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(SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
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(BIRDSONG)
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(CHEERFUL DRUM RHYTHMS)
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NARRATOR: Here in the tropical
far north of Australia,
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heavy rain and high temperatures
conspire to create ideal conditions
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for huge trees to grow.
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With only a thin layer
of fertile soil
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to nourish their shallow roots,
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these giants have thrown down
buttresses
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to support their expanding girths.
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(DRUM RHYTHMS CONTINUE)
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Their heads are literally
lost in the clouds,
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seeking light to photosynthesise.
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If these treetops could talk,
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they would have truly epic
tales to tell...
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..for they've been around
for a very long time.
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Their ancestors would
have sheltered dinosaurs.
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Indeed, some would argue
these magnificent forests still do.
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(DRUM RHYTHMS CONTINUE)
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With its killer claws
and bizarre head casque,
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the southern cassowary
certainly looks the part,
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roaming through the oldest tropical
rainforest on Earth.
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Cassowaries are thought to have been
on Planet for 25 million years.
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They can only be found
in four places today -
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in Papua New Guinea and three pockets
of rainforest in Australia.
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The most accessible of these
is the Daintree,
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in Far North Queensland.
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A botanical treasure
180 million years in the making.
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(MAJESTIC MUSIC SWELLS)
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Female cassowaries
are larger than males.
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They can be as tall as two metres
and weigh up to 75kg.
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They have thick muscly legs
covered in scaly skin,
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and huge three-toed feet
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with massive daggerlike claws
on their inside toes.
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Up to 12cm long, these claws
have two main functions -
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to dig for fruit
buried on the forest floor,
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and to defend
their territory and honour.
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(DRUM RHYTHMS)
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Cassowaries do not roam through
the jungle looking for a fight,
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but they can be a little feisty,
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especially
when there are chicks around.
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The males aggressively
guard their young.
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Cassowaries have a strange helmet,
called a casque,
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Scientists are not 100% sure
what it's for,
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but many believe
it's a sexual ornament,
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helping both sexes to evaluate
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the quality and fitness
of a potential partner.
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It's spongy in texture,
rather than bony.
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So, it possibly acts
as a resonating device,
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helping to amplify the low booming
sound cassowaries make
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when danger threatens.
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It's impossible to overstate how
important these ancient birds are
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to the survival of the rainforest.
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Cassowaries eat fruit,
and lots of it.
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So, they play an essential role
in dispersing seeds,
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complete with a load of fertiliser.
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One cassowary scat can contain
hundreds of seeds,
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which means potentially
hundreds of new trees,
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but it's not just the quantity
that counts, it's the variety.
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These hungry birds eat over
200 different species of fruit.
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The cassowary has become the
accidental farmer of the rainforest.
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Many scientists believe that
if these birds were not around,
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the complex rainforest ecosystem
would just cease to exist.
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Cassowaries are generally
solitary birds.
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Each female has a home range
which overlaps that of several males.
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During mating season,
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the female will mate with one or more
of the males in her home range.
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After a brief courtship,
she will lay her eggs,
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then leave the male
to guard and incubate them.
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Assuming he does that successfully,
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after 50 days, three to five
stripy chicks will emerge.
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The male cassowary then spends
the next eight to 18 months
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raising his offspring
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before they are ready
to fend for themselves.
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It takes another 1.5 years for
young cassowaries to reach maturity
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to be able to breed themselves,
and in so doing,
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contribute to the recovery
of their population in the wild.
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NARRATOR: While many creatures
in the jungle may frighten or repel,
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there's one species we humans
have no trouble at all relating to.
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The orangutan.
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We share a whopping 28 physical
characteristics with orangutans,
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leading some scientists to believe
they are our nearest relatives.
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Orangutans live on one of two
remote islands in South-East Asia -
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Sumatra and Borneo.
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Borneo is a mysterious place,
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shrouded in mist and mystery.
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It straddles the equator,
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so, it's hot, wet, and covered
in lush, dense rainforest.
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The perfect home for these
magnificent, intelligent animals.
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Orangutans are the only
great apes of Asia.
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They spend at least 90% of their time
in the forest canopy,
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eating, snoozing,
or just hanging around.
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Despite their laidback attitude,
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orangutans can move fast
if they need to.
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Their arms are long and strong
and span nearly 2.5 metres.
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Both hands and feet have opposable
thumbs for gripping onto branches.
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Their hands are very similar to ours,
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as is the enamel on their teeth,
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their long hair, and shoulder blades.
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But curiously, orangutans do not
have toenails on their big toes.
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(CHEERFUL DRUM RHYTHMS)
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We share 97% of our DNA with them,
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and just as much time, as a species,
caring for our young.
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Unlike most animals,
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female orangutans do not have babies
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until they're about
15 or 16 years old.
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They carry their young
for up to five years,
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and are happy to breastfeed them
until they are eight years old.
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At ten years old,
the children leave home,
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but they regularly come back
to visit their mothers
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for a further five years.
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The theory is that a long childhood
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is linked to
the animals' large brain.
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It gives the young orangutans
time to learn many skills
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and behaviour patterns
from their mothers.
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Orangutan fathers play no direct role
in rearing their offspring.
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They live a solitary life,
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only getting together with the others
to mate
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or to fight other males for a mate.
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Dominant males can
be easily identified
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by their hard-won battle scars
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and prominent flanges on their faces.
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Males without these cheek flaps
are subordinate,
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and do not get to mate
with a female.
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The latest research suggests that
dominant males may exude a hormone
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that prevents the other males
from reaching full maturity,
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but once the top man dies,
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a subordinate male
will grow in size and stature,
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developing the facial flanges
to show his supremacy.
