Available online
Description
Saving Species on BBC Radio 4 explores biodiversity, conservation and natural history, both in the UK and across the globe. Scottish wildcats are seen as an iconic emblem of the unspoilt wilderness... of Scotland. It has been suggested that there may be fewer than one hundred pure bred wildcat in Scotland, with some studies concluding that this species may actually be rarer that the Amur tiger or even extinct as a genetic species. Saving Species reporter Karen Partridge travels to Scotland to meet Kerry Kilshaw from the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Univsersity of Oxford; in the hope of finding one of the last wildcats for herself and in doing so looks at the role genetics is playing in preserving this species. Professor Lynne Boddy from Cardiff University travels to the New Forest in search of a very rare fungus, the bearded tooth fungus (Hericium erinaceus). This species is commonly grown commercially however in the wild it is one of the rarest fungi's in the UK and it's importance in the woodland ecosystem as a wood-recycling fungus is giving conservationists cause for concern. Also in the programme - news from around the world with our regular news reporter, Kelvin Boot. And we'll update you on the activities of the Open University's iSpot.
Saving Species on BBC Radio 4 explores biodiversity, conservation and natural history, both in the UK and across the globe. Scottish wildcats are seen as an iconic emblem of the unspoilt wilderness... of Scotland. It has been suggested that there may be fewer than one hundred pure bred wildcat in Scotland, with some studies concluding that this species may actually be rarer that the Amur tiger or even extinct as a genetic species. Saving Species reporter Karen Partridge travels to Scotland to meet Kerry Kilshaw from the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Univsersity of Oxford; in the hope of finding one of the last wildcats for herself and in doing so looks at the role genetics is playing in preserving this species. Professor Lynne Boddy from Cardiff University travels to the New Forest in search of a very rare fungus, the bearded tooth fungus (Hericium erinaceus). This species is commonly grown commercially however in the wild it is one of the rarest fungi's in the UK and it's importance in the woodland ecosystem as a wood-recycling fungus is giving conservationists cause for concern. Also in the programme - news from around the world with our regular news reporter, Kelvin Boot. And we'll update you on the activities of the Open University's iSpot.
| Series: | Saving species; Series 3 |
|---|---|
| Episode | 10 |
| First transmission date: | 2012-11-06 |
| Original broadcast channel: | BBC Radio 4 |
| Published: | 2012 |
| Rights Statement: | Rights owned or controlled by The Open University |
| Restrictions on use: | This material can be used in accordance with The Open University conditions of use. A link to the conditions can be found at the bottom of all OU Digital Archive web pages. |
| Duration: | 00:27:34 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Sheena Duncan |
| Presenter: | Brett Westwood |
| Contributors: | Lynne Boddy; Kelvin Boot; Jennifer Manning, -1998 Bryce; Kerry Kilshaw; Alan Lucas; Paul O'Donaghue; Karen Partridge; Brett Westwood |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Production number: | AUDA644B |
| Available to public: | no |
