Move the peas over to find that Australian freezers have seals, kangaroo penises and the DNA of 'the Chanel of goats.'   FEATURING: Dr Natalie Warburton, Murdoch University.  Dr Jillian Garvey, La Trobe University.  Dr Nicola Rivers, Monash University. Dianne Hakof, Hospital Manger Animal Health Department Zoos SA PRODUCTION: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer.  This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people.

It turns out self-medicating and herbal remedies are not exclusive to humans. From cats eating grass, to elephants making medicinal tea in their throat pouch — the animal world has its own prescriptions. And naturally, there's plenty of digging through poo involved in this scientific research! Featuring: Dr Kevin Feeney, Central Washington University. Professor Michael Huffman, University of Kyoto. Dr Sophia Daoudi-Simison, Newcastle University UK. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Nick Kilvert, Presenter/ Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Mastering: Angela Grant. This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people. Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.

Fossils tell us a lot about the past, but are there fossilised farts? (Spoiler, YES!) Look back at great farts of history, and the story of methane. Do birds not fart? And which creature is responsible for the stinkiest? Listen to part one (Does it Fart?!) here. Featuring: Dani Rabaiotti, Author of Does it Fart? and Zoological Society of London. Dr Nick Gales, Former Head of Australian Antarctic Division. Prof Dave Watson, Charles Sturt University. Prof Jeffrey Stillwell, Adjunct Monash Uni Dr Adam Munn, Biologist. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Jo Khan, Producer. This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people. Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.

Farts are not just for laughs. There are farts for survival, for communication, and even to attack! But it turns out it's tricky to get scientists to agree on what actually constitutes a fart. Still, from tiny fish, ants, and spiders, to manatees, primates, and blue whales — is it as simple as the bigger the creature, the bigger the fart? Featuring: Dani Rabaiotti, Author of Does it Fart? and Zoological Society of London. Dr Nick Gales, Australian Antarctic Division. Prof. Ben Wilson, Scottish Association for Marine Science. Dr Federica Turco, Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC). Farts: Chimpanzee farts, Kris Sabbi. Hooknose snake coacal pop, Orry Martin. Humpback whale song and fart adjacent sounds, Brian Miller, Australian Antarctic Division. River gas exchange Talaroo Station, Simon Linke. Tasmanian Devil Running Fart, David Hamilton. Farting wombat, Glenn Ross. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Jo Khan, Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Joel Werner, Script Editing. This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people

It's a seemingly simple question from What the Duck?! listener Skylar: how do scientists determine a new species? Turns out, it's complicated. And it's got Ann Jones impersonating a dog on the internet to try to find out what breed she is, as well as asking, 'what is a species anyway?'. Featuring: Skyla Seltzer, What The Duck?! listener. Beanz and Henry the dog. Link Olson, Curator of Mammals, University of Alaska Museum. Dr Nicola Rivers, Monash University. Professor Paul Hebert, Scientific Director, International Barcode of Life. Dr Leo Joseph, Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO. Tim Low, Biologist and author. Thanks also to Ying Luo for background information. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Additional mastering: Hamish Camilleri. This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in December 2023 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

The influence of selective breeding by humans has created a doggo for every occasion, but it's not without problematic results. Some breeds have breathing difficulties, hip problems, aggression, or anxiety. There are dogs with ADHD and others with depression. Does our longest-term relationship need couples therapy? Featuring: Dr. Annika Bremhorst, founder of Dogs and Science, and canine scientist at the University of Bern Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University Dr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of Melbourne Professor Chris Johnson, the University of Tasmania

This is the story of the domesticated animal that feralised itself. Where did dingoes come from and when? Where does a wild dog stop and a dingo begin? How much can genetics really tell us about Australia's only native dog — and how long do you have to live somewhere to be 'native'? Featuring: Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University Dr Angela Perri, zooarchaeologist, Chronicle Heritage Kelly Ann Blake, Wadawurrung Woman, and Jack the Dingo Professor Greger Larson, evolutionary genomics at the University of Oxford Professor Euan Ritchie, Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Deakin University Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer Nat Tencic, Producer Rebecca McLaren, Producer Jacinta Bowler, Producer Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