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(SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
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(PEACEFUL CHIME MUSIC)
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The tropical jungles
in the heart of Borneo
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are home to over
350 different bird species,
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but the biggest drawcard
among birdwatchers
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are the extraordinary hornbills.
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Eight of the world's 45 hornbill
species can be found here,
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including the oriental pied hornbill.
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The males have
an almost comically large bill
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with a pronounced casque.
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Similar to the cassowary's
multifunctional helmet,
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it too is thought to amplify sound.
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Hornbills are the only bird family
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to have the first two vertebrae
in their neck fused,
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most likely to support the weight
of their top-heavy beaks.
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Recent studies suggest
they double as radiators,
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helping hornbills
to regulate their body temperature,
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controlling the amount of heat
they need to lose or conserve,
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depending on the time of day
and ambient conditions.
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(TINKLING MUSIC)
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Hornbills have distinct eyelashes -
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modified feathers
that protect the birds' eyes
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from flying insects and debris.
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While many jungle animals
spend the bulk of their lives
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in and around the treetops,
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others quietly prowl
through the undergrowth.
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This is a prime habitat
for Borneo's top predator,
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the clouded leopard.
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The smallest of the big cats,
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these striking felines
are shy and secretive.
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Of all the animals living
in the jungles of South-East Asia,
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great cats remain the most elusive.
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(ROLLING GUITAR RHYTHMS)
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Sightings of tigers in the wild
are particularly rare,
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and becoming rarer by the day,
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as humans continue
to encroach on their habitat
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and hunt them for their organs
and pelts.
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The largest of all cat species,
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tigers are the ultimate
apex predators,
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with muscular legs,
retractable claws,
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and a mouth full of teeth
tailored to specific tasks -
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taking down prey, tearing flesh
from bone, and chewing.
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(GUITAR RHYTHMS CONTINUE)
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They were once the kings
of these jungles,
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stretching from India
to north-east China,
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and from the Russian Far East
to Sumatra,
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but over the last century,
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their numbers have fallen by 95%.
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A global conservation campaign
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has stopped their numbers
from diminishing further,
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but it will be years before
they regain their standing
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in what remains
of their natural domain.
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With fewer than 4,000 tigers
left in the wild,
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zoos now play an important role
in ensuring their protection,
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giving visitors a chance
to better understand
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their behaviour and hunting prowess.
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(STIRRING PIANO MUSIC)
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Tigers breed well in captivity.
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So, there is a chance these cubs
and their future offspring
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might one day play a role
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in ensuring the survival
of wild populations
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throughout the world.
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(DRUM RHYTHMS)
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NARRATOR: While many rainforest
animals will do all they can
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to avoid being seen,
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our next jungle dweller
is a veritable show-off.
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It's spent thousands of generations
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evolving the most ostentatious
feathers of any bird on Earth.
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There are around 40 different species
of these striking birds,
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each with a unique combination of
bright colours and ornate feathers.
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Collectively,
they are the birds of paradise.
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Some live in tropical Australia
and eastern Indonesia,
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but most have made a home
for themselves in Papua New Guinea.
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Papua New Guinea
is a very special place.
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It's a land of extremes.
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The world's largest and highest
tropical island,
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New Guinea has massive
ice-capped mountains
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and deep steamy valleys
filled with jungle.
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It's a place of mystery -
of unexplored valleys,
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with species that
are yet to be discovered.
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The perfect setting
for birds of paradise.
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Most females are a drab brown,
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but the males are simply resplendent.
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The male will spend ages preparing
a stage on which to perform.
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It could be a branch of a tree
or a clearing on the forest floor.
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Once a potentially curious
female arrives,
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the show begins in earnest.
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(DRUM RHYTHMS)
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Each species of bird
puts on a unique dance
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to try to seduce the female,
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and some displays
may last several hours.
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Females can spend six weeks
watching dance after dance
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before they select their mate.
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After all this work,
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many males may not get selected
at all.
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Another feathered family
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living deep in the rainforests
of Papua New Guinea and Australia
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are the bowerbirds.
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Many of the 18 species
that comprise this group
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have beautiful feathers
worthy of attention,
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but the male bowerbird's preferred
method of seduction is architecture.
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00:16:13,565 --> 00:16:15,045
To attract a mate,
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the satin bowerbird will build
an elaborate set.
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It is not a nest -
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rather, a stage where
he will perform a special dance
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to show off to the ladies.
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These are always located
on the ground,
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and can be up to two metres long.
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The quality of the bower and the
male's prowess on the dancefloor
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determine courting success.
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But in some species,
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females may also assess the feathers
of a potential breeding partner,
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as a glossy, satin like sheen would
indicate their overall health.
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Bowers are decorated
with colourful natural objects,
244
00:16:54,685 --> 00:16:58,605
such as berries, snail shells,
or feathers from other birds.
245
00:16:59,725 --> 00:17:01,845
Where habitat borders suburbia,
246
00:17:01,885 --> 00:17:03,765
bottle tops, pegs,
247
00:17:03,805 --> 00:17:06,805
and bits of brightly coloured glass
and rubbish are used.
248
00:17:08,845 --> 00:17:11,845
Many satin bowerbirds show
a preference for blue objects,
249
00:17:11,885 --> 00:17:15,205
perhaps because this helps
to accentuate their own colour.
250
00:17:15,245 --> 00:17:18,805
(TINKLING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
251
00:17:23,845 --> 00:17:26,125
There is no honour among thieves,
252
00:17:26,165 --> 00:17:29,605
and male bowerbirds,
even those of a different species,
253
00:17:29,645 --> 00:17:33,005
will sabotage another's bower
and steal his treasures
254
00:17:33,045 --> 00:17:34,965
in an effort to have
the best-looking structure
255
00:17:35,005 --> 00:17:36,485
in the neighbourhood.
