terra: The Nature of Our World - Montana PBS & Survivors in Paradise

http://www.montanapbs.org/Terra/

"This science and natural history series presents stories that speak to the relationship between human civilization and the planet. An accessible and thought-provoking series, terra offers a window to the natural world by exploring frontiers of research, examining applications of science, and celebrating diversity in our natural environment. Topics range from habitat issues, species survival, profiles of individuals working in the field and even major ecological alerts.Produced in conjunction with the graduate program in Science and Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University and Filmmakers for Conservation Ltd. terra provides independent filmmakers and students a venue in which to present their own perspectives on ecological and environmental topics. terra is presented by KUSM/MontanaPBS, MSU Bozeman." Watch the podcasts! http://www.terravideos.blogspot.com/

Famous examples of adaptive radiation, the Hawaiian honeycreepers are also going extinct at an alarming rate. Hope for the future of native birds in Hawai'i may lie with the Amakihi, a species that is making a surprising comeback in the face of deadly avian malaria, and with the team of biologists trying to combat the disease. History, genetics, and island biogeography come together in this remarkable story of evolution in action.

In 1826, the first mosquitoes arrived in Hawai'i aboard a whaling ship. In this episode of terra we learn how they spread avian malaria to native birds, accelerating extinction in this already imperiled ecosystem, and we join scientists as they investigate how one species is bucking the extinction trend through evolution. History, island biogeography and genetics converge as the 'Amakihi, a native honeycreeper, mysteriously re-populates the lowlands of Hawai'i, providing hope for the future of other native birds in Hawai'i. Produced by Susanne Clara Bard for terra, presented by KUSM/ MontanaPBS, MSU Bozeman. Surviviors in Paradise first aired September 22, 2005 on Montana PBS. For more information, visit: www.montanapbs.org/Terra/episode105/ Available as a podcast soon. Stay tuned! All images copyright Susanne Bard Productions 2005