Of Bombs and Butterflies

Ecologist Nick Haddad embarked on a mission to save the endangered Saint Francis Satyr butterfly, found exclusively on Fort Bragg military base. Despite his initial lack of knowledge about butterflies, Haddad accepted the challenge. The task proved daunting, involving beaver relocation, bomb avoidance, and a reassessment of life and death. Haddad's efforts have helped increase the butterfly's population off-range, but the species remains critically endangered. Radiolab's podcast episode delves into the complexities of conservation, exploring the ethical and scientific challenges involved in preserving biodiversity.