Tapirs, Night Monkeys and what it takes to save the Amazon

About this episode

Dr Pati Medici and Dr Angela Maldonado discuss the challenges and strategies for conserving the Amazon rainforest and its species.

Tapirs and night monkeys are two of the estimated three million species of the Amazon rainforest which plays a vital role in stabilising the world’s climate. Dr Pati Medici from Brazil and Dr Angela Maldonado from Colombia are on a mission to ensure these species stick around and play their role in preserving the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Danger abounds as they must share habitat with armed militias, mining, palm oil companies, and more. Ahead of Brazil hosting world leaders for COP30 in Belem this year, Pati and Angela discuss how to save the Amazon. They talk coexistence and coalitions, “tapir heaven” and monkey selfies, with broadcasters and Whitley Fund for Nature Ambassadors, Kate Humble and Tom Heap. The podcast was recorded at a live event at London's Royal Institution. Special thanks to Edward Whitley Watch Pati Medici’s Gold Award film, narrated by Sir David Attenborough—a must-see story of conservation in action! Watch now . Discover Angela Maldonado’s Gold Award-winning journey in this film from 2010. Watch now! Edited and produced by Sarah Treanor How to Save It highlights ingenious solutions from the world’s top conservationists. The 2025 Whitley Awards…

People in this episode

Guests: Dr Pati Medici, Dr Angela Maldonado

Topics covered

• conservation
• biodiversity
• Amazon rainforest
• climate change
• wildlife protection

Keywords

• tapirs
• night monkeys
• Amazon
• conservation
• biodiversity
• climate
• COP30
• wildlife

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Whitley Fund for Nature

Books & works: Gold Award film, Gold Award-winning journey

Places: Amazon rainforest, Brazil, Colombia, London

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