KZYX The Ecology Hour Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/kzyx-the-ecology-hour The Ecology Hour features in-depth interviews with experts on every facet of Mendocino County's diverse and spectacular natural world. Rotating hosts include Environmental Educators Hannah Bird and Sue Coulter, Scientists Bob Spies & Tim Bray, and Trail Steward Chad Swimmer. © 2026 KZYX&Z 12841f2f-8f80-57d8-bab4-31863bd99b8e yes en Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:43:20 -0800 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:44:12 -0800 https://img.transistorcdn.com/Pp3KKeJHVnky-Myn3-ZpjOU50BqGdQG4lhoFmhAz2CM/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ5Njg3LzE3MDc3/NzM3NzItYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg KZYX The Ecology Hour episodic KZYX&Z The Ecology Hour features in-depth interviews with experts on every facet of Mendocino County's diverse and spectacular natural world. Rotating hosts include Environmental Educators Hannah Bird and Sue Coulter, Scientists Bob Spies & Tim Bray, and Trail Steward Chad Swimmer. The Ecology Hour features in-depth interviews with experts on every facet of Mendocino County's diverse and spectacular natural world. KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods Mendocino County Public Broadcasting No No Sea Otters 29 29 Sea Otters full 36561be9-f290-4e42-aae1-486e9af3f7fe https://share.transistor.fm/s/926219b8 Sea Otters were once abundant from the Aleutian Islands to central California, before being hunted nearly to extinction. Dr. James Bodkin of the US Fish & Wildlife Service devoted much of his career to studying these charismatic marine mammals, particularly in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker disaster. On The Ecology Hour he reunites with his old colleague Dr. Robert Spies and brings us up to date on what has been learned about sea otter ecology, populations, and some of the fascinating ways they influence ecosystems. 

]]> Sea Otters were once abundant from the Aleutian Islands to central California, before being hunted nearly to extinction. Dr. James Bodkin of the US Fish & Wildlife Service devoted much of his career to studying these charismatic marine mammals, particularly in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker disaster. On The Ecology Hour he reunites with his old colleague Dr. Robert Spies and brings us up to date on what has been learned about sea otter ecology, populations, and some of the fascinating ways they influence ecosystems. 

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3539 Sea Otters were once abundant from the Aleutian Islands to central California, before being hunted nearly to extinction. Dr. James Bodkin of the US Fish & Wildlife Service devoted much of his career to studying these charismatic marine mammals, particularly in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker disaster. On The Ecology Hour he reunites with his old colleague Dr. Robert Spies and brings us up to date on what has been learned about sea otter ecology, populations, and some of the fascinating ways they influence ecosystems. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Moths 26 26 Moths full 9949bc7b-0d00-4ed4-9599-cfff566c4f46 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ee85d75 We talk with Dr. Marc Epstein, Senior Insect Biosystematist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture for Lepidoptera, about moths and their taxonomy. Dr. Epstein has worked for the last twenty two years at the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center in South Sacramento and is also a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. While identifying Lepidoptera of potential threat to agriculture, he researches their evolution and classification with an emphasis on the moth family Limacodidae, and the history of entomologists who were his predecessors. He is author of “Moths, Myths, and Mosquitoes: The Eccentric Life of Harrison G. Dyar, Jr.”, published in 2016 by Oxford University Press.

]]> We talk with Dr. Marc Epstein, Senior Insect Biosystematist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture for Lepidoptera, about moths and their taxonomy. Dr. Epstein has worked for the last twenty two years at the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center in South Sacramento and is also a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. While identifying Lepidoptera of potential threat to agriculture, he researches their evolution and classification with an emphasis on the moth family Limacodidae, and the history of entomologists who were his predecessors. He is author of “Moths, Myths, and Mosquitoes: The Eccentric Life of Harrison G. Dyar, Jr.”, published in 2016 by Oxford University Press.

]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3541 We talk with Dr. Marc Epstein, Senior Insect Biosystematist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture for Lepidoptera, about moths and their taxonomy. Dr. Epstein has worked for the last twenty two years at the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center in South Sacramento and is also a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. While identifying Lepidoptera of potential threat to agriculture, he researches their evolution and classification with an emphasis on the moth family Limacodidae, and the history of entomologists who were his predecessors. He is author of “Moths, Myths, and Mosquitoes: The Eccentric Life of Harrison G. Dyar, Jr.”, published in 2016 by Oxford University Press.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Viruses and viral diseases 27 27 Viruses and viral diseases full 6b154820-75a9-47ae-be64-dff06d1682e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6ed64193 The Ecology Hour goes viral this week when hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray talk with Dr. Tony Goldberg, veterinarian and pathobiologist at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. He studies viruses and the diseases they can cause in everything from mussels to humans, everywhere from the Appalachians to Africa. He particularly focuses on "zoonautic" diseases - those that can jump from one species to another. In a fascinating and surprisingly humorous conversation, we learn many amazing things about both the hosts and the viruses. 

