It's not all bad...
Post categories: New Zealand, kakapo
| 11:46 UK time, Monday, 5 October 2009
I hope I haven't been sounding too negative in these blogs, because it's certainly not all bad news in the world of conservation. And thank goodness - we need success stories, proving that we really can make a difference, to keep us all going.
Here in Britain, one high profile conservation achievement is the return of the beautiful red kite. Almost wiped out by widespread killing in Victorian times, its population had plummeted to just ten pairs by the beginning of the Second World War. Hiding in a remote corner of Wales, they survived against all the odds - with a little help from their human friends. Thanks to ongoing reintroductions, and the dedication of so many conservationists, farmers, landowners and committed individuals, now there are more than 1,200 pairs right across Britain.
It just shows that a species on the brink can recover.
One of the biggest success stories from Last Chance to See is the kakapo, the subject of the latest programme. This wonderful parrot with a song like a Pink Floyd studio outtake was once counted in millions. People used to claim you could shake a tree and three or four of them would fall out. But when Douglas and I went to look for this charismatic creature in 1989, the population had reached an all-time low of just forty birds. Many people had pretty much given up hope.
Now the kakapo population stands at 124. It's still teetering on the brink but, thanks to New Zealand's Department of Conservation and literally hundreds of volunteers, it has more than trebled in 20 years.
Do you notice the common factor? Dedicated people. One thing that struck me more than anything else while filming Last Chance to See was that Stephen and I were able to meet up with the very same people Douglas Adams and I had met 20 years earlier. They are still out there in the field devoting their lives (and, in many cases, risking their lives) in their sheer and utter determination to protect the animals they care about so much. They are the ones who are standing between endangered species and extinction.
When the going gets tough, it's these people, who have dedicated their lives - to the red kite, the kakapo and the likes of gorillas, robins, rhinos, turtles and lemurs - that give me so much cause for optimism.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~34~RS~)
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I have only caught a couple of clips of your show, and have already recommended it to many. i am canadian, a chef by trade, currently working in Japan, and have had some disturbing conversations with people here in regards to their opinions about conservationism. In particular, the subject if Unagi, or Eel, is best not brought up in social situations. not until my arrival here, did I figure out Angillus Japonicus is believed to be dangerously close to being fished out of manageability. However, when confronted on the subject, people here politely but condascendingly cite tradition. In fact, the argument of tradition keeps it a regular item on a majority of menus.
I do have one question; is it possible to purchase this series on a dvd, perhaps together as a set with Adams' original series?
again, great show, incredible website, please don't stop.
thank you for it all,
Ben
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It was lovely to see the success story of the Kakapo. With the right action it just shows there's hope for all endangered wildlife. It's great there's so many people who don't give up on these amazing creatures. Thanks for providing us with a brilliant show-the Kakapo is so mysterious and yet so adorable! I hope it contiues to do well.
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Hi chefben - the DVD of Last Chance to See will be released in the UK on 19 October. An international release should follow shortly after that.
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Mark, I have been absolutely fascinated by this fabulous series which is both thoroughly entertaining and very informative. You are so right to acknowledge the people involved, they and their success stories are truly inspirational.
However, I think your own knowledge, passion and dedication to conservation are also undeniable and should be recognised as such. The fact that people all over the world still donate money today to save the kakapo as a result of yours and Douglas' work 20 years ago is astonishing and something to be really proud of.
Added to that, you also have the most utterly charming nature that is like a breath of fresh air not only to Natural History programming but to television in general! My only question to you and the BBC is ... why are you not on our screens more?!?
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Reasons to be Cheerful...
Just wanted to say that I'm loving the series Mark and it's coupled with a fantastic website.
I find myself getting teary-eyed and a little choked when Douglas Adams is mentioned, but I think that's just because I'm a sentimental bastard who's aware of his own mortality. I never met the great man, but I feel he would of been proud of the work you've continued.
