Scales of climate change: the hiss-story and future of reptiles

Scales of climate change: the hiss-story and future of reptiles

Author: JOY 94.9 - Rainbow Community Podcasts for our LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Communities August 30, 2026 Duration: 40:39

Australia is the land of lizards and snakes – with over 1,000 species. But they’re in trouble.

Here’s a cold (blooded) hard truth*: reptiles can’t regulate their body temperature, which makes them incredibly vulnerable to climate change.

Dr Jane Melville is Senior Curator, Terrestrial Vertebrates at Museums Victoria and Acting Director of the Museums Victoria Research Institute. She’s a herpetologist who studies how past climate change shaped reptile communities – and what that tells us about the future.

She’ll give us a sense of the scale of the problem as we slither into the impacts of climate change on species distribution, the rediscovery of a long-lost lizard, and the urgent need for conservation strategies. Because when we understand how reptiles responded to past climate change, we can better predict and protect them in the future.

*We technically don’t use the term “cold-blooded” anymore as it’s scientifically misleading/inaccurate, but the pun was too good!

Originally aired 25th August, 2026.

The post Scales of climate change: the hiss-story and future of reptiles appeared first on Science Queeries.


Curiosity meets community in Science Queeries, a space where the wonders of the natural world and the vibrant spectrum of human identity intersect. Hosted by Cat, this podcast from JOY 94.9’s Rainbow Community collection approaches learning with a warm, questioning spirit. It’s less a formal lecture and more a series of engaging conversations that unpack scientific concepts through an inclusive, queer lens. You’ll hear explorations that connect the dots between biology, sociology, technology, and lived experience, making complex ideas both accessible and personally relevant. Each episode invites you to consider how science shapes and is shaped by the diverse LGBTIQA+ communities it seeks to understand. The tone is thoughtful and welcoming, designed for anyone who’s ever felt on the outside looking in at traditional science communication. Whether discussing the latest research or the fundamentals of how things work, this podcast consistently centers a perspective that is often overlooked. It’s a place for learning, questioning, and finding connection in the shared pursuit of knowledge. Tune in for a refreshing take that proves science is for everyone, and that some of the most insightful discoveries begin with a simple, open-minded query.
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