This stunning island has been dubbed the UK’s own Tasmania
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
10:00, 08 Mar 2026
This stunning island has been labelled the UK’s own Tasmania(Image: Henryk Sadura via Getty Images)
Located just 40 minutes from the UK is the Isle of Man, the first complete nation to receive UNESCO Biosphere status. Described as Britain’s answer to Tasmania, the island boasts rare wildlife, dramatic coastlines and unspoilt beaches, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat.
With only 85,000 residents and a thoughtful mix of community and countryside, the island offers plenty of space, even at peak times of year. Situated in the waters between the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man is accessible by either aircraft or ferry, meaning even those fearful of flying can experience this stunning destination.
Walkers can follow the entire coastline along the Raad ny Foillan coastal path, marking its 40th anniversary this year, passing through cliffs, coves and fishing hamlets with ocean vistas at every point.
Meanwhile, the wild coastlines of Niarbyl Bay and the Calf of Man bear more resemblance to the Australian island of Tasmania than somewhere in the Irish Sea.
Writing on TripAdvisor, one recent guest to Niarbyl Bay said: “Niarbly Beach offers an idyllic setting for walking and exploring, perfect for both relaxation and adventure.
“The beach’s unique rock formations provide an intriguing landscape to discover, with plenty of tide pools and hidden nooks.”
Meanwhile another commented: “A real dreamy gem on the island with picturesque scenery of the coast and Irish Sea, there is also a walk along the coast that heads south and a little stone pebble beach, complete with a sea cave and a lovely old thatched cottage on the shoreline.”
The island’s wildlife represents another major draw for any visit, featuring the tailless Manx cat and the uncommon four-horned Loaghtan sheep, as well as seals, seabirds, and the occasional basking shark.
The Isle of Man is also a haven for stargazers, boasting 26 official Dark Sky Discovery sites and remarkably low light pollution. On occasion, the Northern Lights can even be spotted from the island.
The Northumberland islands are a haven for wildlife with 43,000 pairs of puffins, Atlantic grey seals, dolphins and over 200,000 breeding seabirds
These UK islands are loved by Sir David Attenborough(Image: Getty Images)
A stunning collection of UK islands are Sir David Attenborough’s ‘favourite’ destinations for observing wildlife in Britain, boasting around 23 bird species, seals and dolphins.
Located off the Northumberland coast are the Farne Islands, a leading wildlife sanctuary amidst some of the most spectacular landscapes. Their isolated position means they’re only reachable by a boat trip leaving from Seahouses harbour, which is roughly an hour’s drive from Newcastle, yet what lies in wait is certainly worth the journey.
The group of islands are a sanctuary for wildlife and is home to a substantial colony of Atlantic grey seals, along with adorable white seal pups. There will seldom be a moment when tourists won’t be able to see their bobbing heads appearing above the water, or photograph the marine mammals during a stroll around some of the larger islands with lighthouses and vantage points.
Dolphins have even been known to be seen amongst the lapping waves. Taking centre stage during the warmer months are the 43,000 pairs of breeding Puffins that inhabit the rugged cliffs.
The Farne Islands are one of the finest locations to observe the colourful birds that breed in large colonies atop coastal cliffs or at offshore islands across the North Atlantic. During the beginning of summer, around 200,000 breeding seabirds, including Arctic terns, guillemots, eider ducks, razorbills and cormorants, can be spotted amongst the UK islands, reports the Express.
It’s a haven for keen birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to marvel at the wonders of this remarkable wildlife, which is difficult to encounter elsewhere. It’s received such acclaim that broadcaster, writer, and naturalist Sir David Attenborough himself named the Farne Islands as one of his ‘favourite places’ for wildlife in the UK, and he highlighted the islands during his BBC series, Wild Isles.
Experts at Arbtech also listed the Farne Islands amongst the finest UK destinations to observe wildlife this year, owing to its ‘internationally significant breeding colony of seabirds and Atlantic grey seals’. The group of islands provides a unique opportunity to witness the UK’s most flourishing wildlife population, which has declined by 19 per cent since 1970, as Arbtech highlighted.
