A closer look at the small-but-mighty animals that must travel vast distances to survive
ByLEOMA WILLIAMS
Big Little
Journeys is a new three-part BBC Two series that follows six tiny animals as they undertake epic, make-or-break treks through the wild to find mates, food or new territories. Here, we take a closer look at the small-scale star species of the show, from the golden-headed lion tamarin that risks life and limb to relocate to new feeding grounds in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, to the brave water vole that swims across a deep Scottish loch in search of a home and a mate. We also profile some other mini marvels of the animal world that undertake voyages of great distance and peril: the European eel, ancient murrelet and Atlantic salmon.
To follow the species featured in the series, the BBC team worked closely with scientists and conservationists around the globe. The animals were filmed using a mixture of technologies, including 360° camera rigs, low-light camera traps, and probe and borescope lenses, which give a small-animal view of the world. “I like to think of the series as Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, because we experience what it’s like to be an animal as small as a walnut travelling through a world of giants,” says series producer Paul Williams. “We felt that it was time to shine the light on nature’s unsung heroes – because when you’re a teeny turtle or a pint-sized tamarin, the world is full of unexpected danger, adventure and opportunity.”
Painted turtle
Canada, USA and Mexico The long and dangerous road to home
These tiny turtles can be found across North America and show off their beautiful red streaks while basking atop logs and rocks in lakes, marshes, streams and ponds. At other times of year, they might be hibernating in the mud at the bottom of these slow-moving water bodies.
However, terrestrial habitats are also important to painted turtles as the females lay their eggs on land. They will travel some distance to find the perfect nesting spot, preferring warm, sandy banks. Unfortunately, these are often on roadsides and when the hatchlings – just the size of a 10p coin – make the long and perilous journey back to their wetland home, they must navigate busy highways thunder