256
00:17:41,285 --> 00:17:44,285
(SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
257
00:17:51,925 --> 00:17:55,405
(UPLIFTING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
258
00:17:57,005 --> 00:17:59,885
The rainforests of Australia
and Papua New Guinea
259
00:17:59,925 --> 00:18:03,925
are also home to the world's
only megabats,
260
00:18:03,965 --> 00:18:07,165
but some species are not restricted
to this habitat.
261
00:18:07,205 --> 00:18:11,645
Indeed, some manage to live
right in the heart of major cities.
262
00:18:14,125 --> 00:18:17,565
The Botanic Garden in Sydney
has long provided a safe roost
263
00:18:17,605 --> 00:18:20,445
for a huge number
of grey-headed flying foxes,
264
00:18:20,485 --> 00:18:23,005
the largest of the four
megabat species.
265
00:18:23,045 --> 00:18:26,045
(BATS CALL)
266
00:18:27,045 --> 00:18:29,245
It has a whopping one-metre wingspan.
267
00:18:32,445 --> 00:18:35,245
Bram Stoker never made it
to Australia,
268
00:18:35,285 --> 00:18:37,605
but these creatures certainly look
269
00:18:37,645 --> 00:18:40,805
like they were the inspiration
for Dracula.
270
00:18:40,845 --> 00:18:43,085
Unlike vampire bats
271
00:18:43,125 --> 00:18:45,845
and those fictitious beasts
in the horror movies,
272
00:18:45,885 --> 00:18:48,205
flying foxes do not drink blood.
273
00:18:49,565 --> 00:18:51,725
In fact, they don't eat meat at all.
274
00:18:51,765 --> 00:18:55,485
Their favourite foods are fruit,
seeds, and nectar.
275
00:18:58,565 --> 00:19:02,565
Every night they fly out from
their roosting sites in huge numbers
276
00:19:02,605 --> 00:19:04,165
to search for a feast...
277
00:19:05,365 --> 00:19:07,925
..flying hundreds of kilometres
if necessary
278
00:19:07,965 --> 00:19:11,365
to get to a favourite stand
of trees in flower.
279
00:19:11,405 --> 00:19:14,405
(BATS CALL)
280
00:19:16,165 --> 00:19:17,885
Here in Elsey National Park,
281
00:19:17,925 --> 00:19:19,565
in the Northern Territory,
282
00:19:19,605 --> 00:19:22,365
flying foxes are forced
to drink on the wing
283
00:19:22,405 --> 00:19:25,925
in an effort to reduce
any associated risk.
284
00:19:29,205 --> 00:19:31,365
Hiding just below the surface,
285
00:19:31,405 --> 00:19:34,645
freshwater crocodiles are waiting
to capture their next meal.
286
00:19:37,485 --> 00:19:38,885
Timing is everything,
287
00:19:38,925 --> 00:19:41,645
on the part of the crocodiles
and the flying foxes,
288
00:19:41,685 --> 00:19:44,565
whose lives can be snuffed out
in a heartbeat.
289
00:19:50,925 --> 00:19:54,005
The whole safety in numbers strategy
won't work for everyone...
290
00:19:56,005 --> 00:19:59,245
..but those that safely run
the gauntlet return to their camps
291
00:19:59,285 --> 00:20:00,885
to rest during the day.
292
00:20:03,085 --> 00:20:05,845
(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
293
00:20:07,485 --> 00:20:09,525
Flying foxes breed at a slower rate
294
00:20:09,565 --> 00:20:11,925
compared to other
medium-sized mammals.
295
00:20:13,485 --> 00:20:16,805
Females take 1.5 years
to reach breeding age,
296
00:20:16,845 --> 00:20:20,645
and generally give birth
to one pup at a time,
297
00:20:20,685 --> 00:20:22,845
but in large colonies such as this,
298
00:20:22,885 --> 00:20:25,965
that can mean a few thousand
extra mouths to feed.
299
00:20:30,805 --> 00:20:32,525
As the seasons progress,
300
00:20:32,565 --> 00:20:35,805
different tree species
across the flying foxes' range
301
00:20:35,845 --> 00:20:37,405
bear flowers or fruit.
302
00:20:37,445 --> 00:20:39,925
So, the colony will come into contact
303
00:20:39,965 --> 00:20:42,965
with a huge range of trees
across a vast area.
304
00:20:44,765 --> 00:20:46,965
As they eat,
they pollinate the trees,
305
00:20:47,005 --> 00:20:49,285
and as they defecate on the wing,
306
00:20:49,325 --> 00:20:51,925
they disperse seeds far and wide.
307
00:20:51,965 --> 00:20:55,085
(UPLIFTING MUSIC SWELLS)
308
00:20:55,125 --> 00:20:57,725
Flying foxes are keystone species -
309
00:20:57,765 --> 00:21:00,965
an essential part of the rainforest's
life cycle.
310
00:21:01,005 --> 00:21:05,245
Without them, these forests would
not be able to keep reproducing,
311
00:21:05,285 --> 00:21:08,085
and all the species
that depend on these forests
312
00:21:08,125 --> 00:21:09,605
would not survive either.
313
00:21:11,765 --> 00:21:13,925
Their nomadic and migratory ways
314
00:21:13,965 --> 00:21:16,805
help drive biodiversity
in this region.
315
00:21:16,845 --> 00:21:20,605
(UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES)
316
00:21:25,725 --> 00:21:28,525
It's hard to imagine,
looking at this mass of animals,
317
00:21:28,565 --> 00:21:31,645
but flying foxes
are listed as vulnerable.
