INDIA’SNEW WORLDS3x50 min - Filmed in HD - An Ammonite and Kosmik Global ProductionAs India’s population booms, her legendary wildlife has been squeezed almostout of existence. But the commitment of the Indian people to preserve their wildlife is surprising - even bringing back what has been lost. This series highlights the stunning transformation of Manas National park, the population recovery of the Asiatic lion and the thriving bio-diversity of the Chambal River.

India is the most populous country in the world, yet not long ago, it had large wilderness areas with immense herds of spectacular mammals to rival anything Africa had to offer. Now with 1.2 billion people, it isn't surprising that wildlife has been squeezed almost out of existence. But the effort and commitment of the Indian people and government to save and preserve their wildlife is surprising - even bringing back what has been lost. In a world of disappearing nature, it is rare to find much that is positive. These amazing stories are brought to life using the latest day and night camera technology, including high resolution thermal techniques.

EPISODE 1 – FOR THE LOVE OF LIONSAgainst a mosaic backdrop of teak forest, farmland and bustling villages this film explores the extraordinary story of Asia’s last lions living in 21st century India and their recovery from near extinction. A century ago, a mere 20 individuals remained. Afforded sanctuary in the form of Gir Forest National Park, numbers of these critically endangered big cats rose slowly and they now number over 400. But the lions have outgrown their sanctuary and have spilled out into the surrounding countryside and villages. Here, a unique relationship has developed between the large predators and the people, revealing a story not of continual conflict as we might expect, but one of survival and tolerance.

EPISODE 2 – RETURN FROM OBLIVION: MANAS NATIONAL PARKFor over 20 years, the Manas National Park was the unwelcome host for India’s Bodo rebellion. As conflict raged, rebels swept over the park ravaging the landscape and poaching wildlife for food and money. The results were catastrophic - some animal populations halved while others were eradicated from the park altogether. In 2003 the civil unrest and the loss of animal life appeared absolute - Manas had become stripped of animal life. In this uplifting story we discover how some of the rebel fighters gave up their weapons of war and instead turned their attention to safeguarding the park and its inhabitants. ‘Return from Oblivion’ explores this extraordinary recovery of a ravaged region and its wildlife.

EPISODE 3 – THE BADLANDS OF CHAMBALThe Chambal River is India’s last ‘wild’ river of the north. Carving steep ravines and gullies in its path, the river is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and dramatic, yet least known landscapes in the country. ‘The Badlands of Chambal’ reveals how these untamed territories, once overrun with outlaws and bandits, conceal many illusive and unusual animals. Today, the bandits are a distant memory. Yet, only now, in their absence, can the diversity of this wilderness be fully explored, and it appears a surprising range of species are thriving in this New World. Wild boar, nilgai, and Indian gazelles do well here, as does the shy and endangered Indian wolf. The inaccessible nature of much of the badlands and the abundance of prey means species including jungle cats, jackals, hyenas and even tigers are also flourishing.

© An Ammonite and Kosmik Global Production

3x50’Distributed by Earth Touch

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