Episode #193 Show Notes

Restoring the American West: Wild Horses, Public Lands, and Rewilding with Manda Kalimian and Ross MacPhee, PhD

December 19, 2024

Headshot photo of Manda Kalimian
Manda KalimianFounder of Rewilding America Now
Headshot photo of Manda Kalimian
Ross MacPhee, PhD
Science Director

Episode #193 Summary

The American West is a land of sweeping grasslands, rugged mountains, and boundless skies. But today, much of this landscape is under siege, threatened by overgrazing, resource extraction, and mismanagement. What if we could change the story with…wild horses?

In today’s Thanksgiving Special, we’re taking a deep dive into an ambitious and groundbreaking project with Rewilding America Now. My guests, Manda Kalimian, Founder, and Dr. Ross McPhee, Science Director, are at the forefront of efforts to restore the American West by reintroducing wild horses to public lands. Together, they’re tackling the challenges of outdated policies, degraded ecosystems, and the misconceptions surrounding one of North America’s most iconic animals.

In this conversation, we’ll explore the evolutionary history of horses, the essential role they play in maintaining grassland ecosystems, and the obstacles Manda and Ross are navigating to bring this vision to life. We’ll also dive into a controversial discussion about lithium mining, electric cars, and the unintended consequences of some green initiatives. You’ll also hear about their innovative strategies to turn public lands into thriving habitats for wildlife, supporting not just biodiversity but also the communities who depend on these landscapes.

Before we dive in, if you love what we’re doing here at Rewildology, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need a little inspiration today. Your support helps us continue spreading the message of hope and rewilding.

Alright, let’s get into it! Here’s my conversation with Amanda and Ross of Rewilding America Now.

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