318
00:21:32,805 --> 00:21:35,845
They're being wiped out
by a perfect storm of causes.
319
00:21:37,645 --> 00:21:40,645
Conservationists and scientists
are suggesting
320
00:21:40,685 --> 00:21:43,325
that if things don't change,
and change quickly,
321
00:21:43,365 --> 00:21:47,165
the flying fox may well be extinct
by 2050.
322
00:21:57,840 --> 00:21:57,920
(ROLLING GUITAR RHYTHMS)
323
00:22:02,880 --> 00:22:05,400
NARRATOR: Australia's
rainforests provide a home
324
00:22:05,440 --> 00:22:07,200
for a vast array of creatures...
325
00:22:09,760 --> 00:22:12,520
..and the best time
to see many of them is at night.
326
00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:18,320
With keen eyes and a powerful torch,
327
00:22:18,360 --> 00:22:21,480
it is possible to surprise
many nocturnal creatures,
328
00:22:21,520 --> 00:22:24,600
particularly spiders and reptiles.
329
00:22:29,760 --> 00:22:32,960
Forest huntsmen do not build webs
to catch prey.
330
00:22:35,400 --> 00:22:37,280
They hunt and forage for food,
331
00:22:37,320 --> 00:22:39,480
mainly insects
and other invertebrates
332
00:22:39,520 --> 00:22:41,520
creeping through the undergrowth.
333
00:22:44,280 --> 00:22:47,360
They hide during the day
to avoid being eaten themselves,
334
00:22:47,400 --> 00:22:49,200
principally by birds.
335
00:22:51,720 --> 00:22:54,200
A spotlight won't intimidate
a forest huntsman,
336
00:22:54,240 --> 00:22:56,520
for despite having eight beady eyes,
337
00:22:56,560 --> 00:22:59,280
it detects prey through vibration.
338
00:23:04,080 --> 00:23:07,440
(MYSTICAL CHIMING MUSIC)
339
00:23:08,960 --> 00:23:13,480
The amethystine, or scrub, python,
is Australia's largest snake,
340
00:23:13,520 --> 00:23:15,520
growing to eight metres long.
341
00:23:17,240 --> 00:23:20,560
Like all pythons and boas,
it's not venomous snake.
342
00:23:22,360 --> 00:23:25,160
It kills by coiling itself
around its prey
343
00:23:25,200 --> 00:23:28,400
and squeezing until
the victim's heart stops beating.
344
00:23:31,360 --> 00:23:33,320
Heat-sensing pits along its lips
345
00:23:33,360 --> 00:23:35,920
allow it to detect
warm-blooded prey...
346
00:23:37,840 --> 00:23:40,680
..and flexible muscles and ligaments
in its lower jaw
347
00:23:40,720 --> 00:23:44,320
stretch so the python
can swallow large animals,
348
00:23:44,360 --> 00:23:47,000
such as birds, bats, and wallabies.
349
00:23:49,560 --> 00:23:52,280
Because the amethystine
can eat large prey,
350
00:23:52,320 --> 00:23:54,440
it doesn't have to eat very often -
351
00:23:54,480 --> 00:23:56,920
maybe once or twice a year.
352
00:23:59,880 --> 00:24:01,480
Despite its enormous size,
353
00:24:01,520 --> 00:24:05,120
the amethystine poses
no major threat to humans.
354
00:24:08,000 --> 00:24:09,720
They're quite shy
355
00:24:09,760 --> 00:24:13,080
and unlikely to attack unless
threatened or accidentally disturbed.
356
00:24:20,200 --> 00:24:23,440
The Boyd's forest dragon
is another handsome reptile
357
00:24:23,480 --> 00:24:26,160
that is relatively easy
to find and observe
358
00:24:26,200 --> 00:24:28,760
on a spotlighting tour
in the wet tropics.
359
00:24:31,240 --> 00:24:33,800
This particular dragon
is unique among lizards,
360
00:24:33,840 --> 00:24:37,520
as it does not need to draw energy
from the sun to survive.
361
00:24:39,960 --> 00:24:43,640
It regulates its body temperature
to the surrounding vegetation.
362
00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:47,040
A handy skill to have
363
00:24:47,080 --> 00:24:50,040
to counteract the heat-sensing
ability of the amethystine.
364
00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:57,080
These well-camouflaged lizards
like to eat stick insects
365
00:24:57,120 --> 00:24:59,680
that have a preference
for eating new leaves.
366
00:25:02,920 --> 00:25:04,960
When a Boyd's forest dragon
needs to feed,
367
00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:06,760
it will hang around in a spot
368
00:25:06,800 --> 00:25:09,360
it knows the stick insects
will find irresistible...
369
00:25:11,280 --> 00:25:13,960
..patiently waiting
for a potential meal to arrive.
370
00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:19,000
As they have less stored energy
to expend,
371
00:25:19,040 --> 00:25:21,880
they will stay quite still
for a long time,
372
00:25:21,920 --> 00:25:24,320
fixed to a tree limb or vine.
373
00:25:25,520 --> 00:25:28,480
So, it's easy to get a close
and prolonged encounter
374
00:25:28,520 --> 00:25:30,000
with one in the wild.
375
00:25:36,760 --> 00:25:40,120
(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
376
00:25:44,960 --> 00:25:48,400
The most spectacular-looking python
in the Queensland rainforest
377
00:25:48,440 --> 00:25:50,240
is the green tree python.
378
00:25:51,560 --> 00:25:53,760
It is small
by Australian snake standards -
379
00:25:53,800 --> 00:25:55,760
around 1.5 metres long -
380
00:25:55,800 --> 00:25:58,640
but it is very good
at ambushing its prey.
