The Enemy of My Enemy

In humankind’s conquest of planet Earth, we rely on improbable allies – species we’ve recruited from nature to help us defeat our adversaries. But in this brave new world of “biocontrol,” is the enemy of an enemy always a friend?

Shane Campbell-Staton joins biologist Rick Shine and toad buster Simon Middap to unpack the full story of Australia’s cane toad invasion. From unintended consequences and rapid evolution to backyard eradication and sci-fi solutions like “Peter Pan” tadpoles, this is biocontrol at its wildest — and weirdest.

Host Shane Campbell-Staton meets the unlikely heroes of pest control—from 10,000 ducks in Thai rice fields to microscopic mites dropped by drone over Washington’s hops. Exploring the ancient roots and modern science of biocontrol, Shane reveals how farmers are teaming up with nature to protect crops — without relying on chemicals.