May 10, 2024 • 23 mins
Endangered Species Day is May 17, and in this episode, hosts Rick and Marco talk about species that need our help. From the ālula plant to the axolotl salamander, many species around the world have seen their numbers drastically decline. There is good news, though, because there are steps we can take to help safeguard ecosystems and create sustainable populations. Tune in to find out how conservationists are coming together to support these plants and animals and how you can make a difference.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hi, I'm Rick Schwartz, Bunless World.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
A'm Marco Wentz.
Speaker 3 (00:08):
Welcome to Amazing Wildlife, where we explore unique stories of
wildlife from around the world and uncover fascinating animal facts.
This podcast is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studio and
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization
which oversees the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Marco, we wrapped up our last.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Episode telling everyone that we would use this episode to
talk about Endangered Species Day, which this year is on
May seventeenth, just a week away from when this episode
comes out.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
It's true, very true. We did say that, and here
we are ready to go.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
But before you did this episode, I think it's important
to remind everyone that Endangered Species Day, it's a pretty
significant day for all of us who work in conservation
or support conservation efforts of species that are endangered of
becoming extinct exactly.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
And the cool thing about this episode is that we
were all set to have a conversation with one of
our conservation scientists about wildlife that had once been listed
as an endangered species, but thanks to conservation efforts, they're
no longer endangered.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Oh wow, that's going to be such a great interview.
Speaker 4 (01:10):
Well wait, wait, did you say we're all set to
have a conversation with one of our conservation scientists, Because
to say that means we were not.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Yeah, so yeah about that.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Apparently they are all really busy this time of year, Like,
I mean really really busy.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Like there's nobody available to talk to us. All right,
So it's just going to be me and you today. However,
I think we could do this.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
I think it'll be a fun version of what we
initially planned, but just with a little twist.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
You and I talking about hundred percent, And I have
a couple of species I think i'd like to talk
about for this endangered species.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Eh, right on, I.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Do too, And even have one that is a conservation
success story, a species that was once critically endangered but's
now completely off the endangered species list.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Oh nice, I can't wait to hear about that.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
All right, So let's see. How about you go first?
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Yeah, I know you have a special one you want
to talk about right off the bat.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Oh yes, thank you, friend. Now, you know I know
everyone is thinking I'm going to pick a bird. You
were going to think that I was gonna think that's.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Well.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
I wanted to challenge myself.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Man.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
So actually on Friday, I walked around the zoo trying
to get inspired. And it also happens to be native
plant mouffent in April, right, you see whe I'm going
with this? Yeah, And so I ran into our plant
specialist crew. Horticulture team have a wonderful event that happens
every third Friday. By the way, plant They at the
zoo and there were proning some really interesting species and
I started talking to them like when you're thinking.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Endangered species, like what species comes to mind? And they
brought one up.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
I don't know if you ever heard of a species
called The one that most people know of is called
cabbage on a stick? Sir?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Have you heard of this cabbage on a staff restaurant?
Speaker 4 (02:45):
It sounds appetizing, But the more traditional name is called
the alula. So everyone, we're going to travel to our
wonderful conservation hub, the Pacific Islands, right, the beautiful people Polynesia,
and we're going to be talking about a plant called
the illula.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Or the cabbage on a stick.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Now, this particular species, now it looks really really unique. Friend,
I'm trying to think that the best way to describe
it now, it is a perennial usually reaches say three
to six feet in length. It's got this beautiful stem
that juts out with these tapering leaves at.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
The very top.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
It sort of gives you sort of like a lettuce
quality cabbage.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
That's a good point. That's probably why they named it that.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
And not only that, Buddy, they were saying it's pretty
palpable for goats, so that's kind of an issue that
they're having out in those areas as well. Now, this
particular plant species is found off of the islands of
Kawaii and n E Howe.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Now hopefully I'm pronouncing that right.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
But this species is very specific to a colster region
of those islands, and at this point, friend, they're basically
extinct in the wild, which is incredibly credibly sad. And
when I was having this conversation with our plant team
out the zoo, they were telling me that they had
one of these specimens on grounds at the San Diego Zoo.
And it wasn't until get this, nineteen nine. There was
(04:01):
a magazine from Cactus and Succulents that did a special
edition that year and they were referencing the alula.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Now, there was a gentleman, Mike, our horticulture specialist that
still works at the zoo today.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
He was reading this and he realized we had one
of those species at the zoo.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
No one knew what it was before that, which is crazy.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
In my ninety six we had on the zoo, but
nobody knew what it was.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Exactly exactly right.
Speaker 4 (04:23):
So by reading this article, they realize they have this species,
and now they're helping us send samples of this to
the Chicago Botanical Garden and other collaborators to help out
with this very unique species.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Well, really drew me about this was not only the
plant itself.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
Front, but the direct link it has with a pollinator.
And you and I were talking with Age, right, the
imports of pollinators from bees to butterflies, to moths as well.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Right, So you know it's funny page you've brought that up.
We were talking about butterflies with her all She's like,
and moths.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
Too, I know, right, Yeah, So when I heard about that, like, oh,
this is the perfect segue. So not only thinking about
you know, one plant that's been so affected by our
encroachment to those native habitats, but also the removal of
really essential pollinators. So it is a long tongue hawk moth,
and when I started doing a little more research, I
didn't realize what incredible flyers they are. So they're unique
(05:12):
for a couple things. One the proboscis or the tongue
if you will, right of the moth. It's so long,
So they can actually effectively pollinate a variety of non
food like plants like the ilula as an example. But
also being such an amazing flyer, they can travel from
islands to islands. It's something that right that butterflies and beescanto.
So the concept of this beautiful plant species off the
(05:35):
coast of very unique area in the Pacific Islands that
now the numbers have been devastated by the removal of
this one pollinator that it needed.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
You know how special that connection must be.
