The 15-meter long Bryde's whale lives in the waters off Thailand in Southeast Asia. What's interesting about this mammal is that it can do magic! First, it surfaces and opens its giant mouth. Then, just like magic, small fish start jumping in. Finally, the whale closes its mouth and swallows them whole. Why do the fish leap into the whale's mouth? For the first time ever, a team of researchers attempts to crack the mystery. Using a life-size model as well as a small video camera attached to the whale, the team conducts an in-depth study to reveal a surprising hunting secret.
This episode features the indri, a type of lemur living in the jungles of Madagascar, Africa. Indris spend their days leaping through the canopy like acrobats. However, there are strict rules in the indri family. The mother is the dominant figure. So during meals, she and her young eat first, and the father is always the last one to have access to food. If he tries to eat without permission, he gets scolded. Even at night, the father sleeps away from his family and safety. Why does the father always get the short end of the stick? This episode reveals it all.
The North Pacific giant octopus is the world's largest octopus. It's almost as big as a car, with an arm span exceeding 4 meters. North Pacific giant octopus hug massive crab, such as snow crabs, to paralyze them instantly. Then they use their suckers to crush their prey to pieces before enjoying the feast. The octopus's large body also plays a crucial role in raising young. Mothers lay eggs, then fast for 10 months to cover and protect their offspring from predators. Once the eggs hatch, the mothers die. It's a moving story of sacrifice.
The Great gray owl is one of the world's largest owls, measuring 80cm long. During winter, these birds display incredible hunting skills in the snowy fields of central Canada. From the sky, they can detect rodents hidden under deep snow and catch them in one swoop. Their secret lies in their face, the largest among owl species. It serves as a parabolic antenna to catch the slightest sounds of rodents and accurately determine their location. The camera crew also spotted fluffy chicks in the forest during springtime. This episode highlights the giant owl's surprising hunting techniques and parenting methods.
The forests of Borneo hold one of the world's most famous frog paradises. Among the incredible variety, some secrete a sticky mucus while others can fly. One particular species, found near mountain streams, is the Black-spotted rock frog. From water surface jumping to foot-flagging techniques, this frog displays amazing skills and behavior. With insights from a research team from Kyoto University, this episode takes a close look at the life of this adorable amphibian ninja.
The vividly colorful Japanese tiger beetle can be found in and around mountainside villages across Japan. Only a few centimeters in length, they sprint at high speed and catch prey such as ants using their massive jaws. With their dynamic hunting displays, they are literally "tiny terrors". Their larvae are no less fearful. From tiny holes in the ground they ambush passing insects, instantly pulling them in. Watch and be amazed at the hunting scenes of both adult and young.
The Negev Desert in Israel is one of the world's most extreme arid lands. Surprisingly, wolves live here. They're called Arabian wolves and their global population is estimated at a mere 700. For the first time ever, a crew was able to film them for an extended period. Some of the scenes captured include parents raising cubs in their dens and epic battles against their worst enemies. With unique and exceptional footage, viewers will discover the amazing lives of these mysterious wolves.
The Tama River runs through Tokyo. During the years of high economic growth, the river was called "river of death" due to extreme pollution. But as water quality improved, fish returned. One species symbolizing the restoration is the Ayu, also known as "queen of freshwater streams". Their population has rapidly increased, in some years recorded at 10 million. Meanwhile, some locals have been spotting more and more invasive species and are concerned about the effects on the ecosystem.
Tiny, round-eyed Sengis are a rare mammal found in the African savannah. They create complex trails that are exactly like the roads humans build. The trails protect them against predators. If a Monitor lizard approaches, Sengi will take off in a flash. By speeding along the straightaway and making sharp turns, Sengi will quickly outdistance its pursuer and dart through a T-intersection to hide. Sengis also use the trails to raise their young, the most adorable little creatures ever to appear on Darwin's Amazing Animals. This episode takes a look at these fascinating creatures that spend their entire lives on the road.
With their bulging eyes and huge mouth, Potoos are distinctive residents of Brazil's forests. They resemble stuffed animals more than real birds, and their funny-looking faces are attracting a lot of fans online. The camera crew gets up close to capture these birds for the first time as they display an astonishing array of facial expressions or camouflage themselves against a branch. And you'll witness how Potoos react when confronted by a predator. Discover the true nature of this remarkable bird that's creating quite a buzz.
