Conservationists Assemble: Deep dives with wildlife guardians and conservation experts

Jonny Bloxham
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Passionate about wildlife and conservation but craving deeper stories behind endangered species and those who save them? Then welcome to the Conservationists Assemble, the podcast uniting with field conservation and captive breeding experts to share conservation stories of wildlife protection and actionable insights that helps save threatened species. Join your host, Jonny, each week as he teams up with Earth’s mightiest conservation heroes as they discuss the efforts for our planets most endangered species. Will you join the assembly? Subscribe for new episodes every week and start your journey with Volume 50 'Can we reverse extinction? Meet the Lord Howe island stick insect, nature's comeback story' to learn about one of nature’s greatest survivors. Follow on instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/conservationistsassemblepod?igsh=Y2Ftd2k3c2pidDVi

  1. Securing a future for the Francois’ Langur: How the European breeding programme supports genetic strength.

    19 JAN

    Securing a future for the Francois’ Langur: How the European breeding programme supports genetic strength.

    Get ready for an exciting journey with the 'Conservationists Assemble' podcast, where we delve into the mysterious world of the Francois’ Langur alongside the knowledgeable Andrew Hope! Explore their unique forested habitats, the collaborative efforts of Belfast Zoo and their conservation partners, and importance of having a genetically diverse population in accredited zoos as an insurance policy for the looming challenges of this remarkable primate. Andrew, the Francois Langur EEP coordinator and curator at Belfast Zoo in Ireland, guides us through an enthralling exploration of these bold primates with the hair-style to match, shedding light on the impact of human activities on their numbers despite living in inaccessible habitat. The focus then shifts to how growing up in South Africa and being exposed to wildlife from a young age with a particular passion for reptiles lead to pursuit of a career within conservation that continued when Andrew and his family relocated to Ireland. A career that has granted the opportunity to work with apes, large carnivores, ungulates and primates, with a particular fondness for Bongo. Wrapping up the podcast, Andrew shares that how much a round of golf would do for downtime should the northern Irish whether permit And how he has desire to return to South Africa in the future and ambition to see wild Francois’ Langurs, Penguins and Tree Kangaroos.

    34 min
  2. Worried about rapid species loss? How the Malayan giant turtle is fighting for survival.

    05/10/2025

    Worried about rapid species loss? How the Malayan giant turtle is fighting for survival.

    The Conservationists Assemble is back with episode 52. In this episode Jonny welcomes Irna, Dhanu & Vanda to discuss the collective journey and efforts of wildlife rescue centre Jogja, konklusi & the gembira loka zoo in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in their mission to raise the profile of and save the critically  endangered Malayan giant turtle (Orlitia borneensis).   Links/Extra reading: Saving Malayan Giant Turtle from brink of extinction, Phase I: establishing healthy and genetically viable assurance colony — Asian Species Action Partnership | ASAP Species Conservation – WRC Jogja (PDF) Turtles in Malaysia: A Review of Conservation Status and a Call for Research ZQ_107_92d68e56d4.pdf - Zooquaria Issue 107 (has some background on the founding population of O. borneensis in EAZA member organisations. 2022_TAG_Annual_Reports_web_7d92d2e668.pdf - The 2022 EAZA TAG report mentions an upgrade from an ESB to a new style EEP for O. borneensis). EAZA_AC_22_PROGRAMME_BOOKLET_0f9083bedf.pdf - The 2022 EAZA annual conference featured poster publicising the efforts of Gdansk zoo, Poland in assisted breeding of O. borneensis. ZootierlisteHomepage - Current estimates of O. borneensis under human care globally Orlitia borneensis (Malaysian Giant Turtle) (PDF) Orlitia borneensis (Gray, 1873) (Testudines, Geoemydidae), Malaysian Giant Turtle, from Belitung Island, Indonesia: filling a distribution gap - a paper published since recording this episode filling a distribution gap in O. borneensis Kolaborasi Inklusi Konservasi (KONKLUSI) — Asian Species Action Partnership | ASAP - konklusi Kolaborasi Inklusi Konservasi (@konklusi_id) • Instagram photos and videos - konklusi Instagram Homepage | Happy Loka Zoo - gembira loka zoo homepage Gembira Loka Zoo (@gembiraloka.zoo) • Instagram photos and videos - gembira loka instagram

    49 min
  3. Can we reverse extinction? Meet the Lord Howe island stick insect, nature’s comeback story

    07/08/2025

    Can we reverse extinction? Meet the Lord Howe island stick insect, nature’s comeback story

