Ep 2. Episode 2

In Episode 2 of Rare: Creatures of the Photo Ark, viewers are taken on a journey to the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean in search of the unique and endangered species that inhabit these isolated lands. We are introduced to photographer Joel Sartore, who is on a mission to capture these creatures in stunning photographs for the Photo Ark project, which aims to document every species on Earth.

The episode begins on the island of Guam, where Sartore is on a mission to photograph the island's native bird called the Mariana crow. This once abundant bird has suffered a rapid decline in population due to the introduction of the invasive brown tree snake, which preys on the crow's eggs and chicks. Sartore works against the clock to photograph this elusive and rare bird before its population declines even further.

As Sartore travels to other islands in the Pacific, viewers are introduced to a variety of other unique and endangered species. We meet the world's smallest primate, the mouse lemur, which is found only in the forests of Madagascar and is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. Sartore also photographs the Galapagos iguana, which is unique to the Galapagos Islands and is threatened by the introduction of invasive species such as rats and feral cats.

One of the most stunning creatures featured in the episode is the blue-throated macaw, a rare and critically endangered bird found only in Bolivia. Sartore visits a breeding program that is working to reintroduce these birds back into their natural habitat, and he captures stunning photos of the macaws in flight.

In addition to highlighting the beauty of these rare creatures, the episode also sheds light on the human impact on their habitats and populations. For example, Sartore visits a small island in the Pacific where local communities are working to conserve the threatened hawksbill turtle population. We learn about the challenges these communities face in trying to balance conservation efforts with economic development and human needs.

Throughout the episode, Sartore comes face to face with a variety of unique and wondrous creatures, each with its own story to tell. But he also encounters the harsh realities of the threats facing these species, from habitat loss and invasive species to human impact and climate change.

As with all episodes of Rare: Creatures of the Photo Ark, Episode 2 is not only a visual feast for the eyes, but also a powerful and urgent call to action to protect our planet's most vulnerable and endangered species. Through the stories and photographs of these rare creatures, viewers are reminded of the importance of conservation and the need to work together to protect the world's biodiversity.