TALONS OF HOPE

Munir Virani and Kiran Ghadge

4.5 (4)
LIFE SCIENCES

Talons of Hope is a global journey into the world of raptor conservation, bringing you inspiring stories, cutting-edge science, and the voices of those fighting to keep birds of prey soaring.

2D AGO

Turning Off the Kill Switch: How Mongolia Made Its Power Grid Safer for Raptors. With Dr Andrew Dixon

Send us a text For years an unseen hazard hung over the steppe. Standard distribution poles were silently killing thousands of raptors each year, including Saker Falcons. In this episode, Dr Andrew Dixon explains how leadership from Abu Dhabi, later anchored by the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, helped Mongolia confront the crisis and retrofit 27,000 power poles across the country. The result is one of the standout conservation wins of our time and a practical blueprint any nation can adopt. Andrew takes us inside the work from first grim counts to winter field trials, and into the coalition of utilities, engineers, regulators, herder communities, and researchers that made bird-safe design the norm. We look at outcomes that matter, from dramatic reductions in electrocution to procurement standards that lock in safer builds for the future. In this episode you’ll hear: • What makes a typical pole dangerous to perching raptors, in simple terms • Which retrofits proved most effective and affordable in real-world conditions • How teams scaled to 27,000 poles without losing momentum • The measurements that show success, including carcass searches, telemetry, and nest outcomes • How policy and procurement now require bird-safe construction • Why this pays for utilities through fewer outages, lower incident costs, and stronger public trust • A clear path for countries in Africa, Asia, and beyond that want to act now This is the second installment in our three-part Talons of Hope series with Dr Andrew Dixon and the final podcast of 2025. Guest Dr Andrew Dixon, Science and Conservation Director, MBZRCF, recipient of the Partners for Raptors Lifetime Achievement Award. Call to action Follow Talons of Hope, share this episode with colleagues in energy and conservation, and ask your utility to adopt bird-safe standards in procurement and maintenance plans.

30 min
NOV 4

From Barrels to Broods with Dr Andrew Dixon: Abu Dhabi’s Vision and Mongolia’s Falcon Turnaround

Send us a text What does it take to bring a national bird back from the brink? In this opening episode of our three-part Talons of Hope special on the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund's signature project in Mongolia, Dr. Andrew Dixon—the Partners for Raptors Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and MBZRCF’s Science & Conservation Director—tells the inside story of how an Abu Dhabi–driven vision became one of the most ambitious raptor conservation efforts of our time. Long before the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF) had a name, Abu Dhabi’s leadership backed a bold, practical idea on the Mongolian steppe: build thousands of safe, well-sited artificial nests; partner with herder families and schools; and invest in young Mongolian scientists to lead the future. Five thousand “barrels on poles” later, those nests turned into broods—lifting fledglings, strengthening communities, and restoring pride in a bird that is both Mongolia’s national icon and deeply cherished in the UAE. Andrew takes us from his first day on the steppe to the data and decisions that scaled a handful of prototype nests into a country-level grid—proof that when science, community, and long-horizon support align, raptors recover. In this episode, you’ll hear about How 5,000+ artificial nests went from concept to population-level impactWhy early Abu Dhabi leadership (pre-2018) and later MBZRCF backing were decisivePartnerships with herder families as hands-on nest guardiansSchool links between Mongolia and the UAE that turned kids into young conservationistsThe metrics that matter: occupancy, fledging rates, and the ripple effects on steppe ecologyThe pipeline of Mongolian early-career scientists now leading field seasons and research“Hope sounds like fledglings calling from a barrel that didn’t exist five years ago.”Guest Dr. Andrew Dixon — Science & Conservation Director, MBZRCF; recipient of the Partners for Raptors Lifetime Achievement Award; two decades leading Mongolia’s Saker Falcon research and conservation. Call to action If this story moves you, follow Talons of Hope, rate the show, and share this episode. It’s the blueprint for scaling raptor conservation—one nest, one herder family, one young scientist at a time. Produced by Talons of Hope in collaboration with Vision Aquila. 🦅

