things around. The Paris conference on climate change next year must be the definitive statement on changing course. The question remains: Will the business mind of bigger is better prevail, or will the earth’s tired and poor and pullulating masses of seven billion and still counting, be able to convince the 1 percent that the earth has a fever, and that humanity, as a whole, needs heart surgery.

The pressure on our world’s elephants is heating up. The survival of elephants ultimately depends upon us, what we decide our relationship to this iconic and keystone species will be and how we will answer the questions and balance between supply vs. demand for ivory vs. the complex animal. Elephants have survived for millennia, but will they survive us? Today’s dialogue will provide the foundation leading into our next two episodes with guest hosts experts on conservation efforts, to law enforcement monitoring both the illegal trafficking and legal trade in ivory. Overall we hope to provide a better understanding of the challenges we, and elephants, are facing. Coming up over the next episodes we will have special interviews with our people on the ground in Kenya discussing the Burn and pertinent topics and ideas to help end the need for burning Ivory.

“East Africa, is just a microcosm, where you can still see open plains shared by so many different people and creatures has a visceral impact on most humans who see it, and fill the most jaded of us with a profound sense of wonder. If we follow our present path of development and rate of destruction, we will see the unique megafauna of Africa disappear. We are living through the antithesis of genesis right now. All those billions of years to reach a place of such wondrous diversity, and then in just a few shockingly short years, an infinitesimal pinprick of time, to annihilate it.” In his newest book, ‘Inherit the Dust’, my guest, Nick Brandt, photographer, conservationist and Cofounder of BigLife Foundation, brings into stunning conversation what visualization and conservation together can accomplish to highlight not only in our minds, but on our earth fundamental and necessary changes and a way forward and to become involved.

Adam Roberts of Born Free joins us again for an in depth look at the state of the world of wildlife and conservation in the 50 years since Elsa the Lion, and the death of a lion named Cecil rocked the world, to the most important conference, CoP17 in S. Africa that decides the fate and future of many species. Both low and high moments that will stand out in our history as the legacy we choose how we humans go about deciding what co-existence policy with wildlife means, where much of our earth’s diversity is severely threatened and treading on thin ground, in a future filled with people and a lot less room for wildlife to thrive and survive. We go through the intricacies and import of CITES Conference of Parties works (CoP), up to one of the biggest events coming this month in Kenya, the burning of 120,000 tons of Ivory and rhino horn, in their third public commitment to the world render ivory valueless and stop the war on wildlife.

Traditional conservation models developed decades ago are in much need of a modern twist, one that both attracts and engages youth- the X, Y and Me generations, who have from their infancy been immersed in an advanced and technological world. These generations understand connectivity on entirely new planes, and thus are able and willing to take conservation to new heights. Monty Marsh, his company Guerilla Filmworkx, and his project ElephantUprising, is just the kind of reimagining and facelift conservation needs: A digital platform that connects boots-on-the-ground to the world-wide-web, and all levels of society to be stakeholders in our future. With creativity and out of the box thinking, ElephantUprising digitally accesses the global village, and the multitude of stewards that will take what we know of the world today, and turn it into solutions for the world we will have tomorrow.

Cecil has become a gateway topic for those unfamiliar with the Zimbabwe situation; people in the outside world who previously only had a cursory understanding of Zimbabwe’s politics, are now paying more attention to why the systems in place apparently failed so dismally, and enabled the tragic death of Cecil. Zimbabwe’s immediate fate is directly tied to the country’s political situation. It’s easy for the world at large to show outrage for Cecil the lion, but the people of Zimbabwe have been suffering much worse for over three decades. Through this lens, It is perplexing that CITES endorses any wildlife trade from Zimbabwe – yet it does. By doing so, CITES, is in effect, complicit in aiding and abetting this illegitimate government perpetuate the biggest transnational wildlife crime of the century. This is not an ‘Africa Problem’. This concerns everyone.

Johnny Rodrigues with Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force joins us again in an intense conversation discussing the selling off wildlife to the highest bidders! ZCTF’s purpose is assisting National Parks with anti-poaching patrols and how raising funds will help support researchers and scientists. Zimbabwe and wildlife are on the hot seat and eco-tourism is losing the balance point where whole communities benefit from live wildlife and the consumptive side where only a few benefit from killing or exporting it for profit and entertainment. My guest Johnny Rodrigues, the founder of Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, Johnny discusses how this can change and it is all possible by NOT firing a bullet. We need to change our mindset, educate our children and find a way for people to make a living doing other means than poaching. To learn more visit: http://www.zctfofficialsite.org

Every year thousands of international, and at least one native, tourists lives are at risk by climbing on the backs of traumatized wild caught elephants in Thailand. Tim Gorski spent years investigating this industry that launders elephants between businesses and countries, desperately trying to educate the public regarding an industry steeped in crime and suffering. We discuss the recent tragic death of a Scottish tourist, and how his death could have been avoided. Also deeply entrenched in creative solutions of demand for ivory in China, we discuss the growing demand for brand ethics and responsibility in China and the increasing number of young Chinese who won’t tolerate animal abuse for entertainment. His new project is a creative approach to the insatiable demand for ivory in China that engages Chinese millennials through social media, broadcast, and online TV entertainment, encouraging them to be active stewards for our wild world. br http://tinyurl.com/How-I-Became-An-Elephant

Global Sanctuary for Elephants mission is protecting, rescuing and providing safe spaces for captive elephants to heal physically and emotionally from the consequences of years of confinement and abuse. Captive elephant health and restoration requires enough space to allow elephants to get lost within their own world of intuitive exploration, the mental and physical stimulation empowering them to think, move and function as they would in the wild. Sanctuary is an emotionally nurturing environment that encourages them to communicate their fears and desires free from human expectation, and the incomparable companionship and support of a herd and knowledge they are not alone. GSE Brazil is the first and only sanctuary for elephants in South America, with guiding principle for elephants in Sanctuary: Respect, space, freedom, and unconditional love. GSE model of Sanctuary is the only true healthy option for elephants in captivity, and ultimately, in the wild.

Joyce Poole and Petter Granli, of ElephantVoices, continue the dialogue of successes and the challenges that yet lay ahead since our previous episode, and since the Jackson Hole Elephant Summit and the continuing collaborations, research and projects from Mozambique to Kenya, to sanctuary in Brazil. With four decades of groundbreaking research ElephantVoices use their knowledge to speak with confidence on behalf and in the interests of wild and captive elephants, wherever they may be. Scientific discoveries indicate that we need to improve the way we care for elephants, and demand acting with caution and collaboratively when the interests of elephants are being considered, and both individual and collective voices are vital in the often contentious and contradictory public debate about the future of elephants.

In a world at war with wildlife, to conserve and protect rhino in critical habitat on the frontlines, the cost of peace often comes at the end of a barrel. Protecting rhino and poaching them is one of the most dangerous jobs on earth- lives literally hang in the balance. Between specially trained teams of rangers who have chosen at all costs to protect rhino, and those who would kill them because of the value we humans have proscribed to a few pounds of keratin. It all comes crashing together at ground zero: critical rhino habitat right up against impoverished communities, where international criminal cartels pull the puppet strings of desperate people. My guest Damien Mander of the International Antipoaching Foundation tells us like it is: the real costs both the financial and emotional toll of protecting one of our planets most enduring species. The IAPF has one mission: Rhino will not go extinct on their watch. iapf.org

Today my guest Kathleen Alexander, Associate Professor of Wildlife in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, and I discuss One Health and her work at Virginia Tech and in Botswana. “One Health” is the notion that the complex problems facing our local and global communities can only really be addressed with an approach that encompasses societal, animal, and environmental components in an integrated manner. It is no longer enough to evaluate the health status of an individual in isolation. We must engage the complexity of the systems- land use, disease and other complex changes occurring in our water and air, with consideration as to where the patient lives, interactions with animals and other humans, water and food, and household responses. When combined, science, technology and imagination, we have the tools to collectively and collaboratively create critical and crucial Wholistic solutions: To Invent The Future

I welcome back Philip Tedeschi from the University of Denver, Institute for Human Animal Connection. IHAC has increased its scope, doing more work in Green care: The significance of living systems and animals in human health and wellness, specifically animal welfare and conservation activity and education – bringing forward into that wholistic concept of One Health and collaborative efforts across disciplines and connecting communities. In addition, IHAC has implemented new research activities, and is operating both locally and internationally since our last episode. Philip just returned from Laikipia, Kenya, working with community’s human animal relationships, wellness and reducing wildlife conflicts. We also discuss several major public events coming up over the next couple months for both students and the public.

Dale and I began a conversation on Facebook about the emotional lives of animals. Dale’s critters are both his passion and his work. Dale’s journey toward deeper spirituality and connection to pantheism, his newfound oneness with all things natural has become deeply embedded in his lifestyle, thus he found himself facing a crisis of conscience - In keeping his therapeutic animals caged, he asked himself, “What can I possibly give them that would match their lives in the wild?, And what could he do about it? Today’s conversation began as an intimate one-to-one heartfelt dialogue between us. As we delved deeper, we began to feel that in recording it we could work through it and provide this opportunity to share our thoughts with others who may facing similar conflicts of self, and find themselves asking the same questions- and here, perhaps find some answers, too.

My guests today, Sean Carnell of Tigers for Tigers National Coalition and Spirit Campaign Manager with the partner National Wildlife Refuge Association, Madeleine McMillian, President of Clemson University Tigers for Tigers. and Reata Strickland, co-Founder of Tide For Tusks, is a University of Alabama student-led initiative to raise awareness for poaching of African elephants working with partners in Tanzania, while promoting a deeper understanding of the trafficking of endangered wildlife. The Save our Mascot and Tide For Tusks national campaigns harness school spirit and pride for their and other university mascots, empowering students and sport teams fans alike, to support international tiger and elephant conservation efforts. Learn more on Facebook and www.tigersfortigers.org , http://t4tclemson.org , and http://www.tidefortusks.org/mascot-conservation.html

The illegal trafficking and exploitation of wildlife is now one of the world’s largest criminal industries, with repeated links to terrorism networks. The animals most difficult to protect are also high target species: elephant and rhino, which are being hunted to extinction by poachers who go to extreme lengths to kill them. Inspiring urgent political action toward safekeeping of the planet cannot be overstated, and this responsibility must transcend all levels of industry, business and society. But the reality of winning the hearts and minds of the people living directly on the frontlines of this war is critical, where both rangers and villagers daily risk their lives, direct action is a vital for successful conservation. Results there will only be accomplished by providing viable in situ alternatives to address poverty and daily realities found in the crosshairs on the thin green line where people and wildlife and money meet.

With special guest Professor Emeritus Marc Bekoff, we will discuss that increasing our compassionate footprint will improve our overall relationship to animals and our earth, thus also improve conservation outcomes. As our species causes deep and enduring pain all over our amazing planet, there is growing evidence that we need to ask ourselves how other animals feel about the loss of their homes. Solid science now tells us they suffer as we do without a safe and peaceful place to live, thrive, and survive. Compassionate conservation is concerned with the humane treatment and welfare of animals within the framework of traditional conservation biology, finding a way through polarization between those interested in animal protection and those interested in conservation. Compassion for animals should be fundamental for conservation as poor conservation outcomes are often consistent with the mistreatment of animals.

What are the links between the human-animal bond, animal cruelty, interpersonal violence; child and elder maltreatment and criminal behavior? With our guests Jim Pyle and Philip Tedeschi from the ColoradoLINK project. Helping to expand our understanding of the human-animal bond, we’ll be talking about these connections and why they matter for interpersonal relationships- people to people, and people to animal. 'The Link' utilizes a multidisciplinary approach across Colorado that develops and implements training and educational activities that assist in raising awareness of the significance of animal abuse and its correlations to human health and safety. Jim Pyle is ColoradoLINK Project Director and Prof. Philip Tedeschi is the Director of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Denver University, and a returning guest on Our Wild World.

A tremendous amount has happened around the landscape for lions- wild, captive, canned, and conservation successes and projects, and now we have the USFW ESA lion listing decision adding to the landscape. As much as 2015 seemed to be a 'bad year for lions', perhaps in the end, as we head into a new year, the lions finally have their voices heard. Between dedicated conservationists, documentary films, one captivating lion, and you dear listener, a shift in global consciousness is creating a tidal wave of change, one that many of us have been working toward and awaiting for a long, long time. With incredible diversity across Africa, and an enormous variety of responsive programs keeping conservation at the heart of the matter. As we focus this year on the many faces and places, today we bring you the particulars and challenges of a given place with my guest Chris Mercer, founder of CACH and the Karoo Wildlife Center in S. W. Africa.

Life and living are processes that happen on the local scale of our bodies to the global and universal scales of adaptability and evolution. Time is both temporary and eternal, an elegant, messy, orchestrated and chaotic complex combination of cosmic, geologic, earthly, cultural individual frames of reference, whereby the clock is simply a tool of human convenience and measurement. When we embrace responsibility, accountability and ownership as actionable matters, we can realize that we have all the time we need to do what needs doing while encouraging knowledge and growth and become that we wish to be. Here we are, on the brink of never before faced challenges, we can sit still, turn our backs or soar gladly into the unprecedented opportunities to heal ourselves, our earth and live in a state of mindfulness.

To save wildlife, we can start by saving a dog. Thousands of high energy dogs that don’t make good pets, are stuck in shelters. WDC offers a second chance to high-drive shelter dogs, many of whom would have been euthanized had they not saved themselves by getting a job saving wildlife. WD4C trains the world's best conservation detection dogs and put them to work protecting wildlife and wild places. Montana-based non profit WD4C, uses highly trained detection dogs to make conservation more efficient, effective and ethical. With noses for data and a love for dogs, WD4C has forged partnerships with 50 conservation groups across 5 continents. Bad dogs for pets are great champions for wildlife. WD4C put their dogs’ exceptional abilities to work finding and eliminating threats to rare and threatened species. WD4C does it to save the world. The dogs do it for the love of a ball.

Today we are highlighting what seem to be the miraculous milestones in shifts of consciousness and policies around the world that recognize the importance of and relationships with, the other earthlings we share space with. We’ve scoured the news headlines to find emblems of hope that underscore how far we have come, and the questions we must yet answer. We are in a poignant time where we have genuinely and often radically, moved the paradigm shift of redefining and reimagining our place in the concert of life, and how we relate to the other life forms of our incredible world. From evolution to renaissance, we are broadening our definition from ‘what’ to ‘who’ deserves rights, and this is putting us well on the way to a brighter future.

