The Think Wildlife Podcast

The Think Wildlife Podcast
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Every Monday, join our hosts, Anish Banerjee, as he speaks with renowned conservationists from around the world, dissecting some of the most pressing and intricate challenges threatening wildlife. anishbanerjee.substack.com

  1. Apr 19

    S4|EP 26 ~ Storytelling for Conservation: Heather Ripley on PR, Fundraising & Scaling Wildlife Impact

    In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Orange Orchard, as a part of Ripley PR, a mission-driven public relations agency dedicated to helping animal welfare and conservation organizations grow their impact through strategic storytelling. With a background in marketing and PR, Heather shares how she transitioned from running a traditional agency to building a purpose-led platform focused entirely on advancing animal welfare. This conversation dives deep into a critical but often overlooked aspect of conservation—communication. While science forms the backbone of conservation work, Heather argues that real impact depends on how effectively organizations tell their stories, build trust, and inspire action. From raising millions for wildlife rehabilitation efforts to helping nonprofits scale their reach globally, she explains how PR can function as a powerful driver of funding, visibility, and long-term engagement. We explore the concept of “mission-driven PR” and why nonprofits must start thinking like businesses to sustain and grow their work. Heather breaks down how public relations can act as a lead generator—not just for awareness, but for consistent fundraising, donor retention, and institutional support. Through real-world examples, including wildlife rehabilitation campaigns and global conservation partnerships, she illustrates how transparency and storytelling directly translate into increased trust and financial support. The episode also tackles common mistakes made by animal welfare organizations, particularly around messaging. Heather highlights why negative or graphic storytelling often alienates audiences, and how shifting toward positive, engaging narratives can dramatically improve outreach and engagement. We discuss the importance of starting local, building credibility through regional media, and leveraging social media strategically—especially for grassroots organizations with limited resources. For conservationists, NGOs, and early-stage initiatives, this episode offers actionable insights on how to approach PR without large budgets. Heather outlines key metrics to track success, from website traffic and engagement spikes to fundraising outcomes, and explains how timing, media cycles, and consistent outreach shape campaign effectiveness. Finally, we explore the evolving role of AI and digital platforms in shaping outreach strategies. From influencing search visibility to enhancing credibility through media presence, PR is becoming increasingly important in a world where audiences discover causes through algorithms and AI-driven platforms. If you are working in conservation, animal welfare, or nonprofit leadership—or simply interested in how storytelling can drive real-world impact—this episode provides a powerful blueprint for scaling your mission beyond science and into meaningful action. Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    27 min

  2. Apr 13

    S4|EP25 ~ Ecology Explained: Devica Ranade on Bridging Science, Communication, and Conservation

    In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we sit down with Devica Ranade, founder of Ecology Explained, to explore the critical role of science communication in bridging the gap between ecological research and public understanding. Trained as a behavioral ecologist with extensive field experience—from studying tadpole foraging behavior in India to giraffe social dynamics and meerkat systems in South Africa—Devica brings a rare combination of scientific depth and communication clarity to the conservation space. We dive into her journey from a curious teenager discovering birds in Amboli to pursuing a PhD at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc, where she studied female-female competition in peninsular rock agamas. The conversation then shifts to a pivotal realization during her academic career: that much of the exciting and impactful work being done in ecology remains inaccessible to the broader public. This insight led to the creation of Ecology Explained, a platform dedicated to simplifying complex ecological research into engaging, digestible formats for diverse audiences. Devica shares how Ecology Explained has evolved over time—from long-form videos to social media carousels and short-form reels—driven both by changing audience preferences and platform algorithms. We discuss the realities of science communication today, including the challenges of audience retention, algorithm dependency, and the persistent lack of funding in the field. Despite these constraints, her work has had tangible impact, inspiring students to pursue ecology and even shaping academic projects and career paths. The episode also explores her role at the Nature Conservation Foundation, where she works on education and public engagement, connecting people—from school students to researchers—with nature through workshops, resources, and experiential learning. We unpack systemic gaps in environmental education in India, including the lack of trained educators and the limitations of passive, classroom-based learning. Devika makes a compelling case for activity-based, immersive nature education as a prerequisite for meaningful conservation action. Finally, we discuss the role of AI and technology in shaping how people engage with nature—its potential as a powerful tool for learning and identification, but also the risks of misinformation and increasing disconnection from the natural world. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in conservation, science communication, ecology careers, and the future of environmental education in a rapidly changing world. Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  3. Apr 5