]]> The Ecology Hour goes viral this week when hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray talk with Dr. Tony Goldberg, veterinarian and pathobiologist at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. He studies viruses and the diseases they can cause in everything from mussels to humans, everywhere from the Appalachians to Africa. He particularly focuses on "zoonautic" diseases - those that can jump from one species to another. In a fascinating and surprisingly humorous conversation, we learn many amazing things about both the hosts and the viruses. 

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:00:00 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3541 The Ecology Hour goes viral this week when hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray talk with Dr. Tony Goldberg, veterinarian and pathobiologist at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. He studies viruses and the diseases they can cause in everything from mussels to humans, everywhere from the Appalachians to Africa. He particularly focuses on "zoonautic" diseases - those that can jump from one species to another. In a fascinating and surprisingly humorous conversation, we learn many amazing things about both the hosts and the viruses. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Mountain Lions 28 28 Mountain Lions full 152318cc-8170-4102-a9fe-a3741aff1d30 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a25e3cd Mountain Lions are a frequent topic of conversation in Mendocino County, and there is often concern about them preying on livestock or pets. We talk with Dr. Quinton Martins, principal investigator for the Living with Lions project, a partnership between Audubon Canyon Ranch and True Wild.  Dr. Martins explains why Mountain Lions are so secretive, why they hide their food (and even their scat!), and how to prevent them from preying on livestock. 

]]> Mountain Lions are a frequent topic of conversation in Mendocino County, and there is often concern about them preying on livestock or pets. We talk with Dr. Quinton Martins, principal investigator for the Living with Lions project, a partnership between Audubon Canyon Ranch and True Wild.  Dr. Martins explains why Mountain Lions are so secretive, why they hide their food (and even their scat!), and how to prevent them from preying on livestock. 

]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3536 Mountain Lions are a frequent topic of conversation in Mendocino County, and there is often concern about them preying on livestock or pets. We talk with Dr. Quinton Martins, principal investigator for the Living with Lions project, a partnership between Audubon Canyon Ranch and True Wild.  Dr. Martins explains why Mountain Lions are so secretive, why they hide their food (and even their scat!), and how to prevent them from preying on livestock. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Biological pest control 25 25 Biological pest control full 9c2d441a-0b55-4c7e-af66-f81865249349 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eb6b4ad4 Our guest is Dr. Mark Hoddle, Distinguished Professor of Extension in Biological Control at the University of California - Riverside, a renowned expert in the field of biological control of invasive insect pests. He presents the checkered history of efforts to find organisms that target damaging invasive species, including some early efforts that succeeded and some that backfired. His work is grounded in that history and follows a rigorous and demanding process to identify such organisms. A major part of his work is understanding the mechanisms limiting predation or infection to target species, so a biological agent can be released without harming non-target species. Join us for a fascinating look at the intersection of hard science and agriculture.

]]> Our guest is Dr. Mark Hoddle, Distinguished Professor of Extension in Biological Control at the University of California - Riverside, a renowned expert in the field of biological control of invasive insect pests. He presents the checkered history of efforts to find organisms that target damaging invasive species, including some early efforts that succeeded and some that backfired. His work is grounded in that history and follows a rigorous and demanding process to identify such organisms. A major part of his work is understanding the mechanisms limiting predation or infection to target species, so a biological agent can be released without harming non-target species. Join us for a fascinating look at the intersection of hard science and agriculture.

]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:00:00 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3540 Our guest is Dr. Mark Hoddle, Distinguished Professor of Extension in Biological Control at the University of California - Riverside, a renowned expert in the field of biological control of invasive insect pests. He presents the checkered history of efforts to find organisms that target damaging invasive species, including some early efforts that succeeded and some that backfired. His work is grounded in that history and follows a rigorous and demanding process to identify such organisms. A major part of his work is understanding the mechanisms limiting predation or infection to target species, so a biological agent can be released without harming non-target species. Join us for a fascinating look at the intersection of hard science and agriculture.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Seastar Wasting Disease 24 24 Seastar Wasting Disease full 41fbb702-58bd-4f74-9f46-466c9f851a65 https://share.transistor.fm/s/30d52170  Eleven years ago, a mysterious disease killed most of the adult starfish off California and Oregon. The most severely affected, Sunflower Seastar, was the main predator limiting the spread of Purple Urchins. The sudden disappearance of a key predator triggered a "trophic cascade" that led to an ongoing ecological crisis, including the collapse of the kelp forests. After a decade of painstaking research, the pathogen responsible for Seastar Wasting Disease has finally been identified. 

]]>  Eleven years ago, a mysterious disease killed most of the adult starfish off California and Oregon. The most severely affected, Sunflower Seastar, was the main predator limiting the spread of Purple Urchins. The sudden disappearance of a key predator triggered a "trophic cascade" that led to an ongoing ecological crisis, including the collapse of the kelp forests. After a decade of painstaking research, the pathogen responsible for Seastar Wasting Disease has finally been identified. 

