Sapphire mining threatens the indri lemur species

Indris - the largest lemurs - are native to Madagascar but their existence is threatened by illegal mining.

Since late last year more than 40,000 miners have descended on the island.

Our team followed the miners and made the long trek into what is meant to be a protected zone.

Filmed and edited by Tony Smith. Additional filming by Chris Parkinson.

18 July 2017