Podcast : how animals influence our lives.

Joanne: National animal

 USA: Bald Eagle

1. Symbolism:
a. chosen as the national bird of the United States in 1782 because
of its majestic appearance, powerful build, and association with
freedom and independence.
2. Distinct Features:
a. easily recognizable by its white head and white tail feathers
b. powerful yellow beak and sharp talons, ideal for hunting and
gripping prey
3. Habitat:
a. found near large bodies of open water, such as lakes, rivers, and
coasts, which provide access to their primary food source—fish
4. Conservation Status:
a. By the 1960s,populations had dramatically decreased due to
habitat destruction, hunting, and the widespread use of the
pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning.
b. banning DDT and protecting nesting sites,removed from the
Endangered Species List in 2007 and is now considered a
success story in wildlife conservation.
5. Fun Facts:
a. incredible fliers, able to reach speeds of up to 30 to 40 mph while
cruising and even up to 75 mph when diving to catch prey
b. extraordinary eyesight, about 4 to 5 times better than humans
 Franch: Gallic Rooster 🐓
1. Symbolism:
a. pride, resilience, and vigilance
2. Distinct Features:
a. characterized by its bright red comb and wattles (the fleshy parts
hanging from its neck), along with its vibrant, multicolored
feathers
b. loud crowing is another distinctive feature, symbolizing its
watchfulness and alert nature
3. Fun Fact:
a. plays a role in French cuisine, particularly in dishes like "Coq au
Vin" (a traditional French dish made with rooster meat cooked in
wine).
 Taiwan: Formosan Black Bear
1. Symbolism:
a. symbol of Taiwan’s natural beauty, strength, and resilience
2. Distinct Features:
a. black with a white crescent-shaped marking on its chest that
looks like an “<” or "V."
3. Habitat:
a. is found primarily in the mountainous forests of Taiwan,
particularly in the central and northern parts of the island
 4. Conservation Status:
a. classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and
human encroachment on its natural habitat.
b. Several organizations and the Taiwanese government,creating
wildlife reserves, conducting habitat restoration projects, and
monitoring bear populations.
5. Fun Facts
a. Mating and Cubs: Formosan Black Bears typically give birth to
one to two cubs after a 7-month gestation period. The cubs stay
with their mothers for up to 2 years before becoming
independent.
 New Zealand: Kiwi 🥝
1. Symbolism:
a. symbol of the country’s unique wildlife and culture.
b. The term "Kiwi" has even become a nickname for New
Zealanders themselves.
2. Distinct Features:
a. has a round body, long thin legs, and a small head. Its most
striking feature is its long, curved bill
b. Unlike most birds, the Kiwi’s feathers are more like fur than
traditional feathers, being soft and hair-like
c. light brown to dark brown, often with a slightly mottled or
speckled pattern. This camouflage helps them blend in with the
forest floor.
3. Habitat:
a. found only in New Zealand
i. forests, grasslands, and bushes. It lives in areas where
there is thick cover to help protect it from predators.
4. Conservation Status:
a. currently facing many threats due to habitat loss, introduced
predators (like rats, stoats, and cats), and human activity.
i. nest protection, predator control, and efforts to restore
habitats.
ii. captive breeding programs
5. Fun Facts:
a. flightless bird
i. small wings
b. can live up to 50 years

Janice:

a. Case Study: China – Giant Panda (Giant Panda)

 Causes of Endangerment:
 o Habitat Destruction: Deforestation and agricultural expansion
have reduced bamboo forests, which are the primary food
source for pandas.
o Climate Change: Rising temperatures and environmental
changes have impacted bamboo growth, further limiting the
pandas' food supply.
 Conservation Status:
o Establishing 67 Giant Panda Nature Reserves has
significantly contributed to the breeding of captive pandas, its
population is showing signs of recovery. The Giant Panda
classified as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List.

b. Case Study: India – Bengal Tiger

 Causes of Endangerment:
o Poaching: Tigers are heavily poached for their skin and bones,
which are sold at high prices on the black market.
o Habitat Loss: Deforestation, infrastructure development, and
agricultural expansion have fragmented tiger habitats.
 Conservation Status:
o Bengal Tigers are classified as "Endangered". The Indian
government has implemented the "Project Tiger" initiative,
establishing 27 tiger reserves covering over 37,000 square
kilometers to protect tigers and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