Speaker 4 (05:45):
And deep diving further into this particular species of moth,
and I know we're shifting from allula to the moth.
I'm seeing there's effects even in islands of Puerto Rico
as well with certain species. So it's interesting you see
the dynamics of how we're moving. One pollinator can devastatingly
affect the population of many different plant species, like the
illula the cabbage on a stick. Now, if you guys,
by the way, want to check out this species, you
(06:06):
can find them in the Hawaiian Gardens at them at
the Zeo off of Front Street.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
So I wanted to point that out for and I learned.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
It, and I do want to say this as well
for anyone who won't be coming to the zoo right
away to check out the cabbage on a stick. Oh yeah,
check it out on Google a l ula plant. Just
type that in allula plant and go under images. You'll
see the gardens that the Sante goo zu because pops
up right away, but you also see some other ones.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
They're actually quite beautiful.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
That's really yeah to look at them, and they're so
unique to think they're such a critically endangered species, So
that's really cool.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
And you brought that up.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Yeah, yeah, well, I have to admit Mark, it kind
of surprised me going with a plant, but I love
the fact that you did that end that you brought
up the connection to the moth, because a lot of
these species that are facing being endangered or critically endangered,
there's a connection with their environment as well, and other species.
So really good point that you brought that up. I'm
personally going to be going a more traditional route here
and talk about one of my spotted.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
Friends, the more leopard.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Oh yeah, that's a really good choice, Rick.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
I mean, the more leopard is critically endangered, and if
I remember correctly, there are less than about one hundred
in the wild, right.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
That's right, Marco.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
The most recent information that I could find states that
there is estimated around sixty to seventy five individuals remaining
in the wild. Because these cats live in temperate forest
habitat that stretches across a wide range of eastern Russia,
which is a huge land mass, and into parts of China,
conservationists rely on trail cameras to monitor the numbers, which
of course can make it challenging to have an exact
(07:24):
number of who's out there now. Although we tend to
think of leopards in Africa living in these jungles and
these warm savannahs, the amor leopard is well adapted to
cold weather climate, hunting different deer species and wild boars,
amongst other forest animals. Now, of course, these leopards face
many pressures. That's why they are critically endangered, so few
(07:45):
left in the wild.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Some of these.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Pressures include poaching, and it's not just them that's being poached.
People want them for their fur, their teeth or claws
and other things. We've talked about this during our discussion
about wildlife trafficking how important it is not to purchase
things like this, But there's also poaching happy on.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Their prey species.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
Several species of deer that live in that region are
poached quite a bit, so it creates a really big
challenge for them, not only for their own personal safety,
but then just the ecosystem as a whole. Now you
kind of mentioned that with the ecosystem with the moth
and the plant too. They're also dealing with habitat loss
due to forest fires and human populations growing into the
native habitats, and this is not unique to the muror leopard.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Other species faces as well.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Now, things like this are causing genetic challenges because it
causes isolated populations for the leopard, meaning think of it
almost like land islands, if you will. So these populations
become isolated, then you start to get inbreeding due to
the inability for them to have the opportunity to cross
with other populations, and unfortunately in the past there's been
a lack of political commitment to conservation. Now here's the
(08:44):
turning point for them, though. It's a lot, it's a
lot for those Mr Leopards to deal with. Yah Zoos
are involved. There's a lot of programs in place right
now to help build a safe population, and San Diego
Zo's right there with them. We've had some clubs born
in the past and it's really so exciting, every single one,
every single d was so important for the whole species.
The nice thing too, though, is the trend is shifting
also in the political climate as well. Things are far
(09:07):
from hopeless for the species. There is a small but
mighty population in Russia that has remained mostly stable for
the last thirty years. That is a really really good sign.
Anti poaching efforts and educational programs appear to be working
too when it comes to wildlife trafficking, specifically for the
I muor leopard. China has even established a reserve that
connects with leopard habitat in Russia, allowing populations to start
(09:29):
to mix again. And get this, there is a possibility,
it's being talked about, just a possibility, but.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
It's being talked about.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
So it's a big step in establishing a second population
in Russia's Far East by reintroducing a Moor leopards from
a population of Amor leopards that are under human care
and zoos.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
So yes, like many critical.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Endangered species, the Amure leopards are in a precarious situation
and facing many challenges, but there are also a lot
of great things happening to improve their situation through cooperative,
committed international conservation of more leopards have a hopeful future.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
I love it, friends, just the idea of collaboration right
across borders.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Absolutely love it.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
And you know all this talk about endangered species a
when I was doing more research about it, you know,
I didn't really like understand the definition of it originally.
So looking at up the concept of it being in
time to consider declining numbers of some animals and the
point of working together to help write all about the
collaboration like you'd mentioned Theomoor leopard. And for me, when
I think about collaborative work, I kind of wanted to
(10:27):
go back to the land of my people, my family
in Mexico. Right, So think you guys that I'm to
be talking about it.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
I have a strong feeling I know what you're talking
about it.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
I'm gonna say three words, and there's three ways of
saying this animal, right, the ox a Lottel, of course,
the holte en Espanol, and of course the Now I'm
going to try to do this just saying the traditional
verbiage of ahaloto.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Hold on, I interrupt you here. Oh yeah, okay, this
I'm having total flashbacks of season one when you were
a guest.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Oh I remember talk about and you were sharing with
us the history of the word and everything else.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
So I'm sorry, was a little flashback, so you have
not listened.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
To the actual little episode back in season one.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Go back, Marco was a guest, not a co host
at that time. It's so awesome.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
Oh, go ahead ahead, you know it's full circle now, buddy.
You know, I'll try to reference it really quick.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
So if you're not familiarly, guys, this is a really
wicked salmon or from Mexico. Now it's a very unique era.