]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3540  Eleven years ago, a mysterious disease killed most of the adult starfish off California and Oregon. The most severely affected, Sunflower Seastar, was the main predator limiting the spread of Purple Urchins. The sudden disappearance of a key predator triggered a "trophic cascade" that led to an ongoing ecological crisis, including the collapse of the kelp forests. After a decade of painstaking research, the pathogen responsible for Seastar Wasting Disease has finally been identified. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Gray Whale mortality 23 23 Gray Whale mortality full 8fb9f670-f3fd-4cee-ad51-bff1555aa6da https://share.transistor.fm/s/229adb73 Gray Whales were once nearly wiped out by commercial whaling. Once that ceased in the late 20th century, they staged a remarkable comeback, reaching a population of around 26,000 by 2016. But since then many have died on migration, and a new estimate indicates their population has been cut in half. We talk with Dr. Aimee Lang of the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center about that estimate, and what might be causing the decline of these iconic marine mammals.

]]> Gray Whales were once nearly wiped out by commercial whaling. Once that ceased in the late 20th century, they staged a remarkable comeback, reaching a population of around 26,000 by 2016. But since then many have died on migration, and a new estimate indicates their population has been cut in half. We talk with Dr. Aimee Lang of the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center about that estimate, and what might be causing the decline of these iconic marine mammals.

]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3539 Gray Whales were once nearly wiped out by commercial whaling. Once that ceased in the late 20th century, they staged a remarkable comeback, reaching a population of around 26,000 by 2016. But since then many have died on migration, and a new estimate indicates their population has been cut in half. We talk with Dr. Aimee Lang of the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center about that estimate, and what might be causing the decline of these iconic marine mammals.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Intraterrestrials - Alien Life on Earth 22 22 Intraterrestrials - Alien Life on Earth full a7c461a1-2063-4e34-8e57-a1a5e899450b https://share.transistor.fm/s/87c8173d Just when you think you've got life all figured out... scientists find something that redefines the whole concept.  Ecology Hour hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray talk with Dr. Karen Lloyd, Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California, about her research into alien life forms right here on Earth - what she calls "Intraterrestrials" in her new book. Some of these organisms challenge our basic understanding of life: their metabolic processes function so slowly that individuals may live for hundreds of thousands of years. Some of them can breathe Arsenic; others eat methane and produce formaldehyde. Their discovery has created a new and wild frontier in scientific research, and Dr. Lloyd is in the vanguard.

]]> Just when you think you've got life all figured out... scientists find something that redefines the whole concept.  Ecology Hour hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray talk with Dr. Karen Lloyd, Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California, about her research into alien life forms right here on Earth - what she calls "Intraterrestrials" in her new book. Some of these organisms challenge our basic understanding of life: their metabolic processes function so slowly that individuals may live for hundreds of thousands of years. Some of them can breathe Arsenic; others eat methane and produce formaldehyde. Their discovery has created a new and wild frontier in scientific research, and Dr. Lloyd is in the vanguard.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3540 Just when you think you've got life all figured out... scientists find something that redefines the whole concept.  Ecology Hour hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray talk with Dr. Karen Lloyd, Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California, about her research into alien life forms right here on Earth - what she calls "Intraterrestrials" in her new book. Some of these organisms challenge our basic understanding of life: their metabolic processes function so slowly that individuals may live for hundreds of thousands of years. Some of them can breathe Arsenic; others eat methane and produce formaldehyde. Their discovery has created a new and wild frontier in scientific research, and Dr. Lloyd is in the vanguard.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Midway Island Albatrosses 21 21 Midway Island Albatrosses full cc2c9e6b-f5c5-4b2f-b758-57894dde39d1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9d8e117 Have you ever seen an Albatross? They are an awe-inspiring sight and there are hundreds of them off the Mendocino coast right now. Many of them are coming here to get food for their chicks, which are more than two thousand miles away, on remote islands in the Hawaiian chain. Ecology Hour hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray get the whole story from Dr. Jonathan Plissner, Supervising Wildlife Biologist at the Midway Island National Wildlife Refuge, where millions of Albatrosses nest. 

]]> Have you ever seen an Albatross? They are an awe-inspiring sight and there are hundreds of them off the Mendocino coast right now. Many of them are coming here to get food for their chicks, which are more than two thousand miles away, on remote islands in the Hawaiian chain. Ecology Hour hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray get the whole story from Dr. Jonathan Plissner, Supervising Wildlife Biologist at the Midway Island National Wildlife Refuge, where millions of Albatrosses nest. 

