Our Wild World

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our civilization. Every one of us is responsible for emitting carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. Our guest today is climate mitigation expert Rick Heede, author of the groundbreaking study, Carbon Majors. When looking at who’s responsible, we tend to point to individuals or countries, but here we have a different perspective – Corporations. A stunning two-thirds of all emissions have been traced to just 90 entities, such as Exxon Mobile and Chevron, who sell the products that result in these climate-changing emissions. Every gallon of gasoline we purchase from these corporations goes into these calculations. We will discuss how the Carbon Majors project might affect climate policy and what implications it might have for affecting the way we move forward with climate action- globally and, personally.

Working Dogs for Conservation trains and deploys the world’s best conservation detection dogs, finding everything from invasive beetle larvae, to reptiles, to invasive and endangered plants, and of course, elusive carnivores like wolverine, cheetah, and Amur Tiger. WDC dogs work non-invasively and without harming or harassing the target species, making conservation data collection sampling more effective, efficient and ethical. WDC also offers a second chance to high-drive shelter dogs, many of whom would have been euthanized but now have important jobs in saving wildlife, with operations in 11 countries and 18 US states. Pete has spent most of his career working in wildlife conservation from Kenya to South and North America. A trained biologist and landscape ecologist, Pete’s work has taken him rom research to conservation planning, to implementing conservation projects leading on the ground fieldwork.

Both reviled and loved, our history with the wolf is complex and emotional and the stuff of legends. Today, we have an opportunity to learn from one of the most knowledgeable wolf biologists around, Carter Niemeyer, author of “Wolfer” which should be prerequisite reading for everyone involved in the back and forth of the wolf debate! We’ll get into the politics and policies that surround wolf management to human interaction and conflict, to public perceptions vs. those of ranchers and the vested interests of those who want to see all wolves dead. From our earliest history to now we continue to wage war against the wolf, and it ‘s taken more than 100 years for science to catch up to understand the ecological cascade of consequences in the wake of their absence and what their presence means for our future- the wolf issue a parable and a symbol of the very soul of wildness.

Our story today revolves around a heroic journey of one cat that apparently walked (and swam) from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the green estates of Greenwich, CT, looking for love. The Connecticut lion serves as vehicle for the larger story of the would-be repatriation of the East by mountain lions making forays from the eastern edge of the Rockies across the Great Plains, where they haven’t lived for a century or more. Reminiscent of US war on predators in the early 1900’s, bogus science, intolerance and draconian hunts, these pioneering lions are getting hammered by hunters and state agencies, essentially imposing a gauntlet against the lion’s eastward movements, and worse, this model of intolerance is being copied elsewhere. The news of coexistence coming out of California, while uplifting, is a world apart from the societal and cultural attitudes of America’s rural heartland towards our reigning big cat.

We’re into a brand new year and unprecedented opportunities to make a difference in our wild world. Coming up we’ll be focused on conservation, ethics, value systems, and the changing paradigm that incorporates a culture of acceptance and social justice, and science-based discussions that focus not only the changes we’ve made, but the shifts we have yet to make to become the society and the humane species we can be. We have a great line up of Guest Hosts from authors to NGOs and working projects, to exposés about what is happening around our world. Today we’ll provide some highlights and background on upcoming topics that will be over the next couple of months!

With special guest Professor Emeritus Marc Bekoff, we will discuss that increasing our compassionate footprint will improve our overall relationship to animals and our earth, thus also improve conservation outcomes. As our species causes deep and enduring pain all over our amazing planet, there is growing evidence that we need to ask ourselves how other animals feel about the loss of their homes. Solid science now tells us they suffer as we do without a safe and peaceful place to live, thrive, and survive. Compassionate conservation is concerned with the humane treatment and welfare of animals within the framework of traditional conservation biology, finding a way through polarization between those interested in animal protection and those interested in conservation. Compassion for animals should be fundamental for conservation as poor conservation outcomes are often consistent with the mistreatment of animals.

Everyday, every year, every moment, we are on the brink: of a new day, a new year, and to be astonished. We live on the only blue ball that carries life, as we know it, and such an abundance of life it is. We are also on the brink of change throughout our human and non-human communities; shifts in thought, knowledge, culture and civilizations. Today we’ll highlight landmarks of 2013 and some hints at what’s in store from our wild world to you for a brand new year- the crossover paths and links where we can reengage, revitalize and renew ourselves and the amazing nuances, diversity and connectedness of this miraculous web of life called Planet Earth.

