Audio Edition: The State of Nature Update #24

Wolves could expand across the eastern U.S. - but they might need help

Gray wolves have recovered in parts of the Great Lakes region after decades of federal protection, but research suggests they could thrive across much more of the eastern United States. Scientists identified several large areas with suitable wolf habitat, yet highways, cities, farmland and human-caused mortality make expansion difficult. The findings also fuel ongoing debate over whether wolves should remain protected under the Endangered Species Act, raising broader questions about conservation, coexistence and how much space society is willing to share with one of North America's most iconic predators. This episode features Jerrold Belant from Michigan State University, Merijn van den Bosch with Colorado State University and John Vucetich with Michigan Technological University. Get full access to Nature Signals at ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe [https://ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The State of Nature Update #26 Podcast

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 [https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2026/05/what-happens-to-the-small-things-when-the-big-things-disappear/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-happens-to-the-small-things-when-the-big-things-disappear]? Gijsman, Nutter, and Pringle, 2026: Importance of elephants for dung beetle diversity and ecosystem functions [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aeb7062?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D73834258047650117354211606907526172973%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1779817362]. Science: 392(6801). The New York Times, 5/21/2026, by Catrin Einhorn: A very lonely caterpillar, possibly the last of its kind, has died [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/climate/a-very-lonely-caterpillar-the-sacramento-mountains-checkerspot-has-died.html] The New York Times, 3/6/2025, by Catrin Einhorn and Harry Stevens: See how butterflies are surviving, or not, near you [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/06/climate/us-butterfly-population.html]. Scientific American, 5/21/2026, by Jake Buehler: Daddy longlegs are actually bloodthirsty killers - of frogs [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/daddy-longlegs-are-actually-bloodthirsty-killers-of-frogs/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Earth+%26+Enviro+5%2F27%2F26&utm_term=Daddy+longlegs+are+actually+bloodthirsty+killers%E2%80%94of+frogs&_kx=szbrv5WTpVDdvMFHZRxlv5edhqDQOMo8EAjivofnd80.WEer5A]. Calvache et al., 2026: Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) as overlooked predators of anurans in the neotropics [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.73542]. Ecology and Evolution: 16 (4). Mongabay, 5/26/2026, by Bobby Bascomb: Tracking Lucero: Scientists follow a rare Eastern Pacific leatherback sea turtle [https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/tracking-lucero-scientists-follow-a-rare-eastern-pacific-leatherback-sea-turtle/?utm_source=Global+English&utm_campaign=417dcfd6f2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_08_20_01_05_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_940652e1f4-7512940ea4-677570646&mc_cid=417dcfd6f2&mc_eid=cc8a99e792]. IUCN: Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) [https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6494/43526147]. Atmos, 5/25/2026, by Becca Warner: For more successful farming, follow the forest [https://atmos.earth/climate-solutions/for-more-successful-farming-follow-the-forest/]. Biomimicry Center [https://globalfutures.asu.edu/biomimicry-center/], Arizona State University. The Guardian, 5/24/2026, editorial: Could nature itself hold the solution to climate change? [https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/may/24/could-nature-itself-hold-the-solution-to-climate-change?utm_term=6a142380d298ff5f87db928d803b925a&utm_campaign=USMorningBriefing&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=usbriefing_email] Get full access to Nature Signals at ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe [https://ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Podcast: Hidden 'forever chemicals' found in Great Lakes fish raise new health concerns

A recent study found dozens of previously unidentified PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in Lake Huron’s water, fish and mussels, suggesting contamination is more widespread than previously thought. Some PFAS are linked to serious health risks, but most of the thousands of PFAS compounds in use remain poorly studied. The episode features Clarkson University environmental chemist Bernard Crimmins, who explains the advanced testing method the researchers used to find new PFAS chemicals, a fishing charter captain describing his concerns around PFAS and other contaminants in fish in the Great Lakes, and a Michigan representative who talks about a bill she introduced to limit PFAS in consumer products but which failed. Together, their insights highlight the growing challenge of understanding the health and environmental impacts of PFAS pollution across the Great Lakes region and globally. Key points: 1:29 – A 2025 study finds dozens of previously unknown PFAS chemicals in the fish, mussels, and waters of Lake Huron. 3:55 – “Captain Steve” Hubert with Chum Bucket Charters explains his concerns about PFAS in fish and their potential impact on his business. 4:42 – Gillian Miller with Ecology Center outlines the state and federal regulatory structure. 6:06 – A 2024 Michigan bill attempts to limit PFAS in consumer products but is not passed.  Resources: To read this article, check out my Substack newsletter Nature Signals [https://ruththornton.substack.com/]. Resources: Study: Ren et al., 2025. Suspect screening and nontargeted analysis of polyfluoroalkyl substances in Lake Huron water and biota [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0380133025000012]. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 51(2):102507. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) [https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc]. European Food Safety Authority: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) [https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas]. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: PFAS explained [https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained].  Study: Yu et al., 2025. A global overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance regulatory strategies and their environmental impact [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12030800/]. Toxics, 13(4): 251. Michigan Eat Safe Fish Guides [https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/topics/eatsafefish/guides]. Get full access to Nature Signals at ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe [https://ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Podcast: The State of Nature Update #25

