Ecohacking the Desert Tortoise Habitat with Tim Shields, Desert Biologist

Tim Shields is a desert biologist specializing in the desert tortoise. He’s authored, co-authored, and illustrated numerous scientific papers and his perspectives on conservation biology have been featured in BBC World News, CNN, Audubon Magazine, the Los Angeles Times Magazine, and the Sierra Club to name a few. He’s also the founder of Hardshell Labs, a group of biologists and engineers focused on creating humane solutions to help control bird damage. Tim is also the protagonist in a new short documentary film called Ecohack!, which is a powerful yet playful take on saving the desert tortoise. I have to admit, I never thought I’d have a deep conversation about the desert tortoise, but we did and we went well beyond that. What made this conversation fun is that Tim Shields isn’t your average biologist. He’s a deep thinker and a creative guy who joined forces with some young techies to create innovative solutions to re-balancing ecosystems. We discuss the importance of levity in environmental storytelling and solutions creation. Yes, we learn a thing or two about the plight of the desert tortoise but we also get into using lasers, drones, and 3D printing to encourage behavior change for ravens. Tim also shares the massive potential for turning online gaming into ecosystem conservation and muses on his meaning of nature. And not to be missed, he regaled us with a story from the time he played a game of nearly naked chicken with a mojave rattlesnake. This one gives rise to a whole new way of thinking about ecosystem balance.  Newsletter SignupSubmit a Microdose of NaturePodcast cover art by Ahab Nimry (@ahabnimry, https://bigdaytheagency.com/)Enjoy the Ride,Jeff