Episode 52 - Talking about the book "Black Ops and Beaver Bombing" with Fiona Mathews and Tim Kendall
Aug 20, 2024
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Fiona Mathews, a Professor of Environmental Biology and founder of Mammal Conservation Europe, teams up with Tim Kendall, a Professor of English Literature, to discuss their bestselling book, 'Black Ops and Beaver Bombing.' They share their journeys into conservation, emphasizing the importance of personal connections to nature. The duo highlights the vital roles mammals play in ecosystems and addresses wildlife conservation challenges in Britain, including rewilding efforts. They also touch on ethical sourcing in the coffee industry, linking sustainability to global issues.
The reintroduction of beavers in Britain exemplifies how mammals contribute to environmental health and biodiversity through natural water management processes.
Conservationists face significant political and bureaucratic hurdles in the UK, yet they strive to engage the public with positive wildlife narratives to foster support for environmental initiatives.
Deep dives
Importance of Mammals in Ecosystems
Mammals play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and their presence is essential for the overall well-being of the environment. The recent reintroduction of beavers to Britain serves as a noteworthy example of how mammals can positively impact water management and biodiversity; beavers facilitate clean water production through natural filtration processes in their habitats. The conversation emphasizes that all life forms, including mammals, have inherent rights to exist within ecosystems, not just for human benefit. Ultimately, the health of our ecosystems directly influences human health and joy, highlighting the intertwined relationship between humans and wildlife.
Challenges in Mammal Conservation
Conservation efforts for mammals in the UK face significant hurdles, notably stemming from the country’s unique political and environmental landscape. The lack of woodland cover has led to decreased populations of various mammal species, with historical depletion having lasting effects on biodiversity. Political will and community support for initiatives like the reintroduction of wolves remain lacking, resulting in frustrations among conservationists. The overall bureaucratic process of obtaining permissions for rewilding projects often feels cumbersome and slow, leaving advocates battling against entrenched interests to improve the plight of mammals.
Engaging Audiences through Humor and Positivity
Amid the challenges of conservation, there is a conscious effort to convey positive narratives about wildlife to engage a broader audience. The authors highlight the need to balance the harsh realities of conservation with humor and light-hearted storytelling to prevent overwhelming public perception. By celebrating the uniqueness of animals like bats and pine martens, they aim to foster enthusiasm for wildlife conservation among those who might not typically engage with nature writing. This optimistic approach is essential for building a movement that supports policy changes, as public sentiment can greatly influence political actions regarding environmental protection.
Fiona is Professor of Environmental Biology at the University of Sussex and the founding Chair of Mammal Conservation Europe. Tim is Professor of English Literature at Exeter university. Together they live in the wilds of Devon, from where they were kind enough to dial in to chat to me about their 2023 bestselling book, “Black Ops and Beaver Bombing”.