In the eons of time immemorial, life has eked out an existence from the fundamental ingredients of Planet Earth and it’s unique essences, our nature, our wildlife and .. us. In the few short centuries of Modern Man, earth processes have shifted by orders of magnitude, and so have ours. Whether you agree or not as to humanity’s role in these shifts is almost moot, for the point is that things have changed. That’s life, right? Life is a series of societal, cultural and personal shifts, a constant state of transition with big mile marker posts along the way. Today is a medley of thoughts and questions about our role on earth, who we are vs. who we can be, along with some of the ridiculousness that we try to sell ourselves as solutions toward navigating the challenges we face today, and whether we really are positioning ourselves in the best possible fashions for survival?

Every single day In South Africa two to three captive bred or tame lions are killed in canned hunts under the guise of conservation, research and education. With the launch of Blood Lions, a hard hitting documentary exposing the underbelly of the lucrative and growing industry of lion farming, its undercurrents of brutality, questionable ethics of a moral vacuum filled by greed and self-importance of those who derive pleasure in the taking of life. My guest, acclaimed environmental reporter and safari guide, Ian Michler, has been following the story of industrialized lion farming and canned hunts since 1999, and today shares discoveries from his journey: from cub petting, volunteer recruitment and lion walking, to the canned hunt all the way to the end of the lion, and further links to the booming lion bone trade. Timely, courageous and giving voice to the voiceless wild, Blood Lions is also deeply disturbing in what it says about us. www.bloodlions.org

A cycle of cruelty, Canned Hunting is the industrialized farming of lions, bred by the thousands for no other purpose than to be killed for thrill and entertainment by the animal trophy collector. A very profitable business model, canned hunting is supported by externalizing costs via spin-off commercial enterprises that outright bilk tourists and naïve volunteers into hand-rearing these living targets, while further supplying the dark underbelly of international trade in lion parts and products. Amazingly, the industry is so popular that in 2012, in South Africa alone, it generated the equivalent of 70 million US dollars. Today, with my guest Chris Mercer, founder of the Campaign Against Canned Hunting (CACH), we alert you to help expose the cruelty and abuse to these lions, and the harm and threat this industry poses to the world’s remaining wild lions and conservation efforts to protect them. Become part of the Global March for Lions and ban canned hunting, wherever it exists.

Humans and lions have coexisted for tens of thousands of years but rapid expansion of livestock farming in Africa has led to greater conflicts, with large numbers of lions killed in retaliatory and preemptive conflicts with livestock. Wild lion populations have declined 50% in the last 20 years, with an estimated 23,000 remaining. Listed by the ICUN as Vulnerable, reducing conflict between large predators, people and agriculture requires new tools with an understanding that accounts for both agricultural practices and predatory behavior. Conditioned Taste Aversion is a non-lethal, humane conservation tool that can modify large predator’s behavior powerfully and permanently dissuading them from predating upon domestic livestock, while leaving entirely unchanged their social and environmental dynamics to continue to play their essential role in the natural ecosystem, also creating the critical buffer between predators and farmers.

The mission, to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes by stopping the demand for wildlife products. Today, we must globally engage as many individuals on as many levels as possible, to sell wildlife awareness as a lifestyle choice. Focused on a single message “When the buying stops, the killing can too” Peter Knights and WildAid have created the first of its kind advertising campaign that brings hundreds of people around the world together. Through sophisticated marketing combined with hundreds actors, athletes, musicians and spokespeople, Peter and WildAid have created an international program and campaign aimed at reducing demand for endangered species. Our conversation today covers the array of issues that converge through the illegal trade and trafficking in wildlife, to the urgent need to shift global public awareness of the roles that wildlife and animals hold in keeping our world functioning.

Non -human rights. What does this mean? Who does it refer to? What is at stake and at risk? Who and what does this affect? As we learn more about the intricacies of animal rights and welfare, we find layers of minefields and mindsets that come into the spotlight. Many consider pets and other animals as family, but what is Personhood for a non-human animal in the legal sense, in terms of their rights? What about animals in zoos, or those we buy, sell, trade, and use in science, Those we Eat? What about wildlife? Marine life? What, or is it Who, qualifies for ‘personhood’ and rights and how, under the law, and what does this entail? My guest Steven Wise, President of the Non-Human Rights Project navigates us through the history and legal avenues on the path to personhood and Non-Human rights represented by laws, and the enormous paradigm shifts as a result that are happening right now.

We humans have a long history of doing violence to one another and of doing violence to other species, including our closest relatives, the Great Apes, as we continue to avert our gaze to the destruction around us. Arcus Foundation is a leading global foundation advancing the connectedness between social justice and conservation issues, and is built upon the cornerstones that regardless of race, gender, socio-economic class, gender identity or sexual orientation, we must honor the inherent dignity, value and worth of all human and non-human beings around the world. That we humans are able to develop a culture that fosters social activism that works to counter injustice, building a future that invests in both the individual and collective ability to empower creativity and leadership that develops an attitude of acceptance, appreciation and affirmation of all forms of diversity.

Over the past two years we have seen an unprecedented spike in wildlife crime, threatening to overturn decades of conservation gains. Wildlife overexploitation and crime is big business these days beyond the slippery slope and repercussions of impending extinctions. With my guest today, Will Gartshore, Sr. Policy Officer for WWF, we gain in-depth understanding of the scope illegal wildlife trafficking and crime, and what the US government, Congress, and the current Administration is doing about it. Will’s expertise is U.S. government relations and WWFs lead congressional liaison for wildlife crime and trafficking. Will actively participates in discussions with the US National Strategy on Combatting Wildlife Trafficking; the President Obama’s Executive Order; and State Department activities among the security and intelligence communities on the illegal trade’s ties to transnational organized crime groups.

Many reserves around the world are too small to sustain viable wildlife populations for long in the future. Wildlife counts in the Masai Mara Reserve in western Kenya have declined by as much as 70% in the past several decades, largely due to habitat loss and habitat degradation. Join us with Dr. Dusti Becker and Dr. Tony Povilitis and the partnerships between LifeNet Nature and the Maasai Moran Conservation and Walking Safaris, a Community Based Organization composed of of young Maasai that are working to create a buffer zone for wildlife on the Siria Plateau next to Masai Mara Reserve in southwestern Kenya. The 15,000-acre area proposed for conservation management includes grasslands, woodlands, riparian areas, forest corridors and a larger forested area used by elephants (for birthing). It also includes portions of the ecologically unique Siria Escarpment, which separates the Masai Mara and the Siria Plateau.

Today we’ll be discussing how our USFish & Wildlife Service is involved in saving African and Asian Elephants, with special guests Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement Edward Grace ; The Chief of Near East. South Asia and Africa Division of International Conservation, Richard Ruggiero; and African Elephant Program Specialist Michelle Gadd. We will have an informative and frank conversation and dialogue about the November 14th, USFW Ivory Crush, the decimation to our wild world’s wildlife with focus on elephants, and how our USFW law enforcement works with the US and abroad to stop wildlife crime and international trafficking, particularly of our mega-fauna- elephants, rhino, tigers along with the less well known facts about just how insidious wildlife crime and trafficking has become globally. You will find image and video links on WildiZe Facebook page, #ivory on twitter, and visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has just announced a final ruling that classifies all chimpanzees, both wild and captive, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). What we have finally realized is that our best efforts of the past were not enough and Chimpanzees are but a single example of this widespread problem, and hopes are that this will pave the way for other species both wild and captive. Dr. Stephen Ross has two decades of experience studying primate behavior, and is Director of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo. His primary focus is measuring and improving the welfare of all chimpanzees by assessing housing and management of chimps in captivity and private ownership. Steve’s knowledge was essential in the design of Lincoln Park Zoo ape habitat, and culminated in 2009

We humans are not the only species with complex communications or awareness of self and others. Elephants are highly cognitive and communicate not only through and sounds that we can hear, but through sounds that we cannot hear and through gestures. Joyce Poole of ElephantVoices has been deciphering their language through documenting, recording and photographing their society and movements for more than thirty years. Individual elephants not only know each other’s voices but they also recognize ours. They know we’re here. And while we continue to use and abuse them in captivity for our amusement, we have barely evolved to provide them with proper sanctuary and security whilst in our custody, nor can we curb our appetites to stop the massive trade for their ivory and their young for our entertainment. Elephants have survived life on earth for eons, but are no longer safe in the wild. The only question that remains is: Will they survive us?

Every single day In South Africa two to three captive bred or tame lions are killed in canned hunts under the guise of conservation, research and education. With the launch of Blood Lions, a hard hitting documentary exposing the underbelly of the lucrative and growing industry of lion farming, its undercurrents of brutality, questionable ethics of a moral vacuum filled by greed and self-importance of those who derive pleasure in the taking of life. My guest, acclaimed environmental reporter and safari guide, Ian Michler, has been following the story of industrialized lion farming and canned hunts since 1999, and today shares discoveries from his journey: from cub petting, volunteer recruitment and lion walking, to the canned hunt all the way to the end of the lion, and further links to the booming lion bone trade. Timely, courageous and giving voice to the voiceless wild, Blood Lions is also deeply disturbing in what it says about us. www.bloodlions.org

Selling off wildlife to the highest bidders where in the end both wildlife and Zimbabwe losing the balance point between ‘if it pays it stays’ eco-tourism in living landscapes where whole communities benefit from live wildlife, and ‘if it pays it plays’ consumptive utilization model, where only a few benefit from killing or exporting it for profit and entertainment, While still calling it conservation. Right now, Zimbabwe is on the global hot seat. From the silent screams of wild caught baby elephants exported to Chinese zoos, to the global outrage from the killing of a lion named Cecil. My guest Johnny Rodrigues founder of Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, who first reported the capture of 24 wild caught baby elephants and the death of Cecil, we bring the focus back to the larger mission getting lost in sensational headlines: Global efforts by many to make a living out of living with live wildlife. http://www.zctfofficialsite.org

We are deeply manipulating the earth’s landscapes and removing wild places. Like no other time in human history, we must wholly delve into the impacts we have had on the biological world that gives us life. We have created an unsustainable model and being duped by this veneer of ‘successes’, which has no realistic basis on the capacity of our resources, our earth to sustain life as we know it. Across Africa, we are coming face to face with the unintended consequences of our version and definition of Sustainable Utilization. With this loss of respect and responsibility, we are playing deadly games with the lives and livelihoods and inhabitants of our last remaining wild places under a misguided onslaught of sustained abuse. We are and will be, the catalyst and future of change. The question is, will we be the one’s to embraces life, or, the ones who embrace only ourselves at the loss and cost and loss of all-else?

It may sound simple, but it is highly complex and fluid. A lifetime of experience and knowledge from Kenya, the African contintent and elsewhere, Danny understands the challenges, problems and needs of both wildlife and people. From KWS Sr. Warden to international consultant, he has been involved in every aspect of management- from flying to anti-poaching to community outreach. Danny is one of the few people today who knows the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem like the back of his hand; its life-threatening dangers, its beauty and potential, and the looming challenges facing wildlife today. Contempory wildlife security and solutions requires understandng politics, policies, and the realites on the ground- from immense pressures and threats facing ecosystems to the linked components of residents, wildlife, natural resources and tourism overlaid upon a modern landscape of increased human density to increased local and national development.

In late 2014, approx. 33 young elephant calves were forcefully taken from the wild in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Zim is a signatory to CITES, and Zim Authorities stated that this capture complied with CITES regulations. A group of concerned Zimbabwean citizens state this was not the case, and in contravention under Zimbabwean National Law, The Prevention of Cruelty Act. Animal Welfare Inspectors were denied access to these animals at all stages of the capture, the holding area, and their transfer to China in July 2015. My guest Jane High navigates us through these facts and further, with regard to already ongoing future planned exports of more wild young elephants. With this this breach of National Law, it has become apparent that ZIMPARKS has dealt a itself a mortal blow against effectively defending itself against accusations from the national and international communities.

The recent scandalous headlines out of Zimbabwe and 24 baby elephants are,by example, galvanizing the world toward a re-evaluating what wildlife management means. Will we leave behind post-neo-conservation-colonialism, long suffering despotism, politics of the stomach and killing wildlife for entertainment toward progressive,creative, multi-layered, multi-national approaches toward co-existence and economic independence from entrenched interests? We are on the threshold of securing the survival of wildlife rich bio-diverse landscapes across the last remaining footholds for viable wild free roaming populations of priceless and iconic species. Will one singular species out of millions diminish all life into profit margins, or will we be the paradigm shift: From politics of the stomach to an all-encompassing State of the Earth, and thereby the pivot point for the foreseeable future and life as we know it? Humanity evolves; it may as well be us, now, toward future we can live with.

Zimbabwe: Wildlife and mineral rich, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and World Heritage Site. My guest Nick Lynch an I discuss how, once a model of progressive management between Old and New Africa, Zimbabwe now daily symbolizes egregious cronyism and greed running rampant. The dubious murky dealings of 24 baby elephants taken from the wild for live-export to an ivory hungry China has roused national and international headlines of inept and failing wildlife policies management in favor of vested private interests and conflicting ideals. Opportunity knocks. Will Zimbabwe be the forerunner of catastrophe, or will it be a catalyst for reform, raising the bar of how we value life- of what, who and how we define ‘trade’ and ‘benefit’ of endemic, priceless and iconic wildlife and lead the way toward a new independence from looting a country’s coffers and citizens in favor of the peculiarly human penchant of commodifying nature- anything and everything can be had for a price.

In the brief time scale since humans have occupied Earth we’ve managed to from interrupt climate and tip the scales of species loss and extinctions. It is this ‘model’ of Western civilization, led by the technological society, and its rain forest felling, atmospheric carbonization, and oceanic acidifying temper, that has upturned the planet’s normal metabolism. It is said we have until 2020 to turn things around. The Paris conference on climate change next year must be the definitive statement on changing course. The question remains: Will the business mind of bigger is better prevail, or will the earth’s tired and poor and pullulating masses of seven billion and still counting, be able to convince the 1 percent that the earth has a fever, and that humanity, as a whole, needs heart surgery.

Big cats in captivity can be found everywhere. From Las Vegas to shopping malls, to roadside zoos, and even in backyards and basements. There is a captive wildlife crisis and Pat Craig of The Wild Animal Sanctuary spends his life changing this. Not bred for the bullet, but in horrific circumstances none-the-less, law and licensing doesn’t always guarantee proper or humane treatment of animals and the entire captive wildlife industry stands divided by ethical views. The most effective way to attain positive captive wildlife management is through an educated public and the subsequent social pressure they will apply. Pat educates us on the nuts and bolts of what rescue involves. How are rescued animals from diverse situations introduced to one another? How do you ensure their security? What happens behind the scenes for an animal coming from a life of horror into one with dignity? Education is knowledge... and this knowledge saves lives.