    S4|EP25 - Discovering New Species in the Western Ghats | Herpetology with Abinesh Anbazhagan

    The Western Ghats of India are one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, home to thousands of endemic species and remarkable ecological diversity. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Abinesh Anbazhagan, a PhD scholar at Pondicherry University whose research explores herpetology, biodiversity discovery, and the growing role of technology in wildlife conservation. Abinesh’s work focuses on documenting biodiversity in the Nilgiris landscape, a region that forms a crucial part of the Western Ghats ecosystem. Over more than a decade of research, his work has contributed to large-scale biodiversity indexing projects that have documented thousands of terrestrial species in the region. These efforts are critical for understanding the distribution of species and identifying areas that require urgent conservation attention. One of the most exciting aspects of Abinesh’s research is the discovery and description of new species. Recent work has resulted in the identification of previously unknown species of arthropods and fireflies, as well as the rediscovery of species believed to be lost or extremely rare. Discoveries like these highlight how much remains unknown about biodiversity in even well-known landscapes such as the Western Ghats. The episode also explores Abinesh’s research on reptile ecology, including geckos, snakes, and tarantulas, and his current PhD research focusing on pit viper ecology in island ecosystems. Understanding the ecology and distribution of these species is vital for conservation, particularly because many reptiles and amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental change and habitat disturbance. A major theme of the conversation is the increasing role of technology in modern wildlife research. From camera trapping and telemetry to GIS modeling, machine learning, and molecular genetics, technological tools are transforming the way scientists monitor species and ecosystems. Abinesh explains how tools such as DNA barcoding, phylogenetic analysis, and satellite-based spatial data are helping researchers identify species, map habitats, and detect emerging conservation threats. The discussion also highlights the importance of traditional ecological knowledge and community participation in conservation. Indigenous communities and local forest watchers often possess deep knowledge of species behavior, habitats, and seasonal patterns. Integrating this knowledge with scientific research can significantly improve conservation outcomes and strengthen long-term ecosystem stewardship. Abinesh also discusses the key threats facing biodiversity in the Nilgiris region, including deforestation, invasive species, habitat encroachment, pesticide pollution, and artificial light at night. These pressures can have serious consequences for endemic species, particularly reptiles and amphibians that rely on specific temperature ranges and microhabitats for survival. Climate change presents another major challenge for wildlife in mountainous ecosystems like the Western Ghats. Many species are adapted to narrow climatic conditions and may be forced to shift their ranges to higher elevations as temperatures rise. For species already restricted to mountain peaks or isolated habitats, this could lead to local extinctions. This episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of taxonomy, technology, and conservation science in one of the most biologically rich regions of the world. From rediscovering species thought to be extinct to exploring how artificial intelligence can transform wildlife monitoring, the conversation highlights the importance of continued research and collaboration in protecting biodiversity. Subscribe to the Think Wildlife Podcast for more conversations with scientists, conservationists, and wildlife researchers working to protect biodiversity around the world. #WesternGhats #Herpetology #SpeciesDiscovery #BiodiversityResearch #WildlifeScience #SnakeEcology #ReptileResearch #ConservationScience #WildlifePodcast #ThinkWildlife Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    31 min

  4. Mar 28

    S4|EP24 - Why Wildlife Education Matters: Teaching Conservation to Children | Soma Mandal