381
00:26:02,640 --> 00:26:06,120
Tree pythons will often lie
motionless on a low branch,
382
00:26:06,160 --> 00:26:09,200
waiting for a potential meal
to wander within striking distance.
383
00:26:14,320 --> 00:26:17,000
Young pythons are not born green,
384
00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:19,880
but begin life
bright yellow or orange.
385
00:26:19,920 --> 00:26:22,120
So, whether young or mature,
386
00:26:22,160 --> 00:26:25,200
this beautiful snake
is a real jewel of the jungle.
387
00:26:29,520 --> 00:26:32,520
(SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
388
00:26:38,520 --> 00:26:41,520
(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
389
00:26:43,640 --> 00:26:46,520
Most jungle animals
can be hard to see in the wild.
390
00:26:48,640 --> 00:26:51,240
When they hear us coming,
they run or fly away.
391
00:26:54,040 --> 00:26:58,200
But one creature that has difficulty
effecting an escape is the sloth.
392
00:27:00,960 --> 00:27:03,400
It's the slowest mammal in the world.
393
00:27:06,680 --> 00:27:08,320
They live in South America,
394
00:27:08,360 --> 00:27:11,200
in the most famous jungle of all,
the Amazon.
395
00:27:15,480 --> 00:27:19,280
Their top speed is a glacial
two metres per minute.
396
00:27:24,400 --> 00:27:28,240
Sloths are so slow-moving,
fungi and plants grow in their fur,
397
00:27:28,280 --> 00:27:31,360
creating a viable habitat
for hundreds of beetles
398
00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:33,040
and other crawling insects.
399
00:27:37,120 --> 00:27:40,360
This mini ecosystem affects
the colour of their fur,
400
00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:43,360
allowing them to blend into
the forest foliage.
401
00:27:52,440 --> 00:27:54,240
The sights and smells
of the rainforest
402
00:27:54,280 --> 00:27:57,160
in South and Central America
can be overwhelming.
403
00:27:59,160 --> 00:28:02,360
But the thing that surprises people
most is the noise.
404
00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:04,520
(ANIMAL CALLS)
405
00:28:04,560 --> 00:28:07,560
The soundtrack to these jungles
is deafening.
406
00:28:07,600 --> 00:28:10,880
(INSECTS HUM, BIRDS CALL)
407
00:28:10,920 --> 00:28:13,640
Insects make a constant din,
408
00:28:13,680 --> 00:28:17,800
but that cacophony of whoops, howls,
and chatter you hear
409
00:28:17,840 --> 00:28:19,400
comes from monkeys.
410
00:28:24,120 --> 00:28:27,280
The monkeys in this part of the world
come in all shapes and sizes.
411
00:28:27,320 --> 00:28:30,480
They represent five different
primate families,
412
00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:33,920
and are collectively referred to
as New World monkeys.
413
00:28:33,960 --> 00:28:37,080
(MONKEYS CALL)
414
00:28:37,120 --> 00:28:39,520
Most New World monkeys
are colour-blind.
415
00:28:41,880 --> 00:28:45,600
They have similar-looking noses,
and many have prehensile tails,
416
00:28:45,640 --> 00:28:49,240
perfect for charging around the
canopy, swinging from tree to tree.
417
00:28:55,840 --> 00:28:58,760
The best swingers in the jungle
are the spider monkeys.
418
00:29:02,040 --> 00:29:05,360
These graceful animals can move
effortlessly at high speeds
419
00:29:05,400 --> 00:29:07,960
thanks to their very long limbs
and tail.
420
00:29:15,400 --> 00:29:17,200
You'll probably hear them
before you see them,
421
00:29:17,240 --> 00:29:20,400
as they're known for their
distinctive screeches and barks.
422
00:29:21,960 --> 00:29:25,880
The loudest animal in the jungle
is the aptly named howler monkey.
423
00:29:27,520 --> 00:29:29,720
You'll be able to hear
these foghorns of the forest
424
00:29:29,760 --> 00:29:31,800
from over 5km away.
425
00:29:33,880 --> 00:29:37,720
Scientists think the loud howls
prevent fights between troupes
426
00:29:37,760 --> 00:29:41,000
by announcing the size and location
of each group of animals.
427
00:29:43,280 --> 00:29:45,880
Male howlers have evolved
to magnify sound.
428
00:29:47,560 --> 00:29:51,240
They have oversized throats
and shell-shaped vocal chambers.
429
00:29:59,040 --> 00:30:00,560
The jungles of Colombia
430
00:30:00,600 --> 00:30:02,600
are home to one of the smaller
New World monkeys.
431
00:30:05,040 --> 00:30:07,280
The very punk-looking
cotton-top tamarin.
432
00:30:09,160 --> 00:30:10,680
These beautiful animals
433
00:30:10,720 --> 00:30:12,880
are some of the most sociable
in the New World order,
434
00:30:12,920 --> 00:30:15,280
and one of the most
critically endangered.
435
00:30:17,400 --> 00:30:20,920
So, sightings like this in the wild
are a rare privilege.
436
00:30:22,800 --> 00:30:25,800
(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
437
00:30:32,365 --> 00:30:33,805
in the upper Amazon basin,
438
00:30:33,845 --> 00:30:36,645
and they are quite large
for a tree-dwelling species.
439
00:30:36,685 --> 00:30:40,405
(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
440
00:30:41,405 --> 00:30:43,005
Feeding primarily on fruits,
441
00:30:43,045 --> 00:30:46,685
they put their prehensile tails
to good use,
442
00:30:46,725 --> 00:30:50,805
acting as a safety anchor while
their limbs are otherwise engaged.
