Ep 8. Sri Lanka

In Deadly 60 On a Mission season 2 episode 8, titled Sri Lanka, Steve Backshall ventures to the island country of Sri Lanka, located off the southern coast of India. With its diverse range of habitats, from dense rainforests to arid plains, Sri Lanka is home to a staggering array of wildlife.

Steve wastes no time in seeking out some of the country's most elusive creatures. He sets out on foot to search for the Sri Lankan leopard, a beautiful and endangered big cat that's rarely seen in the wild. With the help of local trackers, Steve navigates the dense jungle and sets up hidden camera traps in hopes of capturing footage of the elusive leopard.

Next, Steve heads to the coast to explore the world-renowned Coral Triangle, an area of ocean that's rich in marine biodiversity. He dives into the crystal-clear waters to get up close and personal with some of the most colorful and fascinating sea creatures on the planet, including clownfish, bannerfish, and reef sharks.

Back on land, Steve visits one of Sri Lanka's many national parks to profile the Indian elephant, a majestic and intelligent animal that's revered by many in Sri Lankan culture. He spends time observing a family of elephants as they move through the forest, feeding and caring for their young.

Finally, Steve sets his sights on a creature that's often overlooked in Sri Lanka: the pangolin. These shy, scaly mammals are in high demand for their meat and scales, which are believed to have medicinal properties in some cultures. Steve joins a team of conservationists who are working to protect the endangered pangolin from poaching and habitat loss.

Throughout the episode, Steve's enthusiasm and passion for wildlife are evident as he explores the unique and varied ecosystems of Sri Lanka. He shines a light on the incredible diversity of life on the planet and the urgent need to protect these animals and their habitats before it's too late.