Episode 129 – Golden Poison Dart Frog: The Miniature Midas
“…and today we’re talking about a tiny bright yellow animal that doesn’t have to worry about most predators. But more on that later.” The rainforest is a lush verdant landscape covered in shades of green and brown. Organisms that deviate from this chromatic conformity usually want to be seen like budding flowers or lovestruck birds. […]
Episode 128 – Praying Mantis: The Penitent Predator
“…and today we’re talking about an insect that’s not as pious and charitable as it’s posture projects. But more on that later.” While the prayers of a righteous man availeth much, the prayers of a righteous bug aren’t as effective. In fact, there is no such thing as a righteous bug. But that doesn’t stop […]
Episode 127 – Lion: The Sultan of the Savannah
“…and today we’re talking about the sultan of the Savannah, the prince of the pride, the king of the jungle. But more on that later.” Cats are a solitary bunch. They prefer quiet naps in trees or in the sunbeam cast in an otherwise vacated living room. The loner lifestyle is just easier for felines […]
Episode 126 – Harpy Eagle: The Raging Raptor
“Today we’re talking about a bird that’s as fearless as it is big. More on that later.” Life in the rainforest can be hard, but not if you’re a harpy eagle. Enjoying a top spot at the head of its food chain, these frilly feathers can choose from a wide variety of animals to make […]
Episode 125 – Okapi: The Sneak Forest Ungulate
“And today we’re talking about a big sneaky horse, giraffe, zebra. But more on that later.” The African Savannah is dominated by predators but the jungles of the Congo aren’t much safer. The dense forests conceal powerful predators like the leopard, which catches prey that didn’t even know she was there. Today, poachers are even […]
Episode 124 – Giant Moray Eel: The Alien of the Deep
“And today we’re talking about a sci-fi fish with some grumpy gills. But more on that later.” If you were to go diving almost anywhere in the shallows of an Indo-Pacific ocean, there’s a good chance you’ll find a moray eel stationed in some of the porous holes left in the rocky coral reefs. Looking […]
Episode 123 – Dwarf Olive Snail: The Swash Surfer
“Today we’re talking about an aquatic olive garden. But more on that later…” The sun, surf, and gentle sound of waves crashing against the sandy shores may bring to mind a welcome respite from daily life. But as with human surfers, the beach is life for some tidal animals. There’s a whole world of creatures […]
Episode 122 – African Elephant: The Savannah’s Bulldozer
“…and today we’re going to talk about the elephant in the room. More on that for the entire episode…” Striding across the African Savannah in a constant search for food, the African Elephant is the largest land animal in the world. But in spite of its size, the elephant is a master of subtlety. When […]
Episode 121 – Lesser Long-Nosed Bat: A Long Secret
“…And today we’re talking about an animal that has gotten some bad press recently. But hopefully some cool facts will turn it around. More on that later.” A dry barren wasteland seems like the kind of place most creatures would avoid. But the dessert offers rare opportunities to those who have the tools to capitalize […]
Episode 120 – Peacock Spider: The Real Tiny Dancer
“And today we’re talking about an adorable arachnid with as much style as they have charisma. But more on that later.” While John Travolta dances to cope with the stresses of life and Kevin Bacon dances so that the Bomont seniors can go to prom, the peacock spider is a much more dire dancer. When […]
