On the west coast of Madagascar lies a special forest: the dry tropical forest. Baobabs reign in this haven of life that defies the laws of nature. Around them, life has organized itself to cope with the lack of water. Chameleons delay their birth to avoid exposure to drought and heat, while the tunnels of giant ants allow water to infiltrate the soil. A tree of life, the baobab is home to many species. It even helps humans survive the dry season: by hollowing out its trunk, they transform it into an essential cistern. But these century-old trees, pillars of a unique biodiversity, are nothing more than the fossils of a forest in danger of disappearing, threatened today by global warming.

Series Description:

Secret networks, Wood Wide Web, superorganism… A scientific and discovery series, Of Trees and Forests opens the doors to a world we only thought we knew. Committed scientists, researchers, indigenous people and more guides us in our quest to unveil the trees genius, their interconnections with other animal/vegetal species and the invisible but fully interdependent ecosystem behind it. Through one legendary tree, each episode explores a primary forest with its own climate, fauna and flora. By revealing their superpowers (purify water, stabilize the climate, stock energy, reduce flooding and erosion…), the series serves as wake-up call to remind how urgent and important it is to preserve our endangered forests.