John Vaillant’s ‘The Tiger,’ Protecting Wild Tigers, Wheat Genome
This week: You’ll hear the true story of a Siberian tiger that hunted a poacher. We’re also talking about tigers in our latest Science Forum discussion. Our guest is renowned tiger expert, John Seidensticker. He’s taking questions about efforts to save wild tigers. Check out what he has to say in the podcast then join the conversation. Also in today’s show, U.K scientists release first drafts of the wheat genome sequence. And please tell us what you think in this online survey!
‘The Tiger’: That’s the name of a new book that tells the true story of a Siberian tiger that killed a poacher, for revenge. The drama takes place in the late 1990s, in far-eastern Russia, just across the border from China. We spoke with the author, John Vaillant.
Guest: John Vaillant
Read the first chapter of ‘The Tiger’.
More about the Siberian tiger on National Geographic.
John Vaillant’s previous book, The Golden Spruce.
Saving Wild Tigers: The tiger is facing extinction. There are some 3500 of the beasts left in the wild today. That’s barely half their number just a decade ago. Poaching and habitat loss are among the many threats facing tiger populations around the world. Several countries are gearing up to enforce stricter measures to protect the species as part of the new Global Tiger Recovery Program. But can we save the species? Or is it doomed to become extinct? Listen to our interview with tiger expert John Seidensticker. Then bring your questions for Seidensticker to the latest Science Forum discussion. He’ll be taking your thoughts and questions until September 13th.
Guest: John Seidensticker.
Join our online conversation about tigers.
Tiger facts from the World Wildlife Fund.
Wheat Genome Sequences: Scientists in the U.K have released draft sequences of the wheat genome. The discovery comes at a time when wheat crops around the world are threatened by disease and climate change. The findings provides scientists and crop breeders with genetic tools to help select for hardier varieties of wheat in the coming years.
Guest: Neil Hall
International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium.
FAO cuts outlook for global wheat harvests
More work needed to get the entire genome sequenced.
Stem rust and global wheat production on Podcast 62.
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“You’ll hear the true story of a Siberian tiger that hunted a poacher.”
Way to go, tiger. Enforce the law with your teeth and claws!