]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 20:53:42 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3540 Have you ever seen an Albatross? They are an awe-inspiring sight and there are hundreds of them off the Mendocino coast right now. Many of them are coming here to get food for their chicks, which are more than two thousand miles away, on remote islands in the Hawaiian chain. Ecology Hour hosts Bob Spies and Tim Bray get the whole story from Dr. Jonathan Plissner, Supervising Wildlife Biologist at the Midway Island National Wildlife Refuge, where millions of Albatrosses nest. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Oil Spills: Long-term Biochemical effects 20 20 Oil Spills: Long-term Biochemical effects full f03b7c78-c049-4c6d-a760-bfadfb20d932 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d96d645b We hear a lot about the immediate effects of a major oil spill, but what happens later? Our guest Dr. Jeffrey Short is a biochemist who has investigated ecosystem effects of major spills. Working with our host Dr. Robert Spies after the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, he discovered that large quantities of oil persisted in the subsurface long after the spill - a finding that was quite controversial at the time. More recently he came out of retirement to work on assessing the damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, where he showed that the official estimates of bird mortality were at least an order of magnitude too low. That mortality in turn caused a dramatic population increase in Menhaden, the key link in the Gulf of Mexico food chain and the second-largest commercial fishery in the US. The population explosion has led to malnourishment and greatly decreased the economic value of the fishery, as well as its ecosystem function. 

]]> We hear a lot about the immediate effects of a major oil spill, but what happens later? Our guest Dr. Jeffrey Short is a biochemist who has investigated ecosystem effects of major spills. Working with our host Dr. Robert Spies after the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, he discovered that large quantities of oil persisted in the subsurface long after the spill - a finding that was quite controversial at the time. More recently he came out of retirement to work on assessing the damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, where he showed that the official estimates of bird mortality were at least an order of magnitude too low. That mortality in turn caused a dramatic population increase in Menhaden, the key link in the Gulf of Mexico food chain and the second-largest commercial fishery in the US. The population explosion has led to malnourishment and greatly decreased the economic value of the fishery, as well as its ecosystem function. 

]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3540 We hear a lot about the immediate effects of a major oil spill, but what happens later? Our guest Dr. Jeffrey Short is a biochemist who has investigated ecosystem effects of major spills. Working with our host Dr. Robert Spies after the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, he discovered that large quantities of oil persisted in the subsurface long after the spill - a finding that was quite controversial at the time. More recently he came out of retirement to work on assessing the damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, where he showed that the official estimates of bird mortality were at least an order of magnitude too low. That mortality in turn caused a dramatic population increase in Menhaden, the key link in the Gulf of Mexico food chain and the second-largest commercial fishery in the US. The population explosion has led to malnourishment and greatly decreased the economic value of the fishery, as well as its ecosystem function. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Elk in NorCal 19 19 Elk in NorCal full 1975a79b-7b7d-491c-8ed6-777c5f87ce82 https://share.transistor.fm/s/13ae9813 Tim Bray and Bob Spies talk with Erin Zulliger of the Institute for Wildlife Studies, who has been studying Elk in northern California. Always an impressive sight, these fascinating animals have a long history here and are currently adapting to changing conditions. Listen to find out more about their lives, their predators, and their populations. 

]]> Tim Bray and Bob Spies talk with Erin Zulliger of the Institute for Wildlife Studies, who has been studying Elk in northern California. Always an impressive sight, these fascinating animals have a long history here and are currently adapting to changing conditions. Listen to find out more about their lives, their predators, and their populations. 

]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3539 Tim Bray and Bob Spies talk with Erin Zulliger of the Institute for Wildlife Studies, who has been studying Elk in northern California. Always an impressive sight, these fascinating animals have a long history here and are currently adapting to changing conditions. Listen to find out more about their lives, their predators, and their populations. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No SONAR at Mendocino HS 17 17 SONAR at Mendocino HS full 19211045-5db4-4f8e-8e93-fe20acc65fc0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/78a1ac65 Robert Jamgochian and Doug Nunn talk about the SONAR program (School of Natural Resources) they created and ran at Mendocino High School for several years. Students learned how to follow scientific protocols, collect field data, analyze it and write up their findings in scientific reports. Many have gone on to pursue education and careers in environmental law, engineering, or biology. Some were active in getting the Big River estuary included as a Marine Protected Area.

]]> Robert Jamgochian and Doug Nunn talk about the SONAR program (School of Natural Resources) they created and ran at Mendocino High School for several years. Students learned how to follow scientific protocols, collect field data, analyze it and write up their findings in scientific reports. Many have gone on to pursue education and careers in environmental law, engineering, or biology. Some were active in getting the Big River estuary included as a Marine Protected Area.

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:26:52 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3541 Robert Jamgochian and Doug Nunn talk about the SONAR program (School of Natural Resources) they created and ran at Mendocino High School for several years. Students learned how to follow scientific protocols, collect field data, analyze it and write up their findings in scientific reports. Many have gone on to pursue education and careers in environmental law, engineering, or biology. Some were active in getting the Big River estuary included as a Marine Protected Area.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Mantises 16 16 Mantises full b04ffd37-7fca-4035-a4bf-49d32ac2cab3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8115886 We see them in cartoons as well as in our gardens, but how much do we really know about Praying Mantises? We learn a lot about them from doctoral candidate Lohit Garikipati at the American Museum of Natural History. Originally from California, Lohit became fascinated by these bizarre insects at an early age and has been studying them ever since. They display many amazing adaptations and Lohit relishes telling us all about them.

