Earth's Tropical Islands

2020
Eligible
Watch in a web browser or on supported devices Learn More

Season 1 episodes (3)

1 Madagascar
1/1/20
Season-only
Journey across the tropical island of Madagascar and explore the unique and incredible wildlife it has to offer - from its famed lemurs to chameleons. As the oldest island on earth, life has had time to evolve, and there are now more unique plants and animals on Madagascar than any other island. It was formed nearly 90 million years ago when a giant landmass split apart, and Madagascar was cast adrift from east Africa. Braving the 400-mile ocean crossing from Africa, the first castaways arrived on the arid west of the island, and were met with vast deserts.
2 Borneo
1/2/20
Season-only
In the heart of south east Asia lies the tropical island of Borneo. Twice the size of the British Isles, it is the third largest island on earth and home to possibly the greatest diversity of life of any island - from flying lizards sun bears to orangutans. Its huge variety of habitats, from bustling coral reefs and ancient jungles to towering mountains, has given rise to over 60,000 species of plants and animals - many found nowhere else on earth.
3 Hawaii
1/3/20
Season-only
This is a journey across Hawaii'™s varied islands, discovering how they were made and the incredible wildlife that thrives there. Hawaii is the most remote island chain on earth, and its tropical shores are hard to reach. But for the hardy creatures that can make it here, like the waterfall-climbing fish, carnivorous caterpillar and Laysan albatross, a land of opportunity awaits. From newly formed lava fields to lush jungles and vibrant coral reefs, these diverse and beautiful islands have it all. Packed with surprising stories, the hidden gems of this tropical paradise are uncovered using stunning photography.

About this show

Earth’s Tropical Islands journeys to three of the most exotic, mysterious and remote islands on planet earth: Madagascar, Borneo and Hawaii. Madagascar, famed for its lemurs, is the oldest island in the world and home to the largest collection of unique animals found on any island. Borneo cradles more diversity of life than any other island - from orangutans and sun bears to flying snakes. And Hawaii is the remotest island chain in the world, colonised by intrepid whales, carnivorous caterpillars and albatross. In a rapidly changing world, these fragile islands are a vital gauge for the health of our planet.