So think about Mexico City. Let's start with that. Or
a beautiful, vibrant city. Over twenty million people live in
Mexico City. Humongous. Now the city was originally built over
what's termed is the no Cheche land, which is the
Aztec capital city basically, you want to think about it.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
And it was a floating city.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
So this was built on estuaries on marshlands, a beautiful
vibrant hub in meso America. And there's a very unique
species that thrived in those estuaries in those swamplands, type
of tiger salamon, a sort of like a cousin of
the tiger salamander called the oxlato. Now we were talking
in season one the origin of the name. Now it's
because of the people's slick a language called na wattle
or no what, however you want to pronounce it. And
(11:57):
this is where the pronunciation of that show look comes from.
So I'll try to use that and this particular species
they were thriving in those areas. But you know, you
think about one specific thing I want to reference here
is the importance of culture with animals, right meso American
people from my mom's side, Sapotec. Also the aspect that
lived in those areas, they had a vibrant community. Eventually
(12:17):
you had Europeans coming to colonize those areas, so there
was a lot of conflict going on, so that particular
city to not Chizlan, through hundreds of years, got drained
of its waterways.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Urbanization happening, and you know, I'm forwarding, you know, years
and years.
Speaker 4 (12:32):
We're going really quick down down the timeline here, you guys.
But basically all these things have devastated this population. So
a little sad number here is the decline of the
Ashualuk has dropped over ninety five percent of.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
The wild population was incredible.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
Right at this point, they're living in this little corner
in the lake called Chuchimilco in Mexico City actually, so
it's a little sliver of what their previous ecosystem was
and how they were thriving. Now, the concept of community,
so many people have got together. So for instance, now
there's an a fishing museum being dedicated to the asher
(13:05):
Lutz that you can find in Mexico City and the
batka that Chapultepec, So it's like the zoo in the
city of Mexico culture pul Depec. Not only that, there's
been a lot of research happening, and one particular research here,
I want to get the name correctly because this is
a wonderful program that they were doing. A gentleman, this
is the only two thousands Luis and Brano. He's an
ecologist of the National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM, and
(13:26):
they were working together to try to save this species
and learn how many astrolotes were left in this area.
A big issue they were having was invasive plants and animals.
So one is a carp I don't know if you
guys familiar with a car everything. I was just gonna say,
there are hungry little fishies, you know, and they unfortunately
were gobbling up a lot of.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
The asher Loutz eggs and still are at the time.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Not only that urbanization happening, a lot of pollutants going
into the river Weys and this is these are fresh
water canals that these animals are trying to thrive in,
and so they're just devastated by the pollution.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
Going on in those waters.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
The cultural portion I want to add is in southern
Mexico City, you have what's called chinampas, So think of
it sort of like a meso American agricultural method, and
these rely on small rectangular plots of fertile land that's
cultivated and put crops over that over the valley of Mexico. Now,
this was a traditional way of growing food for the
(14:19):
meso American people. And what's interesting is the people we're thriving,
but also the usher looks we're thriving as well during
this time. But with the removal of this more traditional
farm technique and the urbanization of those areas, of course,
the numbers have been just decimated. So this group, led
by this gentleman that I mentioned here, they're doing this
study to try to actually reintroduce the actual look into
(14:41):
some of these areas, and they're working directly with farmers.
I think it's about twenty families now in Mexico City.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Right in that area. I love it.
Speaker 4 (14:49):
They're called timpinetos. They're really really awesome this culture. There
are tradition of this more traditional farming technique and not
only trying to preserve the people their traditions. Some of
these families have been there for years and you can
imagine the history they have in these lens, right, and
trying to just conserve not only their traditional techniques but
also this local species. So they will try to reintroduce
(15:10):
these animals into those areas, monitor them very closely, of course,
and try to establish this population in that area. And
so it's not only that, it's not only the museum
that's happening in the podkivichpil Depek. It's not only these
students and colleges working together try to reintroduce this species.
There's also a program I'm going to botch the name
pronounce again, but it's basically adopt Axilato adopt a salt,
(15:32):
And you can find this online and you can literally
adopt a national lot online and help out with.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
The conservation programs that are happening there.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
So the concept of this animal that has been connected
with the people of mahikl for hundreds and hundreds of
years and we're seeing the devastation happening right now, but
so many people working together, right and that's the point
of endangered species, acknowledging these species and working together to
try to make a big impact. It's just an awesome animal,
right man, who doesn't allow a national lot?
Speaker 1 (15:57):
I mean, yes, they're awesome animals.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
But I love the fact to this program, the multiple
programs you mentioned.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
It is the culture.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
It is the people that most every species that is
on this list of being endangered it's because of human activity,
So that means it's human activities can also make the
shift to make the change and bring them back and
get them off that list. And I love everything you
brought up there, from the history of the connection of
the people and the animal to now the current events
(16:23):
of the people stepping up to do everything they can
for the animal.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
That's so cool, so cool.
Speaker 3 (16:27):
Well, I have to say, as you were talking about that,
it made me think about the species I want to
talk about next. And I have to tell everybody I'm
pulling a Marko here. I'm going to highlight a feathered friend.
I've been indoctrinated by Marco.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
It's true, it's true.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
So this is what's really cool about this particular species.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
Thanks to conservation efforts, it is now listed as least concern.
So this is where we're ending on this episode because
it really is a great story that shows us how
things can end up for these species. And just in
case anyone listening is wondering. According to the International Union
of Conservation of Nature IUCN, which is what we use,
zoos across the world used sort of as this gauge
(17:05):
of where animals are on the endangered species or vulnerable.
