Ep25: From Kentucky to Luangwa - The Making of a Wildlife Biologist

I'm coming to you from the stunning South Luangwa in Zambia, where I've spent the last two weeks with my good friend, Dr. Matthew Becker. Matt is the Director of the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP), and he's spent the last 17 years dedicated to the conservation of Africa’s most iconic predators. We're sitting down to talk about the vital work being done across eight Zambian national parks to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem. You'll hear the raw reality of conservation science, from the way wild dogs use bird-like vocalisations to avoid detection by lions, to the hidden impacts of prey depletion and bushmeat poaching. We also explore Matt's personal journey, from his childhood in Montana to his early research days in Kentucky and Florida. It's a conversation about the power of mentoring, the importance of giving back to nature, and why we must preserve these wild landscapes for future generations. Please feel free to reach out on the socials:Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisTo explore my upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd of course, if you enjoy the episode, I'd really love it if you could leave a review, and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.