Japanese pond turtles live in the rivers and ponds of Japan. Recently, however, the species has been designated as near threatened due to environmental changes and the presence of invasive species. However, during a six-month tracking project, researchers found that they actually take full advantage of the rich satoyama landscape areas. They feed on insects in rice paddies, fruits in the woods and tomatoes in the fields. The team also discovered that they even lay eggs in agricultural greenhouses. This episode looks through the eyes of these amazing creatures to reveal their surprising way of life.
The beautiful spotfin lionfish is also known as the "Lady of the Sea". Its flashy red and white stripes and long spines extending from the body make it instantly recognizable. But don't let the graceful appearance fool you. These fish are in fact extremely poisonous. The long fins contain venom that protects them against enemies. Their hunting style is also unique. They use their fins like feet to sneak up on their prey and swallow it whole with unbelievable speed. Shot in the waters of the Philippines, this episode reveals the amazingly deceptive nature of these graceful beauties.
The dry season is a desperate time in the African savanna. Herds of wild animals join great migrations in search of food and water. But that's not always the case for the lucky ones in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park. An incredible symbiotic relationship has formed between animals and plants, resulting in a year-round home for all. Our team travels to the 20,000-square-kilometer nature reserve in East Africa to discover what makes Ruaha National Park such a wondrous paradise.
Two-meter-long dinosaurs terrorizing Bangkok? Not exactly! Yes, water monitors are indeed big but pose no real threat if left alone. Actually, they're quite comfortable around people! Our team traveled to the Thai capital and found great numbers of these astonishing creatures in a major downtown park. Join us as we discover how they have adapted to their "urban kingdom", with surprising hunting skills and a knack for finding safe and comfy evening accommodations!
It's the world's fastest land animal. But we won't see any records broken in the African bush where the cheetah thrives. That's because this grand feline uses a host of other techniques in hunting down prey. Whether it's climbing trees for a better vantage point or advancing through the cover of vegetation to narrow the distance as much as possible, the cheetah cuts corners to its own advantage. But "teleporting"? The "cheetah cam" caught the action and you'll have to see it to believe it!
It's not all monkey business in the villages of Zanzibar Island in Tanzania, Africa. The local red colobuses have serious health issues. Their food sources have declined to just a fraction of the many different types of plants normally found in the outlying dense forests. This has resulted in high levels of toxins accumulating in their bodies. But these are no ordinary primates. They've adapted quite well with an unappetizing addition to their daily diet that helps flush away the deadly toxins.
Meet a fish that's all mouth … but incredibly tough too! The male sarcastic fringehead, or what we call the "alien fish", is only about 20cm long. But don't let that fool you. It skillfully uses its large mouth to intimidate all rivals and intruders, even divers, to protect its humble shell. During mating season, it uses a combination of romance and rough behavior to lure and then kick out its mate after she's laid her eggs. It then becomes a loving and protective father until the fry hatch.
We all crave attention but one bird goes the extra mile to rise above the flock. Come with us to the rain forests of South America's smallest country Suriname to catch a very special performance of the male Guianan cock of the rock. It will dazzle you with its beautiful fluffy yellow plumage; serenade you with a variety of bird song; and wow you with its courtship behavior. But we must say: it's not all romantic! Such is life for a bird that demands and receives nothing less than center stage!
There's an animal in Africa so physically unremarkable, we had to beg a guide to help us find it! But the topi is anything but ordinary. How about "freeloading finesse"? Small groups tag along with herds of migratory beasts, relying on their watchful eyes to guard against predators. But a "matchmaking party"?! In the rainy season, small groups of female topis steadily merge into a huge herd in their search for grass shoots. And the males are waiting … and battling for prime mating rights!
An unlikely mammal has made its home in the busy Singapore metropolis. Otters were once on the verge of extinction here due to the side effects of rapid industrialization in the 1970's. But with the restoration of the environment since, some experts believe otters from nearby Malaysia recently spurred a welcome comeback. We follow 2 families as they navigate the city's waterways and challenges. But beware: these cute little creatures are fiercely territorial and don't take kindly to intrusions!
Look into a herd of zebras and try counting the animals. You can't! The mesmerizing effect was long thought to serve as a sort of camouflage against predators. We travel to Africa to scrutinize this and other theories regarding the zebra's fascinating striped pattern. A way to beat the heat on the savanna? Perhaps to ward off the dangerous Tsetse fly whose unending appetite for blood can result in death?! Let's keep cool while avoiding some nasty bites and learn how the zebra earned its stripes!
Look at a calendar in Japan and you'll see dates set aside for many fish. November 11th (11/11) is reserved for the spotted garden eel, who, along with members of its colony, resemble many "ones" sticking out of the sea floor in the waters around the Kerama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Hunting for plankton while swaying in the current, these are fish full of mystery. We planted our cameras nearby hoping to discover how they move about and more importantly, how they spawn. The result? A world exclusive!