It’s advised that the optimal time to visit the islands is between mid-April to late July, especially if you’re hoping to catch sight of the seabird colony. Boat excursions are available to book that set off from the harbour at Seahouses in north east Northumberland, to cruise around the Farne Islands in a truly spectacular experience.
Some of the boat trips on offer to book at Seahouses harbour include Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, Billy Shiel Boat Trips, and the Golden Gate Farne Island Tours. They all depart daily during weekends and throughout the summer months, but it’s advisable to check availability directly with the operator.
The other top locations in the UK to observe wildlife, as identified by Arbtech, include:.
A spokesperson for Arbtech said: “We want to put the spotlight on these incredible wildlife spots to showcase just how important conservation projects are, and how nature can thrive in this country when it’s protected.
“Our survey shows that the majority of Brits do care about the decline of wildlife, but many may not know what they can do to help. Supporting local conservation efforts or even making small changes at home can make a real difference.
“Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is a powerful reminder of what we have to lose if we don’t act now, and could inspire people to take steps to protect species for future generations.”
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The stunning sister villages offer an idyllic escape for anyone looking to avoid the Lake District crowds – without compromising on scenery, wildlife or history.
They’re home to some of the ‘finest views in the country’(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Whilst the Lake District remains a beloved choice amongst British holidaymakers, it becomes swamped with visitor numbers during the UK’s beautiful summer season, frequently leading to extortionate costs for lodging, meals and beverages.
For those still wanting to experience a Lake District-style getaway as warmer weather returns – without breaking the bank and whilst steering clear of the crowds, naturally – we’ve discovered the ideal option for you.
Two delightful neighbouring villages straddling the Lancashire-Cumbria boundary tick all the boxes, offering remarkable wildlife, stunning vistas and superb lakeside rambles. These historic settlements are tucked away along Morecambe Bay’s shoreline within an area classified as a National Landscape (the smallest of the lot), thanks to their flourishing natural variety and abundant plant and animal life.
In fact, they appeared in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live Guide in 2021, with judges commenting: “These twin villages on the Kent estuary have some of the finest views in the country as well as an energetic, kind-hearted community.”
The settlements of Arnside and Silverdale create a distinctive corner of North-West England’s countryside, teeming with uncommon and beautiful wildlife, reports Lancs Live.
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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.
Positioned on Morecambe Bay’s coastline, Arnside is an enchanting village located within Cumbrian territory with a vibrant community spirit. The settlement’s Victorian seafront and sweeping railway viaduct spanning the Kent estuary stand as two of its most notable landmarks.
Silverdale, meanwhile, is the Lancashire component of this duo, boasting charming whitewashed properties, abundant historical landmarks, and spectacular wooded trails leading to magnificent views of the Bay.
One of Britain’s largest ever ‘Viking Hoard’ was unearthed near Silverdale, thought to date back to 900 AD.
The Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) spans just 75 square kilometres – yet it’s more abundant in terms of heritage and biodiversity than most other locations across the UK.
Things to do in Arnside and Silverdale
Limestone grasslands, coastal rock and salt marshes and verdant woodlands surrounded by low-lying limestone hills make this protected region the ideal breeding ground for marshland birds and rare butterflies.
A visit to RSPB Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay Nature Reserve in Silverdale provides perfect opportunities to explore the area’s rich biodiversity, particularly its distinctive birdlife.
Leighton Moss hosts the North-West’s largest reed bed, drawing over 100 species of birds throughout the year, including the rare marsh harriers, bearded tits, and bitterns.
Furthermore, otters can frequently be seen playing at dusk in the beautiful meres of Leighton Moss, which also function as a breeding ground for these mammals.
A trek to Arnside Knott should certainly be on the agenda, with the popular hill and its magnificent summit viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Irish Sea surrounding Morecambe Bay, the Lake District fells, and the Kent estuary. Arnside Knott is regarded as the finest location in the entire UK for spotting rare butterflies, particularly during June and July, with uncommon species such as the high brown fritillary and the Scotch argus discovered there.