]]> We see them in cartoons as well as in our gardens, but how much do we really know about Praying Mantises? We learn a lot about them from doctoral candidate Lohit Garikipati at the American Museum of Natural History. Originally from California, Lohit became fascinated by these bizarre insects at an early age and has been studying them ever since. They display many amazing adaptations and Lohit relishes telling us all about them.

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:00:00 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3477 We see them in cartoons as well as in our gardens, but how much do we really know about Praying Mantises? We learn a lot about them from doctoral candidate Lohit Garikipati at the American Museum of Natural History. Originally from California, Lohit became fascinated by these bizarre insects at an early age and has been studying them ever since. They display many amazing adaptations and Lohit relishes telling us all about them.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Domoic Acid 15 15 Domoic Acid full e50fc20d-9165-4f55-a609-cec0cb146675 https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/2024/09/20/domoic-acid/ In the last few weeks, many sick and dying California Sea Lions began showing up on central California beaches, even hauling out at Pier 39 in San Francisco. They were victims of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, aka Domoic Acid Toxicosis. What is domoic acid, where does it come from, and why is it affecting so many marine mammals? For answers we turn to Dr. Pádraig Duignan, Director of Pathology at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. He is at the front lines in the response to this outbreak, in addition to many other novel diseases affecting marine mammals, and explains what is happening and why.

]]> In the last few weeks, many sick and dying California Sea Lions began showing up on central California beaches, even hauling out at Pier 39 in San Francisco. They were victims of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, aka Domoic Acid Toxicosis. What is domoic acid, where does it come from, and why is it affecting so many marine mammals? For answers we turn to Dr. Pádraig Duignan, Director of Pathology at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. He is at the front lines in the response to this outbreak, in addition to many other novel diseases affecting marine mammals, and explains what is happening and why.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:40:19 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3478 In the last few weeks, many sick and dying California Sea Lions began showing up on central California beaches, even hauling out at Pier 39 in San Francisco. They were victims of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, aka Domoic Acid Toxicosis. What is domoic acid, where does it come from, and why is it affecting so many marine mammals? For answers we turn to Dr. Pádraig Duignan, Director of Pathology at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. He is at the front lines in the response to this outbreak, in addition to many other novel diseases affecting marine mammals, and explains what is happening and why.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Northern California Marine Research 14 14 Northern California Marine Research full 9367a311-6057-4526-8e2c-9c03bff7575b https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/2024/08/14/northern-california-marine-research/ We spoke with Dr. Eric Bjorkstedt of the NOAA Fisheries Ecosystem Science Center. He talked about some of the work being done at the Telonicher Marine Laboratory in Trinidad, Humboldt County,
monitoring the offshore marine ecosystem in this little-studied region. Dr. Bjorkstedt gives us an update on current research and some recent findings, including how some key elements of the food web have responded to marine heat waves, as well as the large-scale oscillations of marine weather in the Northeast Pacific Ocean.

]]> We spoke with Dr. Eric Bjorkstedt of the NOAA Fisheries Ecosystem Science Center. He talked about some of the work being done at the Telonicher Marine Laboratory in Trinidad, Humboldt County,
monitoring the offshore marine ecosystem in this little-studied region. Dr. Bjorkstedt gives us an update on current research and some recent findings, including how some key elements of the food web have responded to marine heat waves, as well as the large-scale oscillations of marine weather in the Northeast Pacific Ocean.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:32:48 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3480 We spoke with Dr. Eric Bjorkstedt of the NOAA Fisheries Ecosystem Science Center. He talked about some of the work being done at the Telonicher Marine Laboratory in Trinidad, Humboldt County,
monitoring the offshore marine ecosystem in this little-studied region. Dr. Bjorkstedt gives us an update on current research and some recent findings, including how some key elements of the food web have responded to marine heat waves, as well as the large-scale oscillations of marine weather in the Northeast Pacific Ocean.

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Cowbirds and Brood parasitism 13 13 Cowbirds and Brood parasitism full 82d014b3-9298-4ae6-8e41-f39f5dff5895 https://share.transistor.fm/s/501b34de Birds invest considerable effort in the reproductive processes and have evolved myriad ways to improve their chances of success. The entire process of mating, nest-building, brooding, and rearing young consumes enormous amounts of energy, often leaving the parent birds nearly worn-out by the time their young reach independence. It is perhaps no wonder, then, that a few birds have developed a way to avoid most of that expense by getting other birds to do most of the work. Brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, which then hatch and rear them unwittingly.

