The Asian Giant Salamander.

This hideous lump of goo is the rare and threatened Asian Giant Salamander. They're found in China and Japan, although most of the Chinese ones have ended up on the menu.

This was the subject of my recent trip to Japan, where we dived in crystal clear alpine creeks in search of this predator. We found plenty, and got some nice footage both in and above the water.

Steadicam in Japan.

I've just got back from an expedition to China and Japan, looking for the Asian Giant Salamander. China's in the throes of a media shut-down ahead of the Olympics, so we had to leave, and started in friendly Japan a few days early.

Japan was stunning, we were hunting for the Salamanders in crystal clear alpine creeks. Since the show is presenter driven, we used a Steadicam for on camera pieces, but rocky river banks aren't the suggested territory for Steadicam operation. None the less, it was challenging, and hopefully the shots will add another element to a great location.