The Arnside Knot Circular Walk proves popular amongst walkers.
Close to Beetham, The Fairy Steps are a children’s favourite, whilst Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve near Carnforth serves as an excellent destination to experience limestone pavement.
The Elizabethan manor, Levens Hall, features an exceptional yew topiary garden and shouldn’t be overlooked, whilst the Giant’s Seat at Jenny Brown’s Point near Silverdale offers the ideal vantage point to absorb the spectacular views.
Leighton Hall, the historic residence of the Gillow family, represents another essential attraction near Silverdale. The family continues to reside there throughout the year and its highlights include the “famous collection of Gillow furniture and objets d’art, the gardens, and woodland walk”.
The award-winning Grade II Listed Building showcases impressive architecture and offers visitors (particularly history enthusiasts) an opportunity to explore and uncover the captivating history of this ancient Lancashire family.
Arnside Tower, also referred to as Pele Tower, is a late-medieval tower house constructed during the latter half of the 15th century. Built from limestone rubble, the tower originally stood five storeys tall but suffered a devastating fire in 1602.
Following restoration work, the structure remained operational and today its surviving features offer a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
Whilst visiting Arnside, some excellent dining and drinking establishments include: The Albion, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, JJ Crossfield’s Cafe and Bar Arnside and The Old Bakehouse Arnside. In Silverdale, visitors can visit The Woodlands Hotel, The Royal Silverdale, and The Wolfhouse for an enjoyable experience.
It would be an oversight not to mention the breathtaking Silverdale Cove in this compilation of essential Silverdale and Arnside attractions.
Silverdale Cove is a gradually descending, stony inlet scattered with areas of sand and shingle. Surrounded by historic woodland and imposing limestone cliffs, the whole location possesses a distinctly untamed and unspoilt character.
Visitors should be aware that the bay is notorious for its rapidly changing tides and soft mud, so caution and vigilance are essential whilst exploring.
The cove is primarily suited for walking and observing the local wildlife rather than engaging in traditional seaside pursuits like swimming and snorkelling.
Stunningly picturesque coastal routes and forested pathways link Silverdale Cove to other natural landmarks in the vicinity such as Jenny Brown’s Point and Arnside Knott, and the sunsets are reportedly spectacular.
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I LISTEN in pitch darkness as a creature scuttles from one end of my canvas roof to the other.
Huntsman spider? Giant goanna lizard? A giant goanna lizard-sized spider? My mind is racing.
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Sydney Opera House surrounded by the harbour and Royal Botanic GardenCredit: Destination NSWPaperbark Camp is an eco-glamping retreat 120 miles south of Sydney, tucked away in dense woodlandCredit: Supplied
Finally Emma, our Australian host, answers my panicked WhatsApp. “It’s a possum, Stew. No one ever died from a possum.”
Reassured, I snuggle back down under the covers and drift off to sleep with the soundtrack of the Australian forest echoing around me.
I’m staying at Paperbark Camp, an eco-glamping retreat 120 miles south of Sydney, tucked away in dense woodland on the banks of Currambene Creek.
My “pod” — essentially a wooden base with canvas roof and walls — has a sumptuous double bed, a deck with chairs and tables to chill while watching the exotic birdlife and kangaroos, and a delightful bath and shower room at the rear that is fully open to the forest.
And, yes, I did check under the loo seat for spiders!
The camp is our base for a week exploring the delights of rural New South Wales.
Yes, Sydney is a fantastic city but what if you want a little more adventure and authenticity?
It was certainly a chance to get close to the famous Aussie wildlife, with possums trotting up to the bar terrace and mobs of kangaroos grazing just yards away in the paddocks surrounding the camp.
Having honed our canoeing skills with the camp’s boats on the delightfully placid creek, we headed up the road to Kangaroo Valley for a paddle with a twist.
Here, we had two canoes lashed together either side of a picnic table, with two bottles of local fizz chilling and freshly-made hors d’oeuvres. How civilised.
