Hillary Rosner - Why Wildlife Needs Room to Roam

In this compelling episode of Mountain & Prairie, host Ed Roberson sits down with award-winning journalist and author Hilary Rosner to discuss her new book, 'Rome, Wild Animals, and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World.' Rosner, whose career spans decades of environmental journalism, shares how her journey from New York City to Boulder, Colorado, shaped her deep connection to nature and her mission to tell stories that bridge science and empathy. The conversation centers on the critical but often overlooked issue of wildlife connectivity—the movement of species across landscapes—and how human infrastructure like roads, fences, and development has fragmented ecosystems worldwide. Rosner explores the profound consequences of this disconnection, from millions of animal deaths on roads to the genetic isolation of species like mountain lions and birds. Yet, she balances the grim realities with stories of hope: from community-led fence removal projects in Wyoming to conservation efforts in Mexico that empower ranchers and restore agave habitats for migratory bats. She emphasizes that empathy for other species can foster greater empathy for humans, and that curiosity and action are essential antidotes to despair. The episode also touches on the changing landscape of journalism, the importance of bearing witness, and the urgent need for sustained funding and political will in conservation. Key takeaways include: 1) Wildlife connectivity is as vital as the circulatory system of nature—without it, ecosystems collapse. 2) Simple actions like removing obsolete fences or planting pollinator gardens can collectively create meaningful change. 3) Empathy for non-human species can expand our capacity for human empathy and inspire action. 4) Bearing witness to environmental degradation, even when solutions seem distant, is a powerful act of integrity. 5) Conservation is not just about protecting land—it’s about restoring relationships between species, people, and place. Rosner’s message is clear: hope is not passive; it is cultivated through curiosity, connection, and courageous action.