Episode
The State of Nature Update #27
- Podcast
- Nature Signals Podcast
- Published
- Jul 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 730
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
This week, we cover six fascinating stories from the world of wildlife and conservation. Discover how scientists are working to save Ukraine's European bison despite the ongoing war, and how environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionizing biodiversity research by revealing entire ecosystems from a single water sample. We also explore surprising evidence that ancient ground squirrels scavenged mammoths, bison, and other Ice Age giants, examine the controversial roundup of wild horses in California, and discuss new research suggesting wireless radio frequency radiation may disrupt bats' navigation. Finally, we look at growing bipartisan support for wildlife crossings across the United States, helping reconnect habitats while reducing deadly and costly collisions between animals and vehicles. Key Points: 0:54 - The struggle to save Ukraine's bison amid the war. 3:57 - Unlocking nature's secrets through 'environmental DNA.' 6:01 - Ancient ground squirrel poop uncovered an astonishing diet of mammoths, bison, and even large cats. 7:34 - Controversial Roundup of 450 wild horses proceeds in California. 9:08 – Wireless radiation disrupts bats' flight patterns in new study. 10:19 - Wildlife crossings gain legislative support in four U.S. states. Links to articles and resources: BioGraphic, 6/2/2026, by Dustin Patar: Saving bison as bombs fall IUCN Red List: European bison ( Bison bonasus ) World Wide Fund for Nature in Ukraine: WWF-Ukraine The Conversation, 7/7/2026, by Jenny Whilde: Fishing for DNA - how a cup of river water can reveal secrets about human health, pollution and biodiversity . Nature, 6/9/2026, by Ewen Callaway: Ancient ground squirrels feasted on carcasses like 'zombies of the Pleistocene. ' Murchie et al., 2026. Ground squirrel coprolites preserve complex archives…