In a world inundated with captive bred African lions, why are we losing wild lions in Africa? With successful foreign bans against import of lion trophy and products, airline embargos, and bans of lions in circuses and performing entities - combined with the global push for USFW to list African Lions as endangered under the ESA, will we turn the tide for lions? Or will the illegal trade and pressure from moneyed private interests in S. Africa, the NRA, SCI and DSC to obfuscate collective data on real wild lion numbers and their decline? The African Lion's genetic diversity is collapsing; isolated populations reaching the tipping point toward extinction. The immensity of this catastrophe is simply unacceptable. To fail to use all the science, data and tools that we have at our fingertips to work out a global plan to protect African lions in Africa, would deal a disastrous blow in a long list of failures to keep natural populations of large predators alive in a human-centric world.

Throughout human history Lions have represented royalty and power and universally symbolize hope, courage and strength. Around the world Lions are heralded through art, literature to representations on flags to national emblems to sports. Like no other animal, Lions directly appeal to people spanning all ages regardless of culture, race, and national origin. My guest Pieter Kat of LionAid provides us an insight and perception into lions not only as an ancient species and how our evolution relates to them, but to their drastic population decline and our disastrous failures to protect them. Lions face entirely new sets of human related challenges, from habitat loss to this surge of industrialized captive utilization- the farming lions as a commodity for a burgeoning industry pandering to human entertainment not just recognizing their importance to us sociologically, also an apex predator and critical component of our wild world. www.lionaid.org

Through an intimate and enlightening conversation with Kevin Richardson, we learn why he is called The Lion Whisperer, but what makes Kevin exceptional is that he listens to what lions are telling us. Through his unique relationships with his lions, Kevin opens a window into the mind behind the mane. Our conversation is a unblemished view into Kevin’s own journey of passion for lions, and why he has dedicated his life to saving them and ending the industrialized farming of lions as nothing more than commodity, and exposing the dark underbelly of canned lion hunts. Manipulating nature and an iconic species for activity based “lion theme parks” by offering up-close interactions with captive hand-raised lions from cub petting to lion walking, can be treacherous for the naïve volunteer or visitor, and for the lions- a dangerous business model where nature bites back and the ultimate tragedy strikes: Death, for a person and for a lion.

Since this episode originally aired a year ago, traction from animal rights and welfare movements have certainly gained ground for exotic animals in captivity. However, in terms of large landscape-species survival plans, rights and welfare acts can create direct conflict to saving species in the wild: umbrella species and critical players in conserving large landscapes, biodiversity and ecosystems that depend upon them, where extinction of an entire species in the wild V's. an individual, would have devastating consequences. In Game Changer, by award winning environmental reporter Glen Martin, we look at this question as it applies to Africa’s megafauna, where the rising influence of the animal rights movement and animal welfare groups could paradoxically lead to their very elimination. Where our wild world's last great populations of wildlife may well be hostages in the battle between those who love them, and those who would save them.

Rewilding has long been a conservation term for connectivity and creating corridors for wildlife movement. In recent decades, it is the concept finding suitable existing habitats for species on the brink of extinction that may exist outside of where they currently live or are being extirpated. Today there is a new meaning. With Marc Bekoff, and his newest book, ‘Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence’. Rewilding in this sense brings us to an understanding if not to undo, at least find ways to fix what we’ve done, to transform and rehabilitate ourselves. A necessary primer and reminder for Compassion 101, not only for those who have forgotten, but a preparation for those yet to learn- how to embrace the concept of compassionate co-existence, to renew how we see ourselves, each other, and especially our wild world and all its magnificence. A pathway and to reimagine and redefine what we can believe is possible.

From Ferre Libanda we hear the voice of Namibia, one that resonates across all boundaries- the lack of elected leaders accountability and unwillingness to address the needs of diverse communities and resources in favor of the politics of the stomach, turning the progress of the past into a failure for the future through corruption, cronyism, elitism and selling out to the highest bidder, and the gap between rich and poor grows wider and deeper than ever before. From politics to conservation, young Namibians are caught in a tug-o-war between foreign puppet masters and the highest bidder. Generations of indigenous traditions, knowledge and education that favored empowerment and pride of self and benefits from their environment and wildlife is being torn asunder, falling by the wayside as Namibia crumbles under the force of market-place economics in a whole new version of a Viet-Nam war- as Asian and the West battle for Namibian resources

Responsible tourism holds a key role in the future of conserving the sensitive landscapes and endangered species we travel to experience. Jackie Magid, Director of The Bodhi Tree Foundation, is dedicated to mobilizing the travel community to engage in wildlife conservation and help communities and cultures around the globe toward preserving wildlife and habitats for future travelers to experience, while inspiring change in the areas they serve. TBTF’s groundbreaking campaign, S.A.F.E. is geared toward galvanizing the travel industry to raise awareness of the plight of Africa’s elephants by joining the traveller with working field organizations and projects around the world. Through partnerships between the travel industry, local destinations and hands on conservation projects, BodhiTree is pays it forward, bringing together adventure and experience, joining travelling and the traveler to make conservation happen.

Today, that’s the question, for we are wholly responsible for their losses. Elephants are in crisis. From the top down administrative initiatives and policy changes both nationally and internationally, to the many organizations devoted to raising awareness to projects on the ground, elephants are being given a lot of attention. Yet, they are still dying by the thousands. Today, now, all efforts to protect elephants require participation and partnerships between governments and people all over the world. This is not an African Problem but a Global Issue. My guest, Peter LaFontaine, with International Fund for Animal Welfare, and his colleagues were on Our Wild World about a year ago, and here we are again today, to bring it home: How critical all efforts are, and what you can do. We need elephants. And inexplicably, elephants need us as more than ever, for we will be deciding factor for their future

Traditional conservation models developed decades ago are in much need of a modern twist, one that both attracts and engages youth- the X, Y and Me generations, who have from their infancy been immersed in an advanced and technological world. These generations understand connectivity on entirely new planes, and thus are able and willing to take conservation to new heights. Monty Marsh, his company Guerilla Filmworkx, and his project ElephantUprising, is just the kind of reimagining and facelift conservation needs: A digital platform that connects boots-on-the-ground to the world-wide-web, and all levels of society to be stakeholders in our future. With creativity and out of the box thinking, ElephantUprising digitally accesses the global village, and the multitude of stewards that will take what we know of the world today, and turn it into solutions for the world we will have tomorrow.

My guest today is Nanette Wheeler Carter, Researcher, Activist, Advocate, Lobbyist, President, Founder and Matriarch of CA 4 Elephants.org. Nanette brings a multitude of experiences and activism to bring focus to the tipping points and challenges we , endangered species, and our world are facing. From shifting social norms, to on the ground activities. CA 4 ELEPHANTS focuses spreading understanding of what bioenvironmental diversity and sustainable conservation Means in the real world, and backs it up by working with legislators- state, federal and international- to challenge and dismantle the ivory trade, ‘sport’ hunting of at risk species populations through the platform of policy change, the Lobby Campaign actions to effect worldwide governments and corporate decision-makers to improve the human condition through sustainable, environmentally conscious, organic economic & business development, both in the US, Africa and beyond.

I’ve just returned from a conference on Captive Wildlife by the Performing Animal Welfare Society, PAWS: 3 days filled with eye opening education on the cascades of its resultant issues. Today’s conversation will touch upon all that lives under the big top umbrella of captive animals: from wild caught to breeding to stress and veterinary issues; from zoo vs. sanctuary; and the legal battles from defense to rights and welfare to personhood. Facts: humans keep and breed exotic animals for captivity. Why? The answers and justifications surrounding this tower of power are as astonishing as they are layered, and multi-faceted in what it says about us- their captors. What we have done, could, and have the ability to, do. Ultimately the conference reinforced the point that we humans have some serious ethical adjustments to make, much to be learned about how we behave, and what we value- because of living with non-human beings.

Friday March 13, 2015 Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt made world history by taking the lead and announcing the immediate ban of the import and export of African Lion trophies and body parts. The S. African Gov’t and professional hunting bodies around the world prefer the euphemism ‘captive hunts’ to ‘canned’, but Donalea Patman and Ian Michler, and the proponents against Canned Hunting say Captive Hunting is still Canned Hunting. The facts are, lions and other wildlife, are being bred in captivity to be killed in captivity. If an animal bred for the bullet cannot be imported into a hunter’s home nation, then perhaps we can roar across the world that profiteering through the industrialized farming of wildlife and canned hunting is not conservation, and brings under question whether that type of industry and business model is an effectual human relationship to wildlife and our wild world.

A lot seems to be happening around the world in terms of crisis and human- animal connections. From heightened awareness and social programs. My guest, clinical social worker, Philip Tedeschi returns with news and updates as to how the Denver University, Institute for Human Animal Connection (IHAC) looks for, provides real-world situations for graduate students and offers programs and presentations to the public, offering solutions that provide for healthy avenues to recognize challenges and grow the social skills of our communities, which helps youth and adults better understand the relationships and benefits of living with our pets and our wild world. With work focused in Green Care and the significance of living systems and animals in human health and wellness, specific animal welfare and conservation activity, research, education and One Health, and ColoradoLINK, IHAC operates both nationally and internationally.

A cycle of cruelty, Canned Hunting is the industrialized farming of lions, bred by the thousands for no other purpose than to be killed for thrill and entertainment by the animal trophy collector. A very profitable business model, canned hunting is supported by externalizing costs via spin-off commercial enterprises that outright bilk tourists and naïve volunteers into hand-rearing these living targets, while further supplying the dark underbelly of international trade in lion parts and products. Amazingly, the industry is so popular that in 2012, in South Africa alone, it generated the equivalent of 70 million US dollars. Today, with my guest Chris Mercer, founder of the Campaign Against Canned Hunting (CACH), we alert you to help expose the cruelty and abuse to these lions, and the harm and threat this industry poses to the world’s remaining wild lions and conservation efforts to protect them. Become part of the Global March for Lions and ban canned hunting, wherever it exists.

Wouldn’t it be great if today’s headlines were : It’s okay. We can all come out now! the Extinction and Global crises are over, and We’ve Won! We don’t have to worry about environmental collapse or losing our polar bears and elephants, and our world turning into one big corporate machine, because humanity came to its senses the other day - we all pulled together and turned our wild world around! Each of us one day said to the other, well… here’s what I did today, and I’m going to do it every day from now on, and it caught on.

Wildlife Medicine, Conservation and One Health is the focus of the 21st Annual Wildlife Medicine Symposium at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. April 11-12th, 2015 at UC Davis and via webinar, and open to all who are interested. These symposia are the training ground of the future, and the critical understanding of the connectivity of the health of the overall web of life from human, ecosystems, wildlife and crossovers between veterinary and human medicine and species conservation. My guests today are Julie Sheldon, President of the Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Medicine Club , Center for Continuing Professional Education at UC Davis SVM; Dr. Sharon Deem, Director of the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine; and Dr. David Jessup, Executive Manager of the Wildlife Disease Association. Today’s episode is a sneak preview of the expertise and wide range of topics that will be available at the Symposium

Humans and lions have coexisted for tens of thousands of years but rapid expansion of livestock farming in Africa has led to greater conflicts, with large numbers of lions killed in retaliatory and preemptive conflicts with livestock. Wild lion populations have declined 50% in the last 20 years, with an estimated 23,000 remaining. Listed by the ICUN as Vulnerable, reducing conflict between large predators, people and agriculture requires new tools with an understanding that accounts for both agricultural practices and predatory behavior. Conditioned Taste Aversion is a non-lethal, humane conservation tool that can modify large predator’s behavior powerfully and permanently dissuading them from predating upon domestic livestock, while leaving entirely unchanged their social and environmental dynamics to continue to play their essential role in the natural ecosystem, also creating the critical buffer between predators and farmers.

In our previous episode we learned the interesting history of cats becoming our pets, yet barely covered the tip of the iceberg of feral cats and their impacts on our world. Today we continue the conversation about cats with Dr. John Hadidian and Katie Lisnik. Feral cats are not only an abuse or cruelty issue, a health issue but they are also a conservation issue. From TNR programs to euthanasia, how do we respond to cats gone wild in our wildlands, and more so, what we can do to prevent this, solve the problem, and reach the ultimate goal, that cats have homes and our birds and other wildlife are safe from predation. From Shelters to sanctuaries there are a lot of resources the cat lover can find from the Humane Society of the US. Learn more http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/?credit=web_id212453451

We’re not talking about the furry loveable housecat. There are currently an estimated 30-40 million cats in the US alone, living in our neighborhoods, our wildlands and in their own communities. With Dr. John Hadidian and Katie Lisnik of the Humane Society of the US we’re talking about the cats that are not owned, live in your community, and are feral, and what the differences are. A stray cat is a pet who has been lost or abandoned, used to contact with people and tame enough to be adopted. A feral cat is the offspring of stray or feral cats and is not accustomed to human contact, we often see them everyday, but don’t know they are feral. From the community cat to the feral cat, there is an interesting history and quite a story. And then there are the impacts all these cats have on our wildlife and environs, and what we can do about it. Learn More http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats/qa/feral_cat_FAQs.html

With my Guests Tim Snow in S. Africa and Mark Paxton in Namibia, we discuss the consequences of negative actions on wildlife and their environs through poisoning, and the upcoming workshop to address the issues. Over the past 50 years, the human population has doubled and global agricultural production has risen in tandem. With Increased use of pesticides, we largely do not understand the full impact of unintended side effects on wildlife. We know also that poachers seek quick, quiet and easy methods, so poisoning with pesticides is escalating exponentially. Similarly, predator and wildlife conflicts cost money, damage crops and sometimes endanger human lives so farmers may resort to indiscriminate illegal poisoning, upsetting environmental balances and leading to unexpected consequences. Today we must link our knowledge about the cascade of consequences of pesticide use and misuse in a rapidly changing world

“Under the bright lights, elephants perform tricks for excited humans who never wonder what happens to these massive animals after the show ends. Earnest knows.” The only things captive born elephants may ever know are zoo paddocks and circus rings. What we do know is that elephants are complex intelligent, emotive and social beings, and we know they talk to each other. Have we considered what captive born elephants might learn from their wild-born captive friends? With my guest, Debbie McFee, author of Through the Eyes of Earnest, we travel on a journey of this consideration.. that of “Earnest”, the elephant in the book who represents every elephant, we are taken on a somber but hopeful tale from an elephant’s point of view, which asks us to consider why we continue to keep such intelligent social animals in captivity when we know now, how and why we must provide for and protect them in the wild.