Bird watchers everywhere flock to Cuba to see the world's smallest flier, the Bee hummingbird. This radiant bird is just 5 centimeters long and weighs 2 grams. It also builds the world's smallest nest and lays eggs the size of coffee beans. But don't let the colorful charmer fool you! It's extremely territorial and doesn't take kindly to intruders. Our cameras captured the male's courting dance for the first time, though the object of his affection wasn't nearly as impressed as we were!
The Darwin team heads to Peru hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Amazon river dolphin. These freshwater gliders are descended from sea dwellers cut off from their environment by crustal movements eons ago. For the first time ever, the rarely-seen mammal's hunting habits are captured on video. Then, a "group date," some romantic behavior and a baby dolphin. All hearts melt when 10 of these gentle creatures pay a visit to a small dock to feed on fish scraps and play with the local children.
A mysterious claim has drawn 2 veteran wildlife filmmakers from Japan to the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Legend has it that elephants, the largest creatures on land, can be found on Africa's highest peak. The quest is the first of its kind: a 42-day trek into the high-elevation wilderness to film mountain-climbing elephants! The arduous expedition reveals why a range of animals head to Kilimanjaro during the dry season. Many surprises await the Darwin crew, resulting in a worldwide exclusive!
Wildlife photographer Hiroshi Yokota has closely observed Asiatic black bears in the Ashio Mountains north of Tokyo for 30 years. He leads the Darwin team deep into the forest in search of his favorite cub he's affectionately named Jiro. Over the span of several years we follow many phases of Jiro's life, not all of which end happily. It's a tale of nature laid bare: breathtaking, unforgiving, and cruel. Through it all, Jiro's resilience and Yokota's devotion provide valuable lessons for us all.
Hundreds of thousands of insect species make their home in the jungles of Costa Rica. But it's a constant battle for survival. Bugs of all shapes and sizes have had to develop unique defensive strategies just to make it through the day. Some use color to advertise their venomous shield; others blend in by mimicking the natural environment. A few even resemble excrement to guard their privacy ... with great success! But none will capture your heart like a tiny yellow bug that smiles and dances!
Wildlife cinematographer Nobuaki Hirano is called to the outskirts of Tokyo to investigate a strange autumn occurrence: hornet nests are being attacked and plundered. But by what? In the forests of Okutama, Hirano finds nature's drama always on display as he films the fall foliage and an array of wild animals. Bears and monkeys come down from the hills to feast on fruits in local villages. A species of bird actually encourages angry ants to attack and bite it over and over again. Look out!
Wildlife cinematographer Nobuaki Hirano is on a one-year quest documenting the four seasons in Okutama on the outskirts of Tokyo. In winter, he follows the hillside streams in pursuit of brown stream frogs. The males congregate in great numbers waiting for a chance to mate. Their impatience however leads to a comically chaotic scene as they hop on and hold fast to anything, including their fellow suitors and occasionally an unsuspecting fish! Leaving behind progeny is serious business!
Wildlife cinematographer Nobuaki Hirano is on a one-year quest documenting the four seasons in Okutama on the outskirts of Tokyo. In spring, he heads into the mountains to track down a mysterious haunting "call" that permeates the nighttime air. Meanwhile, he hears that local villagers have identified a possible culprit raiding old hornets' nests. All of this takes place against the backdrop of spring, the season of new life. What Hirano's lens captures will certainly warm your heart!
Wildlife cinematographer Nobuaki Hirano is on a one-year quest documenting the four seasons in Tokyo's Okutama. In summer, he guides us through the mountains in search of a mysterious tree that "glitters" during the day. On the way, we witness an astonishing scene: the young of an endangered species of bird getting down like a professional dancer, but for reasons that leave us chuckling! From the clear running streams to the hillsides, Hirano's lens captures nature in all its glory.
The Berenty Reserve in Madagascar off the east coast of Africa is famous for its cutest and most popular resident, the ring-tailed lemur. These primitive primates form troops featuring an intricate social system. We followed 2 mothers who were expelled from their group and observed their shared commitment through thick and thin to their friendship and each other's young. It's a tale of perseverance, tragedy and redemption as they carve out a slice of territory between 2 hostile lemur troops.
Bounding through the air with the greatest of ease! The springbok's name derives from its incredible jumping ability. Called "pronking," these graceful jumps are absolutely necessary in these animals' lives. They pronk when they're happy, when finding a mate and to confuse predators. They can also make a run for it, reaching speeds of 80 kilometers an hour. But there's no running away from the competition to become dominant males. Bachelors interlock horns to establish their own mating ground.