With Special Guest Philip Tedeschi , Clinical Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. We’ll explore the changing paradigm of recognizing incorporating the bond and relationships between people and non-human beings and and the implications for animal abuse to public health and human security. Our relationships with animals has become an enduring feature in so many families, homes, and communities. For centuries, the importance of animals in people’s lives has been recognized beneficial effect that animals have on human health, well being, and motivation- across age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and life condition. Images of animals appear in literature of all kinds art, celebrations, dreams, fables, folklore, language, medicine, music, religion, work, and recreation. Animals are found in nearly every aspect of life.

Join us with Sean Carnell and Dr. David Tonkyn about how and why concerned students with an affinity for tigers, from schools across the country that use the tiger as their mascot, came together to form the National Tigers for Tigers Coalition. There are over 50 colleges and universities in the country with tigers as their mascot, and NT4TC has coordinated 11 of those to work together to #saveourmascot. As there are only about 3200 tigers left in the wild, NT4TC’s goal is to improve the survival of tigers in the wild, and the humane treatment of those in captivity. Through direct action and education NT4TC mobilizes the public about tigers and conservation policies. As their organization grows, NT4TC works with the National Wildlife Refuge Association, US Fish and Wildlife Service, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Big Cat Rescue, Tiger Trust India and others. www.t4tcoalition.org

Over the past several episodes, the past year really, Our Wild World has covered a lot of territory about the good the bad and the ugly, the links between people, animals and wildlife. As we close in on the end of another year, we ponder how to find balance in world that seems increasingly unbalanced. How do we strengthen the conduit that is being acknowledged between the the human and animal bond, the needs of our environment, our wildlife and…us. How is it all coming together? What’s the Big Picture? From headlines to heart-lines, more ponderings of how we decide and define what is ‘here’ and what is ‘there’.

With special guests Grace Gabriel, Kelvin Alie and Peter LaFontaine from IFAW’s trade experts, we’ll discuss efforts to reduce the devastating impacts wildlife trade has on many endangered species. IFAW works in countries where policies regarding conservation and animal welfare are lacking and through expansion of wildlife crime and consumer awareness programs that address each link along the illegal wildlife trade chain - source, transit and consumer countries - including efforts to better integrate animal welfare and conservation into wildlife trade policy and planning. These efforts dovetail with their capacity building toward frontline enforcement personnel through established partnerships with U.S Department of State and INTERPOL to strengthen national and regional enforcement agencies across Africa and Asia to combat wildlife crimes to protect endangered species from poaching and illegal trade. www.IFAW.org

A conversation with WildlifeDirect, and special guests Dr. Paula Kahumbu, John Heminway and JJ Kelley as we converse about impact- of the illegal wildlife trade, ineffective laws. From the spearhead campaign HANDS OFF OUR ELEPHANTS, to the National Geographic investigative film ‘Battle for the Elephants’, to what measures are being undertaken on the ground and around the globe stop poaching and the demand for ivory, including the statement from Asst. Sec. of State, Judy Garber. From beefing up wildlife crime laws for stricter penalties for poaching and trafficking, to award winning documentaries and the many people involved in making a difference around the world. This episode continues our series in raising awareness about what is happening on the ground and around the globe to put a stop to illegal trade in our wild world’s wildlife. Link: http://youtu.be/fkZevvee2d4

Today we’ll be discussing how our USFish & Wildlife Service is involved in saving African and Asian Elephants, with special guests Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement Edward Grace ; The Chief of Near East. South Asia and Africa Division of International Conservation, Richard Ruggiero; and African Elephant Program Specialist Michelle Gadd. We will have an informative and frank conversation and dialogue about the November 14th, USFW Ivory Crush, the decimation to our wild world’s wildlife with focus on elephants, and how our USFW law enforcement works with the US and abroad to stop wildlife crime and international trafficking, particularly of our mega-fauna- elephants, rhino, tigers along with the less well known facts about just how insidious wildlife crime and trafficking has become globally. You will find image and video links on WildiZe Facebook page, #ivory on twitter, and visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/