Wildlife Medicine, Conservation and One Health is the focus of the 21st Annual Wildlife Medicine Symposium at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. April 11-12th, 2015 at UC Davis and via webinar, and open to all who are interested. These symposia are the training ground of the future, and the critical understanding of the connectivity of the health of the overall web of life from human, ecosystems, wildlife and crossovers between veterinary and human medicine and species conservation. My guests today are Julie Sheldon, President of the Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Medicine Club , Center for Continuing Professional Education at UC Davis SVM; Dr. Sharon Deem, Director of the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine; and Dr. David Jessup, Executive Manager of the Wildlife Disease Association. Today’s episode is a sneak preview of the expertise and wide range of topics that will be available at the Symposium

How we treat and relate to animals in captivity has everything to do with how we will protect them in the wild. Ed Stewart has dedicated his life to providing sanctuary and protection to abused, abandoned and retired performing animals and efforts to enforce the best standards of care for all captive wildlife, to the preservation of wild species and their habitat, and promoting public education about captive wildlife issues. Ed is a multi-talented and skilled man who with humor and aplomb, has carried PAWS from it’s humble beginnings, to an international organization that is shifting our human mind-set and legislation that surrounds the landscape and very human and state of affairs of how and why we humans must reevaluate our relationships to animals and curb our appetitesfor keeping wildlife in captivity. I would like to greatly thank Ed and PAWS for opening my eyes to the critical issues discussed at the 30th Annual Conference.

When we think captive wildlife in crisis, our focus stays on the large charismatic mammals. Our conservation landscape has expanded to those places that flow where land ends, to our oceans, rivers, lakes, and forests. But there is an immense space that ties all this together- the skies above us, and the multitude of exotic birds that inhabit them, that are now available as pets and companions. Spectacular birds have become a part of the human landscape to inhabiting our living rooms, often with little knowledge by their owners of their unique needs. Societies value birds for economic, cultural, ethical and spiritual reasons, which lead to aspects of avian conversation that almost invisibly goes over our heads- not only the decline of wild avian populations, but the growing trend of keeping birds in captivity-not just zoos, but as companions. Knowing what birds need, is the focus of The Gabriel Foundation.

The illegal trafficking and exploitation of wildlife is now one of the world’s largest criminal industries, with repeated links to terrorism networks. The animals most difficult to protect are also high target species: elephant and rhino, which are being hunted to extinction by poachers who go to extreme lengths to kill them. Inspiring urgent political action toward safekeeping of the planet cannot be overstated, and this responsibility must transcend all levels of industry, business and society. But the reality of winning the hearts and minds of the people living directly on the frontlines of this war is critical, where both rangers and villagers daily risk their lives, direct action is a vital for successful conservation. Results there will only be accomplished by providing viable in situ alternatives to address poverty and daily realities found in the crosshairs on the thin green line where people and wildlife and money meet.

How we treat and relate to animals in captivity has everything to do with how we will protect them in the wild. Ed Stewart has dedicated his life to providing sanctuary and protection to abused, abandoned and retired performing animals and efforts to enforce the best standards of care for all captive wildlife, to the preservation of wild species and their habitat, and promoting public education about captive wildlife issues. Ed is a multi-talented and skilled man who with humor and aplomb, has carried PAWS from it’s humble beginnings, to an international organization that is shifting our human mind-set and legislation that surrounds the landscape and very human and state of affairs of how and why we humans must reevaluate our relationships to animals and curb our appetitesfor keeping wildlife in captivity. I would like to greatly thank Ed and PAWS for opening my eyes to the critical issues discussed at the 30th Annual Conference.

We humans are not the only species with complex communications or awareness of self and others. Elephants are highly cognitive and communicate not only through and sounds that we can hear, but through sounds that we cannot hear and through gestures. Joyce Poole of ElephantVoices has been deciphering their language through documenting, recording and photographing their society and movements for more than thirty years. Individual elephants not only know each other’s voices but they also recognize ours. They know we’re here. And while we continue to use and abuse them in captivity for our amusement, we have barely evolved to provide them with proper sanctuary and security whilst in our custody, nor can we curb our appetites to stop the massive trade for their ivory and their young for our entertainment. Elephants have survived life on earth for eons, but are no longer safe in the wild. The only question that remains is: Will they survive us?

Free: as in not under the control or in the power of another; the ability to act or be or do as one wishes. Albert Camus wrote Humans are the only creatures who don't want to be what they are. And what we absolutely don’t want to be is an animal. We are face to face with the absolute need to reevaluate our relationship to every other living being on earth, particularly as companions or entertainment- be it zoo or sanctuary or pet. Today with my guest Adam Roberts of Born Free USA, we discuss the enormous implications and interconnectedness of our actions on those around us. As complex and innumerable as these connections are, the concept is simple: Will we accept that each choice we make has an impact, that for better and for worse, we each can make a difference? From how we choose to entertain ourselves to how we do business we have the knowledge and ability to act differently, the big question remains- Are we willing to change our behavior and actions?

With almost two decades of experience studying primate behavior Dr. Stephen Ross, Director Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes at Lincoln Park Zoo, focuses on using both animal behavior and science to influence policy, and further the positive effects for animal welfare. His primary focus is assessing, measuring and improving the welfare of chimpanzees in a wide scope of conditions- from inappropriate portrayal of chimpanzees in popular media to assessing the housing and management of chimps in captivity, to those in the often-unseen population in private situations. The overarching goal of Steve’s work is to facilitate change in both policy and legislation that will benefit chimpanzees in captivity and their conservation in the wild. Steve’s breadth of knowledge brought him to the attention of the Lincoln Park Zoo and the designing of their new ape habitat, and culminated in 2009 in the LPZ’s Project ChimpCare.

My guest today, Will Stolzenburg, is no newcomer to our wild world- both as a guest here, but more so as an investigative journalist. On hundreds of remote islands around the world massive -and massively controversial- wildlife rescue missions have been well under way, often under the radar. Our Islands, fragile ecosystems home to unique species and most of the largest sea-bird colonies that exist anywhere on the globe. These wildlife and avian colonies, which evolved in peaceful isolation, have been catastrophically disrupted by us,and the mainland predators- rats, cats, goats, and pigs- we ferry around with us wherever we have explored. Amid the many challenges and threats to life on Earth, risking life and limb on perilous adventure, Stoltenberg’s, Rat Island delivers to readers not only the intimate portraits of nature and her beasts, heroes and villains, but he also reveals reasons to hope.

Global Sanctuary for Elephants founders joined hands with notable experts, including Joyce Poole, to work on a solution to the growing crisis for captive elephants in South America. It has become apparent that captive elephant health, internationally, is in a state of emergency. Earth’s largest mammals live severely restricted lives in chains or extreme confinement with insufficient diet, and isolation from social groupings, leading to severe health complications, disease and psychological illness from extreme aggression, self-mutilation and withdrawal. Human awareness of the suffering of captive animals is increasing, creating a global desire for positive change. Developing an elephant sanctuary requires extensive knowledge of the natural life of elephants, how they live if left alone in the wild, understanding their social structures, diet, communication the meaning of natural elephant behaviors, postures and vocalizations

I’ve just returned from a conference on Captive Wildlife by the Performing Animal Welfare Society, PAWS: 3 days filled with eye opening education on the cascades of its resultant issues. Today’s conversation will touch upon all that lives under the big top umbrella of captive animals: from wild caught to breeding to stress and veterinary issues; from zoo vs. sanctuary; and the legal battles from defense to rights and welfare to personhood. Facts: humans keep and breed exotic animals for captivity. Why? The answers and justifications surrounding this tower of power are as astonishing as they are layered, and multi-faceted in what it says about us- their captors. What we have done, could, and have the ability to, do. Ultimately the conference reinforced the point that we humans have some serious ethical adjustments to make, much to be learned about how we behave, and what we value- because of living with non-human beings.

What is Conservation? If someone were to ask you what it means, what would you say? As we’ve seen over the course of the program, conservation is many things, but more importantly, it is also shifting, just like we are, our cultures are and our societies are.. we are in a very different world than that of our ancestors.. both ancient and modern. What does conservation mean today, and how does it connect to the past and the needs of a rapidly changing future? At the same time, everything is connected and eventually comes round full circle- one way or another.

The mission, to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes by stopping the demand for wildlife products. Today, we must globally engage as many individuals on as many levels as possible, to sell wildlife awareness as a lifestyle choice. Focused on a single message “When the buying stops, the killing can too” Peter Knights and WildAid have created the first of its kind advertising campaign that brings hundreds of people around the world together. Through sophisticated marketing combined with hundreds actors, athletes, musicians and spokespeople, Peter and WildAid have created an international program and campaign aimed at reducing demand for endangered species. Our conversation today covers the array of issues that converge through the illegal trade and trafficking in wildlife, to the urgent need to shift global public awareness of the roles that wildlife and animals hold in keeping our world functioning.

Conflict between humans and elephants is a long one fraught with controversy and debate between mitigation models created vs. the reality of the impacts on the ground at the local level, where villagers who must live with the negative impacts of elephants in their daily survival results in a gap where both people and elephants lose. At the local level, communities often lack the tools, infrastructure, technology or political support to implement workable solutions where everyone benefits. Tobias Nyumba is working to assess and satisfy this gap, by modifying these models to real-life situations and solutions that include all levels of community by understanding the various social layers including gender and age, to identify the overlaps between human needs and the needs of wildlife, building new models for real-world conservation solutions that provide the necessary security, economic and social benefits for a future that holds elephants.

As our human communities develop and encourage green spaces and living alongside and in nature and natural landscapes, we now often find ourselves face to face with our wild neighbors who have taken a liking to our homes. As much as wildlife and the natural environment are important to our psyche and well being, our wild neighbors also find our communities fulfill their needs very nicely. That’s also where the conflicts can arise- the raccoon whose made its nursery in our chimneys or the deer who find our lawns and parks quite yummy. Dr. John Hadidian is the Director of the Humane Society of the U.S. Urban Wildlife and conflict resolution project. Join us today as John helps us to see the world from our wild neighbors perspective, and how we can learn to co-exist with our wild neighbors toward more holistic landscapes.

In the brief time scale since humans have occupied Earth we’ve managed to from interrupt climate and tip the scales of species loss and extinctions. It is this ‘model’ of Western civilization, led by the technological society, and its rain forest felling, atmospheric carbonization, and oceanic acidifying temper, that has upturned the planet’s normal metabolism. It is said we have until 2020 to turn things around. The Paris conference on climate change next year must be the definitive statement on changing course. The question remains: Will the business mind of bigger is better prevail, or will the earth’s tired and poor and pullulating masses of seven billion and still counting, be able to convince the 1 percent that the earth has a fever, and that humanity, as a whole, needs heart surgery.

Thai It All Together with Len Levine When I was working with rural villages around Mt. Kasigau in Tsavo, Kenya, I kept hearing about an amazing man, Len Levine, who no matter what the situation was, he would find a way to make happen what needed doing, and he’s still doing it today. Len’s background has served him well in to participate in a wide variety of adventures from radio to politics to working with the EPA to emerging solar technologies. Len says he’s retired, but joining us today from Pattaya, Thailand, it seems he’s anything but. Len is an energetic man who’s curiosity and style is an example and a template of how to be a global citizen in a rapidly changing world. No matter who we are or where we are, we each have something to share, contribute and bring about connections - person to person, culture to culture, nation to nation, one conversation at a time.

No doubt about it, this Ebola frightening. This outbreak has already claimed thousands and it isn’t over and the outlook by the W.H.O. and C.D.C. and the news can be confusing. Today, Dr. Kathy Alexander, of the Virginia Tech Bio-informanics Team and part of the global effort in modeling the analytics and massive interactions between the biosocial and technical to map and be pro-active to adapt and find effective measures that improve human health, habitat and well being. Kathy gives us perspective on the scope of Ebola and provides us with very direct and simple ways each of us can help. Wildness still holds many surprises, and the biggest lesson we are learning from this outbreak is, that what we do in our personal lives does eventually come round and connect to the larger picture, that Our Wild World has everything to do with us, and that we have everything to do with what happens ‘out there’. Learn more: http://www.vbi.vt.edu

We’re seeing shifts of time, generations and modernization and technology all over the world, and it’s always a good thing to hear the voices from the rest of the world. My guest today, Will Knocker, joins us from Kenya, overlooking Nairobi National Park. Will has lifetimes of knowledge to share as a third generation Kenyan- and an eloquent ability to share both visions of the past and merge them with the present. Sharing conversations, drawing parralles through the lens of living generations gives us a perspective and perhaps some objectivity as to a view of our own challenges, shifts, cultures and priorities as we sift around time – from old Africa to the Old West.

Mike is a multi-generational Kenyan. He’s one of the many folks who run businesses, take elephants in their yard for granted, bush pilot extraordinaire with tales to tell of the Kenya of the “Out of Africa” days, but also of the Kenya today. He’s a man on the ground, a local perspective. Mike and Eli reminisce of the Kenya of the old days, the days of his grandfather, and a vibrant life in between. About not only sociological and political changes, but changes over time and recent history in both the landscape, the wildlife and the people. With a firm belief that wildlife is one of the most precious resources in Africa both economically and environmentally, Mike’s history in the wildlife services and ranching industry, his family history, gives him a unique perspective on a pulse in Kenya and in a larger frame, the continent of wildlife rich Africa.

In the eons of time immemorial, life has eked out an existence from the fundamental ingredients of Planet Earth and it’s unique essences, our nature, our wildlife and .. us. In the few short centuries of Modern Man, earth processes have shifted by orders of magnitude, and so have ours. Whether you agree or not as to humanity’s role in these shifts is almost moot, for the point is that things have changed. That’s life, right? Life is a series of societal, cultural and personal shifts, a constant state of transition with big mile marker posts along the way. Today is a medley of thoughts and questions about our role on earth, who we are vs. who we can be, along with some of the ridiculousness that we try to sell ourselves as solutions toward navigating the challenges we face today, and whether we really are positioning ourselves in the best possible fashions for survival?

Join Eli and special guest Dr. Max Graham, PhD and Member IUCN Elephant Specialist Group as we discuss Human-wildlife conflict, in particular crop damage by elephants, and how this causes immediate subsistence crises resulting in enormous resentment and anger among rural people. Elephants and other wildlife are injured and killed in retaliation and it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to implement conservation projects under these circumstances. Human-wildlife conflict is not easy to solve and requires large investments of time and resources to simply reduce it. The best thing we can do is prevent human-wildlife conflict from occurring in the first place. This preventative measure requires proper land-use planning before it is too late. Sadly in many places it is too late. Under these circumstances what are we doing about it?

The needs of people and wildlife are inextricably linked, bound together by the common resources of our earth. Our human sense of entitlement over these resources vs. the needs of animals is where conflict arises that often turns into a boiling battle: Let’s call it the Tree-hugger vs. the Corporation. But what we're really talking about here is the economics of conservation vs. the moral and ethical dilemma of providing an atmosphere that allows for and includes security for the other life-forms we share this earth with. This is the basis of how we can define the health and wealth of our communities, both locally and globally; the decisions we make that affect not only our current quality of life, but that of future generations of both our human and wildlife communities.

