Ep 2. Tarsier Forest

In the second episode of Earth at Night in Color, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through the Tarsier Forest in the Philippines. This dense jungle is home to some of the smallest primates in the world - the tarsiers. These tiny creatures are only 4-6 inches long and have huge eyes, making them one of the most endearing animals on the planet.

Narrated by Tom Hiddleston, the episode showcases the stunning natural beauty of the forest at night as we follow a family of tarsiers through their nocturnal hunting and mating rituals. Using state-of-the-art cameras, viewers are taken deep into the forest, where the sounds of the jungle and the sights of stars shining overhead are a mesmerizing backdrop.

The tarsiers, usually solitary creatures, gather in small family units at night. We watch as they leap from branch to branch, using their powerful hind legs to propel them almost ten times their body length in a single jump to catch their prey - insects. The camera's unobtrusive presence means that the tarsiers are oblivious to its presence, allowing the viewer to get an intimate look at their incredible agility in the wild.

One particularly touching scene is of a mother tarsier, who keeps a watchful eye over her newborn. We see the tiny creature clinging to her belly as she makes her way through the forest, its head darting from side to side as she hunts for food. Tarsiers are known for their incredible ability to rotate their heads almost 180 degrees, making it easy for them to spot their prey.

We also see the social interactions between tarsiers, as they use a range of vocalizations that are beyond the human range of hearing. They bark and hoot to communicate with each other, warning of danger or signaling food sources. Watching these tiny primates call out in the dark is a moving experience, and something that few people get to witness in the wild.

The Tarsier Forest is also home to a range of other animals that come out at night. We see the beautiful Philippine slow loris, a small primate with large, soulful eyes that is unfortunately often kept as a pet due to its endearing looks. We also watch monitor lizards and snakes slithering through the undergrowth, as well as a variety of bats and owls.

Midway through the episode, the viewer is given an aerial view of the Tarsier Forest at night. The scene is breathtaking, as the vast expanse of the jungle and the twinkling stars overhead are a tribute to the natural beauty of the earth. The voiceover talks of the importance of preserving these forests, which are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to human activities such as illegal logging and agriculture.

Overall, Tarsier Forest is a heartwarming and awe-inspiring episode, showcasing the magnificent biodiversity of the Philippines. It reminds viewers of the importance of preserving natural habitats, and the wonders that can be found in the earth's most remote corners.