    Conservation begins with awareness, and one of the most powerful ways to protect biodiversity is by inspiring the next generation to care about nature. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Soma Mandal, a conservation educator working on wildlife outreach programs focused on children and young students. The conversation explores how early exposure to wildlife and environmental education can shape attitudes toward conservation and inspire lifelong stewardship of the natural world. Soma shares how her interest in biodiversity conservation developed during her studies in environmental science and how field visits to wildlife habitats and conservation areas strengthened her commitment to protecting nature. These early experiences helped her understand the ecological importance of species and ecosystems, as well as the growing threats posed by human activities such as habitat loss and environmental degradation. A key theme of this episode is the importance of introducing children to wildlife and nature at a young age. Soma explains that early exposure to nature can transform children from passive observers into active participants in conservation. When young people develop empathy for wildlife and understand environmental challenges early in life, they are more likely to become advocates for biodiversity and sustainable living as adults. The discussion also focuses on the role of parents and schools in nurturing curiosity about the natural world. Simple activities such as nature walks, birdwatching, eco-art projects, school gardening, and student-led conservation campaigns can help children build a meaningful connection with nature while learning about ecosystems and biodiversity. These hands-on experiences encourage creativity, critical thinking, and environmental responsibility. Another important topic explored in the conversation is how wildlife education can help overcome fear and misconceptions about animals. Many children grow up fearing wildlife such as snakes, insects, or other animals due to outdated beliefs or lack of exposure. Soma explains how educators can replace fear with curiosity by providing accurate information, storytelling, documentaries, and safe observational experiences that reveal the ecological roles of these species. The episode also highlights the cultural connections between nature and society. In many parts of the world, especially in India, traditional stories, festivals, and folklore are deeply linked to animals, forests, and ecosystems. Wildlife education can help children rediscover these connections and understand how cultural heritage often reflects long-standing ecological knowledge and respect for nature. In a rapidly urbanizing world where children spend less time outdoors, reconnecting young people with nature is becoming increasingly important. Soma discusses how schools can integrate outdoor learning, field trips, school gardens, and nature clubs into daily education to help students develop observation skills, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife—it is about protecting the future of human societies as well. By nurturing environmental awareness, empathy, and responsibility in children today, educators and communities can help build a generation capable of addressing the environmental challenges of tomorrow. Subscribe to the Think Wildlife Podcast for more conversations with conservationists, scientists, and educators working to protect biodiversity and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. #WildlifeEducation #EnvironmentalEducation #BiodiversityConservation #NatureEducation #ConservationAwareness #WildlifeConservation #EcoEducation #TeachingNature #EnvironmentalAwareness #ThinkWildlife Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  5. Mar 20

    S4|EP23 - Orangutan Conservation and the Fight to Save Southeast Asia’s Rainforests | Leif Cocks

    Southeast Asia’s rainforests are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth, yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project, about the urgent challenge of protecting the last remaining rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia and the wildlife that depends on them. Orangutans are one of the most intelligent and self-aware species on the planet, but their survival is tightly linked to the fate of Southeast Asia’s forests. In this conversation, Leif explains why orangutans struggle to survive in captivity and why protecting wild rainforest ecosystems is the only long-term solution for their conservation. Research has shown that orangutans often live shorter lives in captivity than they do in the wild, highlighting the importance of protecting their natural habitats and supporting rehabilitation and reintroduction programs. The episode explores how The Orangutan Project works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release displaced orangutans while simultaneously focusing on the bigger picture: safeguarding large, intact rainforest ecosystems. Every individual orangutan rescued represents not only an animal in need but also a crucial genetic resource for a critically endangered species whose survival depends on protecting remaining populations. Beyond orangutans, the conversation expands to the wider conservation landscape of Southeast Asia. Leif discusses the plight of Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, and other threatened species that share the same rainforest ecosystems. With fewer than 300 Sumatran tigers remaining, fragmented populations and habitat loss have made long-term survival increasingly difficult. Conservation efforts now require innovative strategies such as metapopulation management, where individuals are carefully moved between isolated populations to maintain genetic diversity. The discussion also examines the major threats facing wildlife across Indonesia and Malaysia. These include deforestation for agriculture, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. In many cases, the destruction of rainforest habitats forces animals into farmland and villages, creating conflict with local communities and leading to further wildlife losses. Leif also highlights the importance of protecting large rainforest landscapes, particularly lowland riverine forests, which support some of the highest biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Conservation programs supported by The Orangutan Project focus on securing these ecosystems through habitat protection, ranger patrols, wildlife monitoring, community engagement, and reforestation initiatives. A key theme of the episode is that successful conservation must include people. Initiatives such as the Forests for People program work with local communities to support education, sustainable livelihoods, and improved food security while ensuring forests remain intact for wildlife and future generations. This episode provides a deep dive into the realities of conservation in Southeast Asia—from orangutan rescue and rehabilitation to the protection of entire rainforest ecosystems that support elephants, tigers, and countless other species. It is a powerful reminder that saving wildlife ultimately depends on protecting the landscapes they call home. Leif is also the founder of The International Tiger Project and The International Elephant Project. Subscribe to the Think Wildlife Podcast for more conversations with leading conservationists, scientists, and wildlife practitioners working to protect biodiversity around the world. #Orangutans #RainforestConservation #OrangutanProject #SumatranTiger #AsianElephants #WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity #Deforestation #ConservationPodcast #ThinkWildlife Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min

  6. Mar 12

    S4|EP22 -Are Indian Wolves the Oldest Wolf Lineage? Wolf Genetics with Omar Khayam

