Biologica: Where Humans and Animals Meet

Join Dr. Susan and explore the biology and conservation of giant pandas through a visit to the National Zoo, interviews with a Smithsonian scientist, and more. The episode covers panda captive care, habitat protection efforts in China, and the unique role of pandas in international diplomacy, with expert insights from Dr. Melissa Songer, a conservation biologist who studies and helps conserve wild pandas. During part two of the spe...

Explore how conservation biologists are saving magnificent giants like elephants, Scimitar-Horned Oryx, and more. Join Dr. Susan in checking out some of these charismatic mammals at the National Zoo and for an interview with a world renowned conservation biologist who has fascinating stories to share. How do you re-introduce an extinct species? What kind of satellite collar do you put on an elephant? Find out more in this fascinati...

Explore with Dr. Susan how these avian marvels adapt to and live at high altitude in the mountains near the equator. Come hiking and soak up the sounds of the forest, with waterfalls and the calls of vibrant hummingbirds. Dr. Christopher Witt explains how these hummingbirds adapt to high-altitude environments through physiological changes and more. These fascinating flyers have come to thrive in the high slopes of the Andes mountai...

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Assateague Island, neighbor of Chincoteague Island and home to its renowned wild horses. A biologist at Assateague Island National Seashore shares captivating insights on the horses’ history, biology, and management. Dr. Susan also weaves in live field recordings from a camping and biking journey there, capturing the beauty and serenity of this unique landscape. Discover how humans and...

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 numbe...

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 Penobsc...

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 hi...

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 spe...