The site is on the banks of Currambene Creek and when you’re bushed relax inside an eco podCredit: Supplied
Our sedate hour-long paddle up the river surrounded by steep tree-covered mountainsides in the morning sunshine was beautiful, with guide Travis acting as wildlife spotter and giving us an education on the ways of the Aussie bush.
Every stop we made shed more fascinating light on the history of the country’s indigenous people and each stop revealed more of their mind-blowing bushcraft and knowledge of the land.
Up in the Blue Mountains — a Unesco world heritage site — local tribal elder “Uncle Dave” gave us a warm welcome to Scenic World and an enthralling introduction to Aboriginal history.
Whether out in the bush or in Sydney, a tour encompassing Australia’s indigenous culture is well worth the time, with more than 300 distinct “nations” living side by side in harmony for thousands of years, each with their own spiritual connection to the country around them.
Uncle Dave had our group enthralled as he talked us through the customs and folklore of the breathtaking landscape around us from a cable car 800ft above the forest canopy.
The same was true as we toured the mangroves and woodlands of the beautiful coastal town of Jervis Bay.
Up the creek with a paddle in the canoeCredit: Supplied
Here, our guide Jacob fashioned a soothing ointment for insect bites from the sap of a bracken fern he’d pulled from the ground in front of us.
No plant goes to waste, he explained, pointing out some of the various unique uses for the wide range of trees and grasses around us.
The plentiful mangrove trees and their twisted branches are perfect for making boomerangs, for example.
If the idea of walking through a coastal forest with stunning views of the ocean is your thing, the 90-minute trek from Hyams Beach to Greenfield is well worth a look, with miles of beautiful white sand — the whitest in the world, the locals claim — and crystal-clear waters.
There are of course snorkelling spots in the area, and a quick boat trip out into the bay will almost guarantee a sight of dolphins, with migrating whales also around from May to November every year.
Jervis Bay’s beaches are also famous for stunning night-time displays of bioluminescence — in which a plankton “bloom” in the water glows in the dark — but that’s not an experience you can plan for!
Snorkelling in Currambene CreekCredit: Supplied
The local indigenous people’s name for Jervis Bay translates as “Bay of Plenty”, and the seafood on offer at renowned local watering hole The Huskisson Hotel certainly reflects that — a perfect way to refuel after a busy day and watch the sun set.
Exploring the stunning countryside of New South Wales will obviously require a car, and the average cost of hiring in Sydney is £45 a day.
And remember, they drive on the left Down Under so it’s easy for us Brits!
Back in the pitch darkness of the forest at Paperbark Camp, I’m woken from my well-earned slumber by a series of shrieks that sound not unlike the Demogorgon from Stranger Things.
I text Emma in the pod next door: “Did you hear that?”
As my ears pick up a rustling in the undergrowth just beyond my deck, her reply comes back: “If I told you that was just a possum, would you believe me?”
I don’t — but at least I know it can’t possibly be a 2ft Huntsman Spider.
A dolphin watching cruise in Jervis BayCredit: Supplied
Nestled at the very fringe of Morecambe Bay, between the Irish Sea and the southern banks of the River Lune’s estuary, sits Sunderland Point – a secluded and hidden strip of land brimming with pristine natural splendour.
Encircled by marshland and waterways, Sunderland Point offers an encounter with nature in true seclusion.
Distinctive and fascinating, much of Sunderland Point falls within a conservation area, with numerous surrounding properties holding Grade II Listed designation.
Taking the brief stroll around this remarkable peninsula transports you back centuries to the 1700s, when Sunderland Point functioned as Lancaster’s first transatlantic harbour, reports Lancs Live.
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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.
Walkers will encounter wind-swept panoramas of river and ocean, salt marshes, tidal flats, hillsides, and expansive skies whilst tackling this three and a half mile circular route along Lancashire’s magnificent coastline.
Gifted with ideal conditions for nurturing wildlife, bird watching devotees will find Sunderland Point particularly rewarding, as glimpses of the rapidly diminishing curlew, greenshank, redshank, and oystercatchers are commonly documented across the salt marsh bordering the bay.
