Bad at Goodbyes

Joshua Dumas

On Bad At Goodbyes, we offer a calm, clear-eyed, creative look at plants and animals from the IUCN Critically Endangered Red List. Research-based, we share species details, behaviors, habitat, and conservation information. And then at the end of each show we perform an ambient soundscape, to hold space for contemplation, delight, awe and perhaps grief. Without dedicated conservation action, some of these species will not survive the 21st century. And so, though listening and learning, perhaps we might acknowledge that journey with a moment of our attention, in recognition of our kinship. Thanks for listening.

  1. Mulanje Cedar

    NOV 26

    Mulanje Cedar

    Mulanje Cedar :: Widdringtonia whytei Bad at Goodbyes :: Episode 062 On today’s show we learn about the Mulanje Cedar, a critically endangered conifer tree native to the African nation of Malawi, specifically to Mount Mulanje in the southeast. (00:05) Intro(02:05) Species Information(23:53) Citations(25:52) Music(32:02) Pledge For more information about Mount Mulanje conservation, please see the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust at https://mountmulanje.org.mw Research for today’s show was compiled from: Bayliss, Julian, Steve Makungwa, Joy Hecht, David Nangoma, and Carl Bruessow. “Saving the Island in the Sky: The Plight of the Mount Mulanje Cedar Widdringtonia Whytei in Malawi.” Oryx 41, no. 1 (2007): 64–69. – https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605307001548Burger, Niel. “Disturbance ecology and size-class structure of the Mulanje cedar of Malawi, Widdringtonia whytei, and associated broadleaved forest.” Botany honours project 2010. University of Cape Town. –  http://hdl.handle.net/11427/24397Chanyenga, Tembo F., Coert J. Geldenhuys, and Gudeta W. Sileshi. “Effect of Population Size, Tree Diameter and Crown Position on Viable Seed Output per Cone of the Tropical Conifer Widdringtonia Whytei in Malawi.” Journal of Tropical Ecology 27, no. 5 (2011): 515–20. – https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266467411000204Chanyenga, T., Shaw, K. & Mitole, I. 2019. “Widdringtonia whytei.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T33216A126090798. – https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T33216A126090798.enCNN. “Saving Malawi’s Mulanje Cedar.” October 2025. Inside Africa S21 E21. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTNGckdP7kkEarle, Christopher J., ed. "Widdringtonia whytei." The Gymnosperm Database. February 10, 2025. – https://conifers.org/cu/Widdringtonia_whytei.php.Farjon, A. 2019. “Widdringtonia whytei.” Threatened Conifers of The World – https://threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk/conifers/widdringtonia-whyteiFrank, Fred & Mwabumba, Lusayo & Mhango, Jarret & Missanjo, Edward & Kadzuwa, Henry & Likoswe, Michael. (2023). “Genetic and Phenotypic Parameters for Growth Traits of Widdringtonia whytei-Rendle Translocation Provenance Trials in Malawi.” Journal of Global Ecology and Environment. Volume 17, Issue 4. 32-48. – https://doi.org/10.56557/jogee/2023/v17i48222Martin, Emma, and Burgess, Neil. "Mulanje Montane Forest-Grassland." One Earth. September 23, 2020. – https://www.oneearth.org/ecoregions/mulanje-montane-forest-grasslandMitrani, Leila. 2017. “Reproduction and establishment of two endangered African cedars, Widdringtonia cedarbergensis and...