33 min
OCT 21

Islands on the Edge: Saving the World’s Most Endangered Raptors

Send us a text Across the world’s scattered islands, from the volcanic ridges of the Philippines to the icy fjords of Tierra del Fuego, live some of the rarest and most extraordinary birds of prey on Earth. These are the island raptors—hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons that evolved in isolation, mastering ecosystems shaped by wind, salt, and solitude. But that same isolation now places them in peril. Science tells a stark truth: every known extinction of a raptor has occurred on an island. From the Guadalupe Caracara of Mexico to the Reunion Kestrel and owl of the Indian Ocean, island raptors have vanished—quietly, and often unnoticed—undone by invasive species, habitat loss, pollution, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. Their populations are small, their habitats fragmented, and their options vanishing. In this episode of Talons of Hope, host Dr. Munir Virani sits down with Dr. Ulises Balza, a leading Argentinian raptor biologist whose groundbreaking research has revealed the global scale of this crisis. Drawing on his studies from the windswept archipelagos of Tierra del Fuego to the subantarctic islands, Ulises explains why island raptors are the world’s most imperiled birds of prey—and why now is the time to act. Together, they explore: How genetic isolation and small populations heighten extinction risk.The surprising ways some raptors depend on marine food webs, feeding on seabirds, seals, and even whales.The threat of heavy metal contamination and ecosystem collapse.And the bold idea to create a global Island Raptor Conservation Network, linking scientists, communities, and governments in a unified effort to save these birds before it’s too late.Yet this is not just a story of loss—it’s a story of hope. The Mauritius Kestrel, once down to only four known birds, was brought back from the brink through determination, science, and collaboration. Its recovery stands as proof that extinction is not inevitable. As Ulises reminds us, island raptors are more than symbols of fragility—they are sentinels of resilience, teachers of adaptation, and guardians of the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. This episode is a call to raise the red flag, to unite for action, and to believe—like the kestrel that flew again—that hope still has wings.

35 min
SEP 30

Wings to Fly: From Science to Stewardship in Raptor Conservation with Laurie Goodrich

Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Talons of Hope, we sit down with Dr. Laurie Goodrich—Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary—and explore what it takes to build the next generation of true conservation leaders. Drawing on decades of raptor migration data, groundbreaking studies on kestrel declines and broad‑winged hawk wintering behavior, Laurie shares not only the science, but how she’s weaving training in communication, storytelling, fundraising, and community engagement into her mentorship. We talk about: Lessons from 40 years of migration monitoring and what current trends reveal about raptor populationsHow holistic leadership training allows emerging scientists (especially from under‑resourced regions) to tackle broader environmental issues — from grassland degradation to climate changeStories of her trainees turning science into action: policy change, habitat protection, and community partnershipsHow the Raptor Population Index and other tools are empowering conservationists globallyLaurie’s vision for fostering storytelling, systems thinking, and advocacy skills, so that tomorrow’s leaders are equipped for more than measurements — but changeIf you believe in the power of investing in people as much as protecting wildlife, this conversation will stir hope and clarity on how to make long‑term impact.

28 min
SEP 5

Why Vultures Matter — and Why We Must Act Now (Special IVAD2025 Episode)

Send us a text Vultures prevent disease, recycle nutrients, and even reduce greenhouse gas emissions — yet they face extinction at an alarming rate. These birds are the silent guardians of our ecosystems, nature’s clean-up crew that protect both wildlife and human health. Beyond ecology, they are also woven into human culture and history — from ancient Egyptian deities to Indigenous traditions that see them as symbols of purification and renewal. In this special Talons of Hope episode for International Vulture Awareness Day, host Munir Virani speaks with André Botha — one of the world’s leading vulture conservationists and a longtime friend. From the savannas of Africa to the policy tables of international conventions, André has spent more than three decades fighting for vultures. Together, they share stories from the field, highlight groundbreaking solutions that are turning the tide, and celebrate the resilience of these remarkable birds. This is a conversation of hope and inspiration — and a reminder that every one of us can play a part in ensuring vultures continue to soar in our skies. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @talons_ofhope_

