# The State of Nature Update #26 Podcast

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nature-signals-podcast-7864786/the-state-of-nature-update-26-podcast
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nature-signals-podcast-7864786/the-state-of-nature-update-26-podcast.md
Podcast: [Nature Signals Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/nature-signals-podcast-7864786)
Published: 2026-06-10T17:29:03+00:00
Episode link: https://ruththornton.substack.com/p/the-state-of-nature-update-26-podcast
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/201482992/fca60ec9da152a69a8f923f3891702d8.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/nature-signals-podcast-7864786/episodes/the-state-of-nature-update-26-podcast
Duration seconds: 832

## Resource

This episode explores six biodiversity stories from around the world: how elephant dung supports diverse dung beetle communities that drive nutrient cycling and seed dispersal in African ecosystems; the death of the last known Sacramento Mountains checkerspot caterpillar, which could mean that the rare butterfly is now extinct; surprising new evidence that daddy longlegs in South America can hunt and kill frogs despite their seemingly harmless appearance; the tagging of a nesting female sea turtle in Ecuador to better understand migration routes and reduce deadly fishing-net entanglements of eastern Pacific leatherback turtles; how an Italian farm is using forest-inspired, biodiversity-rich practices to build resilience against climate change while improving soil health; and it considers the argument that restoring and protecting nature may be one of the most effective climate solutions, simultaneously storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and benefiting local communities. Key points: 1:01 – Elephant poop’s essential role in African ecosystems, thanks to dunk beetles. 4:04 - The last known caterpillar of a rare butterfly has died, all but eliminating all hope of reviving the species. 5:43 - Daddy longlegs don’t just eat insects - they also hunt down frogs. 7:15 - Scientists tagged a rare sea turtle while she was laying eggs, hoping to discover her migration and feeding patterns to help with conservation decisions. 8:18 - Incorporating nature into farming practices to make crops resilient to climate change. 10:47 - Biodiversity conservation as a solution for climate change. Articles & Resources: Anthropocene Magazine, 5/28/2026, by Warren Cornwall: What happens to the small things when the big things disappear ? Gijsman, Nutter, and Pringle, 2026: Importance of eleph…

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## Transcript

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