    34 min
  2. Corsican Bat

    NOV 19

    Corsican Bat

    Corsican Bat :: Myotis Nustrale Bad at Goodbyes :: Episode 061 On today’s show we learn about the Corsican Bat, a critically endangered flying mammal native to the French island territory of Corsica in the Mediterranean Ocean. (00:05) Intro(02:05) Species Information(30:46) Citations(32:42) Music(40:26) Pledge For more information about Corsican Bat conservation see the Corsica Bat Group, in French: Groupe Chiroptères Corse at https://chauvesouriscorse.fr Big thanks and deep gratitude to Kate Derrick at the Corsica Bat Group for sharing her expertise, insights and her work with us. It was so inspiring to speak with her. Research for today’s show was compiled from: Aulagnier, S., Beuneux, G. & Russo, D. 2024. Myotis nustrale. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T248107314A248107503. – https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-2.RLTS.T248107314A248107503.enDerrick, K. Groupe Chiroptères Corse (Community Manager, Communications Manager, Scientific Officer). Interview by Joshua Dumas, October 30, 2025Derrick, K. and Beuneux, G. 2024. L’espèce endémique de Corse, Myotis nustrale, enfin décrite officiellement ! Envol des Chiros 36: 12-13. – https://www.sfepm.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/EDC36.pdfGroupe chiroptères Corse, 2019 - Programme d'étude concernant l'amélioration des connaissances sur l'écologie d'une nouvelle espèce de chauve-souris endémique à la Corse : Myotis sp. C (ex - Myotis nattereri) - Année 2018 – https://gaia.oec.fr/documents/39037ba8a97630e6c387281c39766ece.pdfJavier Juste, Manuel Ruedi, Sébastien J. Puechmaille, Irene Salicini, Carlos Ibáñez "Two New Cryptic Bat Species within the Myotis nattereri Species Complex (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) from the Western Palaearctic," Acta Chiropterologica, 20(2), 285-300, (14 February 2019) – https://doi.org/10.3161/15081109ACC2018.20.2.001Martinetti, Jean-Michel dir. Belle de Nuit. France 3 Corse ViaStella and Mediterranean Dream Productions, 2024. 52 min – https://www.france.tv/france-3/corse-viastella/corsica-salvatica/6717952-regards-croises-sur-le-monde-animal.htmlOffice de l'Environnement de la Corse. Faune Sauvage de Corse. Murin de Corse. – https://faunesauvagedecorse.oec.fr/Espece_mpage_224_idtaxon,4905.htmOne Earth – https://www.oneearth.org/ecoregions/corsican-montane-broadleaf-and-mixed-forests/Schmidbauer, P., & Denzinger, A. (2019). Social calls of Myotis nattereri during swarming: Call structure mirrors the different behavioral context. PloS one, 14(9), e0221792. – a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0221792" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    42 min
  3. Erubia

    NOV 12

    Erubia

    Erubia :: Solanum ensifolium Bad at Goodbyes :: Episode 060 On today’s show we learn about the Erubia, a critically endangered flowering shrub native to the US island territory of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. (00:05) Intro(02:05) Species Information(19:24) Citations(21:02) Music(26:42) Pledge For more information about conservation in Puerto Rico, please visit Para la Naturaleza at https://paralanaturaleza.org Research for today’s show was compiled from: Eastern Connecticut State University – https://www.easternct.edu/news/_stories-and-releases/2025/01-january/easterns-greenhouse-is-a-sanctuary-for-imperiled-plants.htmlGann, G.D. 2024. Solanum ensifolium. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T212065930A253642712. – https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-2.RLTS.T212065930A253642712.enGraham, M.R., Kaur, N., Jones, C.S. et al. A phoenix in the greenhouse: characterization and phylogenomics of complete chloroplast genomes sheds light on the putatively extinct-in-the-wild Solanum ensifolium (Solanaceae). BMC Plant Biology 25, 320 (2025). – https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06338-8The Institute for Regional Conservation – https://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPagePR.asp?TXCODE=SolaensiJankauski Mark,  Ferguson Riggs, Russell Avery and  Buchmann Stephen. 2022. Structural dynamics of real and modelled Solanum stamens: implications for pollen ejection by buzzing bees. Journal of the Royal Society Interface. Volume 19 Issue 188. 1920220040 – http://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2022.0040National Science Foundation’s Solanaceae Source – https://solanaceaesource.myspecies.info/content/solanum-ensifoliumPascarella, John & Aide, T. Mitchell & Serrano, Mayra & Zimmerman, Jess. (2000). Land-Use History and Forest Regeneration in the Cayey Mountains, Puerto Rico. Ecosystems. 3. 217-228. – https://doi.org/10.1007/s100210000021Rosario, Lumariz Hernandez, Juan O. Rodríguez Padilla, Desiree Ramos Martínez, Alejandra Morales Grajales, Joel A. Mercado Reyes, Gabriel J. Veintidós Feliu, Benjamin Van Ee, and Dimuth Siritunga. "DNA Barcoding of the Solanaceae Family in Puerto Rico Including Endangered and Endemic Species." Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 144, no. 5 (2019): 363–374. – https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS04735-19Strickland-Constable, R., Schneider, H., Ansell, S.W., Russell, S.J. and Knapp, S. (2010), Species identity in the Solanum bahamense species group (Solanaceae, Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum). Taxon. 59. 209-226. – a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.591020" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    29 min
  4. Chinese Alligator