    The Conservationists Assemble is back with Volume 50! Tune in to part 2 of the conversation with your host Jonny Bloxham and special guests, Kate Pearce and Rohan Cleave from Melbourne Zoo & Zoos Victoria. This episode is all about the Lord Howe island stick insect. A critically endangered invertebrate endemic to Lord Howe island that went from estimated millions in population to what was thought to be complete extinction in the matter of a decade with the wreckage of a ship and the arrival of invasive rodents in the 1900s. That was until 2001 when a population of anywhere between 9-35 individuals were found on six Melaleuca howeana shrubs on the nearby and almost inhospitable, Ball's pyramid. This conversation highlights a tremendous and ongoing effort to save a species from extinction. Find some awesome resources and links below: Sticky: Rediscovering the Lord Howe Stick Insect - Island Conservation (PDF) The recovery programme for the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis) following its rediscovery (PDF) Rediscovery of the ‘extinct’ Lord Howe Island stick-insect (Dryococelus australis (Montrouzier)) (Phasmatodea) and recommendations for its conservation Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Conservation Breeding Program turns 20 Beyond Mega Zoo - The Lord Howe Island stick insect Lord Howe Stick Insects, resilient survivors but are they cute? Museum Lecture: The true life adventure story of Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Reading with a Ranger – “Phasmid Saving the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect” Home | Lord Howe Island Board Phasmid Pale Ale 16-Case – Lord Howe Island Brewing Co https://www.instagram.com/lenkomelb?igsh=cWdnZDdtaXpubThy - a link to the talented Dana Lenko who produced the jumper that Kate was wearing (and briefly discussed in part. 2)

    44 min
  4. Curious how we save ‘extinct’ species? The Lord Howe island stick insect’s incredible comeback.

    03/08/2025

    Curious how we save ‘extinct’ species? The Lord Howe island stick insect’s incredible comeback.

    The Conservationists Assemble is back with Volume 50! Tune in to part 1 of the conversation with your host Jonny Bloxham and special guests, Kate Pearce and Rohan Cleave from Melbourne Zoo & Zoos Victoria. This episode is all about the Lord Howe island stick insect. A critically endangered invertebrate endemic to Lord Howe island that went from estimated millions in population to what was thought to be complete extinction in the matter of a decade with the wreckage of a ship and the arrival of invasive rodents in the 1900s. That was until 2001 when a population of anywhere between 9-35 individuals were found on six Melaleuca howeana shrubs on the nearby and almost inhospitable, Ball's pyramid. This conversation highlights a tremendous and ongoing effort to save a species from extinction. Find some awesome resources and links below: Sticky: Rediscovering the Lord Howe Stick Insect - Island Conservation (PDF) The recovery programme for the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis) following its rediscovery (PDF) Rediscovery of the ‘extinct’ Lord Howe Island stick-insect (Dryococelus australis (Montrouzier)) (Phasmatodea) and recommendations for its conservation Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Conservation Breeding Program turns 20 Beyond Mega Zoo - The Lord Howe Island stick insect Lord Howe Stick Insects, resilient survivors but are they cute? Museum Lecture: The true life adventure story of Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Reading with a Ranger – “Phasmid Saving the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect” Home | Lord Howe Island Board Phasmid Pale Ale 16-Case – Lord Howe Island Brewing Co https://www.instagram.com/lenkomelb?igsh=cWdnZDdtaXpubThy - a link to the talented Dana Lenko who produced the jumper that Kate was wearing (and briefly discussed in part. 2)

    55 min
  5. Inside the work to save the Fossa, Madagascar’s elusive and vulnerable carnivore.

    20/07/2025

    Inside the work to save the Fossa, Madagascar’s elusive and vulnerable carnivore.

    The Conservationists Assemble is back with volume 49! Today's episode focuses on the Madagascar's largest terrestrial mammal.  Joining me is Johannes Pfleiderer, senior curator at Leipzig Zoo and EAZA EEP coordinator for the Fossa as we put the spotlight on this unique carnivore. And if learning about this Malagasy carnivore has peaked your interest, why not check out volume 5 of the podcast on the small carnivores of Madagascar with Hannah Spurgeon! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Z84eh2A0sdTEEYimzDOYe?si=WE1nTWzlSJ-WzEs--HKrqg Check out the resources below to learn more! https://www.facebook.com/chancesfornature https://chancesfornature.org/kirindy/?lang=en  https://www.parczoologiquedeparis.fr/en/pister-les-fossas-au-zoo-et-a-madagascar https://www.ab.mpg.de/387321/Collective-Ecology-of-Fossa-and-Sifaka https://zoo-duisburg.de/en/species-conservation   Connect with the podcast - Will you join the fight? conservationistsassemble@outlook.com Conservationists Assemble (@conservationistsassemblepod) • Instagram photos and videos

    54 min
  6. Championing the smallest species: Rediscovering and protecting the critically endangered scarce yellow sally.