2. Addressing Animal Rights and Conservation Strategies

a. Challenges of Animal Diplomacy

 Case Study: China’s Panda Diplomacy

For example, pandas from the Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Base have been
leased to institutions such as the National Zoo in Washington, USA, and
the Kobe Oji Zoo in Japan. While the initial intention was to promote
global awareness and conservation efforts for pandas, a veterinarian
working at the breeding research base revealed that the focus has shifted
toward turning panda welfare and conservation into economic profit.
The natural conception success rate for pandas is extremely low, so
artificial insemination is often required. Unfortunately, this process is
reportedly very painful for the pandas. Moreover, transporting pandas to
other countries remains highly controversial, as they are forced to adapt to
unsuitable climates and food sources, conditions that appear to
contradict the original goal of conservation.
3. Balancing Conservation Efforts with Human Needs
While conservation efforts aim to protect endangered species, they often
raise conflicts with human livelihoods, particularly in regions where
resources are limited.
a. Case Study: India’s Project Tiger and Its Social Implications

 On the surface, "Project Tiger" has successfully reduced human-tiger

conflict and secured tiger habitats. However, the policy has also
displaced indigenous forest communities:
o According to PARI (People’s Archive of Rural India), many
traditional forest dwellers were forced to relocate from tiger
reserves.
o Relocation compensation was promised at 1 million Indian
Rupees (approximately $13,360 USD), but corruption has led
many families to receive only partial payments (around $10,690
USD). Some were even evicted without prior notice.
 This case highlights the ethical dilemma of conservation:
o How can policies balance the needs of wildlife protection with
human rights and livelihoods?
o What safeguards can be put in place to ensure fair treatment of
communities affected by conservation initiatives?

Legislative Measures

 Many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect

endangered species and prevent illegal poaching and habitat
destruction.
o Example: The Endangered Species Act in the United States,
which prohibits harm to species listed as endangered and
enforces habitat preservation.
o However, challenges persist in enforcement due to corruption,
lack of resources, or conflicting human interests.

Conclusion: Finding a Sustainable Path Forward

Conserving each species requires substantial government funding, as well
as significant time and effort. It can even impact the local economy and
social structure. Worse still, while conserving certain species, there may be
indirect effects on the survival of other species, or even a neglect of other
endangered species that also need protection. Finding a balance in this
regard is a challenge that every country must face.
Justine :

III. Ethical dilemmas around animals in industries.

Introduction
“Did you know that billions of animals are used each year in industries like food
production, fashion, and science? What compromises are we willing to make to meet
human needs?
In this section, I’ll explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding animals in industries,
focusing on three main areas: the food industry, the fashion industry, and scientific
Research.”

1: Food Industry

“First, let’s talk about the food industry. One of the biggest ethical dilemmas here is
balancing animal welfare with the global demand for food.
For example, factory farming often involves cruel practices, such as keeping animals in
confined spaces, performing painful procedures like mutilations, and using inhumane
slaughtering methods.

As consumers, we face an important question: Is the convenience of cheap and

abundant meat worth the suffering of billions of animals?
However, there are alternatives. Vegetarian and vegan diets are becoming more
popular, and innovations like lab-grown meat offer hope for reducing animal suffering
without completely giving up meat.

So, I’ll ask you: Would you be willing to replace your steak with a plant-based or labgrown
alternative if it reduced animal suffering?”

2: Fashion Industry

“Next, let’s look at the fashion industry. Here, the ethical dilemma is about the appeal of
materials like leather and fur versus the harm they cause to animals.

For instance, traditional leather production requires raising and killing animals, while fur
involves even more direct suffering. In response, some brands are moving toward
synthetic alternatives or innovative materials like mushroom leather or apple leather.
These alternatives are better for animal welfare and, in some cases, better for the
environment. However, not everyone is convinced that they can match the quality or
prestige of traditional materials.

What do you think? Can these alternatives truly replace the appeal of leather and fur?”

3: Scientific Research

“Finally, let’s discuss scientific research. The ethical dilemma here is the trade-off
between medical advancements and animal suffering.

For example, animal testing has contributed to life-saving medical breakthroughs, but it
often comes at the cost of animal welfare. Animals in research facilities are subjected
to painful procedures and spend their lives in cages.

Thankfully, new technologies like cell cultures and computer modeling are helping us
reduce reliance on animal testing. But these methods are still in development and can’t
completely replace animals just yet.
This raises a tough question: Should we accept slower medical progress in order to
protect animals from suffering?”

Conclusion

“In conclusion, whether it’s about what we eat, what we wear, or the scientific progress
we pursue, ethical dilemmas involving animals are complex. They require us to make
thoughtful decisions and consider the impact of our choices.
So, I’ll leave you with this question: As a society, how far are we willing to go to prioritize
animals without compromising human needs