443
00:30:56,125 --> 00:30:59,125
(JAUNTY MUSIC CONTINUES)
444
00:31:03,565 --> 00:31:06,205
Another familiar face
in the wilds of South America
445
00:31:06,245 --> 00:31:08,645
belongs to the cheeky capuchin.
446
00:31:12,165 --> 00:31:13,925
They are thought
to be the most intelligent
447
00:31:13,965 --> 00:31:15,405
of all the New World monkeys.
448
00:31:18,525 --> 00:31:20,725
Demonstrating an ability
to problem solve,
449
00:31:20,765 --> 00:31:22,925
they use rocks as tools,
450
00:31:22,965 --> 00:31:27,005
crushing fruit in order to get at
the delicious nutty kernel within.
451
00:31:33,125 --> 00:31:36,245
(PLAYFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
452
00:31:37,565 --> 00:31:41,565
Another amazing place to encounter
New and Old World monkeys
453
00:31:41,605 --> 00:31:43,165
is South Africa.
454
00:31:44,965 --> 00:31:46,965
Specifically in Monkeyland,
455
00:31:47,005 --> 00:31:51,925
the world's first free-roaming,
multispecies primate sanctuary.
456
00:31:53,445 --> 00:31:55,365
The staff here are on a mission
457
00:31:55,405 --> 00:31:59,125
to educate and foster greater
understanding of our primate cousins.
458
00:32:01,965 --> 00:32:03,805
The animals are not caged,
459
00:32:03,845 --> 00:32:06,125
so looking for them
is all part of the adventure.
460
00:32:10,085 --> 00:32:13,405
There are well over 700 primates
living in the sanctuary.
461
00:32:15,685 --> 00:32:18,485
Spider monkeys and capuchins
from South America.
462
00:32:20,725 --> 00:32:22,205
Gibbons from South-East Asia.
463
00:32:24,285 --> 00:32:25,765
Lemurs from Madagascar.
464
00:32:25,805 --> 00:32:29,365
Indeed, it's the United Nations
of primates.
465
00:32:31,445 --> 00:32:34,565
These species would never encounter
one another in the wild,
466
00:32:34,605 --> 00:32:36,805
but somehow,
they all seem to get along.
467
00:32:39,285 --> 00:32:41,925
Rangers do not try
to tame the monkeys
468
00:32:41,965 --> 00:32:44,765
and visitors are asked
not to touch or feed them.
469
00:32:46,965 --> 00:32:50,285
Many inmates have been rescued
from captive situations.
470
00:32:50,325 --> 00:32:53,165
They may have been
mistreated as pets
471
00:32:53,205 --> 00:32:55,725
or experimented on in laboratories.
472
00:32:58,085 --> 00:33:00,725
When they first arrive,
they are given a thorough check-up
473
00:33:00,765 --> 00:33:03,765
before they are allowed to socialise
with their new friends.
474
00:33:06,525 --> 00:33:08,765
Initially, a new resident
will be placed in a cage
475
00:33:08,805 --> 00:33:10,445
for their own protection,
476
00:33:10,485 --> 00:33:13,045
allowing the other animals
to get used to them,
477
00:33:13,085 --> 00:33:14,405
and vice versa.
478
00:33:18,125 --> 00:33:20,285
Other than daily
food and water checks,
479
00:33:20,325 --> 00:33:23,325
rangers try to avoid interacting
with the new monkey.
480
00:33:24,965 --> 00:33:27,125
This encourages them
to become independent
481
00:33:27,165 --> 00:33:29,805
and ready for release
into the sanctuary.
482
00:33:32,485 --> 00:33:34,885
Rangers still keep a distant eye
on a newcomer,
483
00:33:34,925 --> 00:33:37,285
but contact is kept to a minimum.
484
00:33:39,685 --> 00:33:42,485
(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
485
00:33:43,925 --> 00:33:46,085
One of the most distinctive
Monkeyland residents
486
00:33:46,125 --> 00:33:49,165
is the male proboscis monkey
from Borneo.
487
00:33:52,005 --> 00:33:54,525
Scientists believe
their rather large noses
488
00:33:54,565 --> 00:33:56,165
act as echo chambers,
489
00:33:56,205 --> 00:33:59,285
amplifying the calls they make
to intimidate rivals,
490
00:33:59,325 --> 00:34:01,965
or alternatively, attract females.
491
00:34:09,725 --> 00:34:12,725
(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
492
00:34:12,765 --> 00:34:14,605
The crowd favourite here,
493
00:34:14,645 --> 00:34:17,045
and in many primate exhibits
around the world,
494
00:34:17,085 --> 00:34:21,645
are the ring-tailed lemurs from
the African island of Madagascar.
495
00:34:23,205 --> 00:34:25,765
They spend more than a third
of their time on the ground,
496
00:34:25,805 --> 00:34:28,085
which is unusual
among the lemur family...
497
00:34:32,445 --> 00:34:34,725
..often striking a very yogalike pose
498
00:34:34,765 --> 00:34:36,845
as they take in warmth from the sun.
499
00:34:38,445 --> 00:34:41,605
(JAUNTY MUSIC CONTINUES)
500
00:34:44,725 --> 00:34:46,925
There are fewer than 2,000
of these enigmatic animals
501
00:34:46,965 --> 00:34:48,445
living in the wild.
502
00:34:51,805 --> 00:34:53,605
But they breed well in captivity,
503
00:34:53,645 --> 00:34:57,125
so their populations in zoos
around the world are thriving.
504
00:35:00,645 --> 00:35:03,365
Their trademark tails
are longer than their bodies,
505
00:35:03,405 --> 00:35:08,485
with 12 or 13 white rings
and 13 or 14 black rings.