    The Indian wolf is one of South Asia’s most misunderstood predators and one of the least studied carnivores in the region. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Omar Khayam, a conservation researcher working on wolf genetics and carnivore ecology in Pakistan. The conversation explores new research suggesting that Indian wolves may represent one of the most ancient lineages of the grey wolf and how ongoing fieldwork in Pakistan is helping scientists understand the evolutionary history and distribution of wolves across the region. Omar discusses how genetic research has revealed that wolves in South Asia may belong to a unique evolutionary lineage distinct from other grey wolves found across the Northern Hemisphere. Studies analyzing mitochondrial and genomic DNA suggest that Indian wolves could represent one of the most basal branches of the grey wolf family tree, meaning their lineage may predate many other wolf populations around the world. This discovery has important implications for understanding wolf evolution and for designing effective conservation strategies for wolves across South Asia. The episode also explores how researchers are collecting genetic samples and conducting field surveys to identify the geographic boundaries between different wolf lineages across Pakistan. In some regions of the country, wolves appear to contain mixed ancestry, with genetic signatures from both Indian wolves and wolves belonging to the broader Holarctic lineage found across Eurasia and North America. Understanding these boundaries is essential for mapping wolf populations and identifying priority areas for conservation. Beyond genetics, the conversation examines the growing challenge of human-wolf conflict. In many parts of Pakistan, local communities depend heavily on livestock for their livelihoods, and wolves frequently prey on goats and sheep. These losses can represent a significant economic burden for rural families, creating tensions between conservation goals and local livelihoods. Omar discusses potential solutions such as livestock compensation programs, community insurance schemes, and improved monitoring systems that could help reduce conflict and support coexistence between people and predators. Another major threat facing wolves in Pakistan is poaching and illegal capture, particularly the removal of wolf pups from dens. In some cases, pups are taken from the wild and sold for breeding with domestic dogs or used for hunting purposes. These practices can significantly affect wolf populations by reducing reproductive success and disrupting natural pack structures. The discussion also highlights the broader conservation challenges facing wolf habitats. Much like in India, grassland ecosystems in Pakistan are often converted into agriculture or industrial development, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation. Protecting remaining grasslands and securing core populations within national parks will be critical for the long-term survival of wolves in the region. Omar also shares insights from his fieldwork, including camera-trapping projects and wildlife surveys aimed at documenting species across Pakistan. These efforts are helping build important datasets on wildlife presence and behavior in a region that remains relatively understudied in global conservation research. This episode offers a fascinating look into wolf conservation in South Asia, combining cutting-edge genetic research with real-world conservation challenges on the ground. It highlights the importance of scientific research, community engagement, and habitat protection in securing the future of wolves and other carnivores across the region. Subscribe to the Think Wildlife Podcast for more conversations with conservation scientists, researchers, and wildlife practitioners working to protect biodiversity around the world. #IndianWolf #WolfConservation #CarnivoreEcology #HumanWildlifeConflict #WildCanids #GrasslandConservation #WildlifeResearch #BiodiversityConservation #WildlifePodcast #ThinkWildlife Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min

  7. Mar 7

    S4|EP21 - Asian Elephant Conservation: DNA Census, Rescues & Human-Elephant Conflict | Nikki Sharp

