Wild Burma

Wild Burma is an engaging and enriching three-part documentary series that aired on the Smithsonian Channel in 2014. The show takes viewers on an immersive journey into the heart of one of the world's most biodiverse countries - Myanmar, formerly called Burma. Known for its rich ethnic diversity and cultural heritage, Myanmar also cloaks a bounty of unknown biological treasures within its boundaries. The series seeks to unravel the wealth of this natural treasure trove, in pursuit of an understanding of Myanmar's unique fauna and their habitats.

The series commences with an introduction to Myanmar, a country that had remained isolated from the Western world for decades due to its political climate. This isolation has arguably preserved the country's biodiversity from the dangerously accelerating pace of the Anthropocene. This breathtaking tour of Myanmar's undisturbed beauty unfolds in high-definition clarity, spotlighting wild landscapes that range from towering peaks to secret jungle valleys, from fertile floodplains to dense forests.

In the series, an intrepid team of scientists and filmmakers embark on a daring exploration into the country’s most remote corners, presenting an untamed Burma teeming with stunning life and natural grandeur. Wild Burma uncovers an array of captivating animals including tigers, elephants, and rare bird species that have remained virtually unknown to the outside world. Cross-cutting between the various pockets of biodiversity, the series stands as a testament to the region's remarkable natural history.

The film crew braves the kind of challenges that only a dangerous and untouched wilderness can supply - facing inhospitable terrains, unpredictable weather, and close encounters with some of the most majestic and fearsome predators of the animal kingdom. These trials, however, only serve to enhance the authentic experience the series promises its audience.

Each episode of Wild Burma unfolds with an element of suspense, combining edifying commentary on wildlife species and their behaviors with heart-stopping action sequences. As the series progresses, viewers are treated to increasingly rare sightings of endangered and elusive species. This teasing slow reveal signals not only the exceptional camera work and patience of the crew but also the sheer diversity of animal life in Myanmar.

As much as the series is a celebration of this diversity, it also serves as a stark reminder of the impending ecological crisis facing our planet. Wild Burma lays bare the threats to Myanmar's richness, from habitat loss to climate change and poaching. Despite the country's relative isolation, these universal threats loom menacingly over its unique biodiversity.

The conservation angle is further elaborated by showcasing the painstaking efforts of local conservationists and researchers who tirelessly work to protect and preserve these unseen ecosystems and the wildlife they harbor. This balances the narrative of the series between an exposition of sheer natural wonder and a serious examination of the conservation state in the country.

A special mention must go to the high production value of the series. The cameras capture the glory of the natural world in all its intricate detail, presenting breathtaking visuals that manage to both entertain and educate. The stunning cinematography couples with a compelling narrative, comprehensive scientific commentary, and remarkable authenticity to keep viewers hooked.

The Smithsonian Channel’s Wild Burma is a venture into the unknown, an expedition that brings to light a side of the world that remains largely landlocked and yet is teeming with life. The audience is ushered into this untamed world of natural splendor, showcasing a vibrant assortment of creatures and landscapes that most will never have the opportunity to see in person.

In essence, Wild Burma is an exceptional gift to the natural history genre. It showcases the unfamiliar fauna and untamed landscapes of a largely unexplored country, delivering a captivating blend of wildlife wonder, adrenaline-fueled adventure, and sober environmental awareness. For the wildlife enthusiast and casual viewer alike, the series offers a rare chance to venture into a world untamed - a wild Burma that is as intriguing as it is unknown.