Andrei Kapla

Andrei Kapla, a researcher at the Slovenian National Institute of Biology, dives into the world of cave ecology and the infamous Anophthalmus beetle. He discusses the hazards of spelunking in Slovenia’s Pekal Cave, which hides this unique, eyeless creature. The podcast explores the tumultuous ethical debates around species naming, particularly the controversial Anophthalmus hitlery. Kapla also addresses the alarming links between poaching of this endangered beetle and far-right extremism, raising questions about conservation and the implications of historical legacies.