    Asian elephants are among the most endangered large mammals on Earth, with only 35,000–40,000 individuals remaining across their entire range. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Nikki Sharp, Executive Director of Wildlife SOS USA, about the urgent challenges facing Asian elephants across South and Southeast Asia and the conservation efforts working to secure their future. Wildlife SOS is one of the leading organizations working on elephant rescue and rehabilitation in India, having helped rescue more than 50 elephants from circuses, captivity, and conflict situations. In this conversation, Nikki shares powerful stories from these rescues, including the remarkable recovery of elephants like Suzy, a blind circus elephant who found a second life in sanctuary, and Bani, a young elephant injured by a train who regained mobility through intensive veterinary care and rehabilitation. The episode also explores the broader conservation status of Asian elephants, a species that has lost nearly 97% of its historical population and whose remaining numbers are heavily concentrated in India and Sri Lanka. Nikki explains why Asian elephants often receive less global attention than African elephants despite their precarious conservation status and discusses how conservation awareness and advocacy can help change this imbalance. A major focus of the discussion is the recent DNA-based elephant census conducted in India, one of the most ambitious wildlife population studies ever undertaken. Researchers walked hundreds of thousands of kilometers across elephant habitats and collected thousands of dung samples to extract DNA and identify individual elephants. This genetic method allows scientists to estimate population sizes more accurately than traditional head-count surveys and represents a major advancement in wildlife monitoring and conservation science. Beyond population monitoring, the conversation also examines the biggest threats facing Asian elephants today, including habitat loss, fragmentation of migration routes, and escalating human-elephant conflict. As landscapes change due to agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development, elephants are increasingly forced into contact with people, leading to crop loss, property damage, and sometimes tragic outcomes for both humans and elephants. Nikki highlights how community-based conservation initiatives are helping reduce these conflicts. Programs such as early warning systems, community engagement, and conflict mitigation teams are helping villages coexist with elephants while protecting both livelihoods and wildlife. These approaches demonstrate how conservation solutions must integrate ecological science, local knowledge, and community participation. This episode provides a deep dive into the science, policy, and human stories behind elephant conservation—from cutting-edge genetic census techniques to on-the-ground rescue work and community conservation strategies. Whether you are interested in wildlife conservation, Asian elephants, biodiversity policy, or human-wildlife conflict, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the most important conservation challenges of our time. Subscribe to the Think Wildlife Podcast for more conversations with leading conservationists, scientists, and wildlife practitioners working to protect biodiversity around the world. #AsianElephants #ElephantConservation #WildlifeSOS #HumanElephantConflict #WildlifeRescue #ElephantCensus #DNAWildlifeResearch #BiodiversityConservation #WildlifePodcast #ThinkWildlife Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min

  8. Feb 26

    S4|EP21 - Indian Wolves, Grassland Ecology and Restoration in India: Biodiversity Policy and Conservation with Dr. Abi T. Vanak

    India’s grasslands and savannas are among the most overlooked and misrepresented ecosystems in the country. Frequently labelled as “wastelands,” these open natural ecosystems have been systematically excluded from biodiversity policy, targeted for tree plantations, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects, and widely misunderstood in both public and scientific discourse. Yet grassland ecosystems support exceptional grassland biodiversity, sustain millions of pastoral livelihoods, and play a critical role in Indian biodiversity and long-term biodiversity conservation. In this episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, Anish Banerjee speaks with Dr. Abi T. Vanak, conservation scientist and Director of the Centre for Policy Design at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). Dr. Vanak’s work focuses on grassland ecology, grassland biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and the science–policy interface shaping land-use decisions across India. The conversation examines what grasslands and other open natural ecosystems truly are, and how grassland ecology differs fundamentally from forest systems. Dr. Vanak explains how colonial-era land classifications and post-independence governance frameworks led to grasslands being misidentified as degraded forests or wastelands, a misconception that continues to influence grassland conservation, compensatory afforestation, and land-use planning today. We discuss how this misclassification has had severe consequences for grassland biodiversity, particularly for species such as the Indian wolf, blackbuck, Great Indian Bustard, and lesser florican. Despite receiving high levels of legal protection, these species continue to decline because their grassland habitats fall largely outside protected areas and mainstream biodiversity conservation frameworks. The episode also explores the ecological and economic importance of pastoralism, the contribution of extensive livestock systems to Indian biodiversity, and the deep connections between pastoral livelihoods, grassland biodiversity conservation, and resilient landscapes. Dr. Vanak shares insights from grassland restoration projects across India, demonstrating how science-based grassland restoration can improve soil carbon, water availability, and biodiversity outcomes, often more effectively than tree-based approaches. We also examine the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar and wind projects, and how poorly planned siting can fragment grassland ecosystems and undermine biodiversity conservation goals. The discussion extends to mesocarnivore ecology, the impacts of free-ranging dogs on wildlife, disease and hybridization risks for Indian wolves, and the broader challenge of conserving biodiversity in human-dominated landscapes. Throughout the episode, Dr. Vanak argues for a shift away from forest-centric conservation towards landscape-level, community-led approaches that recognize grasslands as vital ecosystems. This conversation highlights why grassland conservation, grassland restoration, and evidence-based biodiversity policy are essential for safeguarding Indian biodiversity in the coming decades. #grassland #grasslandconservation #grasslandbiodiversity #grasslandbiodiversityconservation #grasslandrestoration #biodiversityconservation #biodiversity #biodiversitypolicy #grasslandecology #indianbiodiversity Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min
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About

Every Monday, join our hosts, Anish Banerjee, as he speaks with renowned conservationists from around the world, dissecting some of the most pressing and intricate challenges threatening wildlife. anishbanerjee.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Think Wildlife Podcast
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anish Banerjee
  • Show Website
    The Think Wildlife Podcast