The goofy looking rodent we all rely on
In architecture, the keystone is the block at the top of a stone arch that holds it all together. Take it out, and the whole thing crumbles. A keystone species play a similar role in an ecosystem.
Beavers are one such group of creatures. They build wet habitats that support a whole host of other animals that support the survival of other animals.
Ben Goldfarb, author of "Eager," calls beavers an "unlikely hero."
"They're kind of goofy looking, but it turns out they're incredibly critical," Ben says.
In this extended interview, Ben describes the importance of these funny rodents, their history and their (hopeful) future.
Online book club: Ben discusses his book
THE WILD is a production of KUOW in Seattle in partnership with Chris Morgan and The UPROAR Fund. It is produced by Matt Martin and edited by Jim Gates. It is hosted, produced and written by Chris Morgan. Fact checking by Apryle Craig. Our theme music is by Michael Parker. Produced for the web by Kara McDermott
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Chris Morgan
Host, "The Wild"
Chris Morgan has worked as a wildlife researcher, wilderness guide, and environmental educator worldwide for more than 20 years.
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Matt Martin
Podcast Producer
Matt Martin is a podcast producer who has worked on many different show for KUOW. He pitched and created THE WILD with Chris Morgan, a rich and experiential podcast about ecology and conservation. Matt also produced the Seattle music history podcast Let the Kids Dance and the award-winning Ghost Herd. Before moving to the on-demand side of the station, Matt worked as a producer on The Record, KUOW's local news show. He has also worked as a general assignment reporter and host for public radio stations in upstate New York and rural Alaska. Matt got his start in media as an intern with StoryCorps and Aljazeera America.
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