The Plodcast 305. Discover the strangest relationships in the animal world - with Sophie Pavelle
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Jul 1, 2025 
Join writer and naturalist Sophie Pavelle, author of 'To Have or to Hold', as she takes a scenic stroll through Devon's River Otter. She uncovers astonishing relationships in the animal kingdom, from harmonious partnerships to bizarre parasitic dynamics. Delight in tales of beavers shaping ecosystems and learn how hair worms manipulate their hosts. Sophie also shares insights on climate change and the humorous side of nature writing, weaving together personal experiences with vital conservation lessons.
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Hairworm's Gruesome Life Cycle
- Sophie Pavelle joined a team studying hairworms, a parasite with a complex life cycle involving insect hosts.
- Hairworms control their hosts to return to water where the adult worm emerges, a spectacular but gruesome process.
Sophie Joins Beaver Conservation
- Sophie worked with the Beaver Trust, a startup focused on beaver reintroduction in Britain during COVID.
- They aimed to restore native mammals and sometimes disrupted conservation norms, exciting the public but also causing challenges.
Beavers Boost Ecosystem Health
- Beavers create dams that improve water quality and regulate water flow, reducing flooding.
- Their presence positively impacts fish populations by creating healthier habitats and more insect life.
