WILD LIVES

Special report: Australia's bushfires & what's next for our wildlife

Australian wildlife is being devastated by this bushfire crisis, with at least 1 billion animals lost so far. But what happens when these fires go out – can our wildlife and their habitats recover? In this special report we chat wildlife experts Professor Christopher Dickman, Tim Faulkner and Chad Staples to find out what happens next for our animals. (Spoiler alert: there IS good news!) Professor Christopher Dickman By December, 480 million animals had lost their lives in the New South Wales fires alone – Professor Christopher Dickman is the globally acclaimed ecologist who originally calculated that number. He talks us through the possibility of extinction, the specific behaviours of fire-affected animals, how our city critters are coping with the smoke, and most inspiringly, explains how our bush will rebuild itself. He also talks about some pretty cool little animals you’ve probably never even heard of, as well as about what’s happening with our bats/flying foxes, potoroos, and the resilience of our wildlife. Listen: 2:33 to 26.28 Tim Faulkner Aussie Ark president Tim Faulkner explains what’s happening with our koalas. Before the fire they were already in real trouble due to habitat loss, with experts predicting they were on the trajectory to be extinct by 2050. We’ll need to think laterally to help them bounce back. Thankfully, Tim and his team have just the thing to help them do that, and to also keep them safe for decades to come – the Koala Ark project. Listen: 26:28 to 39:03 Chad Staples Chad Staples has long been one of Australia’s favourite wildlifers thanks to his epic work at Featherdale. Now working as the Director of Mogo Wildlife Park, Chad and his team rescued Mogo’s 200+ animals  – including everything from giraffes to lemurs to big cats – when the 31,000-hectare Clyde Mountain blaze threatened their home on New Year’s Eve. In this interview, Chad reveals how the rescue unfolded, and he also shares some exciting plans for the park in the wake of this crisis. Listen: 39:03 to 51:55 What You Can Do In the months to come we may still encounter animals with burns and fire-related illnesses, so our mate Denis Duggan shares WIRES’ practical tips on how you can help them. Listen: 51:55 to 53:18 If you’d like to get involved and/or show your support, here’s where to get started:  Mogo Wildlife Park, Aussie Ark’s koala project, Wildlife Victoria, WIRES (NSW only), Kangaroo Island’s Dunnarts, Kangaroo Island's Koalas & Wildlife. See Faunographic for info. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Jane Goodall: A Lifetime with Chimps

There’s no one else on Earth like Dr Jane Goodall. After all, she’s not only won countless awards for her decades-spanning conservation work, but her work with chimpanzees has actually changed the way we see both animals and humans. At 85 years young, Dr Jane is still working hard, travelling 300 days of the year to share her important message of hope, and to support her Roots and Shoots program – an innovative approach to conservation that’s enabling young folks to be the change our planet needs. In this episode, the finale for Season 2 of Wild Lives, Dr Jane introduces us to the chimpanzee that changed her life, David Greybeard; reveals what she’s learnt about the environment, climate change and the importance of education and local action; and reveals exactly how she wants to be remembered.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Patrol with the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit

As poaching decimates wildlife populations across Africa, determined people are stepping up to intervene – including the Black Mambas, the world’s first women’s only anti-poaching unit, who patrol and protect South Africa’s Balule Nature Reserve. Through their surveillance and sophisticated monitoring techniques, the Mambas are the first line of defence in the war against poaching – but unlike the armed units who work alongside them, these incredible women carry no weapons, patrolling 20km on foot each day to ensure the reserve’s wildlife is protected. The Mambas believe the poaching crisis will not be solved through violence, but instead through empowerment and education, and their commitment to the cause is inspiring. This episode of Wild Lives was recorded live in Balule, where we go on both night and morning patrols with Black Mamba rangers Mirren, Q and Goodness. Their strength, humility and determination will give you hope for wildlife – and us. Please note: A large part of this episode was recorded live in the field, so the sound can be patchy in places. The night-patrol audio is a little challenging, because we're driving through the bush in an open 4WD, so you'll hear some distortion due to wind, along with bouncy car suspension, etc, especially around 11:00 to 16:35. BUT I know you'll be able to ignore those iffy bits because what these women have to say is solid gold! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney’s secret penguins with Ranger Mel Tyas

In this fun episode, National Parks and Wildlife Ranger Mel Tyas introduces us to one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets – the endangered colony of wild Little Penguins of Manly, in the heart of Australia’s biggest city. The smallest of all penguins, these tiny, endearing critters have called Manly home for decades, and theirs is the only breeding colony on the NSW mainland, making them extra unique. Ranger Mel spends her days working alongside and protecting these beloved seabirds in the Sydney Harbour area, and in this episode she reveals their history, behaviours and challenges, and also shares some of her favourite penguin tales (including one about a fella who swam nearly 2000km from Sydney to Adelaide!?!). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whales of Boston's Stellwagen Bank with Rich Dolan

Boston’s Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary is home to a stack of sea icons, including the humpback and minke whale, oceanic sunfish (mola mola) and great white shark – and it’s also home to artist and naturalist Rich Dolan, who spends his days at sea documenting the creatures who thrive in this unique part of the world. Through his innovative art and sculpture project, Tails of Stellwagen, Rich records each individual animals’ distinguishing patterns, helping both researchers and enthusiasts alike to identify, track and appreciate these mysterious leviathans. And, as a naturalist with countless hours at sea, Rich has had some pretty amazing encounters with all kinds of critters – so while he was visiting Down Under we got him to tell us his best tales of Stellwagen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.