Wading birds are frequently seen cavorting in the mudflats or performing captivating aerial displays, whilst salmon are known to populate the River Lune at this juncture, where they can be observed being caught mid-river through traditional haaf-net fishing.
Important warning for visitors
However, Sunderland Point isn’t all picturesque landscapes and charming wildlife. The small peninsula is severed from the mainland twice daily by high tide, and if you neglect to check the tide times before setting off on your stroll, you could find yourself marooned for hours without any provisions.
The tidal causeway that links the extremity of the point to the rest of the mainland is prone to being entirely submerged by water, with one visitor even warning that improperly parked cars could end up underwater during high tide.
Indeed, the residents of Sunderland village largely structure their lives around the tide’s schedule – heading to work and school early and returning late, depending on when the tidal causeway road is free from water and safe to traverse.
For those planning a visit, it’s absolutely crucial to refer to the tide table for Heysham and bear in mind that weather conditions can significantly impact the height and timing of the tide.
If you’re making your way from Overton village on foot or by car, it’s essential to consult the tide tables, as the Causeway to Overton is very likely to sit beneath several feet of water for at least an hour or two either side of high tide, meaning careful planning is crucial.
Dog owners are also urged to keep their pets on leads whilst exploring Sunderland Point, as the route passes through a heavily protected seascape that’s vital for wading birds, with Morecambe Bay acting as their feeding area. There’s also the possibility of encountering farm livestock and cattle, so keeping your own animals on a lead ensures everyone’s safety.
Stunning destination worth visiting
Sinister safety warnings notwithstanding, every corner of Sunderland Point is breathtaking and merits a visit for the spectacular views and distinctive wildlife alone.
One Tripadvisor review says: “For me Sunderland Point was magnificent, I had always wanted to ride on a motorbike on a tidal road, we took advice and arrived at the correct time with the tide out phew, make no mistake chancing it is not an option, however you do have a few hours window.
“We arrived at the parking space to visit Sambo’s grave, look it up, very interesting, we had a lovely walk around, met some interesting locals then walked to the grave. Fun morning then onwards to Scotland.”
Another visitor notes: “I have never seen or known a place like this in the UK. The tide comes in and closes off the road making it an island for a few hours and goes out to give access.
“A few people live on the point and they are all lovely. I have met a few. When you visit always check the tide times so you are not stuck. There are no cafes on the point.”
Whilst another visitor offers a gentle caution: “A great place to drive over to see Samba Grave and to walk around the peninsula. DO make sure you know the tide times as you can get stranded with no return and where you park your car can be under water very quickly.”
The route
Pott’s Corner: Start your journey at Pott’s Corner car park beside the shore near the public loos. You can either turn right along First Terrace towards The Lane following the green trail, or press on with the blue trail that runs along Second Terrace.
First and Second Terrace: Soak up the views from First Terrace. At Second Terrace you’ll notice the wooden poles that were once employed for airing out and drying fishing nets.
Upsteps Cottage and The Lane: Upsteps Cottage, previously the brewhouse of the Ship Inn, is where Sambo the enslaved boy is thought to have sought refuge and died in 1736. Following The Lane as it winds past Mission Heritage Centre and continues along a hedge-bordered path, you’ll eventually reach the shore, passing the bird hide, Horizon Line Chamber and Sambo’s grave.
Bird hide: The perfect spot to observe curlews, redshanks, oystercatchers, and greenshanks on the mudflats and salt marsh – which serves as the feeding ground for nearly 40,000 waders including dunlin, knot, and bar-tailed godwit.
Horizon Line Chamber: This handcrafted stone sculpture is the work of Chris Drury, an artist of international renown.
Sambo’s Grave: The grave of Sambo, a young slave boy, is lovingly maintained by locals, volunteers and visitors alike – it’s certainly worth a visit to pay your respects.
Return to Second Terrace: Once you’ve finished exploring the Point, retrace your steps from the grave, heading back down The Lane from whence you came. Upon reaching Upsteps Cottage, take a right onto Second Terrace.