The most widespread and abundant brood parasite in North America is the Brown-headed Cowbird. Dr. Mark Hauber studies Cowbirds and other brood parasites around the world, focusing on questions of recognition, social function, and the complex interactions between the parasites and their victims. He is a Professor at the University of Illinois in the Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, where he runs the “Cowbird Lab” and conducts some fascinating research. He is also Harley Jones Van Cleave Professor of Host-Parasite Interactions in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. Dr Hauber addressed the central question of recognition: How does a Cowbird chick, raised entirely by another species, know it is a Cowbird?

]]> Birds invest considerable effort in the reproductive processes and have evolved myriad ways to improve their chances of success. The entire process of mating, nest-building, brooding, and rearing young consumes enormous amounts of energy, often leaving the parent birds nearly worn-out by the time their young reach independence. It is perhaps no wonder, then, that a few birds have developed a way to avoid most of that expense by getting other birds to do most of the work. Brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, which then hatch and rear them unwittingly.

The most widespread and abundant brood parasite in North America is the Brown-headed Cowbird. Dr. Mark Hauber studies Cowbirds and other brood parasites around the world, focusing on questions of recognition, social function, and the complex interactions between the parasites and their victims. He is a Professor at the University of Illinois in the Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, where he runs the “Cowbird Lab” and conducts some fascinating research. He is also Harley Jones Van Cleave Professor of Host-Parasite Interactions in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. Dr Hauber addressed the central question of recognition: How does a Cowbird chick, raised entirely by another species, know it is a Cowbird?

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:23:42 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3478 Birds invest considerable effort in the reproductive processes and have evolved myriad ways to improve their chances of success. The entire process of mating, nest-building, brooding, and rearing young consumes enormous amounts of energy, often leaving the parent birds nearly worn-out by the time their young reach independence. It is perhaps no wonder, then, that a few birds have developed a way to avoid most of that expense by getting other birds to do most of the work. Brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, which then hatch and rear them unwittingly.

The most widespread and abundant brood parasite in North America is the Brown-headed Cowbird. Dr. Mark Hauber studies Cowbirds and other brood parasites around the world, focusing on questions of recognition, social function, and the complex interactions between the parasites and their victims. He is a Professor at the University of Illinois in the Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, where he runs the “Cowbird Lab” and conducts some fascinating research. He is also Harley Jones Van Cleave Professor of Host-Parasite Interactions in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. Dr Hauber addressed the central question of recognition: How does a Cowbird chick, raised entirely by another species, know it is a Cowbird?

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Charitable Giving for the Environment 12 12 Charitable Giving for the Environment full d97ba483-4d6e-4c10-8981-a143d0659856 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e07a60b On the April 2024 episode, we delve into how best to support the environment through charitable giving.  We hear from Tom Wheeler, Executive Director of EPIC in Arcata, CA, and from Lawyer Paula Goodwin of Perkins Coie, as well as take a closer look at a number of nonprofits.  Check out our Primer for Giving!  The show also features music from artist and activists Diane Patterson and Alice Dimicele, featured here with their express permission.  

]]> On the April 2024 episode, we delve into how best to support the environment through charitable giving.  We hear from Tom Wheeler, Executive Director of EPIC in Arcata, CA, and from Lawyer Paula Goodwin of Perkins Coie, as well as take a closer look at a number of nonprofits.  Check out our Primer for Giving!  The show also features music from artist and activists Diane Patterson and Alice Dimicele, featured here with their express permission.  

]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:17:30 -0700 Chad Swimmer Chad Swimmer 3541 On the April 2024 episode, we delve into how best to support the environment through charitable giving.  We hear from Tom Wheeler, Executive Director of EPIC in Arcata, CA, and from Lawyer Paula Goodwin of Perkins Coie, as well as take a closer look at a number of nonprofits.  Check out our Primer for Giving!  The show also features music from artist and activists Diane Patterson and Alice Dimicele, featured here with their express permission.  

]]> charitable giving No Residential Decarb #2 11 11 Residential Decarb #2 full c49f6893-8284-49de-86a6-e6c29216f9d6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/42da3d09 Join us for a follow up on a past episode on residential decarbonization., with some state forest news starting the hour:
Segment 1: Richard Gienger on the Board of Forestry:

To send comments to the Board of Forestry:

Publiccomments.@bof.co.gov


Segment 2: Sonoma Clean Power Resources for improved home efficiency:

Evan Mills’ resource sheet here and his full, updated report, Kermit Was Right.

A net zero community in Vermont here.


Segment 3: Matt Simmons on Wind Power and the Grid in Humboldt:

~The Environmental Protection Information Center Blog


]]> Join us for a follow up on a past episode on residential decarbonization., with some state forest news starting the hour:
Segment 1: Richard Gienger on the Board of Forestry:

To send comments to the Board of Forestry:

Publiccomments.@bof.co.gov


Segment 2: Sonoma Clean Power Resources for improved home efficiency:

Evan Mills’ resource sheet here and his full, updated report, Kermit Was Right.

A net zero community in Vermont here.


