Biologica: Where Humans and Animals Meet

Through stories and interviews, join Dr. Susan - shelter veterinarian and science educator - to explore how animals and humans interact and how nature and society intersect. From the vernal pools of Maine to the mountains of Ecuador, let’s dive in and make discoveries together.

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Upcoming episodes include Horseshoe Crab Reproduction, Monarch Butterflies, Conservation Biology at the National Zoo, and more. Stay tuned!

 

Episodes

3 days ago

Dive into the world of alewife conservation and river restoration from the perspective of the Penobscot Nation.
Join Dr. Susan in fascinating conversations with Chuck Loring, the Director at the Penobscot Nation Department of Natural Resources, and Dan McCaw, the Fisheries Program Manager at that department. Chuck describes the importance of “sea run” fish like alewives and salmon to the Penobscot people, and shares how the Penobscot view the river and its animals. Dan shares his personal journey and passion for fisheries management, influenced by his childhood experiences by the Sebasticook River in Maine, and describes the collaborative efforts behind alewife and river restoration. Dan also sheds light on successful endeavors that have helped revitalize alewife populations, and the complex interplay of federal, state, and tribal partnerships.
This episode also highlights two articles and features a beautiful and powerful Penobscot (nepi) water song.
In Penobscot:
nəpi
kkəseləmələpəna
kči-wəliwəni nəpi
kkihčitamitəhαmələpəna
In English:
water
we love you
thank you so much water
we respect you
The Penobscot (nepi) water song is written by Gabriel Paul and performed by his niece, Leigh Neptune. The water song sound engineering was done by Josh Woodbury.
Thank you for helping Biologica by liking/sharing/following.
Learn more here:
https://www.penobscotnation.org/departments/department-of-natural-resources/
https://www.penobscotnation.org/departments/department-of-natural-resources/water-n%C9%99pi-resources/water-n%C9%99pi-song/
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/60532384.pdf
Tribal Highlight: Penobscot Nation Awarded Funds for Priority Fish Passage and Wildlife Habitat Assessment - Native American Fish and Wildlife Society
 
 

Thursday May 29, 2025

Join us in this intriguing episode as we sit down with Dr. Karin Gustafsson, an associate professor and environmental sociologist from Orebro University, Sweden. Dr. Gustafsson delves into the intricate connections between sociology and environmental challenges, shedding light on how social sciences are essential in understanding and addressing issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Discover how certain species, like the monarch butterfly, become powerful symbols for environmental action. Dr. Gustafsson shares her passion for learning and research, offering insights into the critical role of social sciences in science and environmental issues, and in how it relates to shaping a sustainable future. Join us for a different perspective on animals and biodiversity.
A donation was made to the World Wildlife Fund in thanks to Dr. Gustafsson for her time in discussing sociology of biodiversity.
Thank you for following or sharing this episode of Biologica! Visit my Podbean or Patreon page to support the show.
Note  - the following organizations were part of the logo mini-experiment:
Nature Conservancy
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Greenpeace
Sierra Club
Environmental Defense Fund
Natural Resources Defense Council
Wildlife Conservation Society
Conservation International
World Resources Institute
National Audubon Society
Rainforest Alliance
Rainforest Trust
Ocean Conservancy
Center for BIological Diversity
Oceana

Monday May 12, 2025

Take flight with migratory springtime warblers and listen as they delight birdwatchers young and old. In this episode, join Dr. Susan in exploring the joys of watching birds. We’ll explore a cemetery as part of Maine Audubon bird walks and talk with bird lovers - from novice to expert. A birder and teacher who shares his passion with students, Nathan Hall co-founded the Maine Young Birders Club. We’ll also interview a student of his named Agnes, who has caught a passion for feathered flyers. Finally, we’ll touch on some research about birdwatching and a poem by Pablo Neruda. Thanks for listening, and for following or liking the episode.
Donations were made to Maine Audubon at https://maineaudubon.org/ and to the Maine Young Birders Club at https://www.maineyoungbirders.org/

Big Night

Monday Apr 28, 2025

Monday Apr 28, 2025

Delve into the captivating phenomenon of "Big Night.” Citizen scientists and nature lovers gather to witness the awe-inspiring migration of amphibians to vernal pools; it’s a fleeting springtime spectacle driven by the perfect blend of darkness, rainfall, and warm nights. Join Dr. Susan in exploring the magic of Big Night through stories, field recordings, and even poetry, touching upon the wonder of this natural ritual. With a special interview with Greg LeClair, the Executive Director of Maine Big Night, discover the collaborative spirit of those who come together to support and study amphibian life. 
     Note – thank you to Will from Will Sings Songs for allowing us to play his salamander song (https://willsweb.site/). 
     
A donation was made to Maine Big Night. Learn more at mainebignight.org
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, please share/like/follow. See you next time for birdwatching in Spring. 

Friday Apr 18, 2025

Join Dr. Susan in Cotacachi, Ecuador, as she explores the transformative journey of the town's street dogs, brought about by the heartfelt mission of Amici Cannis. Discover the unique social dogs of Cotacachi and the people that help them stay well-fed and healthy. Listen as Dr. Susan talks with veterinarians there and captures touching stories of the town's canines, such as the beloved street dog Chimbo. -Visit Amici Cannis website here: https://www.amicicannisusa.org -A donation went to Amici Cannis -More episode sources and links: Podcast website: https://susanhayhurst.podbean.com/ -Patreon page (memberships, behind-the-scenes, products and more): https://www.patreon.com/c/biologica

Sunday Apr 13, 2025

From the vernal pools of Maine to the mountains of Ecuador, come explore with Dr. Susan, and discover the many ways that humans and animals interact.

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