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A “signal” or “indicator” species is an organism that can tell us about changes occurring in an ecosystem.
We’re talking bears encountering humans more frequently, armadillos moving farther north, invasive vines like kudzu growing at accelerated rates and bat populations dwindling.
These are all examples of species sending us signals about our changing world and climate — but are we paying attention? And if we are, is there a way to contribute to scientific findings?
The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom and our partner stations in Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia explored these questions through a series of features all about wildlife.
Signal species are constantly sending humans messages about our changing world, and the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom produced an hourlong radio special all about them.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsDiseases like white-nose syndrome and climate change have caused mass population loss among bat species, and the consequences could be costly.
Freshwater mussels are scattered throughout waterways in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. But populations are dwindling, and researchers want to better understand the causes.
The nine-banded armadillo has become an indicator of rising temperatures in Kentucky and the surrounding region, as the species moves farther north.
Kudzu is an invasive vine that’s become a persistent problem in the American South. But there are efforts to tackle it.
Black bear encounters are on the rise in Tennessee, and climate change is often a hidden culprit, tampering with ecosystems in unexpected ways.
June 2, 2026: Taking cues from black bears and other signal species
June 23, 2026: How to be a backyard naturalist in Tennessee
Reporters: Catherine Eggers, Jacqui Sieber, Giselle Rhoden, Eric Douglas
Producers: Megan Jones, Andrew Henderson, Jared Kunish
Editor: John Boyle
Additional editing: Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones, Tasha A.F. Lemley.
This series was produced by the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom, a collaboration between West Virginia Public Broadcasting; WPLN and WUOT in Tennessee; LPM, WEKU, WKMS and WKU Public Radio in Kentucky; and NPR. Sign up for the weekly Porch Light newsletter here for news from around the region.