They state that a species is considered least concern if
it is abundant in the wild, does not pose a
threat to extinction, and is not a focus of wildlife
conservation at this time. This particular bird species is absolutely
I have to say, I do really like working with parrots,
(17:25):
and I do really like working with tricky volciers, one
of the first birds I.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Fell in love with.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
But this one's one of my favorites to do an
in person presentation about because they are so well known
and admired for being the fastest animal alive. Now I
know there's probably people in the audience they're like, wait
a minute, Wait a minute, a cheetah doesn't fly, And
that's right. They are faster than a cheeta because the
cheetah is the fastest animal on land. I'm talking about
the paragon falcon reaching speeds of over one hundred and
(17:49):
ninety miles an hour while in its stoop or it's
power dive. These beautiful birds have so many great adaptations
for being able to manage, reaching and sustaining those speeds.
I mean, just think about it for a second. You're
in a car and you put your head out the
window fifty five miles an hour.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
Your eyes are gonna hurt.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
That's a lot of watering going on there, and then
the air being forced into your nose. There are so
many cool adaptations about the nostrils of this species. Is
the way the ridges are around the eyes so they
can keep their eyes open and keep an eye on
their prey.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
It is crazy, amazing. But we're not here to talk
about all the adaptations. What I know, right, Marc a.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Whole I'm trying to be quiet this whole time, you guys.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
Okay, Marco is sitting across from me. He is buzzing
on the edge of his seat, like I want to
dive in and talk about this.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
No, it's all you, bady.
Speaker 3 (18:28):
We're going to talk about the conservation side of things.
So here it is the story of the Peregon falcon.
In the nineteen seventies, there are only thirty nine known
pairs of paragon falcon in the forty eight contiguous states
of the US.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
So think about this.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
They were completely gone east of the Mississippi River, like
just none.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
And then on the west side of Mississippi it was
estimated eighty to ninety percent loss of population so I
want to reflect back real quick to what you said
about the ox lootum.
Speaker 2 (18:52):
Yeah, if you said.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
About ninety five percent of the population is gone, it
made me think of the paragon falcon where they were,
and that seems.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Like a lot, and it is. It is a lot,
don't get me wrong.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
But it also this story just makes me just go, okay,
but we can still make a difference. We can make
a difference because a paragon falcon, like many other birds
of prey in the nineteen seventies, for some reason, there
was not reproduction happening, and under more studies we found
that they were mating and they were laying eggs, but
for some reason, the shells the eggs were too thin
and would break every time the parents would try to
(19:22):
incubate them. It was later understood that the pesticide called DDT.
This is something that was actually I think developed during
World War iiO or something like that. It was being
used for many things to try to control insects, especially mosquitos,
was one of them. Unfortunately, smaller birds and other animals
would eat bugs that had been exposed to the DDT,
and in turn, the peagon falcon would eat those smaller
(19:43):
birds and animals.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
The DDT that they.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
Were consuming was not enough to kill or really make
the birds sick, but it was enough that it affected
the ability for their body to create enough calcium for
the shells, and the populations started to plummet. Now here's
where things shifted. One set was realized. Not only did
people come together created nonprofit organizations to bring birds in
(20:06):
for breeding programs, but also activated citizens to start petitioning
the government to make changes. People everyday people got together
and told their representatives to take action, and through that process,
DDT was removed from the ecosystem as best as they
could at the time, and these birds were given a
fighting chance. It took about twenty nine to thirty years,
(20:27):
but they went from being one of the very first
species on the endangered species list to being delisted in
that thirty year window. So it's one of those things
where we hear about the muor leopard, or the alulu
or even like you were saying with the actual Lottel.
There's so many species out there where we see why
they are endangered and it is just heart wrenching and
it feels like too much to manage. But that's why
I love that we're ending on the paragrin falcon because
(20:49):
it's an opportunity for us to look back and go, yeah,
it can be really tough, it can look really dire
and bad, but we as individuals have the ability to
make a difference. We can get together, we can educate,
we can create programs, we can create nonprofit organizations that
stand up for these species. And then just like your
paragrion falcon, now they are found all over the place
and they're doing really well.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Yeah, one hundred percent for And I absolutely love it
the fact that you know everyone can get involved in
these efforts. I'm really stoked we ended with the peregrin falcon.
By the way, that was crazy, right, I tried my
best not to speak up. Now was amazing, And you know,
to your point, there is silver lining, is there is
hope out there. We didn't talk about the Connor. That's
an obvious one, right, twenty two to begin with. Now
we're over five hundred and we're starting with the milky Stoke.
(21:29):
When we were interviewing Miranda, right, she said about a
little around twenty or so that they're bringing into help out.
So absolutely, we can do a lot in this particular
year I was reading for Endangered Species Day.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
The theme for twenty twenty four.
Speaker 4 (21:40):
It's going to be connecting people and the planet exploring
digital innovations in wildlife conservation.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Which is perfect especially for kids today.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
Right, I'm sure, yeah, right, there are aspects that we
don't know about in technology. I'm sure one of you
have a wonderful idea to help out and impact in
a positive way a really cool species that you're passionate about.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Yeah, And I know just.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
From when I was growing up passionate about wildlife and conservation,
to just even have a small sliver, the tools available
in the digital world today have made.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
Such a big difference.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
So I was really excited for the future, not only
for the fact that I know there's plenty of kids
out there and adults that are passionate about wildlife. We
want to make a difference so we can with the
digital technology we have. So what a great theme for
this year's in Dangered Species Day. And with that, I
think we should probably wrap this up with sort of
a teaser.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
For the next episode. What do you think, Yeah, let's
do it all right.
Speaker 3 (22:26):
Well, I want to make sure everyone knows they need
to subscribe so they don't miss out on our next
episode where we poke around with the spiny anteater, which
is actually not an anteater at all, but directly related
to the platypus.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
I'll mark Awa and I'm Rich for Itz. Thanks for listening.
Speaker 3 (22:46):
We're more information about the San Diego Zoo and San
Diego Zoo Safari Park go to SDZWA dot org. Amazing
Wildlife is a production of iHeartRadio. Our supervising producers are
Nikkia Swinton and Dylan Fagan, and our sound designer are
Sierra Spreen and Matt Russell. For more shows from iHeartRadio,
check out the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you
(23:07):
listen to your favorite shows.
