140 | Inbreeding Impacts in Massasauga Populations

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Drs. Eric Hileman and Meaghan Clark for an in-depth look at the Eastern Massasauga. They begin with the species’ natural history and conservation status before diving into long-term research from Michigan populations. Their studies reveal concerning levels of inbreeding, which are linked to reduced survival and lower breeding rates. The episode closes with a discussion of recovery strategies and what the future may hold for this imperiled rattlesnake.Connect with Eric at West Virginia University, and Meaghan at Michigan State 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.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Whitney Robles—author, historian, and curator—to explore her book Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History. Rather than focusing solely on the work of famous natural historians, Robles highlights how animals themselves have shaped our knowledge of the natural world. Among the four species featured in her book are Timber Rattlesnakes, whose feared reputation has deeply influenced both scientific understanding and cultural attitudes. Together, they discuss how fear and fascination intertwine in shaping natural history, and Robles shares how her own field experiences, including encountering a gravid rattlesnake while pregnant, reshaped her perspective on these remarkable animals.Connect with Whitney on her website, and find her book, Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Randy Babb, a lifelong wildlife enthusiast from Arizona with a passion for reptiles and amphibians. Randy spent his career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, but his adventures have taken him far beyond the American Southwest. Since 2006, he has made annual trips to Vietnam, surveying national parks across the country in search of herpetofauna. He has also worked with National Geographic on projects throughout Latin America and taught in Panama. Together, they dive into Randy’s global field experiences, with a special focus on the remarkable snakes and varied landscapes of Vietnam. Check out Randy’s books: Snakes of Arizona, and A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians in Arizona. 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.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with herpetologist Samantha Dillon to talk all things Indigo Snakes. A Florida native, Samantha has a deep-rooted passion for these iconic reptiles and a long-standing involvement in habitat restoration efforts. Now a master’s student at Texas A&M University, she’s focused on studying Texas Indigo Snakes and Texas Tortoises. Together, they explore the ecology of Texas Indigos—covering their distribution, movement patterns, habitat preferences, fascinating ties to tortoises, and reproduction. If you're a fan of Eastern Indigo Snakes, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into their western cousins.Connect with Samantha at Texas A&M 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.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Neil Ford, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Tyler, about his lifelong passion for snakes and his impactful career in herpetology. The conversation begins with Neil’s childhood discovery of his first snake and follows his journey through decades of research and teaching. They dive into his work on pheromone trailing, the effects of diet on snake reproduction, and other fascinating studies. The episode also highlights the origins of the Snake Ecology Group meetings and Neil’s recent book on life as a field biologist. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the science—and stories—behind snake ecology.Dr. Neil Ford's Book – https://www.amazon.com/Journeys-Field-Biologist-Adventures-Critters/dp/1733329935 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.