Heard but not always seen, wild parrots are indicators of the health of the environment. Even though some are captive bred, parrots are still considered wild animals. Over 22 million parrots and related birds are kept as pets in the US. Many are not even a generation away from their wild cousins. If they could tell us how to help save their species, what would we learn from these avian ambassadors? With special guest, Julie Murad of the Gabriel Foundation, we’ll explore the mystique and status of parrots, companion, captive and wild.

Our media sound bytes makes it all so overwhelming and depressing: everywhere we turn it’s “Oh Despair and Hopelessness: Climate change, habitat loss, overpopulation, and impending extinctions, loss of forests and oceans, disease poverty!! We are NOT helpless! Each of us has the ability to minimize the “human factors” and engage in conservation. We all can find focus and strength to tackle these substantial challenges, individually and as a global community - finding a path through information and misinformation that will guide our ability to make informed decisions that affect both ourselves and our world. It’s time to Get Happy about the positive and become aware of what you can do to minimize our impacts on our natural world that will have positive impacts.

With Special Guest Philip Tedeschi , Clinical Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. We’ll explore the changing paradigm of recognizing incorporating the bond and relationships between people and non-human beings and and the implications for animal abuse to public health and human security. Our relationships with animals has become an enduring feature in so many families, homes, and communities. For centuries, the importance of animals in people’s lives has been recognized beneficial effect that animals have on human health, well being, and motivation- across age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and life condition. Images of animals appear in literature of all kinds art, celebrations, dreams, fables, folklore, language, medicine, music, religion, work, and recreation. Animals are found in nearly every aspect of life.

With special guests Grace Gabriel, Kelvin Alie and Peter LaFontaine from IFAW’s trade experts, we’ll discuss efforts to reduce the devastating impacts wildlife trade has on many endangered species. IFAW works in countries where policies regarding conservation and animal welfare are lacking and through expansion of wildlife crime and consumer awareness programs that address each link along the illegal wildlife trade chain - source, transit and consumer countries - including efforts to better integrate animal welfare and conservation into wildlife trade policy and planning. These efforts dovetail with their capacity building toward frontline enforcement personnel through established partnerships with U.S Department of State and INTERPOL to strengthen national and regional enforcement agencies across Africa and Asia to combat wildlife crimes to protect endangered species from poaching and illegal trade. www.IFAW.org

The core of survival has shifted from nature deciding our fate to us deciding the fate of of nature and ourselves. Where we are headed will be determined by our relationships- with each other, and with wildness. The needs of humans, and the earth are inextricably linked. The same technology that creates the solutions has caused us to be increasingly distracted. The answer is simple- co-existence or co-extinction. The question is, what will we choose

Join special guest, Dr. Kathleen Alexander PhD, DVM of CARACAL Biodiversity Center, Botswana and Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech who has been selected as one of three, African regional experts by World Health Organization and the Convention on Biological Diversity secretariat to participate in a regional workshop in Mozambique to present to national health and biodiversity experts from various African countries on integrating health and biodiversity into policy and planning. The objective is to contribute to the implementation of the Convention on the Biological Diversity in the WHO African Region, by providing a forum to national health and environment/biodiversity experts from African Parties to the CBD on actions to be taken in their respective countries. LINKS: http://www.vt.edu, www.Facebook.com/caracalbotswana, www.caracal.info, www.blogspot.healthbotswana.com

Conservationist, filmmaker, adventure tour guide, and geologist, Philip Price is impassioned to save Asian Elephants by bringing attention to what is happening to both the elephants and the people of Sri Lanka. As people fled in exile during the 30 year civil war, much of the island’s northern territory was abandoned, benefitting the islands elephants who moved into the open new open range. Post-war, as people return to claim their ancestral lands, human-elephant conflict has escalated. In 1998 Philip was production assistant for the film, “Elephants of Paradise,” a project that funded and documented the capture and relocation of Sri Lanka’s elephants. As it turned out, relocating only served to intensify the problems. Now, through interactive filming and unique adventure tours, Philip is documenting this journey, providing impetus and greater awareness to save the Asian Elephants from extinction, one of the greatest ecological challenges of our time. brbr Journey to Saving Ganesh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A994g9JsfyE brbr Saving Ganesh low resolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8dFGps5nnc OR HD resolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuMHy6CVaQ8

What happens when you have an island, a protracted civil war, and a magnificent species on the brink of extinction? Scientist, geologist, adventure tour guide, and visionary filmmaker with a lifelong commitment to conservation and environmental issues, Philip Price founded GeoWandering.com and SavingGanesh.org to share his journey and invites us to participate in creative efforts to turn the tides for the elephants and people of Sri Lanka, and transform the future for the Asian Elephant. In 1998 Philip was involved in making the film, “Elephants of Paradise,” a project that documented and raised funds for the capture and translocation of the island’s elephants, in hopes of resolving the conflicts. What resulted from that unique opportunity propelled Philip on a mission that now finds him at the heart of helping the people and the elephants of Sri Lanka, and in doing so, highlights that each of has the ability to be a catalyst for change.

Life and living are processes that happen on the local scale of our bodies to the global and universal scales of adaptability and evolution. Time is both temporary and eternal, an elegant, messy, orchestrated and chaotic complex combination of cosmic, geologic, earthly, cultural individual frames of reference, whereby the clock is simply a tool of human convenience and measurement. When we embrace responsibility, accountability and ownership as actionable matters, we can realize that we have all the time we need to do what needs doing while encouraging knowledge and growth and become that we wish to be. Here we are, on the brink of never before faced challenges, we can sit still, turn our backs or soar gladly into the unprecedented opportunities to heal ourselves, our earth and live in a state of mindfulness.

We’re traveling around the world today to Thailand with my guest Peter Alexander. Peter and I became acquainted via Facebook, his point of view and perspective engaged me immediately. The Internet, the World Wide Web is an amazing place, and one we take for granted, almost as much as assume the Web of Life will always be there to support us. Our conversation today is an example of interconnectedness between people, countries, cultures and the huges shifts that we have seen over the past several decades around the world, and on the brink of the possibilities and challenges that we are facing now and the ramifications of our actions today upon near and far future

Working tirelessly to put wildlife conservation into perspective for the future, my guest today is Tony Fitzjohn, who’s approach to conservation is, to say the least - unique. After close to forty years of hands-on field experience and proven results, Tony and his teams from the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust and WildlifeNOW are amongst the foremost authorities in African wildlife conservation today. Tony and his teams work to re-establish ecosystems and protect endangered species through developing partnerships- internationally and locally, educating future generations about conservation efforts and creating local sentiment towards conservation and preservation of their resources and wildlife. From the days of Born Free and Christian the Lion in Kenya, to revitalizing Tanzania’s distressed Mkomazi Game Reserve into the National Park it is today, its rhino sanctuary and wild dog breeding program, Tony has pretty much done and seen it all.

Ms. Searles is an expert in the handling and rehabilitation of injured wildlife and has appeared on numerous television and radio news programs. Accredited by the American Sanctuary Association, SWCC is presently home to numerous mammals, reptiles, and birds and is the only accredited holding facility for large predators in the State of Arizona. Equipped with an on-site hospital for treating injured and sick wildlife, SWCC has rescued, rehabilitated and released thousands of animals. Linda developed a program for raising orphaned coyote pups and bobcat kittens using foster parents. SWCC’s Nature Center schedules regular tours of the facility for school groups, community organizations, and the general public, and her staff and volunteers have developed a traveling education program to visit schools and community events to teach children and members of the community about wildlife and the environment.

Botswana Predator Conservation Trust is one of the longest running conservation research projects in Africa, and one of a handful of its caliber worldwide. Founded in 1989 as the Botswana Wild Dog Research Project, today it covers all the large carnivore species in Botswana. The goal of BPCT is to preserve Africa's large predators-African wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion and spotted hyena-and their habitats by using scientific inquiry to better understand the behaviors and communication systems of these animals. Strengthening the links between conservation and environmental issues to decision-making processes - the Government of Botswana acknowledges that appropriate and necessary resource management must have accurate information about its natural resources, and has entrusted BPCT with the task of leading northern Botswana’s conservation and research initiatives on all large carnivores and their associated habitats.

Are conserving wildlife and protecting animals the same thing? My guest today, award winning environmental reporter, Glen Martin, guides us as this question applies to Africa's mega fauna. Conservation planning of large landscapes and species survival includes the cascades of biodiversity that depend upon them. Animal rights, animal activists, and animal welfare consider each individual life as critical, and that none should die because of us. Animal rights restrictions present a challenging paradox for making long-term species survival and large landscape conservation, workable. Glen, through one-on-one conversations with legendary figures throughout Africa’s game management history in wildlife rich range states from E Africa to S.West Africa, “Game Changer” vividly demonstrates how our wild world's last great populations of wildlife may well be hostages in the battle between those who love them, and those who would save them.

Where wildlife, people, and livestock intersect a downturn in any one invariably affects the survival of the others. We know that humans and gorillas have much in common, and that human diseases such as TB and scabies do infect and kill gorillas. In 2002, Dr. Gladys Kelema-Zikusokoa founded Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH.org). CTPH is a grassroots NGO that promotes the connections between conservation and public health by improving primary health care to both people and animals in rural and urban areas in Uganda, with a vision toward reduced outbreaks and transmission of disease where people, wildlife and livestock intersect. With an innovative methodology focusing on the interdependence of wildlife and human health, CTPH utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach between governmental and non-governmental agencies, wildlife authorities and the communities themselves, whom also depend upon the health of their families, livestock and the gorillas.

We are dealing with an unprecedented spike in illegal wildlife trade, threatening to overturn decades of conservation gains. Wildlife overexploitation and crime is big business these days beyond the slippery slope and repercussions of impending extinctions. With my guest today, Will Gartshore of WWF we’ll gain in-depth understanding of the wide net involved in and stemming from illegal wildlife trafficking, and what the US government, our Congress, and the current Administration is doing about it. Will’s expertise is U.S. government relations and is World Wildlife Fund’s lead congressional liaison to overall issues of wildlife crime and trafficking. Will is actively involved in discussions around the US National Strategy on Combatting Wildlife Trafficking; the President’s Executive Order; and State Department activities among the security and intelligence communities on the illegal trade’s ties to transnational organized crime groups.

International wildlife crime, illegal ivory and elephant poaching have reached all time highs decimating elephant populations to an all time low. Using highly trained detection dogs, my guest Dr. Samuel Wasser, has developed DNA mapping methods from dung samplings that can determine both the geographic origins of poached African elephants and match that to major ivory seizures. Collaborating with the Interpol Working Group on Wildlife Crime, DNA testing provides investigators with a detailed map of where poaching is most prevalent while also matching the DNA fingerprint of ivory to individual elephants. These methods, combined with existing information on known criminal networks, enables law enforcement agencies to track and crack down on wildlife trafficking, further enhancing wildlife conservation management policies around the world while also adding pressure to implicated countries toward greater law enforcement actions within their borders.

We humans have a long history of doing violence to one another and of doing violence to other species, including our closest relatives, the Great Apes, as we continue to avert our gaze to the destruction around us. Arcus Foundation is a leading global foundation advancing the connectedness between social justice and conservation issues, and is built upon the cornerstones that regardless of race, gender, socio-economic class, gender identity or sexual orientation, we must honor the inherent dignity, value and worth of all human and non-human beings around the world. That we humans are able to develop a culture that fosters social activism that works to counter injustice, building a future that invests in both the individual and collective ability to empower creativity and leadership that develops an attitude of acceptance, appreciation and affirmation of all forms of diversity.

In December 2013 on our program “What Do Students, Sports and Tigers Have in Common?” we learned about Tigers4Tigers, a group of concerned students with an affinity for tigers and attending tiger mascot schools, came together and formed the National Tigers for Tigers Coalition. In January 2014, T4T took their passion and skills on the road- to India. Sharing experiences of a lifetime, trip leader, Sean Carnell and the students join us today discussing tiger conservation in the field: from the work of Tiger Trust’s operations in Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh National Parks, and the students’ insights gained through visits to historical sites and a 3-day cultural exchange and awareness program. T4T students have returned to the U.S., more motivated than ever and are determined to #saveourmascot.

What is the importance of our wildlife, especially predators, to our ecosystems? Healthy ecosystems means a healthy planet, which in the end, means healthy populations- people and wildlife, and ultimately the survival of all of us. With science, data, and expertise, new updates and recent findings, and also just plain commons sense and asking the right questions, we can begin to common ground between what may seem opposing camps. Over the past century a lot has changed, for the better, yet we still find ourselves losing wildlife in some places in ever increasing numbers, where in others we see successes. So, what’s the overall outlook? What are the changes that have been accomplished? What are those that yet require reform? What are our successes and how can we learn from both these and our failures?

One of the oldest conflicts is that between humans and carnivores and whether we are willing to share resources with them. As increased meat production on both public and private lands that historically provided prey in abundance for carnivores is turned to livestock ranching, we see increased conflicts and competition for the resources the land provides- for us and for wildlife. My guest today, Ron Thompson has been intimately involved with large carnivore conservation can tell you that killing all carnivores in an area simply increases livestock predation rates. Now, with Primero Conservation, Ron has turned his wildlife management skills and knowledge of carnivores to working with private landowners and ranchers in finding non-lethal methods reduce predation on domestic livestock- from reintroducing native prey to collaring and data on livestock predation- specifically for the animals being blamed for it-mountain lions and jaguars.

Coexisting with America’s Song Dog, with Camilla Fox and Robert Crabtree America’s Song Dog, the Trickster, of mythological status to Native Americans; Clever and intelligent, they are critical players in ecosystem health, yet they are the most persecuted. Today I welcome guest experts from Project Coyote: Camilla Fox, Founder and Executive Director and Dr. Robert Crabtree, Scientific Advisory Board member. We learn from Fox and Crabtree why our model of predator management in the form of “coyote killing contests’ and extreme exploitation is not, and will not work- particularly for our Wile E Coyote. We continue hot on the heels unveiling the barbaric practices of our USDA’s secretive killing agency ‘Wildlife Services’, using our tax dollars, on public and private land, to indiscriminately and overkill our wildlife, especially the carnivores - coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and other animals under the mantel of managing human-carnivore conflict toward agricultural and livestock interests.

