Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School. In Season 4, Episode 3, we are thrilled to have Dr. Matt Shirley, a leading conservation biologist, joining us!

Dr. Shirley focuses on flagship species to drive conservation efforts in West and Central African tropical forests and wetlands. His fascinating work spans crocodilians, pangolins, and forest-dwelling tortoises, employing cutting-edge tools like molecular systematics, GPS telemetry, and environmental DNA to understand how species interact with their environments. Dr. Shirley’s research has led to the recognition of three new crocodile species in Africa and expanded the understanding of species distribution and population structure. His work has had a transformative impact on conservation practices, including conservation breeding programs and partnerships with local wildlife management authorities.

Recently, he has also contributed to policy initiatives through CITES and the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, where he leads the West and Central Africa region. This episode takes you deep into the fascinating world of conservation biology and policy, offering insight into how Dr. Shirley’s pioneering research is shaping the future of wildlife conservation across Africa.

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