Episode 9.2: Surviving toxic meals and treacherous ticks

Janet Rachlow is a professor of wildlife ecology in the College of Natural Resources at University of Idaho. She has studied mammals large and small, and in this episode she discusses two of them on both ends of the size scale.

Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.

Have you ever gone hiking and got a tick?

In this conversation, Rachlow discusses her work on animal ecology and conservation, focusing on pygmy rabbits and moose, and explains that her research aims to understand the relationship between animals and their environments to improve conservation efforts. She shares her journey studying the pygmy rabbit, a small, burrowing species unique to sagebrush ecosystems. Despite the toxicity of sagebrush, pygmy rabbits can survive by detoxifying it in their bodies, making them fascinating subjects for study. The team also explores habitat quality and how these rabbits choose environments that balance food, protection from predators and thermal comfort.

The conversation shifts to moose, and Rachlow addresses the declining population in Idaho. Her team used GPS collars to track adult females and calves, discovering that calf survival was low, partly due to parasites like winter ticks and arterial worms. These ticks cause blood loss and additional stress, contributing to the decline. The discussion touches on potential solutions to manage tick populations, though challenges remain, especially with the impact of climate change.

Rachlow highlights how research on wildlife health and habitat quality informs management decisions, helping preserve species. She emphasizes the importance of understanding not just population numbers, but the overall health and environment of animals to create effective conservation strategies. The conversation wraps up with a greater appreciation for the complexities of wildlife conservation and the role of research in protecting ecosystems.

Time stamps

(00:00) Introduction
(3:30) Getting to know Janet
(4:00) Pygmy rabbit survival techniques
(14:46) Moose's tick troubles
(25:10) Implications for conservation
(26:48) Conclusion

Music

“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified. 
“Good Vibes Everywhere” by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo.