Ep 1. Islands

In the first episode of Planet Earth II, we are introduced to the world's most incredible island creatures. The episode is titled "Islands," and it explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by animals living on remote islands across the globe.

We start our journey on the Galapagos Islands, where a group of marine iguanas has adapted to life in the harsh volcanic landscape. These reptiles must navigate treacherous lava flows and evade hungry hawks to survive. We also meet a group of giant tortoises, who have managed to outlast the countless other species that have gone extinct on the Galapagos over millions of years.

From there, we jump to Madagascar, home of some of the world's most interesting ecosystems. The island was once part of the African continent, and its flora and fauna have evolved in isolation for millions of years. We meet a lemur named David, who faces a constant struggle to find food in the barren mountain forests. This leads him to engage in a tense competition with another lemur group for precious figs.

Next, we travel to the Caribbean to witness the courtship rituals of lesser flamingos. These birds must find a mate and build a nest in just a few short weeks, before the water levels in their nesting area rise too high. We witness some dramatic displays of dance and vocalization as the flamingos attempt to woo each other.

We then visit the Komodo Islands in Indonesia, where we meet a giant predator: the Komodo Dragon. These lizards are the largest living reptiles in the world, but they're not the only threats on the island. We see them battle it out with arrogant water buffaloes and scavenge for the scraps left behind by dead animals.

Finally, we end our journey on Christmas Island in Australia, where millions of red crabs migrate from the forest to the sea every year. This is an incredibly dangerous journey, as the crabs must navigate roads, bridges, and other man-made obstacles. We see them move in waves, like a crimson carpet over the landscape.

Overall, "Islands" is an incredible introduction to the world of Planet Earth II. The episode showcases the beauty and diversity of life on remote islands, as well as the challenges that animals must overcome to survive. From marine iguanas to red crabs, we are treated to a stunning array of creatures and their natural habitats.