What can tiny island lizards teach us about surviving a changing world? Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Christian Cox, Associate Professor at Florida International University, to explore the surprising answers. Christian’s research spans the colorful world of reptile evolution—why some snakes and lizards look and behave the way they do, how size and shape vary between the sexes, and what feeding habits reveal about survival. But at the heart of this conversation is his decades-long study of Anole lizards living on hundreds of islands in a massive lake linked to the Panama Canal. These natural experiments reveal how reptiles respond to sudden environmental shifts, offering clues to how wildlife may adapt in the face of climate change.Connect with Christian at FIU.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
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137 | Everything Snakes of Alabama
Alabama is a hotspot for snake diversity—and Jimmy Stiles knows it better than almost anyone. In this episode, Dr. Jenkins talks with his friend and colleague, a PhD candidate at Auburn University, about the state’s rich ecosystems, legendary herpetologists, and the incredible snakes that call Alabama home. They go deep into Eastern Indigo Snake reintroductions, venomous snake trainings, and how education and outreach are shaping the future of conservation.Connect with Jimmy at the Wetland and Riparian Ecology Lab at Auburn University.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
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136 | Venomous Snakes in South Africa
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Hiral Naik, Research and Conservation Manager for Save the Snakes, for a fascinating discussion on venomous snakes and human-wildlife conflict in South Africa. Based in South Africa, Hiral recently completed her PhD on the ecology of venomous snakes and the dynamics of human snakebite incidents. The conversation begins with an overview of South Africa’s geography, climate, and the resulting distribution of its diverse venomous snake species. Hiral shares insights into the natural history and behavior of species like the Puff Adder and Mozambique Spitting Cobra, before diving into the complex issue of snakebite and how species ecology affects its prevalence and severity.Connect with Hiral at Save the Snakes.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
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135 | Tropical Adventures in Herpetology
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Laurie Vitt, Emeritus Curator at the Sam Noble Museum, for a fascinating journey through a career spent exploring some of the most remote and biodiverse regions on Earth. Their conversation traces Laurie’s path from his early days in the mountains of Montana to years of fieldwork in the rainforests of South America. Along the way, they recount stories of months-long expeditions, living in tents in remote places while documenting tropical biodiversity. From encounters with Alligator Lizards and Bushmasters to the striking Emerald Tree Boa, this episode is full of adventure, discovery, and herpetological insight.Connect with Laurie at the Sam Noble Museum.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
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134 | Boas, Islands, Evolution, and Conservation
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Graham Reynolds to explore the fascinating trajectory of his career—from a childhood fascination with nature to a professional focus on reptiles, tropical ecosystems, and island biodiversity. They dive into what makes islands such unique and important places for biodiversity, and why island species are among the most threatened in the world. Dr. Reynolds shares stories from his work on Caribbean boas, including the discovery of new species and insights into their ecology and conservation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its efforts to protect snake species globally.Connect with Dr. Reynolds at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and be sure to check out his books, Boas of the West Indies, and Boas of the World.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Faced with a world that instinctually persecutes snakes, Dr. Jenkins talks with the foremost experts on snake biology and conservation. The discussions range widely including topics such as snake ecology, snakebites, and captive breeding. All of the conversations have the same goal, to help the listener increase their knowledge and leave behind any irrational fears of snakes.
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