49 min
AUG 19

Dead Birds Flying — and the Science of Second Chances with Dr Christian Hagen

Send us a text What happens when an injured hawk, eagle, falcon, or owl beats the odds, survives rehabilitation, and is released back into the wild? Do they truly make it? Do they matter? In this episode of Talons of Hope, host Munir Virani talks with Dr. Christian Hagen — Senior Research Scientist and Associate Professor at Oregon State University — about a groundbreaking study that combed through decades of data on more than two million raptors. The results challenge long-held skepticism and reveal that rehabilitated raptors, especially long-lived species, can play a real role in offsetting human-caused losses. From power lines to wind farms, the threats are daunting — but this conversation explores how science, policy, and even ancient falconry traditions can unite to give birds of prey a second shot at life. It’s a story of resilience, redemption, and hope on the wing.

29 min
AUG 5

Cliffs, Toddlers, and Tracking Devices - The Megan Murgatroyd Story

Send us a text In this compelling episode of Talons of Hope, Dr. Munir Virani sits down with one of the rising stars in global raptor conservation—Dr. Megan Murgatroyd, a field biologist, scientist, mother, and Director of International Programs at HawkWatch International. From the cliffs of South Africa to the jungles of Indonesia, Megan shares her bold and deeply personal journey tracking and protecting some of the world’s most elusive and endangered raptors. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of her fieldwork: wrestling Verreaux’s Eagles, developing wind energy collision models for large eagles, tagging Flores Hawk Eagles with a toddler strapped to her back, and investigating the illegal killing of Hen Harriers on UK grouse moors. Throughout the conversation, Megan reflects on: The early spark that drew her to raptorsThe resilience it takes to do fieldwork as a woman and a motherThe powerful role of GPS tracking in both conservation science and advocacyHow science can—and must—adapt to a changing climateThe vital importance of storytelling and mentorship in inspiring the next generation of conservation leadersWhat emerges is the portrait of a conservationist who brings equal parts grit, grace, and global thinking to the field of raptor biology. With humor, honesty, and depth, Megan shares lessons from the field—both scientific and human—that offer hope for the skies above and the communities below. Featured Themes: Women in conservation scienceGPS tracking and real-time conservationBalancing motherhood with fieldworkRenewable energy and wildlife coexistenceIllegal killing of raptors and policy implicationsMentorship and building the next generation of raptor biologists"Sometimes you have to climb a cliff with a telemetry unit in one hand and a baby carrier in the other—because the eagles aren’t going to wait." — Dr. Megan Murgatroyd

24 min
JUL 22

Valerie Sankok: A Warrior’s Mission to Save the Mara’s Vultures

Send us a text Deep in the grasslands of Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara, where lions roar and wildebeest thunder, a quieter crisis is unfolding. Vultures — nature’s essential clean-up crew — are dying in silence, poisoned by the very communities that once lived in harmony with them. But one woman is fighting back. Meet Valerie Nasoita Sankok, a proud Maasai woman and frontline conservationist. She’s not just saving birds. She’s saving ecosystems, cultural values, and future generations. As the Vulture Liaison Officer with The Peregrine Fund, Valerie responds to wildlife poisoning incidents — often being the first on the scene. She finds poisoned carcasses, collects forensic evidence, tends to any surviving vultures, and engages with pastoralist communities to stop the cycle of revenge poisoning that is decimating wildlife. It’s grim, dangerous, and emotional work. But Valerie is no stranger to adversity. Raised in a traditional Maasai community, she broke gender barriers to become one of Kenya’s most recognized voices for vultures. With training in crime scene management and wildlife poisoning response, and with deep cultural fluency, she is uniquely positioned to lead this fight from within. In this powerful episode of Talons of Hope, Valerie shares: What it feels like to stand amid dozens of poisoned vultures — and what drives her to act.How she works with Maasai herders to replace poison with peaceful coexistence.The cultural and ecological importance of vultures in Kenya’s rangelands.Her personal journey as a Maasai woman forging a path in conservation.What gives her hope in the face of loss, and why the next generation matters more than ever.Why You Should Listen This isn’t just a conversation about birds. It’s about justice, environmental health, gender equality, and the power of one woman to reshape how communities think about wildlife. Vultures play a critical — and often invisible — role in our ecosystems. By cleaning up carcasses, they prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies. Without them, entire food webs begin to unravel. Yet in Africa, vulture populations have plummeted by over 90% due to poisoning and habitat loss. Valerie’s story reveals the hidden frontline of this crisis — and the quiet revolution being led by women, by communities, and by those who care enough to act. A Local Hero with a Global Message Valerie’s work has inspired not only her own community but also the wider conservation world. Her voice represents the intersection of science and tradition, action and empathy. She reminds us that real conservation starts with listening, with trust, and with those who live closest to the land. Her message is clear: “When vultures disappear, we all suffer. But when people rise to protect them — so does hope.” Listen Now If You Care About: Wildlife conservation and raptor protectionMaasai culture and women’s leadershipSolving human-wildlife conflictPoisoning response and ecological justiceStories of resilience, courage, and changeJoin us for this unforgettable episode of Talons of Hope, and be inspired by Valerie Sankok — a warrior whose fight is for all of us. Because in her words, “Saving vultures is saving life.”