Wildlife Services-a barbaric, wasteful and misnamed agency within the US Department of Agriculture, has been having their way for almost a century, our government’s secret war on wildlife has been killing millions of native predators and birds as well as maiming, poisoning, and brutalizing countless non-targeted and endangered species, along with quite a few pets and seriously injuring people. Brooks Fahy, the man behind Predator Defense and the landmark film, “EXPOSED”, brings three former federal agents and a Congressman who blow the whistle on the atrocities committed under the guise of problem animal control, and proving Wildlife Services for what it really is: A barbaric, unaccountable, government sanctioned, out-of-control wildlife killing machine funded on our dime, which apparently thinks they will continue getting away with it. But, we can tell Congress to defund Wildlife Services, and after this program, you will.

What are the links between the human-animal bond, animal cruelty, interpersonal violence; child and elder maltreatment and criminal behavior? With our guests Jim Pyle and Philip Tedeschi from the ColoradoLINK project. Helping to expand our understanding of the human-animal bond, we’ll be talking about these connections and why they matter for interpersonal relationships- people to people, and people to animal. 'The Link' utilizes a multidisciplinary approach across Colorado that develops and implements training and educational activities that assist in raising awareness of the significance of animal abuse and its correlations to human health and safety. Jim Pyle is ColoradoLINK Project Director and Prof. Philip Tedeschi is the Director of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Denver University, and a returning guest on Our Wild World.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our civilization. Every one of us is responsible for emitting carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. Our guest today is climate mitigation expert Rick Heede, author of the groundbreaking study, Carbon Majors. When looking at who’s responsible, we tend to point to individuals or countries, but here we have a different perspective – Corporations. A stunning two-thirds of all emissions have been traced to just 90 entities, such as Exxon Mobile and Chevron, who sell the products that result in these climate-changing emissions. Every gallon of gasoline we purchase from these corporations goes into these calculations. We will discuss how the Carbon Majors project might affect climate policy and what implications it might have for affecting the way we move forward with climate action- globally and, personally.

Working Dogs for Conservation trains and deploys the world’s best conservation detection dogs, finding everything from invasive beetle larvae, to reptiles, to invasive and endangered plants, and of course, elusive carnivores like wolverine, cheetah, and Amur Tiger. WDC dogs work non-invasively and without harming or harassing the target species, making conservation data collection sampling more effective, efficient and ethical. WDC also offers a second chance to high-drive shelter dogs, many of whom would have been euthanized but now have important jobs in saving wildlife, with operations in 11 countries and 18 US states. Pete has spent most of his career working in wildlife conservation from Kenya to South and North America. A trained biologist and landscape ecologist, Pete’s work has taken him rom research to conservation planning, to implementing conservation projects leading on the ground fieldwork.

Both reviled and loved, our history with the wolf is complex and emotional and the stuff of legends. Today, we have an opportunity to learn from one of the most knowledgeable wolf biologists around, Carter Niemeyer, author of “Wolfer” which should be prerequisite reading for everyone involved in the back and forth of the wolf debate! We’ll get into the politics and policies that surround wolf management to human interaction and conflict, to public perceptions vs. those of ranchers and the vested interests of those who want to see all wolves dead. From our earliest history to now we continue to wage war against the wolf, and it ‘s taken more than 100 years for science to catch up to understand the ecological cascade of consequences in the wake of their absence and what their presence means for our future- the wolf issue a parable and a symbol of the very soul of wildness.

Our story today revolves around a heroic journey of one cat that apparently walked (and swam) from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the green estates of Greenwich, CT, looking for love. The Connecticut lion serves as vehicle for the larger story of the would-be repatriation of the East by mountain lions making forays from the eastern edge of the Rockies across the Great Plains, where they haven’t lived for a century or more. Reminiscent of US war on predators in the early 1900’s, bogus science, intolerance and draconian hunts, these pioneering lions are getting hammered by hunters and state agencies, essentially imposing a gauntlet against the lion’s eastward movements, and worse, this model of intolerance is being copied elsewhere. The news of coexistence coming out of California, while uplifting, is a world apart from the societal and cultural attitudes of America’s rural heartland towards our reigning big cat.

We’re into a brand new year and unprecedented opportunities to make a difference in our wild world. Coming up we’ll be focused on conservation, ethics, value systems, and the changing paradigm that incorporates a culture of acceptance and social justice, and science-based discussions that focus not only the changes we’ve made, but the shifts we have yet to make to become the society and the humane species we can be. We have a great line up of Guest Hosts from authors to NGOs and working projects, to exposés about what is happening around our world. Today we’ll provide some highlights and background on upcoming topics that will be over the next couple of months!

With special guest Professor Emeritus Marc Bekoff, we will discuss that increasing our compassionate footprint will improve our overall relationship to animals and our earth, thus also improve conservation outcomes. As our species causes deep and enduring pain all over our amazing planet, there is growing evidence that we need to ask ourselves how other animals feel about the loss of their homes. Solid science now tells us they suffer as we do without a safe and peaceful place to live, thrive, and survive. Compassionate conservation is concerned with the humane treatment and welfare of animals within the framework of traditional conservation biology, finding a way through polarization between those interested in animal protection and those interested in conservation. Compassion for animals should be fundamental for conservation as poor conservation outcomes are often consistent with the mistreatment of animals.

Everyday, every year, every moment, we are on the brink: of a new day, a new year, and to be astonished. We live on the only blue ball that carries life, as we know it, and such an abundance of life it is. We are also on the brink of change throughout our human and non-human communities; shifts in thought, knowledge, culture and civilizations. Today we’ll highlight landmarks of 2013 and some hints at what’s in store from our wild world to you for a brand new year- the crossover paths and links where we can reengage, revitalize and renew ourselves and the amazing nuances, diversity and connectedness of this miraculous web of life called Planet Earth.

With Special Guest Philip Tedeschi , Clinical Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. We’ll explore the changing paradigm of recognizing incorporating the bond and relationships between people and non-human beings and and the implications for animal abuse to public health and human security. Our relationships with animals has become an enduring feature in so many families, homes, and communities. For centuries, the importance of animals in people’s lives has been recognized beneficial effect that animals have on human health, well being, and motivation- across age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and life condition. Images of animals appear in literature of all kinds art, celebrations, dreams, fables, folklore, language, medicine, music, religion, work, and recreation. Animals are found in nearly every aspect of life.

Join us with Sean Carnell and Dr. David Tonkyn about how and why concerned students with an affinity for tigers, from schools across the country that use the tiger as their mascot, came together to form the National Tigers for Tigers Coalition. There are over 50 colleges and universities in the country with tigers as their mascot, and NT4TC has coordinated 11 of those to work together to #saveourmascot. As there are only about 3200 tigers left in the wild, NT4TC’s goal is to improve the survival of tigers in the wild, and the humane treatment of those in captivity. Through direct action and education NT4TC mobilizes the public about tigers and conservation policies. As their organization grows, NT4TC works with the National Wildlife Refuge Association, US Fish and Wildlife Service, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Big Cat Rescue, Tiger Trust India and others. www.t4tcoalition.org

Over the past several episodes, the past year really, Our Wild World has covered a lot of territory about the good the bad and the ugly, the links between people, animals and wildlife. As we close in on the end of another year, we ponder how to find balance in world that seems increasingly unbalanced. How do we strengthen the conduit that is being acknowledged between the the human and animal bond, the needs of our environment, our wildlife and…us. How is it all coming together? What’s the Big Picture? From headlines to heart-lines, more ponderings of how we decide and define what is ‘here’ and what is ‘there’.

With special guests Grace Gabriel, Kelvin Alie and Peter LaFontaine from IFAW’s trade experts, we’ll discuss efforts to reduce the devastating impacts wildlife trade has on many endangered species. IFAW works in countries where policies regarding conservation and animal welfare are lacking and through expansion of wildlife crime and consumer awareness programs that address each link along the illegal wildlife trade chain - source, transit and consumer countries - including efforts to better integrate animal welfare and conservation into wildlife trade policy and planning. These efforts dovetail with their capacity building toward frontline enforcement personnel through established partnerships with U.S Department of State and INTERPOL to strengthen national and regional enforcement agencies across Africa and Asia to combat wildlife crimes to protect endangered species from poaching and illegal trade. www.IFAW.org

A conversation with WildlifeDirect, and special guests Dr. Paula Kahumbu, John Heminway and JJ Kelley as we converse about impact- of the illegal wildlife trade, ineffective laws. From the spearhead campaign HANDS OFF OUR ELEPHANTS, to the National Geographic investigative film ‘Battle for the Elephants’, to what measures are being undertaken on the ground and around the globe stop poaching and the demand for ivory, including the statement from Asst. Sec. of State, Judy Garber. From beefing up wildlife crime laws for stricter penalties for poaching and trafficking, to award winning documentaries and the many people involved in making a difference around the world. This episode continues our series in raising awareness about what is happening on the ground and around the globe to put a stop to illegal trade in our wild world’s wildlife. Link: http://youtu.be/fkZevvee2d4

Today we’ll be discussing how our USFish & Wildlife Service is involved in saving African and Asian Elephants, with special guests Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement Edward Grace ; The Chief of Near East. South Asia and Africa Division of International Conservation, Richard Ruggiero; and African Elephant Program Specialist Michelle Gadd. We will have an informative and frank conversation and dialogue about the November 14th, USFW Ivory Crush, the decimation to our wild world’s wildlife with focus on elephants, and how our USFW law enforcement works with the US and abroad to stop wildlife crime and international trafficking, particularly of our mega-fauna- elephants, rhino, tigers along with the less well known facts about just how insidious wildlife crime and trafficking has become globally. You will find image and video links on WildiZe Facebook page, #ivory on twitter, and visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/

The pressure on our world’s elephants is heating up. The survival of elephants ultimately depends upon us, what we decide our relationship to this iconic and keystone species will be and how we will answer the questions and balance between supply vs. demand for ivory vs. the complex animal. Elephants have survived for millennia, but will they survive us? Today’s dialogue will provide the foundation leading into our next two episodes with guest hosts experts on conservation efforts, to law enforcement monitoring both the illegal trafficking and legal trade in ivory. Overall we hope to provide a better understanding of the challenges we, and elephants, are facing. Coming up over the next episodes will be conversations with US Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement, African Elephant biologists and conservationists Dr. Paula Kahambu of WildlifeDirect. Joan Donner, Jacqueline Russel and filmaker John Heminway.

At present, rhinos in sub-Saharan Africa are being exterminated at a rate of more than one per day, leading to extinction by 2020. With poaching reaching epidemic levels in the region. Something needs to be done to end the slaughter. Enter Damien Mander, ex-Australian Special Forces who founded the IAPF, who’s mission is to protect and preserve wildlife in volatile regions. IAPF focuses its mission through a number of methods, first and foremost through training, equipment, and deployment of rangers to the frontline of the war on poaching, providing them with the latest tactics and operating procedures. Key to the success of their mission is engaging, educating and involving local communities that border protected areas, through sustainable projects and initiatives, providing lifestyle and economic alternatives to poaching. Learn More: http://www.iapf.org/en/

There is a lot happening on the ground, in the news and in the courtrooms around the world in wildlife conservation. Battles are being fought and lines are being drawn as to the place our wildlife holds in our value systems, our economics and our hearts and our history. Between advocates and opponents of how we will manage our wildlife populations into the future and the reasons for doing so- ethics, morals, and economic benefits worldwide. Today we’ll discuss the footprint of wildlife conservation and background of why this issue is globally heating up to be one of our biggest challenges were facing today, that it is much more complicated than simply loving animals vs. commerce.

The one tool each of us has at our disposal is our brain, and the ability to think ourselves through to solutions. The headlines are downright scary these days, and while it seems like the world has been turned upside down around us while we weren’t looking, that suddenly the scale and scope of our challenges are so much bigger than the individual. But, historically, this is when we humans are often at our very best, and how we choose to respond to the challenges we are facing will define our future and the future of every living thing that calls Earth home. As there are millions of us, there are millions of solutions, which will, together, turn the tides; from grass-roots initiatives to concerted efforts––it’ll be our brains, and thinking, that will see us through.

Last week with special guests Tim, Cody and Julia, we had a rousing discussion about the film How I Became An Elephant and composing the musical score. We found that we couldn’t begin to cover all the information we wanted to share about what is happening to our wild world’s elephants, and more importantly, what is being done and how you can help- with time, your social networks, and where your financial contributions will be well put to use. Elephants are under attack now more than ever: slaughtered, culled, poached and made captives. Fifty years ago there were 3 million elephants across their range states, today, there are a mere 300,000. From illegal wildlife trafficking syndicates feeding a thirst for ivory to those elephants that are taken from the wild to live a life of captivity, abuse and hard labor- slaves to us and our entertainment. How I Became an Elephant Trailer http://youtu.be/BeBwe7yTw7o;

Elephant are under siege and being slaughtered at an unprecedented rate, and it will only through public pressure on policy and politics that will change this issue, educate those who live with elephants as to their living value, and to those who would chose to destroy them for human greed. Today we bring you filmmaker Timothy Gorski of Rattle the Cage Productions and creator of How I Became an Elephant, the story of a 14yo girl from California who inspires a movement to save elephants through a life-altering journey to Southeast Asia, and the musical composer team of Cody Westheimer and Julia Newmann, whose compositions continue to bring further emotion and context to the imagery and message to many films including The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

We welcome back Dale Preece-Kelly, founder of Critterish Allsorts, based in the United Kingdom and focused on animal assisted therapy. Critterish Allsorts has expanded their therapeutic techniques with the help of Stoosh the skunk, who’s become quite the celebrity. Today we’ll explore more deeply the connections and benefits between people and animals not only as therapy for emotional challenges and relationship and building of trust and communication but also the other side of the conversation, some insights as to how animals can also benefit from deep relationships with people. LINKS:

Executive Director since 2002 of the internationally renowned Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival Lisa Samford left a career in journalism to become an award winning documentary filmmaker, specializing in difficult and remote expedition projects. Working primarily for Discovery, PBS, National Geographic, and network television she has filmed across five continents on a diverse collection of projects exploring topics ranging from violent crime, espionage and ethnographic scientific exploration to intimate portraits of world leaders. She also leads the Jackson Hole Science Symposium, the Jackson Hole Conservation Summit and launched TEDx Jackson Hole. The Jackson Film Fest is an unparalleled industry gathering that happens every other year with more than 650 international delegates participating in an exceptional slate symposia and screenings from the cutting edge of wildlife conservation film making.

What is the whole? We daily face a whole host of challenges, decisions to make from the moment of waking to going to sleep. We see this as a natural continuum of moments of separate steps to be taken along the way, and together each of these myriad actions accomplish the over arching goal- and are, whole But, is this really what is happening? As we reduce the whole down into ever smaller parts…are we perhaps losing sight of the e whole and big picture- that which is greater than the sum of and because of all of its parts, and therefore also distinct. From food to lifestyle, Wholism: what does it look like and where can it lead us, and why how we get there is important!

