Tarantula Scientific Research, Medicinal Studies, Conservation and More!

Todays guest is Jackie Billotte, M.S. who is currently working on her PHD in the entomology department at Colorado State and received her Masters in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Colorado. We have an in depth conversation about the current research into mapping the genetic sequences of tarantulas for many different applications in research, the possible medicinal value of tarantula venom and the disease it could treat or prevent, and how all this research is used to further the conservation of tarantulas in the wild. We also discuss what we can do as tarantula keepers to get involved in conservation and bridge the gap between the tarantula hobby, tarantula research, and tarantula conservation! It sounds very technical, but it was actually a  very fun and interesting conversation I am sure you will enjoy listening to!
LINKS REFERENCED IN THE PODCAST:

Jackie Billotte’s website: https://jackiebillotte.weebly.com/

Butterfly Pavilion: https://butterflies.org/ 

Dr. Ruth Hufbauer’s site: http://www.hufbauerlab.org/ 

Greenville Zoo: https://www.greenvillezoo.com/ 

Southern Plains Land Trust: https://southernplains.org/ 

Colorado Arachnid Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/380343932143412/