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In this episode:
In the last episode I found the Jungle Nymph, in this episode I'm after the closely related species of stick insects. They are all in the same group, they are phasmids (the family Phasmatodea ). Phasmids / the stick insects, are some of the most camouflaged insects on the planet, they need to be as these insects have little other means of defence against predators ( some like the Jungle Nymph can jab their legs into a predator, or some can secrete toxins) - but generally these animals rely solely on their camouflage. They resemble twigs, branches, mossy branches, almost perfectly. It is incredible to number of stick insects that have evolved in the rainforest, there is a huge diversity. In this region of South East Asia alone there are over 300 stick insect species, and in this small patch of rainforest in the highlands there are over 40 species. Every single year a new species is discovered.
There are many people who keep stick insects as pets, but little is known about these insects out in the wild.
I hope you enjoy these animals as much as I do ! :)
*DISCLAIMER*
Jack Randall has extensive experience handling and studying wild animals. Where filming with dangerous animals Made in the Wild works with scientists and wildlife institutions. Do not attempt to handle wild animals without appropriate training and permits.
About Jack Randall:
Jack is a zoologist on an adventure! He has a TV show with National Geographic Wild called "Out There" and this is his YouTube channel where he tells animal stories. Jack was educated at Oxford University following an apprenticeship with the iconic Steve Irwin (which started when Jack was 14!). Jack’s mission is to show off the world’s most amazing animals. And to do that he must explore the world’s most wild places…
What Are Creature Features?
All creatures have evolved different tricks to survive in the wild places they call their homes! Each animal has an awesome story about how they look, what they eat and even how they move! Creature Features spotlight the stories behind these crazy cool adaptations.
The Science:
With over 1 Million animals on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, animal populations are in decline the world over. This is due to many reasons but what we know for sure is to keep the planet's amazing diversity of wildlife we need to learn as much as possible about where and how these creatures live their lives. Collating all the data we are gathering will help build a picture of which habitats are key to sustaining the largest diversity of life on planet earth.
Thanks to our amazing team without whom the series would not have been possible!
Suzie Brearley, Production & Second (backup) Cam
Sarah Ash, Camera
Tom Eagar & Rachel Hagreen & Me, Edit
Mike Wyatt, Graphics
Michael Brearley, Series Intro
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