The Best Biome

ALERT: NEW FAVORITE BIRD DROPPED. In this episode of The Best Biome, Rachel lets us live vicariously through bobolinks, the "lackadaisical migrants", whose home is wherever they are and whose destination is wherever they're going. With habitat use that spans grasslands across the western hemisphere and a lengthy migration unlike any other, the bobolink is an unpredictable traveler. But that's exactly what makes them so special! In this episode's Conservation Spotlight, Allan discusses the battle brewing between the federal government and buffalo on public lands. We cover the American Prairie Reserve's canceled leases, the concerns of tribal organizations, and vendetta-driven grazing policies that ignore science. Most importantly, we talk about what you can do to get involved. Actions Items: Provide a public comment on the Bureau of Land Management's proposed changes to grazing permits here. Learn more about the Indian Buffalo Management Act and contact your representatives! Primary Sources: Renfrew, R., A. M. Strong, N. G. Perlut, S. G. Martin, and T. A. Gavin (2020). Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (P. G. Rodewald, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. [https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.boboli.01 ]( This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In an episode chock full of PSA's, Nicole gives us a full slate of reasons to appreciate the ever-charismatic rattlesnake (and some helpful strategies for not dying on your next hike). From venomous vaccines that prevent unexpected disease, to prenatal predator practice, there's a lot to like about your local grassland rattlers. They have almost certainly helped far more than they've ever harmed- just don't touch them, please. Primary Sources: Beauvais, T.F. and Adler, K. 2014. Massasaugas, Michigan, and the American Origins of Snakebite Therapy. Herpetological Review. Smith, C., and Schuett, G. 2022. Ultrasound of fetal rattlesnake caudal luring. The Royal Society Publishing. SciNews. Iranian spider-tailed viper tricks bird. YouTube. +++ More of Our Work +++ Website Facebook TikTok Twitch Bluesky +++ Contact Us +++ Text/Call: (316)-512-8933 [email protected] +++ Support Us +++ Bonfire Merch Store CashApp: $GrasslandGroupies Or... donate directly to our org. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.