Hi, I'm Rick Schwartz, Bunless World.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
A'm Marco Wentz.
Speaker 3 (00:08):
Welcome to Amazing Wildlife, where we explore unique stories of
wildlife from around the world and uncover fascinating animal facts.
This podcast is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studio and
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization
which oversees the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Marco, we wrapped up our last.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Episode telling everyone that we would use this episode to
talk about Endangered Species Day, which this year is on
May seventeenth, just a week away from when this episode
comes out.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
It's true, very true. We did say that, and here
we are ready to go.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
But before you did this episode, I think it's important
to remind everyone that Endangered Species Day, it's a pretty
significant day for all of us who work in conservation
or support conservation efforts of species that are endangered of
becoming extinct exactly.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
And the cool thing about this episode is that we
were all set to have a conversation with one of
our conservation scientists about wildlife that had once been listed
as an endangered species, but thanks to conservation efforts, they're
no longer endangered.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Oh wow, that's going to be such a great interview.
Speaker 4 (01:10):
Well wait, wait, did you say we're all set to
have a conversation with one of our conservation scientists, Because
to say that means we were not.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Yeah, so yeah about that.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Apparently they are all really busy this time of year, Like,
I mean really really busy.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Like there's nobody available to talk to us. All right,
So it's just going to be me and you today. However,
I think we could do this.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
I think it'll be a fun version of what we
initially planned, but just with a little twist.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
You and I talking about hundred percent, And I have
a couple of species I think i'd like to talk
about for this endangered species.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Eh, right on, I.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Do too, And even have one that is a conservation
success story, a species that was once critically endangered but's
now completely off the endangered species list.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Oh nice, I can't wait to hear about that.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
All right, So let's see. How about you go first?
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Yeah, I know you have a special one you want
to talk about right off the bat.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Oh yes, thank you, friend. Now, you know I know
everyone is thinking I'm going to pick a bird. You
were going to think that I was gonna think that's.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Well.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
I wanted to challenge myself.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Man.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
So actually on Friday, I walked around the zoo trying
to get inspired. And it also happens to be native
plant mouffent in April, right, you see whe I'm going
with this? Yeah, And so I ran into our plant
specialist crew. Horticulture team have a wonderful event that happens
every third Friday. By the way, plant They at the
zoo and there were proning some really interesting species and
I started talking to them like when you're thinking.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Endangered species, like what species comes to mind? And they
brought one up.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
I don't know if you ever heard of a species
called The one that most people know of is called
cabbage on a stick? Sir?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Have you heard of this cabbage on a staff restaurant?
Speaker 4 (02:45):
It sounds appetizing, But the more traditional name is called
the alula. So everyone, we're going to travel to our
wonderful conservation hub, the Pacific Islands, right, the beautiful people Polynesia,
and we're going to be talking about a plant called
the illula.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Or the cabbage on a stick.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Now, this particular species, now it looks really really unique. Friend,
I'm trying to think that the best way to describe
it now, it is a perennial usually reaches say three
to six feet in length. It's got this beautiful stem
that juts out with these tapering leaves at.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
The very top.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
It sort of gives you sort of like a lettuce
quality cabbage.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
That's a good point. That's probably why they named it that.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
And not only that, Buddy, they were saying it's pretty
palpable for goats, so that's kind of an issue that
they're having out in those areas as well. Now, this
particular plant species is found off of the islands of
Kawaii and n E Howe.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Now hopefully I'm pronouncing that right.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
But this species is very specific to a colster region
of those islands, and at this point, friend, they're basically
extinct in the wild, which is incredibly credibly sad. And
when I was having this conversation with our plant team
out the zoo, they were telling me that they had
one of these specimens on grounds at the San Diego Zoo.
And it wasn't until get this, nineteen nine. There was
(04:01):
a magazine from Cactus and Succulents that did a special
edition that year and they were referencing the alula.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Now, there was a gentleman, Mike, our horticulture specialist that
still works at the zoo today.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
He was reading this and he realized we had one
of those species at the zoo.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
No one knew what it was before that, which is crazy.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
In my ninety six we had on the zoo, but
nobody knew what it was.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Exactly exactly right.
Speaker 4 (04:23):
So by reading this article, they realize they have this species,
and now they're helping us send samples of this to
the Chicago Botanical Garden and other collaborators to help out
with this very unique species.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Well, really drew me about this was not only the
plant itself.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
Front, but the direct link it has with a pollinator.
And you and I were talking with Age, right, the
imports of pollinators from bees to butterflies, to moths as well.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Right, So you know it's funny page you've brought that up.
We were talking about butterflies with her all She's like,
and moths.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
Too, I know, right, Yeah, So when I heard about that, like, oh,
this is the perfect segue. So not only thinking about
you know, one plant that's been so affected by our
encroachment to those native habitats, but also the removal of
really essential pollinators. So it is a long tongue hawk moth,
and when I started doing a little more research, I
didn't realize what incredible flyers they are. So they're unique
(05:12):
for a couple things. One the proboscis or the tongue
if you will, right of the moth. It's so long,
So they can actually effectively pollinate a variety of non
food like plants like the ilula as an example. But
also being such an amazing flyer, they can travel from
islands to islands. It's something that right that butterflies and beescanto.
So the concept of this beautiful plant species off the
(05:35):
coast of very unique area in the Pacific Islands that
now the numbers have been devastated by the removal of
this one pollinator that it needed.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
You know how special that connection must be.
Speaker 4 (05:45):
And deep diving further into this particular species of moth,
and I know we're shifting from allula to the moth.
