Islands of Wonder

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Narrator

The Grand Tsingy. (bird cawing) (dramatic music) More than 500 square miles of sharp limestone pinnacles. Towering over 400 feet, they've been slowly eroded by rain over millions of years. The deep ravines hold moisture, allowing tiny pockets of forest to grow. They provide an oasis for an extraordinary lemur. Found only in this corner of Madagascar. Decken's sifaka. (rustling) This youngster was born just three months ago. But he's already mastering the vital skill of leaping. No cluster of trees has enough leaves to sustain a troop of eight. To provide enough food for her son, this female must seek out fresh vegetation. And run a deadly gauntlet. (dramatic music) Crossing the exposed rocks to reach the next pocket of food. The limestone shards are sharp enough to shred human skin. (dramatic music) But protected by thick rubbery soles and with springy long legs that can leap up to 30 feet, these lemurs have evolved into blade runners. (dramatic music) (rustling) Safely across, they claim their reward. Fresh leaves, essential for both mother and son.