Episode 9 Deadly Mission Madagascar

This is Madagascar.

It's a vast island in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa.

And it's home to some of the most unique

and rare creatures on the planet.

Incredibly, 80% of the wildlife here exists nowhere else on Earth.

HOOTING

But it's a paradise under threat.

So I've sent eight ordinary kids from the UK

to have the Deadly Adventure of their lives.

SCREAMING

They'll face the toughest challenges...

..and discover for themselves how to save this lost world...

..before it's too late.

Last time on Deadly Mission Madagascar...

the team explored the island's coral reefs

and discovered that they're far from healthy.

It was all sort of dull, and that's really, really sad.

The girls were divided.

They've abandoned me.

I don't know what to do, really,

-because we can either save the fish, or the people go hungry.

-Yeah.

And the cracks begin to show between the group.

We don't need it, but if we started with ten fish, it's a bit of a joke.

-Well, it's ten fish we didn't have before.

-Exactly.

Think about it that way.

The team are still on the tropical island of Ile Sainte-Marie

off the north east coast of Madagascar.

This is home to some of the country's most diverse marine life.

But after their discovery that the coral reefs are in trouble,

the team has decided they need to come up with a plan to help.

So they've sent Eilidh to investigate.

She's got a really useful skill - she's a trained scuba diver -

and she's heard about a shipwreck that the locals say

is teeming with life, unlike the coral reefs.

Anything that's been wrecked gets turned into an artificial reef,

and sometimes it's actually better than a normal coral reef,

because there are so many nooks and crannies,

man-made nooks and crannies, that nature has turned into a home.

'I've been diving for a long time, and it's still,

'every time I go diving, it's still amazing.'

But she's only ever dived in Scotland,

so this will be quite a challenge for the budding marine biologist.

Clear when you're ready.

The particular wreck Eilidh will be searching for

is several hundred years old

and is part of the island's more colourful history.

What you can see there are cannons.

Back in the 1700s and 1800s, this island was a lair

for some of the high seas' most dastardly

and daring characters - pirates.

Folklore tells of bandits and rapscallions who plundered

and sometimes sank the rich naval fleets of Britain and France.

The pirates were drawn to this island's warm climate

and fertile land.

It's said that many pirates liked it here so much

that they gave up the sea and stayed to become farmers.

So, while Eilidh investigates under the water,

some of the team are searching for pirates on land.

Or more like six feet under it.

-"Cemetery of pirates."

-Let's go, then.

They are really old, I think they'd be there about the 1800s,

because most of them are there.

You can tell they're very old,

-because of how...

-They're all cracked and things.

-Oh, a pirate grave.

-Oh, yeah!

It says Joseph Pierre.

I'm guessing it's a pirate grave,

because it's kind of got like a skull and crossbones.

Although it's a bit funny, because the skull's got a smile,

cheekbones and happy eyebrows!

It doesn't look very menacing, so I don't know.

And it seems that it wasn't just men

who terrorised the King's naval fleet.

There's a female pirate in this graveyard, and she doesn't

have a skull and crossbones, so it's going to be hard to find her.

I haven't really heard of female pirates, to be honest,

I've just heard of the male ones.

-Found it!

-Found it!

She was born July 10th, and died December, 1862.

The pirates plundered more than boats.

The local sea life paid a price, too.

It's not made of coral, is it?

It is very crumbly.

It'd be a big piece of coral.

I don't know.

I think it is coral.

Because we're near to the sea, and they are pirates.

This piece of coral could have been hundreds of years old

when it was ripped from the sea,

and it would have been home to thousands of marine animals.

It's well salty.

What does it taste like?

I don't know, I'm not going to taste it.

Tasty or not,

this piece of coral really should have stayed in the ocean.

However, underwater,

Eilidh is discovering that the sea life here is pretty adaptable.

The wreck she's found is covered in life.

This treasure trove of schooling fish and hard corals

shows that this wreck has become a thriving community.

It was just unbelievable.

There are clams, sea urchins, big, massive pike fish,

lots of shoals of little fish,

and in the biggest shoal the fish are about this big.

Compared to the reefs that we were snorkelling at yesterday,

the natural reefs, that was like ten times better, you know.

There was just life everywhere, it wasn't patched out in places.

It was man-made, everything there,

and now it's beautiful, it was amazing.

And it's better than the actual natural reefs we were at.

And maybe this artificial reef

will give the team inspiration to help the marine life here.

Across the bay, the other team members have found their own

little bit of remarkable nature.

-Look, Raina!

-Crabs!

-What are they?

-Crabs.

Oh, my gosh, look at that!

-Jamie, there's loads of them.

-Whoa!

They've come across a colony of fiddler crabs.

There are loads and loads of crabs all over the ground,

but every time you get close to them they go down a hole,

so it's really hard to get a close look at them.

These little guys and their other crabby cousins

are masters of survival.

If a crab loses their home,

they simply make or find another one.

And male fiddler crabs use their giant claw to attract the ladies.

They're experts in staying out of trouble.

But that means they're near impossible

to catch for a closer look.

Not that that's going to stop the team from trying, of course.

You can just see them, like,

checking to see if it's OK to come back up.

But you've got to stay really still and quiet,

because they can sense your footsteps.

This is going to be impossible.

(Just stay where you are.)

(Stand still, just stay where you are.)

Well, it's a really hard, tough thing to do.

What if he pinches me?

Oooh!

Ow! It used both pincers and pinched my hands!

Luckily, Oak is pretty nippy, too.

Look, that one is huge.

I just caught a crab!

-Wow.

-There's one here.

-How did you catch it?

-This one was a bit slow.

Because he couldn't find his hole, and then I grabbed him.

I reckon if I got my finger in that pincer,

it would actually quite hurt.

I'll put him down.

-Hi, guys.

-What did you do?

-I went diving.

-Oh, that must have been fun!

-What did you see?

-It was on a wreck.

-Really? Cool.

-It was amazing.

You know what we saw yesterday?

It was like 30 times better than that.

I'm pleased for you, because you wanted to.

Yeah, she actually really wanted to do that.

You're well chuffed, aren't you?

It's been a thought-provoking day for everyone,

and Jamie Rose in particular is realising that,

after what she's learnt about coral destruction,

she wants to lessen her impact on the environment

when she goes back home in just a few days' time.

I've learnt when I go back to the UK,

I'm not going to go in the shower.

I'm going to limit my water, limit my resources,

and I want to research, to take more understanding

of the people in developing countries

and where that food's come from, the value of that,

how much they get.

This experience has made a huge impact on Jamie Rose.

I've got a couple more days left now,

and I don't think I'm ready to go home.

I just wish I could bring my family to Sainte-Marie to stay here

the rest of my life, but obviously that can't happen.

But I hope I'll speak to you soon, bye!

It's their last day here on Ile Sainte-Marie,

and the team have woken up this morning determined

to do something about reef destruction.

So they're joining up with Maria

from the conservation charity CetaMada

and they've got a really important mission.

It may not look like much, but this will be an artificial reef,

and the team are hoping that, eventually,

it'll have as much life on it as the wreck Eilidh saw yesterday.

Healthy coral reefs exist in seas around the world.

Even though they cover less than 1% of the world's oceans,

they support 25% of all marine life on the planet.

They are home to some of the most diverse

and rich ecosystems, rivalling the mighty rainforests.

And we humans need them.

It's estimated that 1 billion people around the world

rely on eating seafood,

and the coral reefs are vital to maintaining those fish.

Sadly, though, reefs are disappearing fast

through over-fishing, pollution and climate change.

This could be a disaster for the world.

But as Eilidh discovered on her wreck dive,

it's possible to create new, artificial reefs

where corals will grow.

And where there's coral, fish will follow.

If it does become a coral reef, it will definitely help.

We're leaving this behind, so I'm really excited.

But first, they need to get this huge frame out to sea.

Oh, yes!

Very good.

What's going to happen is, we're going to take this down to the water,

put this on top, and then take it out to sea.

-We're towing it out, aren't we?

-Yeah.

And everyone's got their own idea about the best way to do it.

What on Earth is that?

-That's not a knot!

-It's going to come undone.

Just tie another knot...

It's going to come undone and we're all going to drown.

That might be a bit dramatic, Yoran,

but this job does require good teamwork,

and, thankfully, the guys have put their competitiveness aside

for the greater good.

It's fantastic that something that looks so simple

might have such a positive impact.

OK, you just have to push.

And leaving this legacy for the local people

is really important for the team.

There's a species of coral that lives for 4,000 years,

so if we can get that to grow on our structure, that means

you've got it out there for 4,000 years, which would be pretty cool.

We're leaving here tomorrow, so if this is one of the last things

that we do, it's going to be

a really good thing for us to leave behind.

You know, people will remember us for generations.

Everywhere we've gone, we've left our mark, haven't we?

This will help obviously rebuild the coral.

If they've got more coral there, then, in generations to come,

-then it is a win-win-win-win-win-win.

-Win-win-win.

We've just got in the spot where there's a gap in the coral,

where it's just sand.

And now we're just going to get it off the raft and dump it in.

OK, go.

THEY CHEER

-It's actually turned right.

-Oh, yes!

-That was really cool.

It was amazing. We actually got to see it go down.

-I'm so excited.

-And we've now left our mark on the reef,

which is really good.

Go, go, go.

The team's artificial reef has been placed near some healthy coral,

so hopefully in a few years it'll be teeming with life.

It's a success the team should be really proud of.

And it's their parting gift to the island of Ile Sainte-Marie.

It's time for them to leave for their very last mission

over on the Madagascar mainland.

That's just Raina's make-up.

SHE LAUGHS

With their time in Madagascar almost at an end,

the last month has been a journey of discovery

and has taught the adventurers so much.

They've learned about conservation...

It's kind of a battle between the lemurs and the humans,

and we don't really know who's going to win it.

But they've also learned about themselves...

Imagine how that boy has to do it every single day

for, like, an hour on his own.

If they can do it, then we can, like, give it a go.

In Kianjavato, they saw first-hand what effect habitat destruction has

on the precious bamboo lemurs...

I never thought that I would get to be this close

to one of the most endangered primates in the world.

In the pristine forests of Ranomafana, they learned

how protecting nature could benefit both wildlife and mankind...

It's amazing because this research lab is in the middle of nowhere

and it could hold the secret to unlocking human genetics.

It's amazing.

In the wetlands of Ankarafantsika, the team learned

how to stop endangered animals from becoming extinct...

They're so rare and they should be out in the wild where they belong.

Not in someone's home or their back garden.

Oh, my...

And in Ile Sainte-Marie, they discovered how sustainable tourism

and conservation go hand-in-hand.

A humpback whale is a very important animal,

so tourists will want to come and see him.

So when they do, it's bringing money to Sainte-Marie.

Whoa! That was close!

All of these experiences

have led them to their final and most important mission.

If the next few days go well,

they'll have truly left their mark on Madagascar.

The team are heading to Andasibe in the centre of Madagascar.

This area is home to the island's most iconic animal - the indri.

This majestic creature is the largest lemur in the world.

Indris can only live in the wild.

None have ever survived in captivity.

Sadly, they're one of the most endangered lemurs in Madagascar,

as their habitat is disappearing through deforestation.

So the kids are going to use all they've learned

to try to help the indri lemurs survive.

They're joining Elsie and her team at Mitsinjo -

a conservation charity based here in the rainforest.

-Good morning.

-You guys have learned about

deforestation during your trip so far, right?

Today, we're going to do something with the reforestation.

So we have a shovel and a rake for each of you,

-and we'll be on our way.

-OK. Cool.

With these simple tools and a lot of trees,

the team are going to try and replant an area of rainforest.

The plan is that it will regrow

and provide a future home for the indri.

I feel, like, really positive about it

because we've learnt about deforestation, the causes of it,

and now we're going to actually act and do some reforestation.

So we're happy to see the outcome and what happens. I'm really excited.

I'm feeling good about doing it.

We're really going to be helping the environment

and also it's going to be good to get some proper hard work going.

And there's no doubt this is going to be hard work.

But if the team manage it, they'll not only help the lemurs,

they'll be encouraging sustainable tourism

and benefiting the local people -

everything they've spent their last month learning about.

So we're going to go and learn how to plant the trees with these guys

and then we'll try ourselves.

They've got 500 trees to plant in only three days.

And Yusuf wants to make sure the team do it correctly.

We have to try and get it right every time,

so the tree grows properly when it starts to grow up -

so it grows straight.

Now we're going to split into teams, so we can get this show on the road

and get the trees planted.

They've split into two teams.

As they've only got 72 hours to complete this task,

they've decided to race to the finish.

It's orange versus black.

-Team Orange for the win.

-It's not about the competition.

The first team that plants trees to the middle of the field wins.

The plan for this forest is to plant a variety of trees

that have the best chance of surviving and thriving.

We have the same native tree, but in different categories.

Category one can grow really fast. Category two grows quite slowly.

Category three takes quite a long time to grow.

So we've got a varied amount,

so when the forest grows, it's not just one category of tree.

-So, let's go. Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much.

But it turns out that tree-planting isn't as easy as you might think.

I'm just making a pile. It's hard!

I need to get over this way, that's why.

It's kind of hard because sometimes

the mud has rocks and trees and roots around it,

so you have to try and dig around it.

So Jamie's decided to take charge and get her team organised.

Come on, guys. Let's get to work, then.

I'm organised and bossy.

That's one of my flaws. I'm a real bossy person, so sorry, guys.

Do you think we need a little bit deeper, or will that be OK?

-No. Deeper.

-A tiny bit deeper and then it'll be up to my standards.

Over on the orange team, things aren't going well.

After a tiring month, Eilidh's not enjoying today's work.

This is the second tree I've just planted and...

Urgh, I hate it. It's horrible.

It's too hot and I really can't stand the heat and I need water. Lots.

And while the rest of the team get stuck in,

Eilidh's decided that digging's not for her.

You all right, Eilidh?

Yeah, I'm just really hot and I'm beginning to feel a bit sick,

so I think I should stop.

It's not a popular move with the rest of the group.

It is selfish for all of us to really be getting stuck in

and then for her to just take a backseat.

So we'll see how today goes.

If she's still like it tomorrow, we'll just have to say something.

But it's not just Eilidh that's struggling with the workload.

Who would've thought planting trees would be so tiring?

And, worse than that,

the rest of Gwen's team have stopped listening to each other.

-I think it's better if we stay together.

-No.

We're doing good here. We've already done one.

We're doing two separate ones because Oke wants to do one by herself.

-No, Oke. Stick with the plan.

-There's not enough room.

I kind of prefer working by myself because I can get it done quicker.

Yeah, but then I can't, so that's slowing us down.

I think I can get it done quicker.

I think it's better if we work as a pair

because then you do things twice as quick.

In spite of the divisions, both teams have

started to find their feet and are making good progress.

This is our furthest one.

-Yay!

-Just carry on. Come on. We've got no time to waste.

It seems their competitive streak has won out,

and it's right up Gwen's street.

I don't know if you've noticed,

but every single thing we've done on this trip has been a competition.

And I like it that way.

Even Eilidh has put her discomfort aside and started pitching in.

I don't like digging, but everybody else hasn't had a break,

so it's only fair that I take my turn.

Both teams are making really good headway now.

The flags marking how far they've planted

are getting closer and closer.

They're quite close, but we're also quite close to them.

I actually do think that, by tomorrow, if not by...

-Less talk, more work!

-I'm talking and working!

I haven't realised how far we've actually progressed.

We've come quite a way. And we can see their flag a lot closer now.

So everyone's speeding up a bit. Once we've done a tree, it's like,

"Yeah, one more closer to the finish line."

So that's what's keeping me going, really.

Everyone's getting confident that their team is going to win this.

I reckon we've got this one.

The day's almost over and the taped markers

show where the teams have planted more than half the trees.

It's a fantastic effort, as this new patch of forest

will make such a positive difference to the indri lemurs.

But that's not what's at the forefront of the kids' minds.

So, who do you think is going to win?

-Them.

-Let the best team win, you know.

-They are the best team.

-Your whole life is revolved around a competition.

-No, it's not.

Life is not a competition...

But in order to make this progress,

it seems like they may have cut some corners.

Even though we were told to do

40 centimetres wide and 40 centimetres deep,

I think I've gone off of that scale quite a lot of times.

So I don't know if it's going to alter the growing of the tree,

but I'm hoping that it won't.

Stop digging! Time's up for today.

Oh, wicked. We're nearly there.

But conservationist Yusuf isn't happy.

He's inspecting how the trees have been planted

and can see that there are some major problems.

Group leader Doug can see the issue straight away.

It's not filled in enough. The soil's not packed in.

Yusuf's grown these trees from seedlings.

These are his trees, he's cared for them and loved them.

And he doesn't need to see these trees wasted.

They've been all about speed and the competition.

And if these trees don't grow, the forest won't live.

And so therefore, it's an utter waste of everyone's time.

About 50 trees need to be redone.

So, in the morning, the guys are going to find they've got

a bit more work than they maybe realised.

It's going to be a brutal last 48 hours in Madagascar.

Next time on Deadly Mission Madagascar...

I swear they've moved our flag back.

..things go from bad to worse.

We're obviously not going to win now, so what's the point?

What were you ever going to win? Nothing!

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