Summary: This episode of Nature Signals examines recent biodiversity and environmental news, ranging from bird behavior to wolf-moose dynamics and plastic pollution. You’ll hear about how Hawaiian songbirds steal nesting materials from one another, why European city birds fear women more than men, how wolf reintroduction on Isle Royale has successfully reduced an overabundant moose population, and about the botched rescue attempt of “Timmy” the humpback whale. It concludes with research showing that toxic chemicals and climate change together harm fertility in humans and wildlife, but just one week of reduced plastic exposure can significantly lower hormone-disrupting chemicals in people. Key points: Biodiversity: 0:54 - Some birds steal nesting materials from other nests, adding to their threats 2:37 - City birds appear to be more afraid of women than of men, for unknown reasons 3:42 - More wolves are thriving on Isle Royale than in nearly 50 years 5:00 - The botched rescue attempt of Timmy, the humpback whale stranded in Germany Pollution & Plastics 8:02 - Toxic chemicals and climate change work together to harm fertility across species 8:54 - Seven days without plastic contact slashes chemicals in the body   Resources: To read this article, check out my Substack newsletter Nature Signals [https://ruththornton.substack.com/]. Articles & Resources: The New York Times, 5/12/2026, by Sara Novak: Building nests is hard. That’s why some birds steal [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/12/science/birds-steal-nest-material.html]. Wilson Ranking et al., 2026, Upcycling in the Hawaiian islands: Native forest birds commonly engage in nest material kleptoparasitism [https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/740144]. American Naturalist. Scientific American, 4/28/2026, by Blaire Cameron: City birds appear to be more afraid of women than men, and scientists have no idea why [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/city-birds-appear-more-afraid-of-women-than-men-and-scientists-have-no-idea-why/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TIS_050126&utm_term=2%20min%20read&_kx=szbrv5WTpVDdvMFHZRxlv5edhqDQOMo8EAjivofnd80.WEer5A]. Morelli et al., 2025, Sex matters: European urban birds flee approaching women sooner than approaching men [https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.70226]. People and Nature: 8(2): 316-326. MLive, 4/27/2026, by Tanda Gmiter: Isle Royale’s wolf population surges to highest numbers in nearly 50 years [https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/04/isle-royales-wolf-population-surges-to-highest-numbers-in-nearly-50-years.html?lctg=6457ca4ecc2b3d3853033516&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter_morning_briefing%202026-04-28&utm_term=Newsletter_morning_briefing]. Michigan Technological University, 4/27/2026, by Cyndi Perkins: Isle Royale wolf population nears historic high as moose numbers plummet [https://www.mtu.edu/news/2026/04/isle-royale-wolf-population-nears-historic-high-as-moose-numbers-plummet.html]. Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Project annual reports [https://www.isleroyalewolf.org/annual-reports]. Science, 5/4/2026, by Martin Enserink: Chaotic whale rescue shocks marine scientists [https://www.science.org/content/article/chaotic-whale-rescue-shocks-marine-biologists?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=cd8cfd3c89-nature-briefing-daily-20260506&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-499214112]. The Guardian, 5/5/2026, by Kate Connolly: Rescue of Timmy the whale ‘an all-round catastrophe’ after tracker failure [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/05/expert-brands-rescue-of-timmy-the-whale-an-all-round-catastrophe-over-deficient-tracker]. IFAW News, 5/11/2026: Timmy the whale and the limits of good intentions [https://www.ifaw.org/journal/timmy-humpback-baltic-sea]. The Guardian, 5/15/2026, by Patrick Greenfield: What the fate of Timmy the whale says about conservation [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/14/what-the-fate-of-timmy-the-whale-says-about-conservation]. EHN, 5/1/2026, by Staff: Toxic chemicals and climate change work together to harm fertility across species [https://www.ehn.org/chemicals-climate-change-fertility?vgo_ee=j0zmJld6hOTAKXxSO2IV4VCSOa17Z53%2B1htig8f4%2B0hDYrU7kA%3D%3D%3AI4nyQi7vmERE5A1V5KxcRNmYUuBsbrD7]. Brander et al., 2026, Impacts of environmental stressors on fertility and fecundity across taxa, with implications for planetary health. [https://www.nature.com/articles/s44454-026-00032-6]NPJ Emerging Contaminants: 2, 12. Medical Xpress, 4/22/2026, by Sadie Harley: Seven days without plastic contact slashes phthalates and bisphenols in body [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-days-plastic-contact-slashes-phthalates.html]. Harray et al., 2026, Low-plastic diet and urinary levels of plastic-associated phthalates and bisphenols: the randomized controlled PERTH tria [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04324-7]l. Nature Medicine. Get full access to Nature Signals at ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe [https://ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Podcast: Butterfly Houses - Boon for Conservation or Cause for Concern?