The Tsugaru Plain in Japan's Aomori Prefecture is the top apple producing region in the country. But a menace threatens these succulent treats. Voles wreak havoc by gnawing at and destroying the trees. In response, farmers have begun building "owl houses" to attract the pesky rodent's natural predator. Our cameras capture the night hunter in action both in the orchards and in their man-made nests raising their adorable young. "Owl" is well with this win-win, far-sighted fruit-bearing tie-up!
When Stump-Tailed Macaques run amok, it's not the adults who restore order. It's the infants! These bundles of cuteness can pacify even the most ferocious male! With their fuzzy white fur and rambunctious nature, they are the darlings of the troop ... for the first 6 months. As they gradually turn brown, however, the roles and responsibilities of troop membership are harshly thrust upon them. They then learn an array of shared affiliative behaviors that solidify their standing in the group.
Roaming a remote plateau on the island of Sardinia, Giara horses have been at the mercy of man and nature since arriving here 2,500 years ago. They were originally brought over from Africa as farm animals but later released into the wild to fend for themselves. The horses form small herds based on family ties, while the male "father figure" battles all bachelors with designs on his harem. Now, the worst drought in 50 years threatens their very survival. Can they rise to the challenge?
Japan's smallest hawk has become a regular sight around Tokyo. But city life isn't any easier than the sparrowhawk's native mountain habitat. Raising young is difficult in any environment. New threats include feral cats and the capital's omnipresent crows. Man-made challenges also pose risks for this tiny raptor no bigger than a plastic bottle. We discover a nest full of chicks and follow their amazing fledging journey as they learn a necessary sparrowhawk hunting tactic: catching prey mid-air!
Strange creatures scampering on the train tracks! Tiny critters taking over the sidewalk! Who you gonna call? The Tokyo Wildlife Survey Team, of course! With the help of viewers, we've organized a special squad tasked with investigating interesting phenomena in spring in Japan's capital. The adventure takes us to the drainage system surrounding a junior high school; the skies over the posh Ginza district; even a resident's suburban backyard! There's plenty of wildlife hiding in plain sight!
Night stalkers! Shell carpets! Creepy bugs! Is the city safe? With the help of viewers, the Tokyo Wildlife Survey Team is on a mission to investigate interesting phenomena in summer in Japan's capital. The adventure begins at dusk at a river running through the heart of the city; a residential area near a tidal flat; even the country's iconic cherry blossom trees, with insect "shells" on the trunks! And so many small holes all over the ground! There's plenty of wildlife hiding in plain sight!
What could be more adorable than watching kittens at play? A cub scouting trip in the African savanna reveals unexpected kindness and strong relationships in a lion pride burgeoning with new members. Grandmothers are called upon to cub-sit. Alpha males known for their fierce demeanor are actually doting dads, clearing ample space at the "prey table" for the very young. Even juveniles help out ... except when it comes to nursing time. Then it's every cub for itself, no matter whose mother it is!
Rumors of a "superpod" of orcas, or killer whales, numerous in number, lure the Darwin team to the Shiretoko Peninsula in Japan's extreme north. But much lies below the surface out of view, forcing us to employ a range of tools to monitor these amazing creatures that can reach 10 meters in length and weigh 10 tons. We soon discover what makes these seas so attractive: a smorgasbord of marine life preferred by orcas. But "speed dating"? There they are, lined up in a row. Highly "orca-started"!
The "Blooming of the Tisza" is a grand spectacle that appears like countless blossoms covering the Tisza River's surface, along with a shower of swirling petals. Sound romantic? Here's a little secret: those "flowers" and "petals" are actually millions of bugs! The long-tailed mayfly, Europe's biggest mayfly, reaches about 13 centimeters in its brief adult stage. Threats abound in and out of the water, yet it spends those precious few hours in a furious quest to mate, with surprising results.
The adorably fat and fluffy Pallas's cat keeps "in-steppe" with Mongolia's -30 degrees Celsius winters and 40 degrees Celsius summers. But don't try to get too close; this feisty feline has a snarl as scary as its bite, as the Darwin team will tell you! Its hunting technique, however, remains very much shrouded in mystery. It keeps a "steppe ahead" of its prey by luring voles with an amazing hypnotic tail-flicking trick! And what "cat-umentary" would be complete without plenty of cute, cuddly and equally feisty kittens!
