Ep 12. Hawaii Carnivores

In episode 12 of Deadly 60 On a Mission season 1, titled Hawaii Carnivores, host Steve Backshall travels to the breathtaking island of Hawaii to explore its diverse and sometimes deadly wildlife.

Steve begins his journey on the island's eastern coast, where he encounters a unique predator – the Hawaiian monk seal. With fewer than 1,400 individuals left in the wild, this species is critically endangered. Steve ventures into the water to get a closer look at these fascinating creatures and learn how conservationists are working to protect them.

Moving inland, Steve discovers another carnivore – the mongoose. Originally introduced to the island to control rat populations, the mongoose has become a problem itself, preying on native birds and reptiles. Steve joins a team of researchers who are studying the mongoose's impact on the island's ecosystem, capturing and tagging the animals to better understand their behavior.

Continuing his exploration of Hawaii's carnivores, Steve heads to the island's dense rainforests, where he comes face-to-face with the Hawaiian hoary bat. This elusive creature is one of the only native land mammals in Hawaii, and its survival is threatened by habitat loss and non-native predators. Steve works with a team of bat experts to capture and study these fascinating animals, revealing their unique adaptations to life in the forest.

Finally, Steve travels to the island's highest peak, Mauna Kea, where he encounters a top predator – the Hawaiian hawk. With a wingspan of over four feet, this impressive bird of prey is a skilled hunter, targeting small mammals and birds. Steve takes to the skies in a helicopter to get a bird's-eye view of the hawk's territory, revealing its impressive hunting skills and the threats it faces from habitat loss and hunting.

Throughout the episode, Steve highlights the importance of conservation efforts in protecting Hawaii's unique and sometimes endangered wildlife. From the monk seal to the hoary bat, each species plays a critical role in the island's ecosystem, and it's up to humans to ensure their survival for generations to come.