hellbender freshwater conservation: hellbender in bowl
Saving the Snot Otters

Hope for Hellbenders

Podcast Guest: Nick Burgmeier

What makes the hellbender North America’s most captivating salamander? Join Monni Böhm and guest host/producer Kelly Griese as they unravel this mystery with humor and keen insights. You’ll laugh along as we talk about quirky hellbender names and hear from Nick Burgmeier, a wildlife specialist from Purdue University, who gives us the lowdown on these unique amphibians.

Nick helps us understand the challenges facing these cute-in-their-own-way creatures. From habitat degradation and agricultural runoff, hellbenders face an upstream swim for survival, but powerful partnerships are helping to protect and grow hellbender populations. Learn about the zoos, conservationists, farmers and landowners coming together to ensure a bright future for the “snot otter.” We’ll also share information about how YOU can contribute to hellbender conservation.

Links:
Help the Hellbender
Helping Hellbenders: Conservation Program Repopulates Indiana Waterways
Hellbender in the Blue – documentary
Hellbent – documentary 

Protect Species Podcast

This podcast is a production of the Global Center for Species Survival, which is a partnership between the Indianapolis Zoo and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC). We record all episodes at the Indianapolis Zoo in the Bedel Financial Media Studio, made possible by a generous gift from Elaine and Eric Bedel.