The Animal House from WAMU 88.5

With their populations down to only a fraction of what they once were, Chesapeake Bay oysters are in need of serious help. That’s where the Harris Creek Habitat Restoration Project comes in. It’s the largest such effort on the East Coast, with the goal of putting tens of millions of oysters back into the bay over the next decade. WAMU producer Michael Martinez traveled to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to learn more about this tall order from Stephan Abel, executive director of the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Stephanie Westby of NOAA also spoke about the project and her agency’s role. Also featured: The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Thanks to a successful legal challenge, people who volunteer to foster pets for animal rescue organizations can receive tax deductions for their efforts. Jonathan Lovvorn, chief counsel of The Humane Society of the United States, sorts out the specifics for us. The "Odd Pet Vet," Dr. Greg Mertz of The New England Wildlife Center, thinks he’s discovered the reason behind an alarming incidence of blindness among leopard geckos. He shares his findings with Sam Litzinger. Music: "Animal Dreams" by Bob James

Climate change, more interaction between people and wildlife in residential areas and a rise in species extinction levels are all contributing to renewed interest in preserving native habitats for animals and plants. "The Spine of the Continent" is a new book about "the most ambitious wildlife conservation project ever undertaken," linking protected areas from the Yukon to Mexico. Sam Litzinger speaks with the author, Mary Ellen Hannibal. Beverly Amsler of Virginia Public Radio has a story about efforts to save the Bobwhite after new ways of farming disrupted its native habitat, nearly wiping out the shy and elusive bird. Music: Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

DeBordieu, S.C., is known for scenic beaches and an 800 acre wildlife preserve. But recently this private community along the Atlantic coast has become the place where an estimated 40,000 fish have come to die. Mel Bell, director of the Office of Fisheries Management for the state’s Department of Natural Resources, talks to Sam Litzinger about this mysterious occurrence. WAMU news reporter Sabri Ben-Achour has an update on his story about the intractable and devastating infestation of brown marmorated stinkbugs along the Eastern Seaboard. Also featured: BirdNote, our weekly review of avian species. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James, “Spanish Guitar Solo” - Sting