There is and Elephant in the room that is dying. Join Eli with the Elephant in the Room production team, special guests Travis Fultion, Executive Producer; Vladimir van Maule, Director, Cinematographer; and Kire Godal, Producer and 2nd Camera. The EITR, who, with the support and funding through WildiZe Foundation, have just returned from Kenya for the making of a short film to draw attention to the elephant's plight. Elephants are in crisis like never before, it is an all out slaughter, especially in East Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, 67-100 elephants are being killed PER DAY for their ivory which is shipped out through the various black market trade routes and pipelines, most of it headed for China with no end in sight. As China builds it's capacity and the middle class climbs the economic ladder and desire to reconnect with their history and culture to honor their ancestors and wealth and status, ivory, and thus dead elephants, are in ever more demand.

Over the many episodes of Our Wild World, we’ve shared the wonder of wildlife and wilderness through a variety of perspectives from scientific, to solutions based, to a naturalist view, from that which brings about collapse to that which reimagines ourselves and thus our world, and all the myriad beings and life-forms with whom we share multitudinous relationships and the natural laws that sustain our vitally. Today we’ll weave together selected readings from favorite authors illustrative of the every day spectacular happenings that surround, envelope and knit together the magnificence that is life, and the transformative role and influence of the individual human, and non-human being.

The urban wilderness: The bear, raccoon, beaver or the lion in your yard, patrolling your neighborhoods and nearby recreation areas, and rising numbers of risky and close encounters with the wild animals in our backyards, and those when we’re in what we have designated as 'their space.' These rising encounters signify changes both environmentally and culturally, of our rapidly growing human footprint causing fuzzy boundaries of our understanding and attitudes toward wildlife, and those between what belongs to whom–– is it our back yard or their living room? We are provided with many opportunities for increased awareness about human and non-human communities as to how to interact with each other while living side by side, and, sometimes in the same places at the same time. Today we'll explore some of the facets around these issues and what can happen when we forget there really are wild things out there.

When engaging in wildness through travel, work or vacation, there comes the time when one crosses the line from the urban mentality into heightened awareness where the wild things are- animals, habitats and ecosystems. How we choose to behave and live our lives in our urban and sub-urban life-ways and life-paths has a dramatic effect on how wildness, wilderness and wildlife thrive - whether we are engaging or recreating in it or not. Some stories of how folks behave when out of their element or comfort zone and in direct contact with wilderness; foolishness and foolhardiness when preparedness and attention will bring about healthier, happier and wiser and safer relationships between people to people and people to wildness.

It’s never been clearer that now is a crucial moment for the global environment and that how we address this moment in our history will impact the future human experience on our planet, especially in the case for Africa and it’s precious wildlife. Guillaume has decided the best way to communicate and bring these problems to international attention is to undertake a systematic visual record of the continent’s vanishing wilderness, documenting how man is erasing 300 million years of evolution for personal gain, “Only 50 years ago man had to be protected from the beasts; today the beasts must somehow be protected from man.” These words, written back in 1965, never sounded truer than they do today. Yet when Peter Beard first expressed these concerns forty-five years ago, he would not have guessed how bad things would become for Africa’s wildlife and its habitat.

We've been on the road through the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Bighorn Canyon, and Devils Tower. Last week we gave a bit of history of the area, and this week well have some stories of the journey and from folks we talked with along the road. We stopped off at the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range and met two wonderful young women, Kassie Renner and Sydney Tyaeck who will join us today to tell us more about their work, the wild mustangs they protect. This road trip has been a fabulous excursion out into our wild world.. it may often seem like everything has been paved over, but let us tell you… there is a lot of beautiful open country and landscapes with fabulous wildlife sitings just waiting for you to get out there on the road! links: http://www.pryormustangs.org, http://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm, http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm, http://www.gtnpf.org

We’re taking this show on the road through some of our west’s greatest natural wonders- Yellowstone, Montana, and hopefully into the Dakotas! We’ll be bringing you the voices of fellow travelers we meet along the way, their thoughts about some of the hot topics of today and about our wild world. We just don’t know what surprises and comments we’ll encounter til we get there.. so, tune in for this special on the road journey through our wild world.

So many critical efforts are happening right now! The CITES meeting in Bangkok, Thailand may well decide the future for elephants and rhinos around the world. The US. Wildlife Services are under fire for unethical killing of our wildlife- both endangered and non-targeted species. The USFW is working hard to keep up with the Environmental Protection Act and government policies, and we are facing global biodiversity tipping points everywhere we look. Our policies and politics and our everday choices do make a difference, both here at home and around the world. Despite all this, there is Hope, and it’s right beneath our feet - we just need to focus by each of us taking some small actions in our everyday lives to protect the future that our ancestors left to us and which we will leave to our children.

Today, we're taking conservation processes out of the forum and onto the ground with more news about ongoing projects covering elephant, rhino and lion projects in Kenya, Botswana and S.Africa and bring you up to date on ground breaking decisions being made that are both positive and possibly very scary. There is a huge shift happening in conservation policy and politics locally and globally, and we’ll highlight how they work together in real world applications and also how the real world happenings will be affecting every species- us and a whole host of others, for our very near future.

Today we’ll highlight news happening in wildlife conservation around the world, where communities are engaging new models and considerations in living with their wild and non-human neighbors, and each other. We’ll highlight WildiZe funded projects and updates, and programs and projects elsewhere that are bringing the much needed attention and solutions for endangered species survival, including on-the-ground efforts, awareness raising efforts and how we are forging relationships between cultures and nations.

Today we are highlighting what seem to be the miraculous milestones in shifts of consciousness and policies around the world that recognize the importance of and relationships with, the other earthlings we share space with. We’ve scoured the news headlines to find emblems of hope that underscore how far we have come, and the questions we must yet answer. We are in a poignant time where we have genuinely and often radically, moved the paradigm shift of redefining and reimagining our place in the concert of life, and how we relate to the other life forms of our incredible world. From evolution to renaissance, we are broadening our definition from ‘what’ to ‘who’ deserves rights, and this is putting us well on the way to a brighter future.

Over the many episodes of Our Wild World, we’ve shared the wonder of wildlife and wilderness through a variety of perspectives from scientific, to solutions based, to a naturalist view, from that which brings about collapse to that which reimagines ourselves and thus our world, and all the myriad beings and life-forms with whom we share multitudinous relationships and the natural laws that sustain our vitally. Today we’ll weave together selected readings from favorite authors illustrative of the every day spectacular happenings that surround, envelope and knit together the magnificence that is life, and the transformative role and influence of the individual human, and non-human being.

Join us today with special guest, investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer as we discuss his book Killing For Profit, which reads like an international thriller, but is a terrifying true story of greed, corruption, and ruthless criminal enterprise centered around the illegal trafficking of rhino horn and wildlife. This is a compelling, meticulous and revelatory account of one the worlds most secretive trades aiding in the decimation of one of our world’s unique endangered species, the Rhino. Since publication, Mr. Rademeyer attended the CITES 2013 in Bangkok, reporting first hand the human folly and convoluted international conservation policies, politics, players and loopholes which undermine the global efforts to save the rhino from extinction.

Over the many episodes of Our Wild World, we’ve shared the wonder of wildlife and wilderness through a variety of perspectives from scientific, to solutions based, to a naturalist view, from that which brings about collapse to that which reimagines ourselves and thus our world, and all the myriad beings and life-forms with whom we share multitudinous relationships and the natural laws that sustain our vitally. Today we’ll weave together selected readings from favorite authors illustrative of the every day spectacular happenings that surround, envelope and knit together the magnificence that is life, and the transformative role and influence of the individual human, and non-human being.

When asked to summarize his work Ian Redmond says, “I am a naturalist by birth, a biologist by training, and a conservationist by necessity. But conservation for me isn’t just about saving species. On a larger scale, the planet needs us to save functioning eco-systems; on a smaller scale, we must also recognize that species are made up of individual animals. For me, it became personal when I had the privilege of getting to know individual wild animals in the wild... I can truthfully say that some of my best friends are gorillas, and I care passionately about them and the future of all life on Earth. His career shifted from research to conservationist when one of his subjects was killed. His work on behalf of animals was recognized in 1996 when presented with PAWS Humane Achievement Award, and appointed O.B.E. in 2006 at the Queen’s Birthday Honours

Over the various episodes of Our Wild World, we have been highlighting how important it has become that we re-engage with each other through a variety of perspectives from our many guests that tell us we are not alone in our understanding of how critical it has become to inspire each of us to hold our earth in our hands and bring us all to begin being the people and the world we want to be. Over the past one hundred years, the conservation movement has undergone dramatic changes- from a living in harmony ‘as is and at will’ concept through a series of models of protectionism to community based, from little research and knowledge to major technological and scientific understandings. Where has this led us today? And where is conservation as a lifestyle and model headed into the future? We'll discuss some of the history of how conservation came about, the changes it is had to face and must undergo to face the challenges of tomorrow.

It’s never been clearer that now is a crucial moment for the global environment and that how we address this moment in our history will impact the future human experience on our planet, especially in the case for Africa and it’s precious wildlife. Guillaume has decided the best way to communicate and bring these problems to international attention is to undertake a systematic visual record of the continent’s vanishing wilderness, documenting how man is erasing 300 million years of evolution for personal gain, “Only 50 years ago man had to be protected from the beasts; today the beasts must somehow be protected from man.” These words, written back in 1965, never sounded truer than they do today. Yet when Peter Beard first expressed these concerns forty-five years ago, he would not have guessed how bad things would become for Africa’s wildlife and its habitat.

Conservation is not a linear path but compares to a jigsaw puzzle of multilayered pieces that must fit together for the whole to work. It is easy to think that conservation is something going on in places so far away and exotic that it seems unimaginable that one person here anywhere in the world could have significant impact on the greater outcome of a child, a community or even an entire species. Our Wild World’s goal is to advance knowledge for our listeners about the bigger picture of what is involved in making conservation happen through providing a platform to engage people as to how anyone can get involved in making a difference- for your life and our future as a whole, as we face a rapidly changing world, and finding a place for living with wildlife in our backyards, where ever your yard is!

We have seen and heard evidence from indigenous peoples the world over that attests to the challenges of globalization and climate change. What events the eye seizes, what stories we gather, what species, tribes and life forms we are able to save will be our legacy to the next generation. We cannot tell the children of the future that this is where the wild things were. The book and the upcoming film re-imagine our mind-body-spirit connection between elephants and us, and thus the web of life between us, and animals. The crisis elephants are facing is a direct and deeper question of the challenges our planet and therefore, we, are facing. While these challenges are unprecedented in our history, this is the very fabric that provides unprecedented opportunities and alternatives for new ways to heighten our awareness of beauty, that engages humanity on a variety of levels to a different future.

Our guest today is Dale Preece-Kelly of Critterish Allsorts. As we talk about the many benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy or Pet Therapy, a natural holistic treatment, that pre-dates science, as we know it, and used within psychology as a proven Occupational Therapy tool that improves spirit-mind-body interconnectedness, reducing both anxiety and blood pressure. The interaction and relationship between people and animals has been shown to reduce stress and promote well being; increase socialization; improve self-esteem and confidence, promoting quality of life and encouraging the ability to nurture and accept responsibility in forming non-human relationships and enduring bonds, connecting people who may not otherwise have an opportunity to interact with animals, to learn about their welfare and conservation, providing an amazing opportunity to teach all ages the value of the human-animal bond.

Join Eli and special guest Dr. Max Graham, PhD and Member IUCN Elephant Specialist Group as we discuss Human-wildlife conflict, in particular crop damage by elephants, and how this causes immediate subsistence crises resulting in enormous resentment and anger among rural people. Elephants and other wildlife are injured and killed in retaliation and it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to implement conservation projects under these circumstances. Human-wildlife conflict is not easy to solve and requires large investments of time and resources to simply reduce it. The best thing we can do is prevent human-wildlife conflict from occurring in the first place. This preventative measure requires proper land-use planning before it is too late. Sadly in many places it is too late. Under these circumstances what are we doing about it?

Join us today with special guest, investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer as we discuss his book Killing For Profit, which reads like an international thriller, but is a terrifying true story of greed, corruption, and ruthless criminal enterprise centered around the illegal trafficking of rhino horn and wildlife. This is a compelling, meticulous and revelatory account of one the worlds most secretive trades aiding in the decimation of one of our world’s unique endangered species, the Rhino. Since publication, Mr. Rademeyer attended the CITES 2013 in Bangkok, reporting first hand the human folly and convoluted international conservation policies, politics, players and loopholes which undermine the global efforts to save the rhino from extinction.

Wouldn’t it be great if today’s headlines were : It’s okay. We can all come out now! the Extinction and Global crises are over, and We’ve Won! We don’t have to worry about environmental collapse or losing our polar bears and elephants, and our world turning into one big corporate machine, because humanity came to its senses the other day - we all pulled together and turned our wild world around! Each of us one day said to the other, well… here’s what I did today, and I’m going to do it every day from now on, and it caught on.

Join special guest, Dr. Kathleen Alexander PhD, DVM of CARACAL Biodiversity Center, Botswana and Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech who has been selected as one of three, African regional experts by World Health Organization and the Convention on Biological Diversity secretariat to participate in a regional workshop in Mozambique to present to national health and biodiversity experts from various African countries on integrating health and biodiversity into policy and planning. The objective is to contribute to the implementation of the Convention on the Biological Diversity in the WHO African Region, by providing a forum to national health and environment/biodiversity experts from African Parties to the CBD on actions to be taken in their respective countries. LINKS: http://www.vt.edu, www.Facebook.com/caracalbotswana, www.caracal.info, www.blogspot.healthbotswana.com

Our special guest today is Joshua Ole Musa, a key team member of the Maasai Cultural Heritage Program, and in coordinating an annual festival. The project’s goal is to perpetuate Maasai heritage in an age of cultural convergence and loss of traditions through gathering both historical and contemporary culture material and art. To discover how other tribal cultures maintain and celebrate their cultural heritage, three Maasai Joshua Kirrinkol, Michael Tiampati, John Kimanga, an anthropologist, and a representative of African Conservation Fund, traveled together as part of a planning team, to visit to the 63rd Annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture in Flagstaff, Arizona, visiting with Navajo artists, pastoralists, spiritual leaders, an environmental group, and schools throughout the Navajo Nation to learn about some of the ways the Navajo are maintaining their cultural heritage. http://www.africanconservationfund.org/index.php/current-projects

So many critical efforts are happening right now! The CITES meeting in Bangkok, Thailand may well decide the future for elephants and rhinos around the world. The US. Wildlife Services are under fire for unethical killing of our wildlife- both endangered and non-targeted species. The USFW is working hard to keep up with the Environmental Protection Act and government policies, and we are facing global biodiversity tipping points everywhere we look. Our policies and politics and our everday choices do make a difference, both here at home and around the world. Despite all this, there is Hope, and it’s right beneath our feet - we just need to focus by each of us taking some small actions in our everyday lives to protect the future that our ancestors left to us and which we will leave to our children.