506
00:35:11,765 --> 00:35:13,325
They cannot grip with their tails
507
00:35:13,365 --> 00:35:15,125
as many of
their primate cousins do...
508
00:35:17,725 --> 00:35:20,885
..but they do use them for balance
and communication.
509
00:35:22,485 --> 00:35:24,685
Females are dominant and assertive,
510
00:35:24,725 --> 00:35:28,085
and will enforce their status
through biting and lunging,
511
00:35:28,125 --> 00:35:29,605
or rearing up on their back legs,
512
00:35:29,645 --> 00:35:34,285
but clearly there's little need
for that here at the monkey UN.
513
00:35:38,405 --> 00:35:41,445
(SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
514
00:35:48,605 --> 00:35:51,605
(PLAYFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
515
00:35:54,565 --> 00:35:57,765
There's one rainforest creature
that well and truly shows
516
00:35:57,805 --> 00:36:00,205
there's safety and power
in great numbers...
517
00:36:03,165 --> 00:36:05,565
..and its behaviour
has taught the local humans
518
00:36:05,605 --> 00:36:07,765
to be the most careful drivers
in the world.
519
00:36:11,045 --> 00:36:13,565
The red crabs of Christmas Island.
520
00:36:15,645 --> 00:36:18,445
Christmas Island is the top
of an underwater volcano
521
00:36:18,485 --> 00:36:19,885
in the Indian Ocean.
522
00:36:22,725 --> 00:36:24,725
The closest nation is Indonesia,
523
00:36:24,765 --> 00:36:27,285
but it's an Australian territory.
524
00:36:27,325 --> 00:36:29,805
(JAUNTY MUSIC CONTINUES)
525
00:36:32,725 --> 00:36:36,205
And these bright red crabs
have put the island on the map.
526
00:36:39,045 --> 00:36:40,605
They're land crabs,
527
00:36:40,645 --> 00:36:43,565
and spend most of the year living
in the jungle away from the coast.
528
00:36:52,005 --> 00:36:54,565
(UPLIFTING MUSIC BUILDS)
529
00:36:54,605 --> 00:36:58,285
But around Christmastime,
the crabs stage a remarkable event.
530
00:37:01,645 --> 00:37:04,325
They march to the sea
in their millions.
531
00:37:07,685 --> 00:37:09,405
Much of the coast of Christmas Island
532
00:37:09,445 --> 00:37:11,125
becomes a carpet of red crabs.
533
00:37:14,405 --> 00:37:16,805
The crabs are a wonderful sight
to behold...
534
00:37:18,085 --> 00:37:20,805
..and people travel all the way
to this remote island
535
00:37:20,845 --> 00:37:23,885
just to witness
this spectacular migration.
536
00:37:27,285 --> 00:37:29,965
Human infrastructure
can present challenges
537
00:37:30,005 --> 00:37:32,085
for armies of small crabs
on the move...
538
00:37:33,845 --> 00:37:36,165
..but the locals do their best
to assist them.
539
00:37:38,285 --> 00:37:42,525
Plastic fences and funnels guide
the crabs to safe crossing points.
540
00:37:45,405 --> 00:37:47,205
The migration is the only time
541
00:37:47,245 --> 00:37:50,725
red crabs break out of their
lonely lives to get together.
542
00:37:53,485 --> 00:37:55,845
The first wave of crabs
consists of the males.
543
00:37:58,245 --> 00:38:00,685
They head from their inland homes
to the coast
544
00:38:00,725 --> 00:38:03,445
and quickly dig themselves
a temporary burrow.
545
00:38:06,365 --> 00:38:10,205
The females join them,
selecting their mate for the season,
546
00:38:10,245 --> 00:38:13,805
and after copulating,
the males head back to the jungle,
547
00:38:13,845 --> 00:38:17,485
leaving the females to look after the
developing eggs in their burrows.
548
00:38:21,325 --> 00:38:23,725
Within about two weeks,
the eggs have developed
549
00:38:23,765 --> 00:38:26,285
and are ready
for the next remarkable stage
550
00:38:26,325 --> 00:38:27,725
of the great red crab journey.
551
00:38:32,165 --> 00:38:34,925
At high tide, they carry their eggs
to the water's edge,
552
00:38:34,965 --> 00:38:36,845
and release them into the ocean
553
00:38:36,885 --> 00:38:38,965
before returning home to the jungle.
554
00:38:54,325 --> 00:38:56,405
(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
555
00:38:56,445 --> 00:38:59,525
Within a month,
the eggs have hatched and matured,
556
00:38:59,565 --> 00:39:02,565
and are ready to begin the
air-breathing phase of their lives.
557
00:39:05,525 --> 00:39:07,925
Each crab is only 5mm across,
558
00:39:07,965 --> 00:39:09,805
but there are so many,
559
00:39:09,845 --> 00:39:12,925
they often form a moving carpet
several centimetres thick.
560
00:39:24,285 --> 00:39:26,205
Once they reach the rainforest,
561
00:39:26,245 --> 00:39:29,365
they find a good hiding place
where they can feed and grow.
562
00:39:31,445 --> 00:39:34,085
Red crabs are a keystone species.
563
00:39:34,125 --> 00:39:37,645
The entire rainforest
depends on them to disperse seeds
564
00:39:37,685 --> 00:39:39,685
and fertilise the soil
with their droppings...
565
00:39:41,845 --> 00:39:44,245
..and to aerate the ground
with their burrows.
566
00:39:46,885 --> 00:39:49,045
It's amazing that something so small
567
00:39:49,085 --> 00:39:53,125
should play such an important part
in the ecology of Christmas Island.