Millions of butterflies are traded all over the world each year to entertain visitors in butterfly houses. But is it good for butterflies, as proponents claim? Listen to the episode to find out more about the industry, impacts on conservation and local communities, and why many experts are concerned about potential negative effects on the butterflies themselves. Key points: 1:59 - The hidden world behind butterfly houses and the global butterfly trade 4:20 - How butterfly farms in Africa, Asia, and South America supply millions of butterflies each year 5:33 - Concerns about captive breeding, genetic mixing, disease transmission, and escaped butterflies 6:10 - What monarch butterfly studies reveal about the risks of captive rearing 7:40 – The conservation argument: Examples of butterfly farming projects supporting local communities in Kenya and Costa Rica 10:00 - How butterfly houses could become stronger tools for conservation education 10:26 - Practical ways listeners can help butterflies at home through native plants, reduced pesticide use, and habitat protectionResources: Resources: To read this article, check out my Substack newsletter Nature Signals [https://ruththornton.substack.com/]. Selected news articles and websites: * Earth Island Journal, by Bob Koigi, 7/18/2016: How butterfly farmers are safeguarding the forest in Kenya [https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/articles/entry/butterfly_farmers_safeguarding_forest_kenya/#%23]. * Mongabay, by Janet Njung’e, 2/8/2019: Butterfly business: Insect farmers help conserve East African forests [https://news.mongabay.com/2019/02/butterfly-business-insect-farmers-help-conserve-east-african-forests/]. * United Nations Environment Programme, 1/2/2020: Paying the school fees, one butterfly at a time [https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/paying-school-fees-one-butterfly-time]. * Kipepeo Butterfly Project [https://kipepeo.org], Kenya. * Butterfly farm: El Bosque Nuevo [https://www.elbosquenuevo.org/community-growth], Costa Rica. Conservation organizations: * Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation [https://xerces.org]. * Report: State of butterflies in the United States: A Roadmap for Butterfly Conservation in the 21st Century [https://xerces.org/publications/scientific-reports/state-of-butterflies-in-united-states?_gl=1*1fued7d*_gcl_au*NTg4NTM4NDUwLjE3Nzc1NzMyODQuODA4NjQ3NzcwLjE3Nzc1NzM0MDcuMTc3NzU3MzQwNg..*_ga*MjA5MTA3MTQxLjE3Nzc1NzMyODQ.*_ga_4H43V6TS1Y*czE3Nzc1NzMyODMkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzc1NzM3NTkkajI1JGwwJGgyNzkyODE0MjM.]. 2025. * North American Butterfly Association [https://naba.org] (NABA) * Butterfly Conservation Europe [https://www.bc-europe.eu] (BCE) * MonarchWatch [https://www.monarchwatch.org] - researches monarch butterflies, their habitat and fall migration. Trade organizations: * International Butterfly Breeders Association [https://www.internationalbutterflybreeders.org] (IBBA) * Association for Butterflies [https://afbeducation.org](AFB) Selected scientific articles: * Parsons, 1992. The butterfly farming and trading industry in the Indo-Australian region and its role in tropical forest conservation [https://journals.flvc.org/troplep/article/view/89903]. Tropical Lepidoptera, 3(Suppl. 1): 1-31. * Boppré and Vane-Wright, 2012. The butterfly house industry: Conservation risks and education opportunities [https://journals.lww.com/coas/fulltext/2012/10030/the_butterfly_house_industry__conservation_risks.7.aspx]. Conservation & Society, 10(3): 285-303. * Tenger-Trolander et al., 2019. Contemporary loss of migration in monarch butterflies [https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1904690116]. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(29): 14671-14676. * Davis, Smith and Ballew. 2020. A poor substitute for the real thing: captive-reared monarch butterflies are weaker, paler and have less elongated wings than wild migrants [https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rsbl/article/16/4/20190922/34694/A-poor-substitute-for-the-real-thing-captive]. Biology Letters, the Royal Society Publishing. 16(4): 20190922. * Wilcox et al., 2021. Captive-reared migratory monarch butterflies show natural orientation when released in the wild [https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/9/1/coab032/6274228]. Conservation physiology, 9(1): coab32. * Saul-Gershenz, 2022. Insect zoos and butterfly houses for public education: issues related to shipping and international trade of non-native insects [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35925628/]. Scientific and Technical Review, 41(1): 142-157. * Tenger-Trolander, 2023. Environmental and genetic effects of captivity - are there lessons for monarch butterfly conservation? [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214574523000858] Current Opinion in Insect Science, 59: 101088. Nature Signals is a reader-supported publication. It takes many hours to research and record each post. To receive new posts in your inbox and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber here: Nature Signals [https://ruththornton.substack.com/] website. Not ready to subscribe? Consider buying me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/ruththornton] (or a beer…). Any support is greatly appreciated! Get full access to Nature Signals at ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe [https://ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]