The male Lawe's Parotia could make any ballerina blush. That ultra-black tuxedo-like plumage is known to absorb 99% of light, making him the blackest bird on earth. His courtship dance starts with a bow; the feathers extend into a tutu-like skirt while dancing on the tips of his toes. Ducking his black head onto iridescent breast feathers produces an eerie "smiley face." The performance ends with a rhythmic shaking of the head from side to side. But the finicky female may still peck and reject!
Dirty scavenger? Laughing opportunist? Oh, that's all a misunderstanding! The hyena clan is a marvel to behold. School starts early: just a few weeks after birth. The young are introduced to a strict matriarchal hierarchy where dissent is rare and males hardly register. Teamwork is an important subject for patrolling borders and stalking prey. But those first at the kill scene best get their fill before the clan's alpha female arrives. She eats uncontested. Her role? Simply producing offspring.
Life's adventures begin early for Mandarin ducklings in the big city. They must heed mother's beckoning right after they're born, leaping from the tree hollow that serves as their nest or risk being left behind. Then it's off to the nearest pond where they'll stay until adulthood. But the journey is fraught with danger. Predators such as crows watch their every move. Falling through the "quacks" of curbside drains is just one of many man-made hazards ahead for these adorable "sitting ducklings"!
Gars aren't big on activity but don't think they're being lazy. Whether hunting or breeding, they calmly wait for the ideal time. Gars are not good swimmers so they lie still, relying on their alligator-like snout with sharp teeth to ambush unsuspecting prey. And who needs annual spawning when the lifespan can reach 90 years of age? They even come to the surface occasionally to breathe air! This amazing way of life has allowed the species to survive relatively unchanged for 100 million years.
Wildlife cinematographer Nobuaki Hirano is on a one-year quest documenting the four seasons in Okutama on the outskirts of Tokyo. In winter, he follows the hillside streams in pursuit of brown stream frogs. The males congregate in great numbers waiting for a chance to mate. Their impatience however leads to a comically chaotic scene as they hop on and hold fast to anything, including their fellow suitors and occasionally an unsuspecting fish! Leaving behind progeny is serious business!
Legend has it that a powerful "man-beast" inhabits the cloud forests of Ecuador. Undaunted, the Darwin team traversed rugged terrain pursuing this mythological figure. What we found was hardly mysterious: an agile bear species whose playful cubs frolic in the treetops. Mothers raise their young on steep hillsides to maintain a careful distance from overly-aggressive males. She also decides when her cub must strike out on its own. We were fortunate to witness this cruel yet inevitable separation.
The Darwin team has been closely following a large pride of lions over the years. The juveniles, so carefree in their youth, now find themselves in school, just like children. They attend a range of classes to learn hunting, parenting and dealing with rivals. Female students show initiative, while the boys mostly lie around. In response, some of the instructors dole out a range of punishments including scoldings ... and expulsions! Find out what it means to "get schooled" in the "mane" subject!
The Bay of Fundy features the world's largest tidal range of up to 16 meters. Huge mudflats lie exposed, attracting millions of semipalmated sandpipers during their summer migration that feast on the plentiful mud shrimps and worms. Their presence, in turn, attracts peregrine falcons looking for an easy meal. Cormorants dive amid the strong currents for small fish, only to find seagulls lurking on the surface, ready to steal their catch. These stomping and chomping grounds are a sight to behold.
What is that "green wave" over the Tokyo skyline? We need to go back some 60 years, when a pet craze swept Japan. Huge numbers of rose-ringed parakeets were imported into the country to be sold as pets. Some "flew the coop," escaping from their cages or were released intentionally. Their feral numbers have since swelled to around 1,700 nationwide. Observations have revealed the parakeets both learn behaviors from other birds and exchange information such as feeding sites with their own kind.
A jungle within Tokyo? It may come as a surprise that many wild animals, including deer, boar and badgers live right near humans in the Tama River. Improved flood control and regular maintenance have resulted in a range of environments, such as grasslands, woods and exposed rocky and sandy bars extending several hundred meters in all directions. Motion-activated cameras set up along the riverside and animal trails revealed a host of surprises, including a weasel family's hidden fishing spot!
In 2019 a strong typhoon devastated parts of Japan. Viewers of the Darwin program wrote to us expressing concern for the wildlife we profiled in an earlier episode inhabiting the banks of Tokyo's Tama River. Can the "Tamazon" ecosystem still support the deer, boar, badgers and weasels? Our cameras indeed revealed unparalleled destruction ... but also rejuvenation. Waterways have changed course. Sandbars have shifted. And the wildlife? Though challenges remain, the footage paints a rosy future.