Are puppy dog eyes really a sign of love, or does Fido just want a lil snack? Can dogs really "speak" by pressing talking buttons, or do they just make great content for TikTok? There's more to canine communication than howls and growls — and a wagging tail could be telling you more than you think. Featuring: Dr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of Melbourne Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University Associate professor Federico Rossano director of the comparative cognition lab at the University of California San Diego Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer Nat Tencic, Producer Rebecca McLaren, Producer Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

'Man's best friend' sure sounds better than 'obligatory symbiont', but what are the true dynamics at play? There's no denying the bond people feel and the attachment dogs have for their humans, but if we put that beautiful relationship under scientific scrutiny, does it hold up? Can any dog go 'full Lassie' if you (or Timmy) gets stuck down a well? Will your dog save you? Featuring: Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University Dr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of Melbourne Professor Chris Johnson, the University of Tasmania Dr. Annika Bremhorst, founder of Dogs and Science, and canine scientist at the University of Bern Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer Nat Tencic, Producer Rebecca McLaren, Producer Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

There's designer clothes, but they have nothing on designer dogs! They come in a huge range of shapes and colours and sizes, from the tiny Chihuahua to the Great Dane. In the animal world this much variation usually means different species, but not for dogs — so where did they all come from? And what role did Victorian-era rats play in the development of 'breed standards'? Featuring: Joyce Sullivan, papillon breeder Wayne Douglas OAM, Afghan Hound breeder Esther Joseph, all breeds judge Michael Worboys emeritus professor the University of Manchester Professor Greger Larson, evolutionary genomics at the University of Oxford Dr Angela Perri, zooarchaeologist, Chronicle Heritage Dr. Elaine Ostrander, geneticist at National Institutes of Health (US) Dr Heidi Parker, geneticist at National Institutes of Health (US) Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer Nat Tencic, Producer Rebecca McLaren, Producer Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

The relationship between humans and big scary wolves has come a long way to give us tiny fluffy lap dogs with very discerning tastes in expensive food. Whose idea was it? Was it the wolves who wanted the warmth of the fire, or the humans who wanted protection from the other scary carnivores?  And take a look at the first archaeological evidence of a beloved family pet preserved with its human family for almost 15,000 years! Featuring: Luc Janssens, Specialist in small animal surgery and archaeologist Professor Greger Larson, evolutionary genomics at the University of Oxford Dr Angela Perri, zooarchaeologist, Chronicle Heritage Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer Nat Tencic, Producer Rebecca McLaren, Producer Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

A new series from What the Duck?! is coming soon. Dr Ann Jones is exploring the connection between humans and dogs and asking how our destinies became intertwined. How did we get pugs from wolves? How did the howling creatures of our nightmares become floppy eared, tail wagging good boys and girls? From the very first archaeological evidence of 'beloved family pet' to the paw-pushing communication buttons on YouTube… this is a look at the true nature of the relationship with man's best friend.

How does a snake climb a pole? It's not like they have a ladder... or arms. It turns out that snakes have some pretty crazy skills when it comes to climbing anything and everything. The Island of Guam had between two and four million brown tree snakes in the 1980s, leading to all sorts of issues for the birds and the environment. Guests: Dr Aaron Collins- Assistant State Director Guam/Western Pacific Theatre at USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services Professor Kristin Y. Pettersen- Centre for Autonomous Marine Operations and System at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Stuart McKenzie - Director/Owner at The Snake Catcher Sunshine Coast Professor Bruce C. Jayne- Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. Charlie and Olivia, Board game players. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Joel Werner, Script Editing. Additional mastering:  Hamish Camilleri. This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast on the 5th of March 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people. 