21 min
JUL 8

From Arctic Cliffs to Global Change: Michael Henderson’s Quest to Save Polar Raptors

Send us a text In this episode of Talons of Hope, we travel to the windswept tundras of Alaska to explore the frontline of polar raptor conservation. Host Munir Virani, of the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF), speaks with Michael Henderson—field biologist with The Peregrine Fund and PhD candidate at Boise State University—whose groundbreaking research on Gyrfalcons, the Arctic’s apex raptors, is offering urgent insights into a rapidly changing world. Why should you tune in? Because polar raptors like the Gyrfalcon are telling us stories about the fate of the Arctic—and of our planet itself. The Gyrfalcon is an iconic predator of the far north. But as climate change disrupts prey populations, introduces new disease threats, and reshapes Arctic ecosystems, these magnificent birds face an uncertain future. Michael’s mission is to understand how they are adapting—and what we can do to help. Michael shares his remarkable journey from a career in construction to scaling cliffs in pursuit of raptor science. In this episode, you’ll learn: How stable isotope analysis and nest cameras reveal shifting dietsWhy Willow Ptarmigan and Arctic ground squirrels are so critical to Gyrfalcons—and what happens as their ranges changeThe rise of pathogens and parasites in a warming ArcticWhat it’s really like to study falcons in Alaska’s remote wildernessHow MBZRCF’s global partnerships are connecting polar raptor research from the Arctic to PatagoniaThis work is part of a bold initiative supported by MBZRCF to advance understanding and conservation of polar raptors in an era of unprecedented ecological change. As the host notes, this is more than a story about falcons—it is a story about how the Arctic itself is changing, and how raptors can serve as sentinels of planetary health. If you care about: How climate change impacts top predatorsWhat it takes to do science in the world’s harshest environmentsThe power of unlikely journeys and global collaborationsWhy protecting raptors is about protecting us all...then this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

21 min
JUN 24

Rescue on the Brink: Gareth Tate and the Fight to Save Africa’s Vultures

Send us a text Poachers laced an elephant carcass with poison in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and by next morning 123 critically endangered vultures lay dead. Dozens more were barely clinging to life, sparking an urgent race to save them. Amid this carnage, Gareth Tate – head of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme – sprang into action. He hooked up a specialized “vulture ambulance,” gathered vets and rangers, and raced to the scene even enlisting a SANParks helicopter Against all odds, 84 poisoned vultures were pulled back from the brink and rushed into rehabilitation. Within weeks, those survivors were healed and soaring free again. Vultures are nature’s cleanup crew, crucial for keeping ecosystems healthy. Yet poisoning is a silent, brutal threat pushing them toward extinction. This episode tells an emotional story of tragedy, teamwork, and hope, highlighting Gareth’s heroic leadership and the fight to protect these unsung heroes. Tune in to hear the full story of this remarkable rescue mission.