The male Japanese stream frog sports some surprising sumo and wrestling moves. But watch this Prince Charming's way with the ladies. During mating season, he'll clutch a female in a vice-like grip and ride piggyback as she makes her way toward the spawning grounds. But it's no pleasure cruise. The long river route is full of fast-flowing rocky turns and waterfalls. No matter the hazard, he will not let go. But a new threat awaits: the bevy of anxious bachelors who don't accept no for an answer!
A rosy red nose and bright blue cheeks ... a kabuki actor? No, it's the mandrill! For males, that pretty face plays a key role in their quest for dominance. After all, their troops, called "hordes," can number into the hundreds. The Darwin team tracks 1 horde featuring 3 strong adults vying for the alpha male role. The current leader's color is fading as he ages; another is young, brash and a bit violent; while the third, the largest of the trio, is quite timid but a hit with the ladies!
Ah, mouth-watering salmon! Yet not much is known about this treat aside from what we see on the dinner table. The Darwin team decided to join a number of surveys to find out more. Back in their natal streams, males fight over females. Does the loser simply swim away? No! "He" turns into a "she"! During the act of spawning, the pair's hearts stop ... but it's not out of love! And while in the open ocean, these fish can reach depths approaching the deep sea. Why? The reason is ... unfathomable!
The ancient city of Nara features many world heritage sites. But the most endearing attraction may be the cute and friendly deer. They're everywhere, from temple and shrine precincts and parks to streets and shopping areas. And they're hungry, each consuming about 5 kilograms of vegetation daily, not to mention deer crackers offered by tourists. But don't go mistaking them for tame creatures simply begging for handouts. They're wild animals, and according to Shinto lore, messengers of the gods.
The ancient city of Nara features many world heritage sites. The most endearing attraction, however, may be the cute and friendly deer. Look out for those pointy antlers in fall though! Stags are quite aggressive in the rutting season, posing a real risk to tourists and passing cars. As a result, most bucks have their antlers sawed off for safety. But don't think for a moment that this eliminates their chances with the does. With or without their racks, males continue battling for dominance.
Divers descend into the nighttime morass of a hundred thousand small slimy creatures extending in all directions. It's a squid run, a rarely seen soiree now at great risk due to climate change. The Darwin team has combed the depths searching for clues to explain this massive gathering. The result? Incredible footage of a range of mating behaviors, from aggressive multi-armed battles and intimate pairings to a mother's delicate depositing of egg casings in a blossom-like pattern on the sea floor.
Why do most iguanas just ... sit there? 96% of the day, in fact! Well, they're herbivores, which is very rare in the lizard world. Digestion can only occur when that cold-blooded body heats up to 40 degrees Celsius. When they do move, however, things get interesting. From escaping predators to mating behaviors, the iguana's true intelligence is on full display. Ask any pet owner and you'll hear some lively tales of the costly upkeep and close personal bond the iguana forms with its human host.
More than a million sooty terns spend the breeding season in the Seychelles, a bird paradise safe from natural predators. Yet their hungry young must contend with a host of survival challenges from the air, land and sea. Meals depend on food-bearing parents avoiding the prying eyes and beaks of jealous frigatebirds. The environmental scourge of microplastics is also proving fatal to these vulnerable chicks. And fledglings face an entirely different threat that rises unseen from the ocean depths.
The Ezo mountain hare in Japan's far north relies on a range of ninja-like survival strategies: white winter fur for camouflage in the snow; a hare-raising speed of 80 kilometers per hour; and the ability to magically disappear! Don't blink ... or you just might miss it! However, all that is thrown to the wind during the warm months of the mating season. With their alert level down and romance on their minds, their biggest nemesis, the Ezo red fox, enjoys its best chance to capture some prey.
The ladybug faces many challenges in the microworld right at our feet. Most predators stay clear however, having experienced the foul smelling and tasting yellow liquid the beetle secretes. That smooth slippery dome on top also provides vital protection. But this adorable creature is powerless against a type of parasitic wasp. The nasty nemesis plants an egg in the ladybug's abdomen, which steadily consumes its host's internal tissues. It then "zombifies" the ladybug into its own bodyguard!
Hidden in the tree-covered mountains a few hours from Tokyo lies a simple puddle with a big secret. It never dries up, and attracts wildlife including green pigeons who gulp down its mysterious waters. The puddle is fed by a natural spring full of minerals including sodium, which the birds crave as a supplement to their fruit-rich diet. But this craving can be their undoing, as keener eyes survey the scene from above. The mountain hawk-eagle can swoop down in an instant, catching prey unawares.
