The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom Presents: Signal Species
A “signal” or “indicator” species is an organism that can tell us about changes occurring in an ecosystem.
We’re talking bears encountering humans more frequently, armadillos moving farther north, invasive vines like kudzu growing at accelerated rates and bat populations dwindling.
These are all examples of species sending us signals about our changing world and climate — but are we paying attention? And if we are, is there a way to contribute to scientific findings?
The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom and our partner stations in Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia explored these questions through a series of features all about wildlife.
You can listen to the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom's hourlong radio documentary about signal species, "Calls from the Wild" now. Join Deputy Managing Editor John Boyle to hear the six original features and new interviews with reporters and experts from our series.
Be sure to check out the "Calls from the Wild" podcast on streaming apps, too.
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Signal species are constantly sending humans messages about our changing world, and the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom produced an hourlong radio special all about them. -
Diseases like white-nose syndrome and climate change have caused mass population loss among bat species, and the consequences could be costly. -
Freshwater mussels are scattered throughout waterways in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. But populations are dwindling, and researchers want to better understand the causes. -
The nine-banded armadillo has become an indicator of rising temperatures in Kentucky and the surrounding region, as the species moves farther north. -
Kudzu is an invasive vine that's become a persistent problem in the American South. But there are efforts to tackle it. -
Black bear encounters are on the rise in Tennessee, and climate change is often a hidden culprit, tampering with ecosystems in unexpected ways.
This is Nashville episodes
This series was produced by the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom, a collaboration between West Virginia Public Broadcasting; WPLN and WUOT in Tennessee; LPM, WEKU, WKMS and WKU Public Radio in Kentucky; and NPR. Sign up for the weekly Porch Light newsletter here for news from around the region.