Heard but not always seen, wild parrots are indicators of the health of the environment. Even though some are captive bred, parrots are still considered wild animals. Over 22 million parrots and related birds are kept as pets in the US. Many are not even a generation away from their wild cousins. If they could tell us how to help save their species, what would we learn from these avian ambassadors? With special guest, Julie Murad of the Gabriel Foundation, we’ll explore the mystique and status of parrots, companion, captive and wild.

There is and Elephyant in the room that is dying. Join Dli with the Elphant in the Foom production team, special guests Travis Fultion, Executive Producer; Vladimir van Maule, Director, Cinematographer; and Kire Godal, Producer and 2nd Camera. The EITR, who, with the support and funding through WildiZe Foundation, have just returned from Kenya for the making of a short film to draw attention to the elephant's plight. Elephants are in crisis like never before, it is an all out slaughter, especially in East Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, 67-100 elephants are being killed PER DAY for their ivory which is shipped out through the various black market trade routes and pipelines, most of it headed for China with no end in sight. As China builds it's capacity and the middle class climbs the economic ladder and desire to reconnect with their history and culture to honor their ancestors and wealth and status, ivory, and thus dead elephants, are in ever more demand.

The short film “The Elephant in the Room is being made in Kenya as this episode airs. With the devastating rise in poaching of elephants in sub-Saharan Africa, the ivory of which is mainly headed for the Asian and Chinese markets, this episode will highlight the plight of elephants and the dramatic rising in poaching as we lead up to the 2013 CITES meeting in Bangkok where the ban on ivory is once again up for discussion. We will highlight the various in-country efforts being done to mitigate the slaughter including education and anti-poaching projects funded by WildiZe the purpose of this short film. Today’s episode will provide some background information on the history of elephants and just how profound this species is, and why its survival is critical. When the production crew returns from Kenya, they will be Our Wild World guests on the show Feb. 25, 2013.

Join us with special guest Manny Mvula, Co-Founder of High Five Club, UK & Zambia whose mission is to give communities in the developing world a hand up rather than a hand out, in raising their living standards and future livelihood prospects by funding small-scale community projects that address: Poverty alleviation, Education, Empowerment, Sanitation, Healthcare, Alternative energy, Biodiversity, Agriculture, Food distribution. Well be discussing conservation the S.N.A.R.E.D. production, a charismatic and tense drama that is seen to take place in the African bush: A hunter is confronted by an angry conservationist armed with a gun. As the poacher pleads for his life, we unravel the complex issues around wildlife conservation in this beautiful but dangerous land, addressing one of Our Wild World’s greatest conservation threats: poaching and snaring of Africa’s wildlife. SNARED was on tour through the UK in 2012.

The needs of people and wildlife are inextricably linked, bound together by the common resources of our earth. Our human sense of entitlement over these resources vs. the needs of animals is where conflict arises that often turns into a boiling battle: Let’s call it the Tree-hugger vs. the Corporation. But what we're really talking about here is the economics of conservation vs. the moral and ethical dilemma of providing an atmosphere that allows for and includes security for the other life-forms we share this earth with. This is the basis of how we can define the health and wealth of our communities, both locally and globally; the decisions we make that affect not only our current quality of life, but that of future generations of both our human and wildlife communities.

While we spend millions toward the legal battles and conservation of wolves, we are also spending millions of policies to eradicate them. What drives policy and who benefits? How do our protective wildlife laws get lost in the ever increasing political shifts and the need for resources? The plight of the wolf is, in short, a parable for African conservation and the future of conserving our world's predators.

With special guests Jessica Dawson and Roger Parry, founders of the VFWT, previously known as Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust, work in concert with the wildlife departments and veterinary departments in research and education within the local communities and beyond in the Kavango – Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation area (KAZA TFCA). Their current major projects include genetics and wildlife disease monitoring, tracking the movements of TB between wild and domestic animals and people along with providing critical veterinarian services and wildlife rescue. This they combine with their Children’s Conservation Interaction and Community Outreach projects. Jessica and Roger will discuss how these projects impact not only local wildlife and communities but the future of wildlife conservation

Today we'll have an on the ground look at multilayered conservation in Botswana. We have special Guests Dr. Kathy Alexander and Dr. Mark Vandewalle, whom together have founded and are directors of the CARACAL Biodiversity Center in Kasane, Botswana. CARACAL is a field based educational and research center that focuses on strengthening rural livelihoods, developing community approaches to mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, and securing the health of the ecosystems on which we all depend. CARACAL is the only indigenous conservation and rural development NGO in the Chobe Linyanti Kwando Wetlands within the Botswana component of the Zambezi Basin. This facility provides first class field laboratory and supporting research into the health of the ecosystems and wildlife in the area with the development of the first regional Wildlife Health Laboratory with both molecular genetics and bacteriological capabilities.

As the rise in demand for natural resources continues to pressure our ability to provide for our increased human population, what will happen to our protected areas? Where will wildlife go? Our dependence upon fossil fuels and traditional energy models is crashing headlong into our conservation model. We have severely affected our oceans, our land use, and our wildlife- our refuges, public lands and seas. In Africa, as an emerging global commerce, this demand for resources is affecting many of our last remaining large landscape and migratory wildlife populations We, as individuals, our combined governments and NGOs of both national and international Aid organizations, have a responsibility to shift the paradigm of how we define our wealth and health- from that of what’s in our wallet to what’s on our planet.

Over the past one hundred years, the conservation movement has undergone dramatic changes- from a living in harmony ‘as is and at will’ concept through a series of models of protectionism to community based, from little research and knowledge to major technological and scientific understandings. Where has this led us today? And where is conservation as a lifestyle and model headed into the future? We'll discuss some of the history of how conservation came about, the changes it is had to face and must undergo to face the challenges of tomorrow.

It’s the time of year when we look for ways to fulfill our spiritual need to be involved in something greater than ourselves, giving back to our world and those in need. WildiZe has a variety of projects that depend upon the generosity of people like you to protect Mother Earth’s magnificent wildlife and helping the people who live with it. From lions and elephants to supporting community groups, all of which affect the overall health and spirit of every living being that shares this planet. There are many ways you can make a difference come and become involved today and tomorrow, that will be felt for generations to come - from a specific project that fulfills your wild passion to shopping our WildiZe Store African Market full of unique African handcrafts to artifacts that support our conservation projects, to being one of the core WildiZe Warriors membership to protecting wildlife every time you have a glass of wine to sponsoring “Our Wild World”.

Happy Holidays! It’s the time of year where we think about giving back to our world or paying forward the good we see around us! Today we’ll discuss a few of the critical conservation projects WildiZe Foundation involved in on the ground. From mitigating conflicts between Lions, elephants and people to and disease research which affect the health of all living beings. These various aspects of conservation impact the health of our ecosystems for both people and wildlife in any given area. There are many ways you can can be WildiZe Warrior, from donating to specific projects, becoming a member, sponsoring a student, to shopping our WildiZe Store African Market, all of which provide critical support to both projects and people in need in Africa.

A highlight of traveling on a photographic safari is to see and to listen, and capture your visual journey… to not just ‘take’ a picture, but make a great image that brings to life moments in your experience and your story, and which you, the photographer, have that at your fingertips with today’s technology. Beside the basic skills in understanding the camera and it's capabilities, it is the photographer who makes the image worth a thousand words whether your subject is wildlife, landscape or people. Beside the gear you need, it also takes patience, perseverance, a joy in the journey, and usually a bit of luck. This episode will provide some practical tips for the photographer and some information about the technical gear you’ll need, and then what to do with those great photos once you get home! So you may want to take some notes today! And you’re welcome to call in an ask questions.

This episode will provide some trips for planning your safari to ensure you get the most out of what could well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From managing your expectations to working with your outfitter, to the ‘do-it-yourself’ self-hire and camping safaris, we’ll provide some tips, tools and packing lists that will make your trip a whole lot enjoyable. We'll also include some tips for the photographic equipment to get the most out of the sights you'll see.

This episode will provide some trips for planning your safari to ensure you get the most out of what could well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From managing your expectations to working with your outfitter, to the ‘do-it-yourself’ self-hire and camping safaris, we’ll provide some tips, tools and packing lists that will make your trip a whole lot enjoyable. We'll also include some tips for the photographic equipment to get the most out of the sights you'll see.

With guest Dr. Barbara Shor, DVM, author and animal communicator, we hope to highlight that in any given community, we are always communicating with each other. This communication also exists in each wildlife community, regardless of its proximity to people. Dr. Shor’s work strives to help the human community appreciate the qualities that are replicated in animals through their complex social lives, emotions and sense of justice. Each animal species has its own function on the Earth, which is intimately tied in with its form. No one species is any more or less valuable, regardless of the degree of intelligence or beauty it exhibits. It is fascinating to approach wild animals from this perspective, and helps us move away from regarding some animals as more or less worthy of protection than others, or simply as not being very separate from us after all.

Dr. Dusti Becker and Dr. Tony Povilitis, Ann Nampayio Saruni, and Moran Kerika of the Maasai Morans Conservation Group will be joining us live to further discuss their community based conservation project. the Maasai Morans Conservation Group and Walking Safaris (MMCWS) is a community-based organization (CBO) created and composed of young adult Maasai from Oloirien Group Ranch in the Transmara District of Kenya. The group is dedicated to conservation of local wildlife and wildlife habitat in conjunction with improving lives of local Maasai. MMCWS is developing exciting walking safaris to support their organization so that they can move forward with habitat conservation. Life Net Nature, a conservation charity, is helping MMCWS to develop skills in wildlife monitoring and legal planning for conservation along the edge of the Siria Escarpment and for wildlife corridors to forests critical to the survival of many birds and mammals, but seriously threatened by current trends in land use.

Over the past couple of weeks our guests have highlighted different conservation strategies from management to community based conservation, both which entail all the lateral concepts the show has highlighted so far. Today we’re going to reframe these concepts in light of discussions and comments resulting from the episodes by various conservationists around the world. We’ll discuss parallels between models both here in the US and Africa and bring up points that have yet to be addressed such as hunting as a management tool, poverty and disease, community vs. state level, and reorienting definitions of wealth & health in terms of economics vs. biosphere, and introduce where we will be heading with our guests over the coming weeks.

Many reserves around the world are too small to sustain viable wildlife populations for long in the future. Wildlife counts in the Masai Mara Reserve in western Kenya have declined by as much as 70% in the past several decades, largely due to habitat loss and habitat degradation. Join us with Dr. Dusti Becker and Dr. Tony Povilitis and the partnerships between LifeNet Nature and the Maasai Moran Conservation and Walking Safaris, a Community Based Organization composed of of young Maasai that are working to create a buffer zone for wildlife on the Siria Plateau next to Masai Mara Reserve in southwestern Kenya. The 15,000-acre area proposed for conservation management includes grasslands, woodlands, riparian areas, forest corridors and a larger forested area used by elephants (for birthing). It also includes portions of the ecologically unique Siria Escarpment, which separates the Masai Mara and the Siria Plateau.

Today we'll have an on the ground look at multilayered conservation in Botswana. We have special Guests Dr. Kathy Alexander and Dr. Mark Vandewalle, whom together have founded and are directors of the CARACAL Biodiversity Center in Kasane, Botswana. CARACAL is a field based educational and research center that focuses on strengthening rural livelihoods, developing community approaches to mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, and securing the health of the ecosystems on which we all depend. CARACAL is the only indigenous conservation and rural development NGO in the Chobe Linyanti Kwando Wetlands within the Botswana component of the Zambezi Basin. This facility provides first class field laboratory and supporting research into the health of the ecosystems and wildlife in the area with the development of the first regional Wildlife Health Laboratory with both molecular genetics and bacteriological capabilities.

One of the greatest joys of working in the field of conservation is getting to work with, know and learn from amazing people who are our there everyday dedicating their lives in the field for conservation, living in remote parts of the world, navigating through both social and political systems in physically demanding places and situations. Today we’ll talk about some of the dedicated people Eli and WildiZe work with across sub-Saharan Africa, providing you the opportunity to learn about what they are doing on the ground making conservation happen and creative solutions to some of the big issues we’ve been talking about, which usually end up with some tale of adventure.

The needs of people and wildlife are inextricably linked, bound together by the common resources of our earth. Our human sense of entitlement over these resources vs. the needs of animals is where conflict arises that often turns into a boiling battle: Let’s call it the Tree-hugger vs. the Corporation. But what we're really talking about here is the economics of conservation vs. the moral and ethical dilemma of providing an atmosphere that allows for and includes security for the other life-forms we share this earth with. This is the basis of how we can define the health and wealth of our communities, both locally and globally; the decisions we make that affect not only our current quality of life, but that of future generations of both our human and wildlife communities.

Our media sound bytes makes it all so overwhelming and depressing: everywhere we turn it’s “Oh Despair and Hopelessness: Climate change, habitat loss, overpopulation, and impending extinctions, loss of forests and oceans, disease poverty!! We are NOT helpless! Each of us has the ability to minimize the “human factors” and engage in conservation. We all can find focus and strength to tackle these substantial challenges, individually and as a global community - finding a path through information and misinformation that will guide our ability to make informed decisions that affect both ourselves and our world. It’s time to Get Happy about the positive and become aware of what you can do to minimize our impacts on our natural world that will have positive impacts.

To create a paradigm shift, we must understand the paradigm we wish to shift. It is easy to think that conservation is something going on a world away, places that seem exotic and out of reach. What we want to help you understand is that critical to the success of any conservation effort anywhere is that individuals become aware and get involved. While it may seem like the survival of a species, or a community in Africa would not impact you, the health of ecosystems far away will affect the health and future of us all. This episode will explore what you can do and how it affects projects on the ground, so you can make the right decision on which course of action to take and provide some interesting anecdotes and information that will help you minimize your impact on our open spaces, natural landscapes and wildlife.

A Wild Idea: It is easy to think that conservation is something going on in places so far away and exotic that it seems unimaginable that one person here in the U.S. could have any significant impact on the greater outcome of a child, a community or even an entire species. In our first episode, our goal is to help you understand and learn about the big picture of what is involved in making conservation happen and provide a platform to engage our listeners to speak up about what is important to you, and how you can get involved in making a difference for your life and our future as a whole, through a variety of conservation challenges such as climate change, poverty and disease, notes from the field and photography, along with practical tips that you can implement at home in living with and enjoying the wildlife in your back yard. We want you to participate in Our Wild World, with your questions, emails and comments.