Well done to all involved in this project.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I don't understand why my blog about Madagascar has been removed from this site? I think high profile people like Stephen and Mark have the ability to stand up and make noise about things like the Madagascan rainforests being destroyed - that's what they have already done in part on the series. This series has highlighted that animals on this island, as well as all over the world, need us to stand up and protect them. Celebrities and the media is the best medium that non-politicians have to be heard?
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Well done for a fascinating series. Do you think there might be any chance of you receiving and broadcasting films or photos of the new kakapo chicks ? It would be wonderful to have the chance to see them and celebrate the team's good work !
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Mark,
seeing so many conservation projects and all with different grades of succes. I was wondering where do you see room for improvement in the field of conservation. What in your eyes can increase the amount of succes or duplicate the succes of the kakapo (and several other island species).
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Over a year ago, I was browsing through a used bookshop for a book to take with me for my backpacking trip, and I stumbled across "Last Chance to See".
In short, it changed my life. I'm incredibly happy to hear that people are working so hard...I wish I could express it to those that are devoting their lives. It means a lot. Only recently I found out about the new series, here - and this blog. The Kakapo, particularly. I have a last image of a sad, untouched sweet potato being left on a precipice. This brings cause to celebrate a little, at least.
I'm Canadian and living in Munich now. I'm having some problems with work and language here, but I'll see what I can do from my end, too.
Thank you.
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As you may have read above I have found this series truly inspirational! As a result I was unable to resist the opportunity to see Mark and Stephen discussing Last Chance to See at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Saturday evening! I have to say it was an absolute privilege. I have reviewed the experience on this link if anybody is interested in reading more about it:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=11146&uid=125477602674#/topic.php?uid=125477602674&topic=11146
I hope I am not breaking any rules by doing this but I thought it may be a bit too long to post on here in its entirety and it is very complimentary!
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Hi Mark, I don't normally make comments on programs on the TV, but this one I just have to! What a fantastic series. I wasn't too sure how Stephen Fry would cope but he is also brilliant! You certainly get the message across, my children (apart from us of course) are horrified that the forests are in such decline therefore threatening a huge amount of wildlife. Going shopping is becoming quite a responsibility, looking for recyclable products and fair trade goods, are we really doing the right thing if trees are coming down in the beautiful Madagascar in order for us to be able to recycle our plastic packaging - HELP what do we do for the best?? Keep up the brilliant work, when is the 6th one on?
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Hi portisheadladybee,
The Blue Whale episode of Last Chance to See will be on Sunday 18 October at 8pm on BBC Two. You can find more details about the programme on the Blue Whale episode page.
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I just ran across this programme today and I'm quite excited to see that you're doing a revisit. I've many fond memories of reading the book years ago and now I've got a good excuse to indulge myself and read it again :)
Quick question though. I was keen to hear the radio series (not having ever heard it before) but it appears to be region restricted (I'm in Australia). I would have thought that since it was a Radio 4 series (none of the current Radio 4 content is region restricted), and was first broadcast 24 years ago, that the usual rights and regions restrictions wouldn't apply. A technical hiccup or is it meant to be so?
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Hi there Khanny_
I'm afraid the radio series isn't available outside the UK. This is due to rights agreements which prevent us from making the content available internationally.
You can listen live to current Radio 4 programmes and some podcasts at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/.
You can also read extracts of the new book in our About section
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Mark Hi, Can you tell me please if the BBC will rerelice the programs that you did with Dug Adams as it would be nice to see how far things have got worse or better
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Hi there
The original BBC radio series is available to UK users exclusively on this website. Listen to the original series.
We've also just published a video interview with Mark Carwardine reflecting on the last two years of filming for the Last Chance to See TV series - Watch the Mark Carwardine post-journey interview
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I am old enough to remember the first "Last Chance to See" and it was honestly what managed to get me interested in zoology myself; I grew up reading National Geographic and watching David Attenborough. I have a son who I have raised on the same programmes, he's six years old with autism but quite capable of telling the difference between dinosaurs and white tipped as opposed to black tipped sharks. While it has been rather gutting to watch these shows now and have to say to myself "That's gone, that's extinct, that doesn't exist anymore..." I am yet relieved that some of the animals teetering on the brink are now doing rather well, and my son can thus giggle (and perhaps not entirely understand) what the parrot was doing on your head, though it is so far his favourite episode. "Man parrot! Man parrot!" is his demand. He has been asking for the whale episode all day (and try to explain to an autistic six year old why he can't have what he wants Right Now), but he'll watch tomorrow morning before he goes to school with bated breath, and will probably impress me yet again by naming other animals in the show that I wasn't even aware he knew about.