568
00:39:57,103 --> 00:39:57,183
(UPBEAT DRUM RHYTHMS)
569
00:40:02,983 --> 00:40:06,703
NARRATOR: The cloud-capped mountains
and secluded valleys of Rwanda
570
00:40:06,743 --> 00:40:09,863
form the backdrop
for one of the most extraordinary,
571
00:40:09,903 --> 00:40:12,783
life-changing animal encounters
on the planet.
572
00:40:17,183 --> 00:40:20,583
A chance to see the last
of the great silverback gorillas.
573
00:40:23,343 --> 00:40:25,743
(DRUM RHYTHMS CONTINUE)
574
00:40:31,343 --> 00:40:35,503
Mountain gorillas were first seen
by Europeans in 1902.
575
00:40:37,423 --> 00:40:42,023
Unfortunately, this discovery led
to a century of gorilla decimation.
576
00:40:47,543 --> 00:40:51,423
They were hunted for trophies,
bush meat, and live young.
577
00:40:52,783 --> 00:40:55,383
At the same time,
their habitat was being compromised
578
00:40:55,423 --> 00:40:58,263
to make way
for more agricultural land.
579
00:40:59,783 --> 00:41:02,183
As a species,
they were clearly in peril.
580
00:41:03,703 --> 00:41:06,223
When naturalist Dian Fossey
arrived in Rwanda
581
00:41:06,263 --> 00:41:08,263
to study the mountain gorilla,
582
00:41:08,303 --> 00:41:11,863
she estimated
there were only 240 remaining.
583
00:41:14,623 --> 00:41:17,023
Today, the gorillas' fortunes
have turned,
584
00:41:17,063 --> 00:41:19,423
thanks to the truly
heartening efforts
585
00:41:19,463 --> 00:41:22,823
of a new generation of activists,
conservationists,
586
00:41:22,863 --> 00:41:24,903
and hard-working locals.
587
00:41:26,943 --> 00:41:29,743
Zoologists believe there are
now about 900 mountain gorillas
588
00:41:29,783 --> 00:41:31,383
in the wild.
589
00:41:37,663 --> 00:41:40,383
Mountain gorillas
are the largest gorilla species.
590
00:41:42,583 --> 00:41:47,263
A big male can weigh 160 kilos
and be over 1.5 metres tall.
591
00:41:49,543 --> 00:41:53,543
One troupe usually consists of
a dominant male, the silverback...
592
00:41:56,623 --> 00:42:00,143
..a few young males, some females,
and their offspring.
593
00:42:02,703 --> 00:42:04,583
The silverback rules the troupe,
594
00:42:04,623 --> 00:42:08,503
organising the day with activities
such as eating roots and leaves,
595
00:42:08,543 --> 00:42:10,583
building nests to rest in,
596
00:42:10,623 --> 00:42:13,223
and moving around
the small home range.
597
00:42:15,543 --> 00:42:17,543
Troupe home ranges often overlap,
598
00:42:17,583 --> 00:42:20,903
but mountain gorillas do not fight
to defend their territory.
599
00:42:22,543 --> 00:42:25,503
They only get aggressive when
their troupe needs protecting.
600
00:42:30,303 --> 00:42:34,823
Newborn gorillas are tiny,
weighing in at only 1.5kg.
601
00:42:34,863 --> 00:42:37,703
They will stay with their mother
for at least six years...
602
00:42:39,263 --> 00:42:42,183
..first clinging to her fur
and then riding on her back
603
00:42:42,223 --> 00:42:45,143
before they are big enough to play,
like children, really,
604
00:42:45,183 --> 00:42:46,943
in the surrounding forest.
605
00:43:01,903 --> 00:43:05,063
Tourism is the key to the survival
of these beautiful creatures.
606
00:43:06,543 --> 00:43:08,743
Rwanda has about 19 gorilla troupes
607
00:43:08,783 --> 00:43:11,423
living in the Volcanoes
National Park,
608
00:43:11,463 --> 00:43:14,343
and ten of those are used
to human visitation.
609
00:43:15,983 --> 00:43:19,783
A permit to visit these remarkable
animals in the wild is expensive,
610
00:43:19,823 --> 00:43:21,863
but a portion of the funds raised
611
00:43:21,903 --> 00:43:25,303
helps to support schools
and medical centres in the region.
612
00:43:29,383 --> 00:43:32,103
Protecting the gorillas' habitat
and guiding work
613
00:43:32,143 --> 00:43:34,463
keeps many of the local villagers
employed,
614
00:43:34,503 --> 00:43:37,103
so the whole undertaking
is sustainable.
615
00:43:37,143 --> 00:43:39,143
A win-win for the community,
616
00:43:39,183 --> 00:43:42,423
and of course, the magnificent
mountain gorillas.
617
00:43:51,463 --> 00:43:53,183
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
618
00:43:53,223 --> 00:43:57,343
The jungles of the world are some
of the hardest places to get to,
619
00:43:57,383 --> 00:44:01,983
requiring time,
and often great physical effort...
620
00:44:05,223 --> 00:44:08,463
..but they contain such
an incredible profusion of life.
621
00:44:10,783 --> 00:44:13,783
They never fail to impress
and inspire.
622
00:44:15,423 --> 00:44:17,503
The sights, the sounds,
and the smells
623
00:44:17,543 --> 00:44:19,823
of the world's tropical jungles
624
00:44:19,863 --> 00:44:23,223
conspire to create
multisensory experiences...
625
00:44:24,863 --> 00:44:28,823
..that are unique and often profound.
626
00:44:30,343 --> 00:44:33,663
(UPBEAT MUSIC CONTINUES)
627
00:44:38,703 --> 00:44:41,703
Captioned by Ai-Media
ai-media.tv
52116
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