Would you meet a stranger in a park with a pile of snakes?  Comedian Craig Quartermaine took the risk in an attempt to overcome his fears. Featuring: Craig Quartermaine, comedian.  Sandy Dickinson, Urban Reptiles. Jonathan Wright, announcer's voice.  Production: Ann Jones, presenter/producer. Petria Ladgrove, producer. Joel Werner, script editor. Field recording: Dylan Prins. Additional mastering: Angie Grant. This episode was originally broadcast in 2023. This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung, Yuggera, Turrbal and Kaurna people.

Have you heard of the Kookaburra that conquered Hollywood? Yes- that was a kookaburra at the start of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. But WHY?  Dr Ann Jones is on a mission to find out.   Featuring: Ella Loeffler, Film and Bird Watcher.  Dr Maggie Watson, Ornithologist, ecologist, fantasy fiction fan.  Assoc Professor Cameron Webb,  Mosquito Wrangler, NSW Health and University of Sydney. Professor John W. Fitzpatrick, Emeritus Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, James Currie, Sound Recordist / Editor.  With extra sounds from Listener: Jesse Cotteril   Movie Sounds: The Wizard of Oz (1939) Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Charlie's Angels (2000) Columbia Pictures Tarzan and the Green Goddess (1938) Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Paramount Pictures The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) Universal Pictures/ Amblin Entertainment Finding Nemo (2003) Pixar Animation/ Walt Disney Pictures Lord of the Rings - Return of the Kings (2003) New Line Cinema Mary Poppins (1964) Walt Disney Pictures Skippy (1968) Fauna Productions Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Warner Brothers   Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Joel Werner, Script Editing. This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people. 

Spiders have gravity-defying ninja skills, they can hear without ears and they work together to gang up on huge prey. Spiders are murder machines! Featuring: Dr Kate Umbers, Western Sydney University. Dr Alfonso Aceves-Aparicio, University Hamburg. Dr Jay Stafstrom, Cornell University. Dr Lena Grinsted, University of Portsmouth. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Joel Werner, Script Editor.  Additional mastering: Angela Grant.    This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people and was first broadcast on the 17th of December 2022.  

A tiny penis, a 12-hour annual fertilisation window, picky females and strawberry bubble bath – these are just a few of the issues that pop up when making a panda cub. Featuring: Chad Crittle, Acting Assistant Curator for Carnivores and Ungulates at Zoos SA. Mr Li Zhang, Consul, Head of Bilateral Section at the Chinese Consulate-General in Adelaide. Dr Meghan Martin Wintle, Director, Conservation Ecologist at PDX Wildlife. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Additional mastering:  Carey Dell. This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast on April the 1st 2023 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people. The pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, are no longer at the Adelaide Zoo. They've been replaced with new pandas, Xing Qiu and Yi Lan. 

There's a whole world of mystery, and quite a bit of maths,  inside the humble sea shell. Forget ancestry searches online, shells can tell you the history of the world! Featuring: Amy Prendergast, University of Melbourne. Jann Vendetti, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.  Dr Paul Butler, Researcher at the University of Exeter.    Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Additional mastering: Carey Dell This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in March 2023 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

Jaws (1975) was a massive hit that also created a whole lot of fear, but does anything in the film really stand up to shark science?  Do sharks stalk humans? Do they roar? What can they sense?  There are so many misconceptions when it comes to sharks that even now, 50 years later, these are impacting shark policies in Australia, and have come to be known as 'the jaws effect.' Featuring: Sophie Maycock, shark obsessive and founder of SharkSpeak.  Chris Pepin-Neff – Shark policy expert at the University of Sydney.  Jaws (1975) Universal Studios. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Additional mastering: Isabella Tropiano This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in Nov 2024 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

Female lab mice have been bred to be passive and breed with ease.  But, in the wild they're feisty and even pugnacious. How much of our biological understanding of the world is based on misogyny? Featuring: Lucy Cooke, Zoologist and author of Bitch A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution and the Female Animal. Professor Arthur Georges, University of Canberra. Professor Catherine Dulac, Harvard University. Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. Additional mastering:  Ann-Marie Debettencor. This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in July 2023 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.