Ep 8. Mythical Madagascar

In season 3 episode 8 of Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, titled "Mythical Madagascar," Dominic travels to the island of Madagascar to explore its rich biodiversity. Madagascar is home to a wide variety of unique and fascinating species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Dominic's first stop is the Masoala National Park, where he embarks on a quest to find the elusive aye-aye lemur. This nocturnal primate is known for its distinctive long middle finger, which it uses to tap on trees and extract insects from their bark. The aye-aye is considered a sacred animal by some Malagasy communities, and superstition has led to it being persecuted in the past. Dominic meets with researchers who are working to protect the aye-aye and its habitat, and he learns how these lemurs have adapted to survive in the dense forests of Masoala.

Next, Dominic travels to the Ankarana Reserve to search for one of Madagascar's most iconic animals: the fossa. This cat-like predator is the largest carnivorous mammal on the island, and it feeds mainly on lemurs. However, the fossa is also a skilled climber and can catch birds, reptiles, and even bats. Dominic treks through the rugged limestone formations of Ankarana to find a fossa den, where he observes a mother and her two young cubs. He learns how the fossa is a vital part of the ecosystem and how its survival is linked to the conservation of lemurs.

The third segment of the episode takes Dominic deep into the forests of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to meet a creature that is believed to be extinct: the ghost lemur. This small primate was last seen in the wild in the 1930s and was thought to be gone forever. However, in 2016, a group of scientists discovered a population of ghost lemurs in a remote part of Andasibe. Dominic accompanies the researchers as they attempt to capture and study the ghost lemurs, which have never been seen in the wild before. He discovers how the ghost lemur's discovery could lead to new insights into the evolution of lemurs and the history of Madagascar.

In the final part of the episode, Dominic visits the village of Anjahamana, where he learns about the cultural significance of the sifaka lemur. The sifaka is renowned for its acrobatic leaps and its striking black-and-white fur. However, the lemur is also revered by the local people, who believe that it has supernatural powers. Dominic takes part in a traditional sifaka dance and discovers how the lemur has shaped the culture and traditions of Madagascar.

Overall, "Mythical Madagascar" is a captivating and informative episode that showcases the incredible biodiversity of this unique island nation. Dominic's passion for conservation and his infectious enthusiasm for wildlife make him the perfect guide to explore the myths and legends of Madagascar. Viewers will come away with a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of this fascinating country.