Conservation Conversation

• Searching for Spots | A citizen science project for leopard conservation

  We’re still talking all things leopard but this time we chat with a real life citizen scientist. Owen Grobler lives on a wildlife estate in Hoedspruit, South Africa. As a new resident to the estate, Owen was driven to learn more about the peri urban leopards that were sighted in the area. Five years later what began as a passion project, has turned into so much more. A wildlife photographer by trade, Owen started following, recording and photographing the elusive big cats who called this disturbed landscape home. In conjunction with the publication of his book, “Searching for Spots”, over time the importance of co-habitation became more and more evident. More recently the future of the resident leopards is in the spot light and Owen is determined to go to bat for their safety and conservation. In this podcast, hear about Owen’s personal encounters with wild leopards in a built up area and what that means for the leopards, and for the residents. The connection to any wild animal is special and in this case, Owen shares the painstaking lengths to which he has gone to photograph them. We are also joined by conservation ecologist and project manager Marine from Ingwe Leopard Research who expands on the important role, people like Owen play in the study and conservation of leopards. The various links mentioned in the podcast are below: Owen’s Book: https://www.searchingforspots.com/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/searchingforspots/ Ingwe Crowd Funding https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ingwe-leopard-research Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingwe_leopard_research/

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• Conservation Conversation | Ingwe Leopard Research (episode 2)

  Next up in our series, we continue our chat with Marine Servonnat, project manager of Ingwe Leopard Research as we uncover how this delightful lady from France fell in love with Africa. Marine shares how she brought her passion for research and love for leopards together to establish, what just might be, the most significant contribution to their conservation we have seen in a while. Marine explains the role of AI in conservation and what the importance of collaboration of like-minded leopard lovers is. She expands on how you, as a citizen scientist, can contribute to the conservation of this beautiful icon big cat. For more information about the rewards based fund raiser mentioned by Marine, here is the link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ingwe-leopard-research The main sponsor of Ingwe Leopard Research is https://www.ontrackfoundation.org/ Collaboration is key so our thanks go to Transfrontier Africa https://transfrontierafrica.org/balule- conservation-project and Wildlife & Ecological Investment https://www.wei.co.za/ Please give our friends a follow @ingwe_leopard_research If you'd like to keep up to date with new episodes and other content, follow us on your preferred social media platform using the following link | https://linktr.ee/Ultimate_Safari

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• Conservation Conversation | Ingwe Leopard Research (episode 1)

  We’re very excited about our next series. Not only are we particularly passionate about leopards – as you may have seen from our logo, but in this case, we have the opportunity to collaborate with, what we believe, is a significant contribution to conservation – our other passion. Join us as we chat with Marine Servonnat, project manager and researcher for Ingwe Leopard Research, as we learn about the threats these magnificent big cats of Africa face, and why they need to be studied. We take a dive into understanding what citizen science is and how we, as citizens, can contribute to research and ultimately the conservation of leopards in South Africa. For more information about the reward based fund raiser mentioned by Marine, here is the link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ingwe-leopard-research The main sponsor of Ingwe Leopard Research https://www.ontrackfoundation.org/ Please give our friends a follow @ingwe_leopard_research If you'd like to keep up to date with new episodes and other content, follow us on your preferred social media platform using the following link | https://linktr.ee/Ultimate_Safari

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• Conservation Conversation | Scales of Injustice

  In this episode of our podcast, Conservation Conversation, we welcome back Richard Peirce, Wildlife Conservationist, Author and Film Producer. This time to chat about pangolins. Pangolins carry the sad moniker of being the most trafficked mammal in the world. Richard published his book, Scales of Injustice in June 2020. This would turn out to be a timely expose of the link between the illegal trade of pangolin and Covid-19. Richard explains how, in February 2020 while the novel corona virus (Covid-19) was fast spreading across the world, pangolins were thrust into the global spotlight when scientists discovered that the virus may have come to humans via bats and pangolins. We hear of Richard’s experiences during his research for the book. From an endearing close encounter he and his wife Jacqui had, to the harrowing tales of time spent in East Asia, uncovering the ever increasing demand for pangolin scales and meat. What, if any, are the solutions to protect this endangered species? We debate a few ideas. If you would like to learn more about Richard Peirce, his books and film, please see the following link: http://www.peirceshark.com/

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• Conservation Conversation | Lions, Bones & Bullets

  Richard Peirce is a Wildlife Conservationist, Author and Producer, developing conservation projects for sharks, rhinos and elephants in Africa and the UK. African mega fauna has been a lifelong passion for Richard, and in recent years many of his books and films have raised awareness of the plight of rhinos, elephants, lions, pangolins and others. In the middle of 2018 work started on an investigative documentary film called Lions, Bones & Bullets. As part of the investigation, Richard spent time in South East Asia to understand the lion carcass journey once it has left South African shores. He shares a very disturbing experience with us. We also hear Richard’s controversial opinion on how the lion farm trade in South Africa could potentially be brought to an end. If you would like to learn more Richard Peirce, his books and film, please use this link: https://peirceshark.com/ Our podcast on most major streaming platforms | https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/guFufYZ4sub If you'd like to keep up to date with new episodes and other content, follow us on your preferred social media platform using the following link | https://linktr.ee/Ultimate_Safari

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