Segment 3: Matt Simmons on Wind Power and the Grid in Humboldt:

~The Environmental Protection Information Center Blog


]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:43:24 -0700 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3540 Join us for a follow up on a past episode on residential decarbonization., with some state forest news starting the hour:
Segment 1: Richard Gienger on the Board of Forestry:

To send comments to the Board of Forestry:

Publiccomments.@bof.co.gov


Segment 2: Sonoma Clean Power Resources for improved home efficiency:

Evan Mills’ resource sheet here and his full, updated report, Kermit Was Right.

A net zero community in Vermont here.


Segment 3: Matt Simmons on Wind Power and the Grid in Humboldt:

~The Environmental Protection Information Center Blog


]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Elephant Seals 10 10 Elephant Seals full 81034f7c-8251-4f0b-ad35-cec3f570234f https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f745d47 We learn about Elephant Seals from Dr. Heather Liwanag, Associate Professor in the Biological Sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She studies the physiological adaptations of animals to their environment, and Elephant Seals provide her with many remarkable features to study. 
The largest and deepest-diving pinnipeds in the world, Elephant Seals can be found on certain California beaches during their breeding season, when the males put on spectacular battle displays. At other times they are occasionally found hauled out when they molt. The rest of their lives are spent at sea, where they are only occasionally spotted as they come up for air between dives; they even sleep under water. 

]]> We learn about Elephant Seals from Dr. Heather Liwanag, Associate Professor in the Biological Sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She studies the physiological adaptations of animals to their environment, and Elephant Seals provide her with many remarkable features to study. 
The largest and deepest-diving pinnipeds in the world, Elephant Seals can be found on certain California beaches during their breeding season, when the males put on spectacular battle displays. At other times they are occasionally found hauled out when they molt. The rest of their lives are spent at sea, where they are only occasionally spotted as they come up for air between dives; they even sleep under water. 

]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0700 Tim Bray & Bob Spies Tim Bray & Bob Spies 3480 We learn about Elephant Seals from Dr. Heather Liwanag, Associate Professor in the Biological Sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She studies the physiological adaptations of animals to their environment, and Elephant Seals provide her with many remarkable features to study. 
The largest and deepest-diving pinnipeds in the world, Elephant Seals can be found on certain California beaches during their breeding season, when the males put on spectacular battle displays. At other times they are occasionally found hauled out when they molt. The rest of their lives are spent at sea, where they are only occasionally spotted as they come up for air between dives; they even sleep under water. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No The Ecology Hour, 9 January 2024: Gray Whales, with Dr. James Harvey 9 9 The Ecology Hour, 9 January 2024: Gray Whales, with Dr. James Harvey full cec02f09-0b5d-4fc6-a095-999189282172 https://share.transistor.fm/s/31c0acba  Gray Whales have recently been spotted off Mendocino.  On The Ecology Hour this week, we replay a great discussion from June 2022 with Dr. James Harvey of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, who gave us a great overview of their lives and their fantastic migrations. 

]]>  Gray Whales have recently been spotted off Mendocino.  On The Ecology Hour this week, we replay a great discussion from June 2022 with Dr. James Harvey of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, who gave us a great overview of their lives and their fantastic migrations. 

]]> Sun, 03 Mar 2024 14:00:40 -0800 Dr. Robert Spies & Tim Bray Dr. Robert Spies & Tim Bray 3536  Gray Whales have recently been spotted off Mendocino.  On The Ecology Hour this week, we replay a great discussion from June 2022 with Dr. James Harvey of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, who gave us a great overview of their lives and their fantastic migrations. 

]]> Ecology, Ecology Hour, Whales, James Harvey No The Ecology Hour, 13 February 2024: Dive into the World of Squid with Dr. Sarah MacAnulty 8 8 The Ecology Hour, 13 February 2024: Dive into the World of Squid with Dr. Sarah MacAnulty full 14b3f3a6-b264-433f-90f4-2858cc43506f https://share.transistor.fm/s/97b7da21 Tim Bray and Dr. Robert Spies take a deep dive into the world of squid, with Dr. Sarah MacAnulty, Executive Director of Skype a Scientist. Jet-propelled and able to change color at the speed of thought, they are both predator and prey in every ocean, and the subject of the world's largest fishery. Surprisingly complex, with an evolutionary history going back hundreds of millions of years, they are endlessly fascinating creatures. 

]]> Tim Bray and Dr. Robert Spies take a deep dive into the world of squid, with Dr. Sarah MacAnulty, Executive Director of Skype a Scientist. Jet-propelled and able to change color at the speed of thought, they are both predator and prey in every ocean, and the subject of the world's largest fishery. Surprisingly complex, with an evolutionary history going back hundreds of millions of years, they are endlessly fascinating creatures. 

]]> Sun, 03 Mar 2024 09:10:57 -0800 Tim Bray Tim Bray 3477 Tim Bray and Dr. Robert Spies take a deep dive into the world of squid, with Dr. Sarah MacAnulty, Executive Director of Skype a Scientist. Jet-propelled and able to change color at the speed of thought, they are both predator and prey in every ocean, and the subject of the world's largest fishery. Surprisingly complex, with an evolutionary history going back hundreds of millions of years, they are endlessly fascinating creatures. 