I'm seeing there's effects even in islands of Puerto Rico
as well with certain species. So it's interesting you see
the dynamics of how we're moving. One pollinator can devastatingly
affect the population of many different plant species, like the
illula the cabbage on a stick. Now, if you guys,
by the way, want to check out this species, you
(06:06):
can find them in the Hawaiian Gardens at them at
the Zeo off of Front Street.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
So I wanted to point that out for and I learned.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
It, and I do want to say this as well
for anyone who won't be coming to the zoo right
away to check out the cabbage on a stick. Oh yeah,
check it out on Google a l ula plant. Just
type that in allula plant and go under images. You'll
see the gardens that the Sante goo zu because pops
up right away, but you also see some other ones.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
They're actually quite beautiful.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
That's really yeah to look at them, and they're so
unique to think they're such a critically endangered species, So
that's really cool.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
And you brought that up.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Yeah, yeah, well, I have to admit Mark, it kind
of surprised me going with a plant, but I love
the fact that you did that end that you brought
up the connection to the moth, because a lot of
these species that are facing being endangered or critically endangered,
there's a connection with their environment as well, and other species.
So really good point that you brought that up. I'm
personally going to be going a more traditional route here
and talk about one of my spotted.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
Friends, the more leopard.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Oh yeah, that's a really good choice, Rick.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
I mean, the more leopard is critically endangered, and if
I remember correctly, there are less than about one hundred
in the wild, right.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
That's right, Marco.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
The most recent information that I could find states that
there is estimated around sixty to seventy five individuals remaining
in the wild. Because these cats live in temperate forest
habitat that stretches across a wide range of eastern Russia,
which is a huge land mass, and into parts of China,
conservationists rely on trail cameras to monitor the numbers, which
of course can make it challenging to have an exact
(07:24):
number of who's out there now. Although we tend to
think of leopards in Africa living in these jungles and
these warm savannahs, the amor leopard is well adapted to
cold weather climate, hunting different deer species and wild boars,
amongst other forest animals. Now, of course, these leopards face
many pressures. That's why they are critically endangered, so few
(07:45):
left in the wild.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Some of these.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Pressures include poaching, and it's not just them that's being poached.
People want them for their fur, their teeth or claws
and other things. We've talked about this during our discussion
about wildlife trafficking how important it is not to purchase
things like this, But there's also poaching happy on.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Their prey species.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
Several species of deer that live in that region are
poached quite a bit, so it creates a really big
challenge for them, not only for their own personal safety,
but then just the ecosystem as a whole. Now you
kind of mentioned that with the ecosystem with the moth
and the plant too. They're also dealing with habitat loss
due to forest fires and human populations growing into the
native habitats, and this is not unique to the muror leopard.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Other species faces as well.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Now, things like this are causing genetic challenges because it
causes isolated populations for the leopard, meaning think of it
almost like land islands, if you will. So these populations
become isolated, then you start to get inbreeding due to
the inability for them to have the opportunity to cross
with other populations, and unfortunately in the past there's been
a lack of political commitment to conservation. Now here's the
(08:44):
turning point for them, though. It's a lot, it's a
lot for those Mr Leopards to deal with. Yah Zoos
are involved. There's a lot of programs in place right
now to help build a safe population, and San Diego
Zo's right there with them. We've had some clubs born
in the past and it's really so exciting, every single one,
every single d was so important for the whole species.
The nice thing too, though, is the trend is shifting
also in the political climate as well. Things are far
(09:07):
from hopeless for the species. There is a small but
mighty population in Russia that has remained mostly stable for
the last thirty years. That is a really really good sign.
Anti poaching efforts and educational programs appear to be working
too when it comes to wildlife trafficking, specifically for the
I muor leopard. China has even established a reserve that
connects with leopard habitat in Russia, allowing populations to start
(09:29):
to mix again. And get this, there is a possibility,
it's being talked about, just a possibility, but.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
It's being talked about.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
So it's a big step in establishing a second population
in Russia's Far East by reintroducing a Moor leopards from
a population of Amor leopards that are under human care
and zoos.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
So yes, like many critical.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Endangered species, the Amure leopards are in a precarious situation
and facing many challenges, but there are also a lot
of great things happening to improve their situation through cooperative,
committed international conservation of more leopards have a hopeful future.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
I love it, friends, just the idea of collaboration right
across borders.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Absolutely love it.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
And you know all this talk about endangered species a
when I was doing more research about it, you know,
I didn't really like understand the definition of it originally.
So looking at up the concept of it being in
time to consider declining numbers of some animals and the
point of working together to help write all about the
collaboration like you'd mentioned Theomoor leopard. And for me, when
I think about collaborative work, I kind of wanted to
(10:27):
go back to the land of my people, my family
in Mexico. Right, So think you guys that I'm to
be talking about it.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
I have a strong feeling I know what you're talking
about it.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
I'm gonna say three words, and there's three ways of
saying this animal, right, the ox a Lottel, of course,
the holte en Espanol, and of course the Now I'm
going to try to do this just saying the traditional
verbiage of ahaloto.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Hold on, I interrupt you here. Oh yeah, okay, this
I'm having total flashbacks of season one when you were
a guest.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Oh I remember talk about and you were sharing with
us the history of the word and everything else.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
So I'm sorry, was a little flashback, so you have
not listened.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
To the actual little episode back in season one.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Go back, Marco was a guest, not a co host
at that time. It's so awesome.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
Oh, go ahead ahead, you know it's full circle now, buddy.
You know, I'll try to reference it really quick.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
So if you're not familiarly, guys, this is a really
wicked salmon or from Mexico. Now it's a very unique era.
