| Synopsis |
The areas have been chosen for the spectacular and unique
habitats that they host. Moreover, an accent will be put on the efforts
made by a few dedicated researchers for the conservation of these locations.
The work of the researchers - often they use sophisticated technologies
and new approaches to conservation - will be investigated following them
in their daily tasks in the field instead of going through aseptic interviews.
Whenever possible we'll focus on the facets of adventure, discovery and
surprise, being that finding a species new to Science, going through hard
places to reach remote spots, describing the aspect and the behaviour
of rarely seen - let alone filmed - animals.
Throughout the Series the audience will be intrigued by interesting characters,
species and landscapes through innovative filming techniques. The viewers
could not believe that places that they didn't even have heard of, are
the abode of such diversity and surprises.
Locations
Cobourg Peninsula - Australia.
At the Northernmost tip of the Australian Northern Territories, the jagged
Cobourg Peninsula is mostly untamed and untouched. Herds of water buffaloes,
enormous salt - water crocodiles, myriad of waterfowls wander in the many
bays, channels and streams meandering in this savage land. Dugongs and
marine turtles congregate along the many sandy beaches fringing the coast.
Marine life also abounds thanks to environments as diverse as mangrove
swamps and coral reefs.
The peninsula is inhabited by Aboriginal people - for some 40.000 years,
for that matter - who are the only ones allowed to hunt in a sustainable
way. The researchers seek their knowledge to understand the life and season
cicles of this biologically rich area and to put in place the best means
for it to survive.
Western Llanos - Venezuela.
The Llanos (plains), are the vast savannas stretching west from the Orinoco
delta to the Andes in the territory of Venezuela.
The climate here is forbidding with rains and floods for part of the year
followed by sometimes severe dry seasons. Notwithstanding that, many species
have adapted to live here such as capybaras, manatees, freshwater dolphins,
caimans, anacondas, pumas, and many more.
The Western part of the Llanos is the closest to the Andes and the least
visited being accessible only by boat.
Research here is aimed to solve the problems of human-wildlife coexistence.
Lake Baikal - Russia.
Located in Siberia near the Mongolian border, Baikal is an immense and
breathtaking area of physical beauty. The Lake holds twenty percent of
the earth's fresh water and harbors more endemic species of plants and
animals than any other lake in the world.
The old-growth forests in the mountains that ring the lake are home of
brown bear, moose and elk.
The ecology of the lake is peculiar as its flora and fauna. Minuscule
crayfish in their billion filter the crystal-clear water. Strange looking
endemic fishes thrive on the crustaceans, and at the top of the food chain
the only fresh water seal on earth: the Nerpa of mysterious origin.
Russian scientists with their international colleagues are working to
understand and preserve this isolated ecosystem.
Juan Fernandez Islands - Chile.
The islands which inspired "Robinson Crusoe" are the abode of unique plants
and animals.
The archipelago lies at about 360 miles west off the coast of Chile.
Its isolation, the harsh climate, the Pacific Ocean forbidding storms
that from time to time struck the islands, make it a difficult place to
live. However, the species that have been brave enough to colonise this
place have adopted surprising adaptation for a life on the edge.
Katavi - Tanzania.
Probably the most difficult Park to be reached in East Africa, Katavi
is completely undisturbed and pristine.
The area has many different habitats allowing a diversity of species not
easily found elsewhere. It has also the biggest concentration of hippos
and crocodiles in the whole Tanzania.
The freshwater ecosystems of lake Katavi and lake Chada only add spectacular
landscapes and species to an already rich and unspoiled piece of Africa.
Researchers here go on foot as in Safari of another time. Only, without
any of the comfort of them.
Nosy Mangabč - Madagascar.
The island continent is fast loosing its forest cover. Nosy Mangabč, a
research centre for almost forty years now, has mantained a rainforest
which covers all its territory.
Here is the last stronghold of the strangest and rarest of lemurs: the
aye-aye.
Despite limited resources scientists are jealously protecting this primate
of peculiar behaviour and diet.
There are also many other species of animals of a fauna which is not to
be found anywhere else on earth.
Nyika - Malawi.
A plateau at 1800m above sea level, most of the Nyika region is covered
in rolling hills of montane grassland. Below this altitude large areas
of protea thrive with their big and beautiful flowers.
The landscape is unique in Malawi and very unusual for the whole of Africa.
Therefore big game such as Roan antelopes, elands, reedbucks, and many
others are to be seen in a different environment from the much "abused"
setting of the savanna.
The eco-region encompasses naturally the Lake Malawi itself with its Grand
Experiment of Evolution of the cichlid fishes.
Cyrenaica - Libya. (A Bump in The Med)
The "bump" of Libya into the Mediterranean forms an isolated eco-region
of unsuspected riches being, as it is, on the edge of the Sahara.
Rainfall over average on the elevations near the coast make it possible
a cover of forest and Mediterranean woodlands.
The sea is also particularly rich and researchers are looking after one
of the last remaining colonies of monk seals in the whole med-basin.
The ancient cities of Cyrene and Apollonia stand half-submerged allowing
portraits of marine life in a unique architectural environment.
Daričn - Panama.
East of the Panama Canal lies an area of lowlands covered by a mosaic
of moist, dry, wet, swamp, and cloud forests. Combine this with the fact
that the region stands in the transition zone between Central and South
America, and the result will be the most diverse and species-rich area
of Meso-America.
From astonishing beetles, to striking birds, from colourful dart frogs,
to rare tamarin monkeys, the Daričn it's an ark with few comparison in
America.
Scientists are trying to devise ingenious means to solve the human-wildlife
conflicts.
Bunaken Archipelago - Indonesia.
(Note: this documentary is already completed with the title: "A Sea of
Surprises")
All around the world, coral reefs are losing their wonderful colours due
to global warming.
This documentary is focusing on a small archipelago, Bunaken, which remains
a miraculous exception.
Lying on the northern tip of Sulawesi, Indonesia, this rich and diversified
ecosystem sustains an array of different and bizarre marine creatures,
making it a centre of great bio-diversity.
Eccentric animals, tricksters, impersonators, carnival creatures, have
been caught on film, with descriptions of their unique behaviour patterns.
Among many species "A Sea of Surprises" portrays also critters that are
very rare or absent elsewhere like the mimic pigmy seahorse, or the blue-ribbon
eels catching highly poisonous catfish.
The film is also describing the work of two dedicated researchers, Massimo
Boyer and Paola Bearzi, who constantly monitor the health of the ecosystem,
often taking new approaches to conservation.
So far, the outstanding palette of Bunaken shows no sign of fading away.
|