The pressure on our world’s elephants is heating up. The survival of elephants ultimately depends upon us, what we decide our relationship to this iconic and keystone species will be and how we will answer the questions and balance between supply vs. demand for ivory vs. the complex animal. Elephants have survived for millennia, but will they survive us? Today’s dialogue will provide the foundation leading into our next two episodes with guest hosts experts on conservation efforts, to law enforcement monitoring both the illegal trafficking and legal trade in ivory. Overall we hope to provide a better understanding of the challenges we, and elephants, are facing. Coming up over the next episodes will be conversations with US Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement, African Elephant biologists and conservationists Dr. Paula Kahambu of WildlifeDirect. Joan Donner, Jacqueline Russel and filmaker John Heminway.

At present, rhinos in sub-Saharan Africa are being exterminated at a rate of more than one per day, leading to extinction by 2020. With poaching reaching epidemic levels in the region. Something needs to be done to end the slaughter. Enter Damien Mander, ex-Australian Special Forces who founded the IAPF, who’s mission is to protect and preserve wildlife in volatile regions. IAPF focuses its mission through a number of methods, first and foremost through training, equipment, and deployment of rangers to the frontline of the war on poaching, providing them with the latest tactics and operating procedures. Key to the success of their mission is engaging, educating and involving local communities that border protected areas, through sustainable projects and initiatives, providing lifestyle and economic alternatives to poaching. Learn More: http://www.iapf.org/en/

There is a lot happening on the ground, in the news and in the courtrooms around the world in wildlife conservation. Battles are being fought and lines are being drawn as to the place our wildlife holds in our value systems, our economics and our hearts and our history. Between advocates and opponents of how we will manage our wildlife populations into the future and the reasons for doing so- ethics, morals, and economic benefits worldwide. Today we’ll discuss the footprint of wildlife conservation and background of why this issue is globally heating up to be one of our biggest challenges were facing today, that it is much more complicated than simply loving animals vs. commerce.

The one tool each of us has at our disposal is our brain, and the ability to think ourselves through to solutions. The headlines are downright scary these days, and while it seems like the world has been turned upside down around us while we weren’t looking, that suddenly the scale and scope of our challenges are so much bigger than the individual. But, historically, this is when we humans are often at our very best, and how we choose to respond to the challenges we are facing will define our future and the future of every living thing that calls Earth home. As there are millions of us, there are millions of solutions, which will, together, turn the tides; from grass-roots initiatives to concerted efforts––it’ll be our brains, and thinking, that will see us through.

Last week with special guests Tim, Cody and Julia, we had a rousing discussion about the film How I Became An Elephant and composing the musical score. We found that we couldn’t begin to cover all the information we wanted to share about what is happening to our wild world’s elephants, and more importantly, what is being done and how you can help- with time, your social networks, and where your financial contributions will be well put to use. Elephants are under attack now more than ever: slaughtered, culled, poached and made captives. Fifty years ago there were 3 million elephants across their range states, today, there are a mere 300,000. From illegal wildlife trafficking syndicates feeding a thirst for ivory to those elephants that are taken from the wild to live a life of captivity, abuse and hard labor- slaves to us and our entertainment. How I Became an Elephant Trailer http://youtu.be/BeBwe7yTw7o;

Elephant are under siege and being slaughtered at an unprecedented rate, and it will only through public pressure on policy and politics that will change this issue, educate those who live with elephants as to their living value, and to those who would chose to destroy them for human greed. Today we bring you filmmaker Timothy Gorski of Rattle the Cage Productions and creator of How I Became an Elephant, the story of a 14yo girl from California who inspires a movement to save elephants through a life-altering journey to Southeast Asia, and the musical composer team of Cody Westheimer and Julia Newmann, whose compositions continue to bring further emotion and context to the imagery and message to many films including The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

We welcome back Dale Preece-Kelly, founder of Critterish Allsorts, based in the United Kingdom and focused on animal assisted therapy. Critterish Allsorts has expanded their therapeutic techniques with the help of Stoosh the skunk, who’s become quite the celebrity. Today we’ll explore more deeply the connections and benefits between people and animals not only as therapy for emotional challenges and relationship and building of trust and communication but also the other side of the conversation, some insights as to how animals can also benefit from deep relationships with people. LINKS: