Podcast Biodiverse - Ep. 5: Hunting for biodiversity

"Podcast Biodiverso" is the first podcast show from the naturetech 3Bee, which stands out in the climate podcast scene for its ability to weave irony, levity and information into a unique and accessible format for all. The first season is composed of 6 episodes, available on Spotify and YouTube, and tackles key current issues, such as the climate crisis and biodiversity, in a sparkling and original way. Each episode presents an exclusive perspective on the big questions of sustainability: from climate change to sex, from feelings to the extinction of mosquitoes, and even nuclear energy. Not the usual green podcast, but a tool for disseminating, comparing and learning, to tell the story of biodiversity in a new way, also thanks to the contribution of renowned guests.

In the fifth episode of "Biodiverso Podcast", entitled "Hunting for biodiversity", is guest Nicolò Mottadelli, wildlife technician at the Comprensori Alpini di Caccia in the province of Bergamo, to explore the role of hunting, a complex and divisive issue in the world of environmental conservation. Hunting is often viewed negatively: it is a multifaceted issue that carries with it profound implications for biodiversity and ecosystem management. And so: is hunting an enemy to biodiversity? This is just one of the questions 3Bee answers in the fifth episode of "Biodiverse Podcast".

We often wonder whether there is a correlation between the figure of the hunter depicted in fables and the real one. In fact, some popular beliefs depict the hunter as a saviour - for example in Little Red Riding Hood - or as the animals' worst enemy - as in the fairy tale Bambi. But who is really the hunter? And the poacher? Are hunter and wolf rivals? According to guest Nicolò Mottadelli, wildlife technician, the truth lies somewhere in between. In the fifth episode of 3Bee's Biodiverso Podcast, he talks about what selecontrol is, i.e. the type of hunting that acts as a imitation of natural selection, in order to maintain a number of animals such that the balance of the fauna, but also of the flora, is guaranteed.

Nicolò Mottadelli holds a degree in Nature Sciences from the University of Pavia, with a thesis on 'Monitoring amphibians and reptiles on alpine lakes in the Stelvio National Park'. Today, he is fauna technician at the Comprensori Alpini di Caccia in the province of Bergamo. He loves living surrounded by greenery and, thanks to his job, has the good fortune to experience the mountain in all its aspects, from wildlife to cultural ones. When he is not working, his desire for adventures always drives him up and down some mountain to discover new contexts and new realities that he shares with those who accompany him, with the aim of transmitting all his passion.

What is the difference between hunting and poaching? A poacher is someone who hunts without a licence. The Law 157 of 1992 states that 'the wild fauna is the State's indisputable heritage and is protected in the interest of the national and international community'. Wild animals are therefore the property of the State: culling can only be carried out in compliance with strict criteria concerning the places and times of hunting, the means and the number of animals allowed. Only in this way does hunting activity not conflict with the need for wildlife conservation. Unfortunately, poaching is still widespread, especially poaching of birds: it is estimated that more than 5 million birds are illegally killed every year in Italy.

The last episode of Biodiverse Podcast will be released in three weeks and will be dedicated to the topic of mosquito extinction. In the meantime, please find below a recap of the episodes already online:
- Sex, climate and rock'n'roll
- Once Upon a Time There Was Snow
- Climatic action or distraction?
- Atomic Aim
"Biodiverse podcast" explores from a new perspective all those topics that 3Bee offers every day in company training programmes and in school curriculum, in a dynamic and engaging format. It is an invitation to discover, reflect and act, with the aim of creating an ever-widening network of ambassadors of change, aware of the importance of biodiversity for our planet.