So think about Mexico City. Let's start with that. Or
a beautiful, vibrant city. Over twenty million people live in
Mexico City. Humongous. Now the city was originally built over
what's termed is the no Cheche land, which is the
Aztec capital city basically, you want to think about it.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
And it was a floating city.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
So this was built on estuaries on marshlands, a beautiful
vibrant hub in meso America. And there's a very unique
species that thrived in those estuaries in those swamplands, type
of tiger salamon, a sort of like a cousin of
the tiger salamander called the oxlato. Now we were talking
in season one the origin of the name. Now it's
because of the people's slick a language called na wattle
or no what, however you want to pronounce it. And
(11:57):
this is where the pronunciation of that show look comes from.
So I'll try to use that and this particular species
they were thriving in those areas. But you know, you
think about one specific thing I want to reference here
is the importance of culture with animals, right meso American
people from my mom's side, Sapotec. Also the aspect that
lived in those areas, they had a vibrant community. Eventually
(12:17):
you had Europeans coming to colonize those areas, so there
was a lot of conflict going on, so that particular
city to not Chizlan, through hundreds of years, got drained
of its waterways.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Urbanization happening, and you know, I'm forwarding, you know, years
and years.
Speaker 4 (12:32):
We're going really quick down down the timeline here, you guys.
But basically all these things have devastated this population. So
a little sad number here is the decline of the
Ashualuk has dropped over ninety five percent of.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
The wild population was incredible.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
Right at this point, they're living in this little corner
in the lake called Chuchimilco in Mexico City actually, so
it's a little sliver of what their previous ecosystem was
and how they were thriving. Now, the concept of community,
so many people have got together. So for instance, now
there's an a fishing museum being dedicated to the asher
(13:05):
Lutz that you can find in Mexico City and the
batka that Chapultepec, So it's like the zoo in the
city of Mexico culture pul Depec. Not only that, there's
been a lot of research happening, and one particular research here,
I want to get the name correctly because this is
a wonderful program that they were doing. A gentleman, this
is the only two thousands Luis and Brano. He's an
ecologist of the National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM, and
(13:26):
they were working together to try to save this species
and learn how many astrolotes were left in this area.
A big issue they were having was invasive plants and animals.
So one is a carp I don't know if you
guys familiar with a car everything. I was just gonna say,
there are hungry little fishies, you know, and they unfortunately
were gobbling up a lot of.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
The asher Loutz eggs and still are at the time.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Not only that urbanization happening, a lot of pollutants going
into the river Weys and this is these are fresh
water canals that these animals are trying to thrive in,
and so they're just devastated by the pollution.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
Going on in those waters.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
The cultural portion I want to add is in southern
Mexico City, you have what's called chinampas, So think of
it sort of like a meso American agricultural method, and
these rely on small rectangular plots of fertile land that's
cultivated and put crops over that over the valley of Mexico. Now,
this was a traditional way of growing food for the
(14:19):
meso American people. And what's interesting is the people we're thriving,
but also the usher looks we're thriving as well during
this time. But with the removal of this more traditional
farm technique and the urbanization of those areas, of course,
the numbers have been just decimated. So this group, led
by this gentleman that I mentioned here, they're doing this
study to try to actually reintroduce the actual look into
(14:41):
some of these areas, and they're working directly with farmers.
I think it's about twenty families now in Mexico City.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Right in that area. I love it.
Speaker 4 (14:49):
They're called timpinetos. They're really really awesome this culture. There
are tradition of this more traditional farming technique and not
only trying to preserve the people their traditions. Some of
these families have been there for years and you can
imagine the history they have in these lens, right, and
trying to just conserve not only their traditional techniques but
also this local species. So they will try to reintroduce
(15:10):
these animals into those areas, monitor them very closely, of course,
and try to establish this population in that area. And
so it's not only that, it's not only the museum
that's happening in the podkivichpil Depek. It's not only these
students and colleges working together try to reintroduce this species.
There's also a program I'm going to botch the name
pronounce again, but it's basically adopt Axilato adopt a salt,
(15:32):
And you can find this online and you can literally
adopt a national lot online and help out with.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
The conservation programs that are happening there.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
So the concept of this animal that has been connected
with the people of mahikl for hundreds and hundreds of
years and we're seeing the devastation happening right now, but
so many people working together, right and that's the point
of endangered species, acknowledging these species and working together to
try to make a big impact. It's just an awesome animal,
right man, who doesn't allow a national lot?
Speaker 1 (15:57):
I mean, yes, they're awesome animals.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
But I love the fact to this program, the multiple
programs you mentioned.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
It is the culture.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
It is the people that most every species that is
on this list of being endangered it's because of human activity,
So that means it's human activities can also make the
shift to make the change and bring them back and
get them off that list. And I love everything you
brought up there, from the history of the connection of
the people and the animal to now the current events
(16:23):
of the people stepping up to do everything they can
for the animal.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
That's so cool, so cool.
Speaker 3 (16:27):
Well, I have to say, as you were talking about that,
it made me think about the species I want to
talk about next. And I have to tell everybody I'm
pulling a Marko here. I'm going to highlight a feathered friend.
I've been indoctrinated by Marco.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
It's true, it's true.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
So this is what's really cool about this particular species.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
Thanks to conservation efforts, it is now listed as least concern.
So this is where we're ending on this episode because
it really is a great story that shows us how
things can end up for these species. And just in
case anyone listening is wondering. According to the International Union
of Conservation of Nature IUCN, which is what we use,
zoos across the world used sort of as this gauge
(17:05):
of where animals are on the endangered species or vulnerable.
They state that a species is considered least concern if
it is abundant in the wild, does not pose a
threat to extinction, and is not a focus of wildlife
conservation at this time. This particular bird species is absolutely
I have to say, I do really like working with parrots,
(17:25):
and I do really like working with tricky volciers, one
of the first birds I.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Fell in love with.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
But this one's one of my favorites to do an
in person presentation about because they are so well known
and admired for being the fastest animal alive. Now I
know there's probably people in the audience they're like, wait
a minute, Wait a minute, a cheetah doesn't fly, And
that's right. They are faster than a cheeta because the
cheetah is the fastest animal on land. I'm talking about
the paragon falcon reaching speeds of over one hundred and
(17:49):
ninety miles an hour while in its stoop or it's
power dive. These beautiful birds have so many great adaptations
for being able to manage, reaching and sustaining those speeds.
