The WildLife Radio
The WildLife: Wildlife Filmmaking from Belize Jungle Studio, Carol Foster
Carol Foster talks about wildlife filmmaking. She tells “The WildLife” host Laurel Neme, how she and her filmmaker husband, Richard Foster, have constructed a special studio in the jungle of Belize that allows them to film wild behavior that would not otherwise be possible. For instance, they’ve captured a baby cantil viper wriggling the green tip…
Read MoreAdvocate Aims to Stop Elephant Slaughter in Chad
Chad is one of the poorest country’s in the world, with 80 percent of its population living below the poverty line. It’s suffered years of civil strife, and unrest in neighboring countries like Sudan often spills over and adds to the nation’s instability. To make matters worse, 200,000 refugees have fled the violence in Darfur…
Read MoreThe WildLife: Elephant Poaching in Chad, Stephanie Vergniault
Stephanie Vergniault, Founder and Executive Director of SOS Elephants, talks about elephant poaching in Chad. She tells “The WildLife” host Laurel Neme that the situation is spiraling out of control. In just two-weeks, in February 2011, 20 elephants were killed in Chad for their ivory. All were killed outside of protected areas, making them easy targets. Vergniault notes…
Read MoreWinged Obsession: New Book Sheds Light on Little Recognized Target of Wildlife Smugglers
“Butterfly collectors with the financial means will do whatever necessary to obtain the specimens they want,” says Jessica Speart, author of the new book Winged Obsession: The Pursuit of the World’s Most Notorious Butterfly Smuggler. For some, it’s like stamp collecting. For others, it’s the equivalent of collecting a Renoir or Van Gogh. In detailing the US…
Read MoreThe WildLife: Winged Obsession, Jessica Speart
Jessica Speart, author of Winged Obsession: The Pursuit of the World’s Most Notorious Butterfly Smuggler, discusses illegal trade of rare butterflies. She tells “The WildLife” host Laurel Neme about the real-life characters in her book: Yoshi Kojima, the world’s most wanted butterfly smuggler, and the rookie US Fish and Wildlife agent, Ed Newcomer, who finally brings him down.…
Read MoreElephant Killing by GoDaddy CEO Bob Parsons Spurs Debate
The killing of an elephant who had been raiding farmers’ crops during a hunting expedition in Zimbabwe by GoDaddy.com CEO Bob Parsons (who posted a video of the hunt) has prompted an outcry from opponents. PETA notes that is is canceling its account with Go Daddy and calls for others to do the same. Competitors, such as…
Read MoreDe-horning Rhino as Anti-Poaching Measure
De-horning rhino as an anti-poaching measure has become increasingly accepted. An interesting article by Guy Rogers in South Africa’s The Herald Online explores that decision and also describes the actual process. The article focuses on the de-horning of two rhino at the Kragga Kamma Game Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. In it, head of the family-run…
Read MoreABC Nightline Video: Animal CSI: Lab Targets Illegal Species Traffic
Laurel has been featured on national and local media outlets, including ABC’s Nightline and NPR’s Science Friday. Video now available from ABC’s Nightline segment “Animal CSI: Lab Targets Illegal Species Traffic—Desire for Rhino Horns, Monkey Faces and More as Medicine Drives Thriving Black Market” For more about Laurel’s ABC Nightline segment, please view initial post:…
Read MoreThe WildLife: Nature in Iraq, Anna Bachmann and Hana Ahmed Raza
Anna Bachmann, Director of Conservation for Nature Iraq, and Hana Ahmed Raza, their mammals specialist, discuss wildlife and nature in Iraq. They tell “The WildLife” host Laurel Neme how, after 35 years of wars and sanctions, Iraq’s environment is in dire need of care and attention. In order to rebuild the country’s natural foundation, more information is…
Read MoreNature and Wildlife in Iraq: Rebuilding a War-torn Nation
Published: Monday, 28 March 2011 17:49 Written by Laurel Neme Today, I’m honored to air an interview about wildlife and nature in Iraq with Nature Iraq’s Anna Bachmann, Director of Conservation, and Hana Ahmed Raza, their mammals specialist. In a country with 35 years of wars and sanctions, Iraq’s environment is in dire need of care…
Read MoreMongolian Cancels Plan to Allow Snow Leopard Hunt for Science
Here’s proof that speaking out works! Following a plan by the Mongolian government to issue permits to kill four snow leopards (Panthera uncia) for ‘scientific research,’ an international outcry by conservationists prompted the government to cancel the proposed hunt. Mongabay.com reports that well-known biologist and Vice President of the big cat conservation organization, Panthera, Dr. George Schaller, praised the decision,…
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