Thank you so much for the programme, your hard work, and your dedication so that I could share this with my son, and pass on my enthusiasm to another generation.
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hiya Mark Im such a big fan of the book last time to see with douglas adams! what a fantastic book! do you miss working with Douglas Adams! i think Stephen fry is fantastic too but douglas adams what a guy! I really miss him! he was such a great writer! keep on doing your good work ! xxx
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Just finished watching the last episode and a great series. However, it would have been nice to go to China and find out why the project for the Yangtze River Dolphin project failed. In the original book (which I've just finished reading - again) there is great hope that a sanctuary could be established, but something has gone wrong and it would be interesting to know why and what can be learnt from it.
I get the feeling the original changed Douglas Adams' life, did it have the same affect on Stephen Fry?
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I have to say just how refreshing it has been to watch a series that focused so much on the plight of the animal kingdom, rather than just the plight of a celebrity, although Stephen did have his fair share of adventure!
All my emotions were touched, from learning about the extinction of the Yangtze river dolphin, to the courtship of the kakapo (via Mark’s head)!
Mark and Stephen worked well together and I felt like I was alongside them on their journey.
Really hope the BBC will consider another series to further enlighten us as to what is happening to other endangered animals in the world.
Not sure what to do on Sunday night’s now !
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Hi there
Bervanjack - you may be interested in the interview with Mark Carwardine that we put up last week on Mark's profile page. In it he mentions filming with Stephen Fry and Douglas Adams. Apologies, I posted the wrong link last time!
There's also a comment from Tim Green, series producer, on another thread about the decision not to go to China. You can read it here.
Great to hear that so many people have enjoyed the series. It is still available to watch again from our Episode Guide section.
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Sian,
Thank you very much for links, I've now watched and read them all. One thing that interests me in Tim Green's response to the question about the rodriguez fruit bat is
"The fruit bat will have to wait for another series... "
Does that mean there maybe another series.....
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That's a pity Sian, but thanks anyway. I'll just have to wait until I'm in the UK next :)
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Just wanted to say how much I like the series! Both Mark and Stephen made the program very enjoyable, and I also liked the mentions of Douglas Adams. It's great that now probably more people will go back and read the original book.
Also, seeing how it's October and absolutely the right time to buy calendars as Christmas presents: Where is the "Last Chance to See" 2010 calendar? We saw Mark taking lots and lots of beautiful photos, so there should be great material to create a calendar from. ;-)
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Hi
Bervanjack - Last Chance to See has been very well received but there are no plans at the moment for a second series. And Ammaletu, I have no news on the possibility of a Last Chance to See calendar!
Khanny_ Depending on where you live you may be in luck as the series may be broadcast outside the UK soon. Check your local channels for more information.
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Hello Mark & Stephen,
Thanks ever so much for a very engaging programme featuring all those wonderful endangered animals. Sorry, but we too enjoyed the "love-making" on you Mark by Siroccos the parrot! How hilarious!
We are visiting New Zealand soon and would absolutely love to see the Kakapo parrot while we are there, we shall be travelling all over both islands so any suggestions would be very welcome!
Thank you,
Cheers, Jemima & Andrew
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Hi,
I'm a German teacher and am currently reading the book "Last Chance To See" with my German form 11. It's a fabulous book and I've just discovered your follow-up series - fantastic! My students are doing presentations on the different chapters and animals at the moment, including some updated research of "their animal", so I'd really like to buy the DVD of the series as soon as it's available on the European market. Any news when that will be?
Cheers,
Lucy
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Hi Lucy - great to hear your students are enjoying the book. Please email lastchancetosee@bbc.co.uk so we can give you more info.
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