38 min
JUN 10

From Mindanao to Leyte: Dr. Jayson Ibanez and the Flight to Save the Philippine Eagle

Send us a text Talons of Hope: A Conversation with Dr. Jayson Ibanez – Saving the Soul of the Forest In this powerful and moving episode of Talons of Hope, host Munir Virani speaks with Dr. Jayson Ibanez, the Director of Operations at the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a pioneering raptor biologist and champion of culture-based conservation. Their conversation delves deep into the remarkable efforts to save the critically endangered Philippine Eagle—a species that symbolizes both the ecological and cultural soul of the Philippines. Dr. Ibanez recounts his early fascination with birds of prey, which began during his university days and evolved into a lifelong mission to conserve the Philippine Eagle. He shares how a combination of academic training, fieldwork, and a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems shaped his unique approach to conservation. He also reflects on his journey as a scientist, from earning his PhD in Australia to returning home to apply both western science and traditional ecological knowledge in the service of saving the national bird. At the heart of the conversation is the historic release of two Philippine Eagles in Leyte, a bold move aimed at reestablishing the species in its former range. Dr. Ibanez explains the significance of this translocation: it is the first time in over a century that eagles born and raised in Mindanao have been introduced into the forests of Leyte, where viable eagle habitat still exists. This milestone was made possible by a groundbreaking partnership between the PEF and the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF), whose support has helped breathe life into this ambitious initiative. Dr. Ibanez discusses the scientific foundation behind the project—how telemetry data from over 30 tracked eagles has informed habitat selection and release strategies. But just as critically, he outlines the human side of the effort: months of community consultations, social feasibility studies, public awareness campaigns, and trust-building with local and Indigenous leaders. The translocation wasn’t just about moving birds; it was about preparing the landscape—ecologically and culturally—to welcome them. The conversation touches on the broader vision of “culture-based conservation,” a philosophy that recognizes local communities not just as beneficiaries but as active stewards. Dr. Ibanez shares compelling stories of how engaging with ancestral domain holders, particularly the Bagobo Tagabawa community in Davao, has shifted the conservation narrative from conflict to collaboration. This approach, he argues, is the future of wildlife protection in biodiverse, human-inhabited landscapes. Dr. Ibanez also speaks to the challenges: the persistent threat of habitat loss, the tragic consequences of eagle shootings, and the hard-won lessons of working at the intersection of politics, ecology, and tradition. Yet he remains hopeful. With support from partners like MBZRCF, a new generation of Filipino conservationists, and growing national pride in the eagle as a living symbol of resilience, the path forward is clearer than ever. As the episode closes, Dr. Ibanez calls on listeners to act—not only by supporting Philippine Eagle conservation, but by embracing the deeper idea that saving a species is about saving stories, values, and ways of life. “Every eagle we protect,” he says, “is a message to future generations that we cared enough to keep the wild alive.” This episode is a testament to what happens when science is fused with spirit, and when hope becomes not just a feeling, but a strategy. Talons of Hope reminds us that the flight of a single eagle can carry with it the aspirations of an entire nation.

32 min
MAY 30

Talons of Hope Introduction

Send us a text On this special World Environment Day, Talons of Hope takes flight—soaring into the lives, landscapes, and legacies of those fighting to protect the world’s most awe-inspiring birds of prey. Hosted by raptor biologist and conservationist Munir Virani, this launch episode sets the tone for a podcast rooted in urgency, science, and deep storytelling. From the Arctic tundra to the tropical forests of the Philippines, Talons of Hope explores how raptors—eagles, falcons, vultures—are not just predators, but sentinels of planetary health. In this opening narrative, Munir shares his own journey with raptors, the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world, and why protecting them is key to preserving entire ecosystems. More than just a podcast, Talons of Hope is a call to action. Each episode brings listeners face-to-face with the scientists, storytellers, and Indigenous guardians who are giving everything they’ve got to ensure these birds—and the environments they depend on—can thrive. Launched on World Environment Day, Talons of Hope reminds us: when we save raptors, we protect the skies, the land, and our shared future.

6 min

12 Episodes

4.5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Talons of Hope is a global journey into the world of raptor conservation, bringing you inspiring stories, cutting-edge science, and the voices of those fighting to keep birds of prey soaring.

Creator

Munir Virani and Kiran Ghadge
Years Active

2K
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
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