Rarefied Podcast

In this episode of Rarefied, we delve into the world of one of nature's most elusive and powerful creatures, the Wolverine. Joined by Matthew Scrafford, a conservation scientist with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, the episode explores Matthew’s work with Wolverines. The conversation covers the Wolverine's behavior, distribution, and the challenges they face, including climate change and industrial development. Matthew shares insights from his extensive fieldwork and research, detailing...

In this episode of the Rarefied podcast, host interview Dr. Jenny McCune, an associate professor at the University of Lethbridge, to discuss her research on rare and endangered plant species in Canada. The focus is on the wood poppy, a bright yellow flower native to the Carolinian forest of Southwestern Ontario. Dr. McCune delves into its characteristics, habitat, genetic distinctions, and the challenges it faces due to habitat loss. She also highlights her lab's efforts in conservation trans...

This episode of 'Rarified' introduces listeners to the rare and endangered Spotted Gar, a unique fish inhabiting the shallow coastal waters of Lake Erie. Host interviews Dominique Rumble, a PhD student from the University of Toronto, who shares insights from her conservation research on the Spotted Gar. They discuss the fish's distinctive characteristics, behavior, habitat, and the main threats to their survival. Dominique also reminisces about fieldwork adventures and emphasizes the im...

In this episode of Rarefied, we head to the savannahs and grasslands of Ontario to uncover the story of one of the province’s most endangered butterflies: the Mottled Duskywing. Despite its subtle appearance, this resilient butterfly plays a vital role in its ecosystem.Our guest, Dr. Ryan Norris, Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, shares his journey working with the Ontario Butterfly Species at Risk Recovery Team. He dives into the science behind reintroducing the Mottled Dus...

In the debut episode of Rarefied, explore the captivating world of the Loggerhead Shrike, a small songbird with a predilection for predation. We'll take listeners to Ontario’s grasslands, revealing the bird's unique hunting behaviors, decline in populations, and the conservation efforts led by Hazel Wheeler from Wildlife Preservation Canada. Learn about the challenges and strategies in preserving this rare species and the importance of protecting genetic diversity in changing environments. Th...

Can't wait to go on this auditory safari with you!!