Dr. Courtney Duchardt of University of Arizona has spent more than a decade studying the ecology of American prairies — an ecosystem of great economic and conservation importance. In this episode, Dr. Duchardt explains how prairie dogs are a major player in this vital ecosystem. Not only are they significant food sources for all types of predators, but they reshape the way the grass grows and provide habitat for multiple bird and mammal species. When prairie dog towns are killed off by plague, every other animal on the prairie — including the cattle that feed millions of Americans — is affected in surprising ways.

To celebrate the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Dr. Duchardt explains why prairies are so important and complicated.

https://youtu.be/R2LX5ntuVyw?si=QdYI6I4iscpKXNuY

I work in land protection for a national nonprofit in the mid-Atlantic and used to be a state park ranger. From that vantage point, yesterday I published an essay on the last twenty months of federal public lands changes, and the three actions that land within ten days this September: the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monument reductions on the 11th, the ESA harm rule rescission taking effect on the 14th, and the Roadless Rule comment deadline on the 21st. I tried to write it for people who don't already agree with me: the administration's reasons are quoted in full and in its own words. I welcome all thoughts, questions, and feedback.

If you were me…..transfer & complete bachelors? I regret not doing an AS in ES.

So I am at my parent's place in central Texas, and I just saw a wild ocelot on their property. I am trying to see if there is any footage on my dash cam. But is there any place that I can report my sighting? I know they are extremely rare in the US, with there only being about 100 known wild ocelot left in Texas.

Wildlife habitat: These areas provide critical habitat for salmon, trout, elk, and other species that depend on undammed, unlogged streams and connected landscapes.

Wildfire risk: Wildfires are 4x more likely to start near roads, and roughly 90% start within half a mile of one — directly undercutting the administration's stated rationale for the rollback.

Old growth & carbon storage: Roadless areas contain vast swaths of the nation's remaining old-growth forest and store significant amounts of carbon.

Drinking water: Roadless national forests provide drinking water to 60 million Americans, since intact forests filter water naturally.

Fiscal responsibility: The existing road network already carries an $8.5+ billion maintenance backlog, and building more roads would only add to it.

Hello!
I Am a veterinarian and my husband and kids are from the US. We are planning on moving in a couple of years and my main focus in my country had been wildlife conservation and wildlife in general. I have a PhD and I am kind of recognized in my country for my work.
Now I would have to validate my degree in the states and I think I would follow the PAVE route. Because I spent the last 5 years doing the PhD I am a bit rusty in the medicine aspect so I think that would give me the knowledge and confidence that I need.
The thing is if everything works out fine, I would be around 40 years old once I have everything ready to work as a DVM there.
I would like to apply to an internship and maybe then residency in wildlife medicine but I fear I would be too old for that and they would not accept me in their programs.
Do you have any advice or suggestions?
Is there anything else I would do with the degree and PhD there? Another than small animal medicine I mean.

I have experience in wildlife medicine, wildlife conservation, conservation biology and pathology.

I did work a couple of years in a clinic so I can do the typical surgeries.

Thanks for your time!

Hey, everyone! I'm hoping this is the right place to ask, as I've been struggling with this decision for a while and want to get advice from some experienced minds.

I just turned 22 and am halfway through getting my Wildlife Conservation Bachelor's degree (with a focus on Ecology), but I feel that because of my location and what I know to be possible thus far, I'm stuck. I hate where I live and feel like it's one of the worst places for what I want to do, so any recommendations, no matter the location, are appreciated!

I have 7 years of experience working at a local zoo, as well as plenty of volunteer wildlife experience. However, I'm not even quite sure what I should be doing now that I'm not working at the zoo to help my chances, and where those efforts will lead me. I don't have a specific job title that I'm looking for, more so idols I'd love to work similarly to. I love Steve Backshall, Jeremy Wade, Merlin Tuttle, Austin Stevens, and Jane Goodall, and Steve Irwin, of course, too. My favorite, if we are just talking careers here, is Steve Backshall and Steve Irwin because I feel that they have the perfect mix of public education outreach, wildlife encounters, travel, and adventure mixed in. I'd love a slightly toned-down version of their jobs, as I was a conservation public educator during my time at the zoo, love travel, and find myself bored out of my mind in my little dingy town, so I am also looking for some excitement/adventure, just not anything blatantly suicidal/too blatantly dangerous, similar to some of the excursions Steve Backshall goes on.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to lead myself in this direction? I feel like my degree is not nearly enough, and I have been craving this type of life for as long as I can remember.

Hello! I am the president of our school's first ever Marine Biology Club, and I'm kind of lacking inspiration for events and stuff to plan this year to help conservation efforts.

Because we're not located closer to the Texas gulf we don't have direct access to things like beaches, however I want to get us involved in something so we can have some genuine action going on.

I currently have down things like helping out with citizen science websites, or doing our own little battery drive or aluminum can drive, but I literally don't know how I'm going to help connect this to real world impact for our members...

I'd really appreciate any recommendations, websites, conservation people I can reach out to, perhaps professors we can chat with virtually (the school doesn't allow guest speakers), literally anything helps ty!!!

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And I think yall may like it. If you do read it, Id love to know your thoughts and corrections/criticisms on the matter

https://ishasinsights.wordpress.com/2026/08/29/1916/

The first cinereous vulture chicks to hatch in Spain’s Iberian Highlands for around a century have been born in Alto Tajo Natural Park, marking a major milestone in the recovery of one of Europe’s largest and most ecologically important birds of prey.

With cinereous vultures also breeding again in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains after a 30-year absence, these latest successes mark 2026 as a landmark year for the species. Together, they demonstrate how long-term rewilding efforts are restoring breeding populations to landscapes where cinereous vultures had long disappeared.

One of Europe’s four native vulture species, the cinereous vulture is the largest bird in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the continent’s most important scavengers. It plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by removing carcasses, preventing the spread of disease and recycling nutrients, while its return also benefits local businesses and communities by attracting wildlife watchers and supporting nature-based tourism.

A sweeping environmental rollback strips protections from 45 million acres of pristine public land across 37 states, clearing the way for commercial logging, drilling, and road-building. Conservationists warn the sudden loss of 7.4 million acres of critical habitat pushes 400+ endangered species toward extinction and degrades 1,800 miles of protected rivers. While the administration claims the move allows active wildfire management, critics label it one of the largest public land eviscerations in U.S. history. Source: Center for Biological Diversity

Do you know a Canadian resident under 18, who has made an exemplary contribution to conservation or protection of the natural world?

Nature Canada wants to recognise him or her, with the Charles Labatiuk Youth for Nature Award.

Nominations are open until 07 September 2026.

Animal agriculture drives 71% of biodiversity damage from food production on farmland.

Hi! I’m a high school student interested in environmental science, and I created SaveWater, a website to help people better understand their everyday water use.

It includes a water-use tracker/calculator, a food scanner that estimates the water footprint of different foods, and a blog where I share what I’ve learned about water conservation and environmental issues.

It’s still a work in progress, so I’d love any feedback or suggestions!

*If you have any tips let me know, or other subreddits this would be appropriate in!

conservewater.eco