I mean, just think about it for a second. You're
in a car and you put your head out the
window fifty five miles an hour.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
Your eyes are gonna hurt.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
That's a lot of watering going on there, and then
the air being forced into your nose. There are so
many cool adaptations about the nostrils of this species. Is
the way the ridges are around the eyes so they
can keep their eyes open and keep an eye on
their prey.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
It is crazy, amazing. But we're not here to talk
about all the adaptations. What I know, right, Marc a.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Whole I'm trying to be quiet this whole time, you guys.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
Okay, Marco is sitting across from me. He is buzzing
on the edge of his seat, like I want to
dive in and talk about this.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
No, it's all you, bady.
Speaker 3 (18:28):
We're going to talk about the conservation side of things.
So here it is the story of the Peregon falcon.
In the nineteen seventies, there are only thirty nine known
pairs of paragon falcon in the forty eight contiguous states
of the US.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
So think about this.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
They were completely gone east of the Mississippi River, like
just none.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
And then on the west side of Mississippi it was
estimated eighty to ninety percent loss of population so I
want to reflect back real quick to what you said
about the ox lootum.
Speaker 2 (18:52):
Yeah, if you said.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
About ninety five percent of the population is gone, it
made me think of the paragon falcon where they were,
and that seems.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Like a lot, and it is. It is a lot,
don't get me wrong.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
But it also this story just makes me just go, okay,
but we can still make a difference. We can make
a difference because a paragon falcon, like many other birds
of prey in the nineteen seventies, for some reason, there
was not reproduction happening, and under more studies we found
that they were mating and they were laying eggs, but
for some reason, the shells the eggs were too thin
and would break every time the parents would try to
(19:22):
incubate them. It was later understood that the pesticide called DDT.
This is something that was actually I think developed during
World War iiO or something like that. It was being
used for many things to try to control insects, especially mosquitos,
was one of them. Unfortunately, smaller birds and other animals
would eat bugs that had been exposed to the DDT,
and in turn, the peagon falcon would eat those smaller
(19:43):
birds and animals.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
The DDT that they.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
Were consuming was not enough to kill or really make
the birds sick, but it was enough that it affected
the ability for their body to create enough calcium for
the shells, and the populations started to plummet. Now here's
where things shifted. One set was realized. Not only did
people come together created nonprofit organizations to bring birds in
(20:06):
for breeding programs, but also activated citizens to start petitioning
the government to make changes. People everyday people got together
and told their representatives to take action, and through that process,
DDT was removed from the ecosystem as best as they
could at the time, and these birds were given a
fighting chance. It took about twenty nine to thirty years,
(20:27):
but they went from being one of the very first
species on the endangered species list to being delisted in
that thirty year window. So it's one of those things
where we hear about the muor leopard, or the alulu
or even like you were saying with the actual Lottel.
There's so many species out there where we see why
they are endangered and it is just heart wrenching and
it feels like too much to manage. But that's why
I love that we're ending on the paragrin falcon because
(20:49):
it's an opportunity for us to look back and go, yeah,
it can be really tough, it can look really dire
and bad, but we as individuals have the ability to
make a difference. We can get together, we can educate,
we can create programs, we can create nonprofit organizations that
stand up for these species. And then just like your
paragrion falcon, now they are found all over the place
and they're doing really well.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Yeah, one hundred percent for And I absolutely love it
the fact that you know everyone can get involved in
these efforts. I'm really stoked we ended with the peregrin falcon.
By the way, that was crazy, right, I tried my
best not to speak up. Now was amazing, And you know,
to your point, there is silver lining, is there is
hope out there. We didn't talk about the Connor. That's
an obvious one, right, twenty two to begin with. Now
we're over five hundred and we're starting with the milky Stoke.
(21:29):
When we were interviewing Miranda, right, she said about a
little around twenty or so that they're bringing into help out.
So absolutely, we can do a lot in this particular
year I was reading for Endangered Species Day.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
The theme for twenty twenty four.
Speaker 4 (21:40):
It's going to be connecting people and the planet exploring
digital innovations in wildlife conservation.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Which is perfect especially for kids today.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
Right, I'm sure, yeah, right, there are aspects that we
don't know about in technology. I'm sure one of you
have a wonderful idea to help out and impact in
a positive way a really cool species that you're passionate about.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Yeah, And I know just.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
From when I was growing up passionate about wildlife and conservation,
to just even have a small sliver, the tools available
in the digital world today have made.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
Such a big difference.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
So I was really excited for the future, not only
for the fact that I know there's plenty of kids
out there and adults that are passionate about wildlife. We
want to make a difference so we can with the
digital technology we have. So what a great theme for
this year's in Dangered Species Day. And with that, I
think we should probably wrap this up with sort of
a teaser.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
For the next episode. What do you think, Yeah, let's
do it all right.
Speaker 3 (22:26):
Well, I want to make sure everyone knows they need
to subscribe so they don't miss out on our next
episode where we poke around with the spiny anteater, which
is actually not an anteater at all, but directly related
to the platypus.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
I'll mark Awa and I'm Rich for Itz. Thanks for listening.
Speaker 3 (22:46):
We're more information about the San Diego Zoo and San
Diego Zoo Safari Park go to SDZWA dot org. Amazing
Wildlife is a production of iHeartRadio. Our supervising producers are
Nikkia Swinton and Dylan Fagan, and our sound designer are
Sierra Spreen and Matt Russell. For more shows from iHeartRadio,
check out the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you
(23:07):
listen to your favorite shows.
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