    NOV 5

    Chinese Alligator

    Chinese Alligator :: Alligator sinensis Bad at Goodbyes :: Episode 059 On today’s show we learn about the Chinese Alligator, critically endangered reptile native to the Yangtze River system in the Anhui Province of southeastern China. (00:05) Intro(02:05) Species Information(29:21) Citations(31:12) Music(38:25) Pledge For more information about Chinese Alligator conservation, see the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group at https://www.iucncsg.org. Research for today’s show was compiled from: Encyclopedia Britannica – https://www.britannica.com/animal/Chinese-alligatorGroppi, L. 2006. "Alligator sinensis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. – https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Alligator_sinensis/Jiang, H.-X. & Wu, X. 2018. Alligator sinensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T867A3146005. -  https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T867A3146005.enKabir, Ashraful. Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) (Fauvel, 1879) (Reptilia: Alligatoridae): Captive Breeding as Well as its Rehabilitation. International Journal of Research Studies in Zoology. Volume 8, Issue 2, 2024, PP 5-8. – https://doi.org/10.20431/2454-941X.0802002Lau, Erika Y. X., Josh A. Hodge, Jonathan P. Rio, Tao Pan, Philip D. Mannion, and Samuel T. Turvey. “Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Identify Land-Use Threats to the Last Wild Population of the Chinese Alligator Alligator Sinensis.” Oryx, 21 February 2025, 1–10. – https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605324000978Liu, V. H. (2013). Chinese Alligators: Observations at Changxing Nature Reserve & Breeding Center. Reptiles & Amphibians, 20(4), 172-183. – https://doi.org/10.17161/randa.v20i4.13965Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. (n.d.). Chinese alligator. – https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/chinese-alligatorSun, K., Li, M., Wang, Z., Sun, S., Yang, J., Wu, X., & Pan, T. (2025). Habitat Integrity Challenges for the Chinese Alligator Amid Land Occupation by Human: Pathways for Protection. Ecology and Evolution, 15 (3), e71113. – https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71113Thorbjarnarson, John, and Wang Xiaoming. “The Conservation Status of the Chinese Alligator.” Oryx 33, no. 2 (1999): 152–59. – https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3008.1999.00051.xThorbjarnarson, John & Wang, Xiaoming & He, Lijun. (2001). Reproductive Ecology of the Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) and Implications for Conservation. Journal of Herpetology. 35 (4). 553. – https://doi.org/10.2307/1565892Xianyan Wang, Ding Wang, Xiaobing Wu, Renping Wang,...

    40 min
  5. Cork Palm

    OCT 29

    Cork Palm

    Cork Palm :: Microcycas Calocoma Bad at Goodbyes :: Episode 058 On today’s show we learn about the Cork Palm, a critically endangered tree native to the island of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. (00:05) Intro(02:05) Species Information(23:01) Citations(24:23) Music(32:42) Pledge Research for today’s show was compiled from: Ania Pinares, Jorge González-Astorga, Andrew P. Vovides, Julio Lazcano, Wagner A. Vendrame, Genetic diversity of the endangered endemic Microcycas calocoma (Miq.) A. DC (Zamiaceae, Cycadales): Implications for conservation. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Volume 37, Issue 4, 2009, Pages 385-394. – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2009.07.006Botanical Gazette v.44 no.2, 118-141. (1907). “Microcycas Calocoma". Otis W. Caldwell. – https://doi.org/10.1086/329295 Botanical Gazette v. 47 no.2, 139-147. (1909). “Vascular Anatomy of the Seedling of Microcycas calocoma”. Helen Angela Dorety. – https://doi.org/10.1086/329818 Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 125, Issue 3, November 1997, Pages 201–210. “Pollination of endangered Cuban cycad Microcycas calocoma (Miq.) A.DC,”. Andrew P. Vovides, Nisao Ogata, Victoria Sosa, Esperanza Peña-García.  – https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1997.tb02254.x Bösenberg, J.D. 2022. Microcycas calocoma (errata version published in 2023). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T42107A243384251. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T42107A243384251.enCycad Newsletter Vol. 14, No. 2 (November 1991) “Microcycas calocoma: Portrait of a Species”. Garrie Landry. – https://cycad.org/content/newsletter/ Horttechnology. v. 21. 474-481. “Palma Corcho: A Case Study in Botanic Garden Conservation Horticulture and Economics. “ Kay, Judy & Strader, Arantza & Murphy, Vickie & Nghiem-Phu, Lan & Calonje, Michael & Griffith, M.. (2011). – http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.21.4.474Insecta Mundi. v. 70. "A new species of Pharaxonotha (Coleoptera: Erotylidae), probable pollinator of the endangered Cuban cycad, Microcycas calocoma (Zamiaceae)". Chavez, Ramiro and Genaro, Julio A. (2005). – https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/insectamundi/70 Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcycas  Please find us on the web at Bad at Goodbyes and on instagram. Please subscribe and rate/review Bad at Goodbyes wherever you listen to podcasts. Please help spread the word about the show and about the species we feature. Please take care...