Over 100 years ago, sea otters were hunted to the brink of extinction along Japan's coastline. But these adorably cute mammals are back and getting a welcome return in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido. Crowds line the cliffs of a remote cape to view 10 such creatures as they eat, care for their young and float on the water's surface as they sleep. But challenges remain. As their population increases, so will the effect on the area's marine resources, including clams, sea urchins and crabs.
The sharks are circling ... but those jaws aren't meant to incite panic! The Darwin crew joins a survey team as it tries to unlock the secrets of the docile and endangered sand tiger shark in the wild. The group has chosen Japan's Ogasawara Islands, a World Natural Heritage site, as its research base. Tracking soon leads to a range of locations, revealing never-before-seen behaviors. The discovery of a pair of pregnant sharks and their rather rambunctious fetuses leaves the researchers stunned.
A steady stream of tourists come to Yakushima Island each year to gaze up in awe at Japan's most famous tree. The Jomonsugi cedar exceeds 16 meters in circumference and is thought to be more than 2,000 years old. Is it the country's largest? And what lies up in the treetops hidden from view? The Darwin crew joined a special research team traversing the dense undergrowth in their four-year quest to locate other massive cedars and document the incredible ecosystem thriving in the tallest branches.
An autumn evening stroll often brings with it a cacophony of cricket cries. Males' love songs fill the air, destined for faraway maidens. How do they produce such amazing sounds? And what are the exacting standards set by their love interests? Singing insects have captured hearts and imaginations for centuries, even making appearances in two of Japan's most celebrated classical novels written over 1,000 years ago. We invite you to venture out and enjoy some of nature's nightly outdoor concerts.
Next time you pass by a mushroom, consider this: underneath that cap and stalk lies a network of thread-like filaments that could spread out up to a radius of one kilometer! Welcome to the "Marvelous Mystery Tour!" There are between 5,000 and 10,000 species of mushroom just in Japan. Yet only about 3,000 have names. And they come in all shapes, sizes, colors ... and odors! Mushrooms are without a doubt integral to forest ecology. Join us as we enter a whole new world just by lowering our gaze!
Energetic African golden wolf pups get attacked by their parents while docile pups get pampered. What gives? It's all part of an incredible educational system designed for the savanna. The young are taught to protect themselves while scavenging and seeking out small rodents in the tall grass. Yet all this time no pup is left behind. Those showing initiative are soon encouraged to leave and become independent. The timid variety may stay with the parents and help raise the next generation.
A well-worn "penguin highway" 120 meters wide finds thousands of the cute creatures in a long uphill stampede toward some unseen goal. What's the hurry? Amazingly enough, it's a daily affair for them! Meet the gentoos of the Falkland Islands, the fastest penguins on the planet. They've positioned their breeding grounds far from the hazards of the shore. But getting the younger generations into marathon shape can be quite a challenge. Parents persevere, since their chicks' lives depend on it.
Recent studies have revealed that all those chirps and chatter we thought birds were making just for fun are actually words and sentences. They have a language all their own! Experts have found what they believe are "schools" where chicks learn to speak. What's more, forest animals already seem to have become bird-lingual! Squirrels in Japan's north learn the language of birds as a means of survival, taking advantage of their feathered friends' keen eyesight and ability to spot enemies quickly.
A trip to document nature's rebound after a major typhoon adds to our continuing series highlighting the Tama River Triangle, a wildlife kingdom in the Tokyo metropolis. A massive dead tree deposited on a sandbank provides the perfect vantage point for many birds of prey while the waters at its base teem with fish. Entering a nearby bamboo grove, we encounter a predator's feeding grounds as well as a tree trunk spanning a stream that serves as a bridge for Japanese weasels and other animals.
Macaques can be found all across Japan. We followed a troop on a small island in the country's northeast and discovered some amazing greeting rituals and dietary habits. Also on display were the power dynamics found in any tight-knit group. The alpha male role has its privileges but breeding preference is not always one of them. And no matter how strong a macaque may be, it pays to have friends. Close observation revealed that all the infighting and other drama are not so different from our own.
What keeps a hive of 10,000 Japanese honeybees buzzing with activity? Not the queen. The female worker bees are in charge, assuming multiple tasks and risky undertakings in the name of majority rule. All participate in the construction of the hexagonally-shaped honeycomb cells, collection of nectar and pollen, and the search for new homes for future generations. To better understand the short 30-day life of a honeybee, the Darwin team pays a visit to the experts: a high school bee-keeping club!