Alternatively, for a shorter return journey, turn left and follow the path along the shoreline, soaking up the stunning estuary views on your way back to Pott’s Corner car park, your starting point.
Old Sunderland Hall: If you opted for the right turn at Second Terrace, towards the tip of the land, you’ll pass Old Sunderland Hall. Across the water, you can enjoy spectacular views of Plover Scar Lighthouse and Cockersand Abbey.
Millions travel to Kenya and Tanzania each year to witness the Great Migration, but growing tourism infrastructure is raising concerns. Conservationists and community leaders warn that development is disrupting wildlife corridors and impacting Maasai land rights. We explore the science behind migration shifts, the economic role of tourism, and ask whether conservation and community livelihoods can coexist.
Presenter: Stefanie Dekker
Guests:
Joseph Moses Oleshangay – Lawyer and human rights activist
Chloe Buiting – Veterinarian and wildlife conservationist
Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka – Veterinarian
Grant Hopcraft – Researcher and professor, University of Glasgow
The new series of Big Cats 24/7 is back in the Okavango Delta following the lives of lions and leopards
Female leopard Xudum is one of the stars of the new series of Big Cats 24/7(Image: CREDIT LINE:NHU / BBC Studios / Lindsey Parietti)
Having only been away from the Okavango Delta in Botswana for six months since filming the first series, the BBC ’s wildlife filmmakers might have worried there would not be enough new things happening amongst the big cats there. But if anything, the dramatic lives of Africa’s lions, cheetahs and leopards had more shocks and surprises than the first time around.
Following them across six vital months from June to November we see the cats – and humans – battle punishing seasonal change, from flood to extreme drought. The Xudum lion pride, now the largest in the world, grapples with the challenges of this newfound status. When we rejoin them, dominant males Big Toe and Madumo are missing so the pride females, deserted by their leaders, are forced to battle intruders alone and also find enough food to feed 40 lions. There is an influx of aggressive male leopards and a new female, Lediba. And cheetah Pobe surprises the team with two young cubs of her own – but her challenge now is to keep them safe.
Cinematographer and wildlife presenter Gordon Buchanan says: “I think my slight concern was that we’re going back to the same place. We’re going back to the same cats. Are we going to go back to the same stories? And no, absolutely not. I mean I was startled at how things that were quite common in the first year, we see all the time, you didn’t see you didn’t see again,
“This series is a drama. And I suppose our job is just to capture that. This second series is a bit like The White Lotus[TV Drama}. There’s some similar characters, and there’s similar themes, but the stories are completely different.”
For Gordon, returning to cover the Lion pride was the highlight and he adds: “Filming 24/7 means surrendering to their world, working on their terms. The hours are long, the terrain unforgiving – deep sand, floodwaters, freezing cold nights or searing midday heat. You chase fleeting glimpses across vast landscapes and are often driven by nothing more than instinct. It’s physically and mentally gruelling. But when you finally catch ‘the’ moment, it makes everything worth it.
“Many lions don’t even make it to their second birthday so to see a lion you met as a vulnerable cub stride successfully and confidently towards adulthood is the most wonderful thing of all. There’s is nothing more beautiful than a lion cub giving life its best shot.”
This extraordinary, exclusive access to the cats’ lives is supported by the use of cutting-edge filming equipment: state-of-the-art thermal cameras, and the latest in drone technology, meaning the team can film the cats from the ground, the air and, uniquely, through the night. By following the cats around the clock, the team reveals yet more brand-new insights into their lives.
But fellow filmmaker Anna Dimitriadis didn’t wait long to be reunited with her beloved cheetah pal Pobe. “It’s every wildlife cinematographer’s dream to be able to go back to the same place and see characters that you filmed with before. But seeing her on the first day, it was like she was coming back to welcome us. It really felt like Pobe knew we’d arrived, and it felt like she was showing off because she had her two lovely little cubs as well. It basically felt like just seeing an old friend that I got to know really well. I mean, I got to know her very well. She’s actually tattooed on my arm now so she’s with me forever.”
