I am an outdoorsman, podcaster and speaker. I talk and write about the natural environment, biodiversity, conservation, hunting and fishing, rewilding and more. I am particularly interested in wildlife and human-wildlife interactions. I enjoy reading scientific papers on those subjects as much as being outdoors weathering the elements and getting first-hand experiences.
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Bringing Back the Wild
Published 3 months ago • 3 min read
Conservation and Science
With this episode I'm going back to the roots of the podcast, in a sense. You see, when I started, the show was mostly about outdoor pursuits and the importance of hunters and anglers for conservation. Since then, my views have developed and although I still think that hunters and anglers have a huge role to play in habitat and wildlife conservation, I now see clearly the issues with our approach (I count myself as a member of this group). So when I was approached to do an episode about a book that talks about the benefits of hunting for conservation, giving examples from across the world, I was quick to accept the opportunity. Not only to, once again, highlight the benefits but also to ask the author about the cracks in this model that I am starting to see. Listen to our conversation to find out his answers. As always, you can buy his book using the provided link and when you do so, you'll also support my work, as I'll get a small commission from every sale. Of course, the price you pay is not affected.
And in the replay series, I invite you to revisit my conversation about the intersection of whale conservation and geopolitics. It was a truly eye-opening episode from which you will not only learn what the conservation situation of different species of whales is but also what US military bases and US personnel have to do with whale conservation and whaling. Yes, whaling. The episode is accompanied by links to articles written by our guest, (in the description of the episode), so if it's a topic that sparks your interest then you're in for a treat.
Enjoy this week's newsletter and podcast episodes, and as always I encourage you to press the reply button and share your views, opinions and feedback.
Bringing Back the Wild - A Hunter's View of Global Conservation
Can hunting truly support conservation? Does fortress conservation offer a sustainable solution for protecting wildlife in the long term? And how do we balance the needs of impoverished communities with the preservation of fragile ecosystems? Our guest today is Mike Arnold, a Distinguished Research Professor and Head of the Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia and a lifelong hunter. Mike has published over 220 articles in outdoor magazines and hundreds of research papers on conservation biology. He's also the author of "Bringing Back the Wild: Stories from Revitalised Ecosystems Around the World and How Sport Hunting Supports Them". In our conversation, Mike tackles these difficult questions head-on, drawing from his experiences across the globe.
Mike explains how private hunting concessions in places like Mozambique have maintained stable rhino populations whilst nearby national parks have lost over 90% of their animals to poaching. He shares fascinating insights from his travels to locations as varied as Mexico's Yucatan, Scotland's hunting estates, and Sweden's forests - including his quest for a rare red-coloured West African Savannah buffalo. What emerges is a nuanced picture of conservation that refuses easy answers. Mike discusses the biological realities of managing herbivore populations, the importance of protecting entire ecosystems rather than just game species, and how economic benefits to landowners create incentives for habitat protection.
The conversation takes an honest look at challenges facing hunting and conservation. Mike and I discuss the troubling demographics of hunting organisations, where finding anyone under 50 is increasingly difficult. We explore the tensions between rewilding advocates and traditional land users, the concept of "fortress conservation", and whether current systems can survive long-term pressures from growing inequality. We argue that addressing poverty is essential for conservation success, and that getting young people engaged with nature, not TikTok and PlayStation, is crucial for the future. Whether you hunt or not, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of conservation's most contentious subjects.
Why Military Bases Might Determine the Future of Whales
Is the resumption of commercial whaling inevitable? What hidden geopolitical forces are shaping international whale conservation efforts? Let's dive (pun not intended) into the complex world of whale conservation with marine scientist Dr Peter Corkeron. In our conversation, Peter uncovers the surprising connections between military bases, national security, and the fate of the world's largest mammals.
From the history of industrial whaling to the current state of whale populations, our guest provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing whale conservation today. He explains how some whale species are making an impressive comeback while others teeter on the brink of extinction. But the real story goes beyond biology! Learn how US military interests in Japan may be influencing whaling policies, and why anti-whaling efforts that seemed successful for decades may now be faltering.
As commercial whaling threatens to resume, we argue for a new approach to whale protection. We discuss the limitations of current conservation strategies, the complex motivations behind pro-whaling interests and why simply allowing whaling to "fizzle out" is no longer a viable option. Finally, Peter offers his perspective on potential solutions, addressing underlying geopolitical factors and advocating for policy changes to protect whale populations more effectively.
I am an outdoorsman, podcaster and speaker. I talk and write about the natural environment, biodiversity, conservation, hunting and fishing, rewilding and more. I am particularly interested in wildlife and human-wildlife interactions. I enjoy reading scientific papers on those subjects as much as being outdoors weathering the elements and getting first-hand experiences.
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