Red wolves are one of the most endangered mammals on the planet.

There was a sudden increase in gunshot mortality and then also at the same time the federal government suddenly lost interest.

But scientists aren't ready to give up on them.

It's Tuesday, January 9th, but just like every day, today is Science Friday.

I'm Cyfry producer Kathleen Davis.

The Red Wolf used to be found all over the eastern US, but these days there are only about 20 living in the

wild. Bringing this endangered carnivore back from the brink has been a massive effort, and

we'll talk about the details but first we'll talk about

another group of endangered species that may not be top of mind for you or kids here's

Ira Fledo.

Most of the time when you say the words endangered species

I think people envision some iconic animal like a rhino, right? But plants can be endangered also and one of the

poster organisms for endangered plants around the world are the orchids and I have

a special fondness for orchids as I raise them right there on my window

sill and yes they will grow there.

Joining me now to talk about how orchids fit into the Endangered Species Act conversation is Dr Matthew Pace.

He's an orchid researcher and assistant curator

of the Steer Herbarium at the famous New York Botanical Garden.

Welcome to Science Friday. Thank you so much, Ira. It's a real pleasure to speak with you today.

People usually think of orchids as tropical species, but there are orchids in many places in the U. the US and other non-tropical climbs.

Isn't that correct?

Yes, absolutely. Orchids can be found from Arctic Circle all the way down to the very tip of Chile.

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