Anna and Gordon worked alongside a team that also included Brad Bestelink who grew up in the Delta and Botswana born Tristen Woodward in the heart of big cat territory. And by the end of series two, Anna feels even closer to the cat and her routines which we will witness.
“I just know so much about her, and I could really predict her behaviour by the end, like I knew the exact kind of hunting style she was going to do. And I could predict exactly what we were going to see. It was really cool, when you start having that connection with an animal.
“This time, we saw another side. She was playful, tender and at times extremely vulnerable. Our time with her this year was a powerful reminder of how hard life is for a solitary cat. At every stage – whether still learning or in her prime – survival is a constant battle and every success is hard won.”
Meet some of the stars of the Delta…
POBE A smart, experienced and streetwise female cheetah; charismatic Pobe, now seven-years-old has a new family! She has two young cubs to take care of and though she is an experienced mother and superb huntress – already seen one cub, Neelo, to independence – the odds are stacked against her. Navigating Xudum island – now home to the largest lion pride in the world, and leopards round every tree – is no easy task. She knows when to run and hide and avoid danger, but with two innocent cubs in tow, she’s more exposed than ever.
XUDUM A remarkably relaxed and an impressive leopard; Xudum can confidently catch a meal leaping through the air (jumping from trees) or stalking on the ground. She is the resident female leopard followed by the team in Series 1, is now six years old and should have started a family. Unfortunately, after her tragedy witnessed by the team in 2023, Xudum is still to rear a cub successfully. Surrounded by dangerous male leopards (who will kill any cubs that do not belong to them), in series two Xudum must find a new, safer territory in which to make her home and become a mother.
BIG TOE & MADUMO So named due to a prominent digit on his paw, Big Toe is now eleven years old, ruling the Xudum pride alongside his sibling, Madumo, for the last six years. He’s a formidable lion, slightly leaner and wirier than Madumo, but no less formidable. Though he’s undeniably the more handsome of the two, he’s no pretty-boy; usually the first to get into a scuffle with intruders, or younger males in the pride.
Madumo – meaning “to roar” – is the other dominant male lions of the Xudum pride. Though he is bigger and heavier set, Madumo is the brains of the operation, while his coalition partner Big Toe is the ‘grafter’. But when required, Madumo has the muscle to be a powerful and commanding leader. He and Big Toe remain extremely close; most likely brothers from the same cohort of cubs, they make a strong and formidable partnership and over the past 6-years he and Big Toe have successfully protected the Xudum pride.
But as we start season two, both are now absent, where they are is unclear; and without their combined strength and new male lions circling, the Xudum pride’s females are under more pressure to protect their family than ever before.
MATHATA Trouble by name, trouble by nature! Mathata is the oldest cub in the Xudum pride – 18 months in age – and the rest of the youngsters seem to look to Mathata for leadership. But as Mathata (Magogo’s son) grows, will he cause trouble for his siblings, or will he rally them to make trouble for their enemies, and prey?
He is now ready to join his mother and aunts as they hunt and feed their family, but he has a lot to learn before he will start being a useful addition – his inexperience could be a hindrance.
LEDIBA The queen of stealth! Lediba is a small and subtle female leopard. She shows more patience in her stalking and variety to her diet, than any other leopard the team has seen on Xudum island. Lediba (10 years old) is also an experienced mother; previously raising cubs to adulthood and has two young cubs to provide for in series two. She will have to work hard to keep them safe from scavenging lions and unpredictable male leopards. For the team, getting to know Lediba’s character will take as much patience as she shows during each hunt!
MAGOGO At more than eleven years old, Magogo is likely the oldest female in the Xudum pride. She is an experienced, wise and powerful lioness and has successfully reared multiple generations of cubs, showing her skill as a mother. His son, Mathata, is the eldest cub in the Xudum pride, and a future pride male. Despite being eighteen months old, Mathata still relies on Magogo for food and protection against any intruding male lions – so Magogo still has her work cut-out to support him.
* Series Two of Big Cats 24/7 starts on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer on Friday February 27 at 9pm.
