Blue whales are the largest animal that has ever lived. Topping all kinds of charts and holding a host of impressive records in the animal kingdom. Yet despite their remarkable size, and partly because of it, they were driven close to extinction in the 20th century. But there is good news, as their numbers are beginning rise!

Join us as we explore the incredible world of the blue whale. From their evolution from land-based mammals to the devastating impact of industrial whaling, and the conservation efforts working hard to support their recovery and returning numbers.

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Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

New research indicates blue whale population recovery - Curious Earth

Blue whales: Facts, threats, and our conservation plan | IFAW

fact_sheet_blue_whale_climate_change.pdf

Whales evolved in three rapid phases, reveals largest study of its kind | UCL News - UCL – University College London

First records of orcas seen killing and eating blue whales - Discover Wildlife

Blue Corridors of the Eastern Pacific Ocean | World Wildlife Fund

Antarctic blue whale numbers are recovering | WWF

With so much bad news in our daily feeds, it’s easy to forget that people around the world are working tirelessly to protect nature, wildlife, and the environment.

So, before 2025 fades completely in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking one final look back at the year’s good news for the planet. From species making remarkable recoveries and long-lost wildlife being rediscovered, to major habitat protections and hard-won environmental policies, there’s far more hope than the headlines often suggest.

Join us for a relaxed and chatty episode featuring some brilliant wins for nature, many mispronounced place names, and a hopeful start to 2026.

Our annual positive news roundup is always one of our favourite episodes to research and record, we hope you enjoy listening.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Thermal Cameras and AI Help Protect Rhinos in Kenya | World Wildlife Fund

Nepal Reports Stable Snow Leopard Population | World Wildlife Fund

Devon pine marten kits born in 'historic moment' on Dartmoor - BBC News

Smallest otter in the world rediscovered in Nepal after 185-year absence | Discover Wildlife

Gorongosa Conservation Progress and Success 2025

Rediscovered in a Forgotten Park: The Elusive Upemba Lechwe - African Conservation Foundation

Mountain Gorillas: Rising From the Brink of Extinction | World Wildlife Fund

Seal Greece: 1,000 Miles for the 1,000 Mediterranean Monk Seals Left on the Planet - Seal Greece

We've mentioned them a lot but now it is time they get their very own episode.

They're ecosystem engineers, climate change protectors, master builders, and have a tail with more functions than you'd think. You can't help but love them.

So, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of beavers. From their unrivalled ability to shape landscapes and support entire ecosystems, to their extinction in the UK and the inspiring efforts to bring them back, we cover it all in this deep dive into one of our favourite animals.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/beavers

https://beavertrust.org/beaver-basics/beaver-impacts/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/11/beavers-save-czech-taxpayers-by-flooding-ex-army-training-site

https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/cornwall-beaver-project

https://www.norfolkriverstrust.org/case-studies/returning-beavers-to-the-glaven

https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/beaver-benefits/

https://news.westernu.ca/2020/08/ancient-beavers-cut-trees-for-food-first-not-to-build-dams/

Beavers: How and why they build dams - YouTube