Biologica: Where Humans and Animals Meet

Moonlight Meetings: Mating behavior and ecology of Horseshoe Crabs

Join Dr. Susan as she interviews Dr. Jane Brockmann, a renowned animal behaviorist from the University of Florida. Discover the ancient lineage and unique breeding behaviors of horseshoe crabs. Learn about their ecological significance and their critical role for migrating shorebirds, as well as their role in modern medicine. Dr. Brockmann discusses her journey into the study of animal behavior and why horseshoe crabs continue to captivate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Dr. Susan will also visit an educational hands-on horseshoe crab event, and hear from a 12-year-old student about their experiences with these amazing creatures. This episode also highlights the conservation efforts and challenges they face in both the United States and Asia. Tune in to appreciate the remarkable adaptations of these "living fossils" that have remained unchanged for millions of years, yet play an essential role in both natural ecosystems and human health advancements.
 
Learn more: We interview Dr. Jane Brockmann. To see a picture of her teaching about horseshoe crabs at a “Green Eggs and Sand” workshop, visit this site: https://people.clas.ufl.edu/hjb/research/
We heard a few minutes of an educational event hosted by the CCLT land trust. To learn more or support their work, visit: https://www.ccltmaine.org
The educators from Coast Encounters presented at this event: https://coastencounters.com/
 
*A donation was made to CCLT as part of this episode

Magical Monarchs: Conserving an Icon

The iconic monarch butterfly has inspired generations with its beauty and its complex and mysterious migration - come be inspired by the monarch again. In this episode, join Dr. Susan in exploring monarch butterflies: talking with both an expert biologist who studies them and an inspirational conservationist who is dedicated to helping them. The flagship for the movement to help pollinators, the monarch is under threat from a number of sources. While the monarch brings people so much joy, it also needs our help. We will learn concrete steps we can take to help this queen among butterflies. We will also look at research and attempt to rear butterflies from caterpillars. For old and young alike, come celebrate the monarchs: they are struggling, but there is also reason for hope.
Learn more:
-We interview Ward Johnson, the founder of Save our Monarchs.
Find out more or order milkweed at: https://www.saveourmonarchs.org
*A donation was made to Save our Monarchs by the the Biologica Podcast for this episode.
-We interview Dr. David James; to see a photo of him teaching inmates about monarch butterflies, and a photo of a tiny tag on a butterfly’s wing, visit this 2018 article:
https://ucanr.edu/blog/bug-squad/article/david-james-incredible-research-migratory-monarchs
 

Climbing the Ladder-the alewife fishway of Mill Brook (Alewife Episode Part 2 of 2)

In this episode (Part 2 on Alewives), delve into the vibrant fish migration occurring at Mill Brook and its fish ladder in Southern Maine. Learn about the alewife’s challenging journey from the ocean to Highland Lake, and the community-led citizen science efforts to monitor and restore their population. Dr. Susan shares her observations while counting fish at the fishway, interviews biologist Toby Jacobs who manages the project, and discusses fascinating research about the alewives’ resilience and adaptability. Dive into the serene world of nature interwoven with science and conservation, all while rooting for this tough little fish as it travels upstream. Learn more: https://www.prlt.org/alewife-migration A donation was made to PRLT and its alewife project.

Let the River Run: Penobscot Perspectives on Alewives (Alewives Episode Part 1 of 2)

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
 
 

The Social Side of Biodiversity: Exploring Sociology and Our Connection with Animals

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

Winged Migration - Birdwatching in the Spring

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

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. 

Rescue Mission: Caring for the Dogs of Cotacachi

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