A "sea devil" lurks off the Japanese coast ... a terror to small fish that meander by. Using a wiggling "lure" atop its head, the yellow goosefish relies on stealth and speed to snatch unsuspecting prey near the seabed. These monsters of the deep come to shallow waters to spawn, oftentimes producing huge transparent floating masses of eggs that in turn attract other predators including the pufferfish. Humans also seek out the goosefish for "anko" hotpot, an umami-rich winter delicacy in Japan.
Rumors of a small bird with an amazing skill have enticed the Darwin team back to the Tama River Triangle, a wildlife kingdom in the Tokyo metropolis. Male streaked fantail warblers literally "sew" surrounding blades of grass together to form a cozy nest for potential mates and offspring. The "thread" used comes from a special spider silk the males specifically seek out. After passing this silk through the grass, the bird bunches up the end to form a kind of knot, ensuring the thread stays put.
A remote Japanese island holds a horrifying secret. Rumor has it that birds fall victim to insects they view as prey: praying mantises! The Darwin crew set out to investigate and soon come face to face with the 8-centimeter-long predator, the largest mantis in Japan. Not much escapes its clutches, armed with rows of spines that both draw in and hold prey fast. But ... birds? Elsewhere, the team is equally shocked to find mantises parasitized into becoming walking zombies by their internal hosts!
Long ago, mountain ascetics toiled up the steep paths of one of Japan's most sacred sites. Now, day trekkers step gingerly as nearly a million tiny toads envelope these hillsides on their own epic journey to the summit. The climb is fraught with danger including predators, downpours that turn into raging currents, and of course the terrain. Putting it into perspective, their quest is equivalent to scaling a peak 12-times higher than Mt. Everest! What awaits those lucky enough to reach the top?
It pays to have friends, the saying goes. The Darwin team tracked a coalition of five male cheetahs for an extended period, amazed at the unity and teamwork shown by these usually solitary big cats. But cracks soon formed in the hierarchy. The leader, ruling by intimidation and force, finally pushes too hard, incurring the wrath of his fellow members. He's left injured and abandoned, to face the grim reality of survival on the savanna alone. But his resolve in the face of defeat may inspire you!
A massive twisting column rising from the depths features thousands of arabesque greenlings, a type of mackerel. This once common but mysterious springtime sight in Japan's northern waters has become a rarity due to climate change and overfishing. A vortex is formed from this constant spinning mass, sucking in surrounding plankton that feeds all fish at the top and bottom of the column. Such a display, however, also attracts a range of voracious predators including gulls, sea lions and dolphins.
Rock ptarmigans, a Japanese Special Natural Monument, have been absent from one of their main habitats for over 50 years. A team of researchers is using some surprising methods to try and change that.
A sea creature more at ease on land? Ink-credible! The octopus oliveri hides along the rocky shoreline, waiting to ambush passing crabs. And just watch those 8 arms and legs start running and jumping!
Snow fairies are real and oh so cute! Join the Darwin team as the film crew heads north to Hokkaido to discover a range of behaviors of this long-tailed tit subspecies that will leave you spellbound.
A mysterious fish from the depths has lured the Darwin team into the chilly waters off Northern Japan for a closer look. The result: shocking dining habits and terrifying battles over spawning rights.
The rising number of white-tailed eagles in Japan's far north is resulting in more road accidents and other adverse consequences. A team of specialists is coming to the rescue of these regal raptors.
The Japanese tree frog harbors many secrets with its chorus of croaks, soaring leaps and perfect landings. But a "ribbiting" vanishing act? Any local will tell you: find the nearest vending machine!
Deep in the Hokkaido Prefecture wilderness lives one of the biggest and rarest owls on earth. Habitat loss nearly drove the Blakiston's fish owl to extinction. But caring hands are helping their numbers rise.
Reports of an ocean-going raptor in the skies around Tokyo's Tama River Triangle has the Darwin team on the move. While filming, a cute but elusive creature displays its underwater hunting skills.
Japan's fabled ninjas have met their match in the chubby hazel grouse. This fluffy ball of feathers has lots of tricks up its wings including feigning injury and vanishing acts to make your head spin!
Declared extinct in the wild in Japan in the 1980s, the crested ibis has made a dramatic comeback following an artificial breeding and release program. But in the end, Mother Nature has the last word.
New Guinea is a haven for butterflies with nearly 1,000 species. Moving through dense jungle in search of the largest of them all, the Darwin team wonders how something so big can be so hard to find!
At some point all young male lions must leave their birth prides and venture into the unknown. What destiny awaits them? A long-term survey is underway to better understand their long road to the top.
Driven from their respective prides, 3 young male lions set off on very different paths toward their destinies. In Part 2 of our series, the Darwin team documents this inevitable rite of passage.
