ZSL Wild Science Podcast
ZSL Wild Science Podcast
Podcast Description
Delve into topical issues in zoology, conservation and the environment, from saving species and protecting the planet, to finding out about the animals living across the globe, including in London’s own river Thames. Learn more about the science behind the conservation work being done by ZSL and others, in this podcast from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology. Hosted previously by Dr Monni Böhm and Ellie Darbey, and now by Harriet McAra.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as species conservation, climate change impacts, habitat restoration, and wildlife health. Notable episodes include discussions on biodiversity negotiations at UN climate conferences and the importance of healthy coral reefs, alongside emerging issues like urban wildlife conservation in cities and the interplay between disease and species reintroduction efforts.
Delve into topical issues in zoology, conservation and the environment, from saving species and protecting the planet, to finding out about the animals living across the globe, including in London’s own river Thames. Learn more about the science behind the conservation work being done by ZSL and others, in this podcast from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology. Hosted previously by Dr Monni Böhm and Ellie Darbey, and now by Harriet McAra.
Making sure that the animals held in ZSL’s two conservation zoos, London and Whipsnade, are fed a diet that can help them thrive is crucial, both for keeping them healthy under managed care, and ensuring they are in the best possible shape for a return to the wild. Amanda Ferguson is ZSL’s Diet Management Officer and is responsible for creating tailored diets for all the animals across both ZSL Zoos, from snails to elephants! We learn how to feed an animal for which there are no guidelines, why enriched feeding methods are so important, and why you’ll rarely see a monkey at London Zoo with a banana.
Overview
00:11 Harriet McAra, Host of Wild Science, Episode introduction
01:10 Interview with Amanda Ferguson
25:16 How does nutrition help us recover wild populations?
33:04 Outro and final reflections
Resources
- If there’s a topic you’d like to hear on a future podcast, or if you’d like to share your thoughts, email the ZSL Wild Science Podcast at: [email protected]
- Check out our science and conservation work at: www.zsl.org/Science or www.zsl.org/conservation
- The Evolution of Enrichment, a public event held at ZSL featuring a talk from Amanda Ferguson on how diet presentation can meet the behavioural needs of animals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hqrweox2UA
- Amanda Ferguson: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amanda-Ferguson-9
- Corncrake conservation: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/conserving-native-birds
- Mountain chicken frog conservation: https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/mountain-chicken-frog-conservation
- Comparison of the nutritional content of the captive and wild diets of the critically endangered mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax) to improve its captive husbandry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30221785/
Get in touch
- Email [email protected] with your questions, comments, and thoughts for future episodes!
- Find us @ZSLScience on X or @zslofficial.bsky.social on BlueSky and use the hashtag #ZSLWildScience
- Follow us on Facebook @ZSLScienceAndConservation
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.