]]> Ecology, Ecology Hour, KZYX, Science, squid No The Ecology Hour for March 21, 2023: Caspar 500, with Kevin Conway, Kim Rodrigues PhD, Evan Mills, PhD, JP O'Brien, PhD, and more. 7 7 The Ecology Hour for March 21, 2023: Caspar 500, with Kevin Conway, Kim Rodrigues PhD, Evan Mills, PhD, JP O'Brien, PhD, and more. full 0defb50b-d0c2-4ce5-90b3-b7fc09b0689b https://share.transistor.fm/s/db10c814 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 21:31:57 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 4905 KZYX, KZYZ, mendocino, community radio, public radio, conservation, JDSF, environment, activism No The Ecology Hour for June 29, 2023: The Jackson Advisory Group and the Public Process 6 6 The Ecology Hour for June 29, 2023: The Jackson Advisory Group and the Public Process full 1ea56f58-0eba-47d1-930a-f4199612e86b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cfd134a3 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 21:29:40 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3565 KZYX, KZYZ, community radio, public radio, mendocino, environment, activism, conservation No The Ecology Hour for July 18, 2023: Alternative wood products with Nathan Anderson of Anderson's Alternatives 5 5 The Ecology Hour for July 18, 2023: Alternative wood products with Nathan Anderson of Anderson's Alternatives full 38ef14d7-1d32-4418-a3cc-9239e9eac770 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c48eee1b Sun, 18 Feb 2024 21:27:36 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 2327 KZYX, KZYZ, mendocino, community radio, public radio, environment, conservation, activism, forest, deforestation No The Ecology Hour for September 19, 2023: Pollinator conservation with Jessa Kay Cruz of Xerces Society and Jackson Forest Developments 4 4 The Ecology Hour for September 19, 2023: Pollinator conservation with Jessa Kay Cruz of Xerces Society and Jackson Forest Developments full 0dfd57e9-5441-429c-b052-f90dd6390634 https://share.transistor.fm/s/23d75aa9 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 21:25:40 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3481 conservation, activism, environment, pollinators, insects, ecosystems No The Ecology Hour for August 15, 2023: The USFS' giant R5 salvage timber sale with Matt Simmons of EPIC 3 3 The Ecology Hour for August 15, 2023: The USFS' giant R5 salvage timber sale with Matt Simmons of EPIC full 0935458c-6ad2-483c-8c7b-a7dec5b6236f https://share.transistor.fm/s/62334820 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 21:23:22 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3144 KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No Eco Archives: June 2022--A Celebration of The Life of Bill Lemos 2 2 Eco Archives: June 2022--A Celebration of The Life of Bill Lemos full f3cb2b3a-3ef5-4858-a158-c8d1a82c6dcf https://share.transistor.fm/s/2559bd63 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:19:03 -0800 Chad Swimmer and Paul Schulman Chad Swimmer and Paul Schulman 3619 Mendocino Woodlands, SONAR, Mendocino High School No Eco Archives: August 2022 Trail Stewards Radio Hour; the Unforeseen Impacts of Trails with Chad Swimmer and Lari Shea 1 1 Eco Archives: August 2022 Trail Stewards Radio Hour; the Unforeseen Impacts of Trails with Chad Swimmer and Lari Shea full 7d8c19f1-b2b5-47f7-a234-7bb2e4294879 https://share.transistor.fm/s/19d4d5d2 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 09:42:54 -0800 Disquiet Voices Disquiet Voices 4387 Trails, Equestrians, Trail Riding, Jackson Demonstration State Forest No Turkey Vultures 18 18 Turkey Vultures full d98de1fe-8c86-4fd1-9679-bb91f6a91ac9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/25cc4da8  They may be the subject of many jokes and cartoons, but Vultures have a vital role in our ecosystem - and they are just plain awesome! Our guests David Barber and Bracken Brown of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania share some of the amazing things they have learned about New World Vultures, in conversation with hosts Tim Bray and Dr. Robert Spies. 

]]>  They may be the subject of many jokes and cartoons, but Vultures have a vital role in our ecosystem - and they are just plain awesome! Our guests David Barber and Bracken Brown of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania share some of the amazing things they have learned about New World Vultures, in conversation with hosts Tim Bray and Dr. Robert Spies. 

]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0800 KZYX&Z KZYX&Z 3480  They may be the subject of many jokes and cartoons, but Vultures have a vital role in our ecosystem - and they are just plain awesome! Our guests David Barber and Bracken Brown of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania share some of the amazing things they have learned about New World Vultures, in conversation with hosts Tim Bray and Dr. Robert Spies. 

]]> KZYX, KZYZ, Mendocino, community radio, public radio, ecology, science, marine biology, coast, redwoods No