    15/06/2025

    Championing the smallest species: Rediscovering and protecting the critically endangered scarce yellow sally.

    The Conservationists Assemble is back with volume 48! Today's episode focuses on the Scarce Yellow Sally. There are fewer pleasures greater than being out in nature, and rivers are a great source of that. For me, rivers were a great source of enjoyment in the pandemic as I know they were for a lot of people. When restrictions started easing here in the UK, Panshanger park became a place we visited often. On days where the weather was pristine, we would sit at the river's edge and just enjoy the environment. I knew that there was wildlife around. The possibility of kingfishers and perhaps even otters. Okay so both (particularly the latter) were incredibly unlikely given the presence of people enjoying the outdoors. But being able to observe the character of butterflies, bees and dragonflies along the waters edge was a privilege. Today's episode is about a species that relies upon and is synonymous with healthy rivers, the Scarce Yellow Sally. Joining me is Joe Chattell, as we put the spotlight on this mysterious stonefly. Check out the resources below to learn more! https://www.instagram.com/joechattell?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=emk0eWtwa2dpNjI1 Recording Riverflies Introduction to Stoneflies Contents Meeting Sally... - Buglife Blog - Buglife Scarce Yellow Sally - Buglife projects John Davy-Bowker — Freshwater Biological Association Craig Macadam — Freshwater Biological Association Connect with the podcast - Will you join the fight? conservationistsassemble@outlook.com Conservationists Assemble (@conservationistsassemblepod) • Instagram photos and videos

    1h 6m
  7. Bringing back Britain’s most endangered mammal, with teamwork helping the water vole return to its wetlands.

    30/03/2025

    Bringing back Britain’s most endangered mammal, with teamwork helping the water vole return to its wetlands.

    The Conservationists Assemble is back with volume 47! Today's episode focuses on the water vole. You know them,  you love them, but you probably won’t have seen one and by the end of the episode you’ll have heard us talk about the remarkable character of Britain’s most endangered mammal and the efforts breaking down barriers that will see the return of this species in great numbers leaving you hopefully inspired to spread the word and perhaps join the fight. Joining me now is Darren Tansley, Wilder Rivers & Protected Species Manager at the Essex Wildlife Trust, as we put the spotlight on the water vole. Check out the resources below to learn more and how to get involved! Connect with the podcast - Will you join the fight? conservationistsassemble@outlook.com Conservationists Assemble (@conservationistsassemblepod) • Instagram photos and videos   Water Vole resources: Essex Wildlife Trust (@essexwildlifetrust) • Instagram photos and videos A ray of hope for endangered water voles and other native species | Essex Wildlife Trust Citizen science projects | The Wildlife Trusts What is the National Water Vole Monitoring Programme? - PTES Survey water voles - People's Trust for Endangered Species

    57 min
  8. How education supports conservation and why zoos play a key part in sharing the stories of endangered species.

    24/03/2025

    How education supports conservation and why zoos play a key part in sharing the stories of endangered species.

    The Conservationists Assemble is back with volume 46! Today's episode focuses on conservation education and highlights this crucial element within modern conservation efforts. Joining me is Chris Eley from Hertfordshire Zoo in the UK to share is insight on the incredible power of education. Check out the resources below to learn more and how to get involved! Connect with the podcast - Will you join the fight? conservationistsassemble@outlook.com Conservationists Assemble (@conservationistsassemblepod) • Instagram photos and videos   Conservation education resources: https://www.instagram.com/chris__eley?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Chris Eley- International Award-Winning Conservation Photographer Education | BIAZA The IZE/WAZA Education Strategy - WAZA

    1h 18m
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About

Passionate about wildlife and conservation but craving deeper stories behind endangered species and those who save them? Then welcome to the Conservationists Assemble, the podcast uniting with field conservation and captive breeding experts to share conservation stories of wildlife protection and actionable insights that helps save threatened species. Join your host, Jonny, each week as he teams up with Earth’s mightiest conservation heroes as they discuss the efforts for our planets most endangered species. Will you join the assembly? Subscribe for new episodes every week and start your journey with Volume 50 'Can we reverse extinction? Meet the Lord Howe island stick insect, nature's comeback story' to learn about one of nature’s greatest survivors. Follow on instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/conservationistsassemblepod?igsh=Y2Ftd2k3c2pidDVi

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