    35 min
  6. Enigma Moth

    OCT 22

    Enigma Moth

    Enigma Moth :: Aenigmatinea glatzella Bad at Goodbyes :: Episode 057 On today’s show we learn about the Enigma Moth, a critically endangered insect native to Kangaroo Island off the southern coast of Australia. (00:05) Intro(02:05) Species Information(21:20) Citations(22:49) Music(27:51) Pledge Research for today’s show was compiled from: Enigma Moth Factsheet. Landscape Board South Australia – https://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ki/native-plants-and-animals/supporting-biodiversityGlatz, R. & Young, D.A. 2021. Aenigmatinea glatzella. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T189533430A195997220. – https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T189533430A195997220.enHill, Robert & Scriven, L.J.. (1998). The fossil record of conifers in Australia. Flora of Australia. 48. 527-537. - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284428816_The_fossil_record_of_conifers_in_AustraliaGlatz, R. V., Fagan-Jeffries, E. P., Tetley, S. P. & Austin, A. D. (2022) Enigma moth parasitoid: a new Australian cyclostome genus and species, Ovaustra aurantia Tetley, Glatz & Fagan Jeffries, gen. et sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Kangaroo Island. Austral Entomology, 61: 420–432. – https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12627Taylor, G. S., Braby, M. F., Moir, M. L., Harvey, M. S., Sands, D. P. A., New, T. R., Kitching, R. L., McQuillan, P. B., Hogendoorn, K., Glatz, R. V., Andren, M., Cook, J. M., Henry, S. C., Valenzuela, I., and Weinstein, P. (2018) Strategic national approach for improving the conservation management of insects and allied invertebrates in Australia. Austral Entomology, 57: 124–149. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12343Tensen, N.P., Hilton, D.J., Kallies, A., Milla, L., Rota, J., Wahlberg, N., Wilcox, S.A., Glatz, R.V., Young, D.A., Cocking, G., Edwards, T., Gibbs, G.W. And Halsey, M. (2015), A New Extant Family Of Primitive Moths From Kangaroo Island, Australia, And Its Significance For Understanding Early Lepidoptera Evolution. Systematic Entomology, 40 (1): 5-16. – https://doi.org/10.1111/syen.12115Tressider, V. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. 10 March 2015. Small, beautiful, new and very old: meet the Enigma moth. – https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2015/march/small-beautiful-new-and-very-old-meet-the-enigma-mothWarne, K. National Geographic. January 17, 2020. 60 hours on burning Kangaroo Island. – https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/kangaroo-island-wildfires-dispatchWikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_Island & a...

    30 min
  7. Eswatini Poker

    OCT 15

    Eswatini Poker

    Eswatini Poker :: Kniphofia umbrina Bad at Goodbyes :: Episode 056 On today’s show we learn about the Eswatini Poker, a critically endangered flowering plant native to southeastern Africa, to the country of Eswatini. (00:05) Intro(02:05) Species Information(19:22) Citations(20:37) Music(26:12) Pledge Research for today’s show was compiled from: Eswatini Biodiversity – http://eswatinibiodiversity.com/biodiversity/endemics2.aspBraun, K. & Loffler, L. 2024. Kniphofia umbrina. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T221350018A221361752. –  https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T221350018A221361752.en“The IUCN plant red data book : comprising Red data sheets on 250 selected plants threatened on a world scale.” Synge, Hugh. Switzerland: IUCN, 1978. – https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/5780 JSTOR Global Plants Database – https://plants.jstor.org/compilation/Kniphofia.umbrina Loffler, L. 2021. PlantLife SouthAfrica Volume 51.7, July 2021. Eight new plant locality records for Eswatini from Malolotja Nature Reserve. – https://plantlifesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2021/07/plantlife-volume-517-july-2021-eight.htmlRamsar Sites of Wetlands of International Importance – https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2121?language=en South African Journal of Science. v.97. no. 11-12 609-616. “Conservation biology of Kniphofia umbrina, a critically endangered Swaziland serpentine endemic.” Witkowski, E. & Dahlmann, L.A. & Boycott, R.C. (2001). – https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC97233 Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kniphofia_umbrina  Please find us on the web at Bad at Goodbyes and on instagram. Please subscribe and rate/review Bad at Goodbyes wherever you listen to podcasts. Please help spread the word about the show and about the species we feature. Please take care of each other, and all of our fellow travelers. A note on accuracy: I strive for it! These episodes are well-researched and built from scholarly sources, hoping to provide an informed and accurate portrait of these species. That said, I’m a musician! I am not an academic and have limited scientific background. I may get things wrong! If you are using this podcast for scholarship of any kind, please see the cited sources and double-check all information.

    28 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

On Bad At Goodbyes, we offer a calm, clear-eyed, creative look at plants and animals from the IUCN Critically Endangered Red List. Research-based, we share species details, behaviors, habitat, and conservation information. And then at the end of each show we perform an ambient soundscape, to hold space for contemplation, delight, awe and perhaps grief. Without dedicated conservation action, some of these species will not survive the 21st century. And so, though listening and learning, perhaps we might acknowledge that journey with a moment of our attention, in recognition of our kinship. Thanks for listening.