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00:00:05,706 --> 00:00:10,676
An immense, dry land dominates
south-western africa.
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00:00:13,472 --> 00:00:18,383
Here, sand covers the land
in rippling dunes
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00:00:18,394 --> 00:00:21,270
And underlies dry savannas.
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00:00:25,192 --> 00:00:29,478
Rain drains away
as quickly as it falls.
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00:00:32,316 --> 00:00:35,150
But there are places
within this sandy expanse
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00:00:35,161 --> 00:00:38,245
Where rock towers high . . .
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00:00:38,322 --> 00:00:42,583
And water quenches
even the mightiest of thirsts.
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00:00:46,255 --> 00:00:49,247
These different environments
combine
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00:00:49,258 --> 00:00:53,752
In a kaleidoscope
of landscapes and life.
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00:00:53,763 --> 00:00:55,846
Creating the many faces
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00:00:55,923 --> 00:00:58,057
Of the kalahari.
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00:01:34,970 --> 00:01:37,471
Kalahari.
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00:01:37,548 --> 00:01:40,882
A word meaning
'place of great thirst',
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00:01:40,893 --> 00:01:42,551
It's the appropriate name
15
00:01:42,561 --> 00:01:45,395
Of one of southern africa's
greatest wildernesses.
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00:01:57,901 --> 00:02:00,160
The kalahari
stretches over an area
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00:02:00,237 --> 00:02:03,247
25 percent bigger than texas
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00:02:03,323 --> 00:02:07,376
On a high, flat plateau
in south west africa.
19
00:02:09,004 --> 00:02:11,580
Sixty million years of erosion
20
00:02:11,590 --> 00:02:15,750
Have covered the bedrock across
this expanse in sandy soils
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00:02:15,761 --> 00:02:19,680
Up to 200 feet deep.
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00:02:19,756 --> 00:02:23,851
These sands shape
and define this arid land.
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00:02:26,397 --> 00:02:29,940
Unpredictable rains quickly
drain through them,
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00:02:30,017 --> 00:02:33,277
Leaving the surface
devoid of water.
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00:02:35,856 --> 00:02:38,198
This is a place of extremes
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00:02:38,275 --> 00:02:40,692
With scorching summer days,
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00:02:40,703 --> 00:02:43,579
And freezing winter nights.
28
00:02:47,376 --> 00:02:52,704
It's a place known for its
hardy plants and animals.
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00:02:52,715 --> 00:02:57,709
These have adapted to make
the most of scant resources,
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00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:01,638
Surviving
despite the harsh conditions.
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00:03:04,051 --> 00:03:07,644
But within this expanse
there are exceptions;
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00:03:09,890 --> 00:03:15,060
Habitats that provide
for a huge array of life.
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00:03:15,070 --> 00:03:20,240
Rocky outcrops rise from the
middle of this sandy expanse -
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00:03:20,451 --> 00:03:25,662
The landscape's only vertical
feature for hundreds of miles.
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00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:33,462
Their caves offer moist, shady
refuge in a sun-baked land.
36
00:03:38,085 --> 00:03:42,262
And where a great river flows
out over the kalahari sands,
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00:03:43,599 --> 00:03:45,515
Africa's greatest oasis
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00:03:45,592 --> 00:03:49,478
Provides plenty for creatures
big and small.
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00:04:02,526 --> 00:04:04,359
In its massive expanse,
40
00:04:04,370 --> 00:04:07,454
The kalahari is truly
one of the wildest
41
00:04:07,531 --> 00:04:10,624
And most
diverse lands in africa.
42
00:04:22,462 --> 00:04:26,306
As dawn breaks over the southern
reaches of the kalahari,
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00:04:26,433 --> 00:04:30,102
A group of its most iconic
creatures begins its day.
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00:04:33,065 --> 00:04:34,690
Meerkats.
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00:04:39,905 --> 00:04:43,156
After spending the night huddled
together in their burrow,
46
00:04:43,233 --> 00:04:45,575
They emerge
to scan their surroundings,
47
00:04:45,652 --> 00:04:49,454
Always alert to the possibility
of predators.
48
00:04:53,919 --> 00:04:57,296
And today
they must be extra vigilant.
49
00:05:10,436 --> 00:05:12,352
Their newest members
50
00:05:12,521 --> 00:05:15,022
Are leaving the safety of
the burrow for the first time,
51
00:05:15,098 --> 00:05:17,149
And they're
extremely vulnerable.
52
00:05:25,442 --> 00:05:27,993
The pups are just
three weeks old.
53
00:05:46,555 --> 00:05:48,388
If they're to succeed in life,
54
00:05:48,515 --> 00:05:50,223
They must learn
an essential skill
55
00:05:50,300 --> 00:05:53,018
For thriving
in this inhospitable land.
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00:05:55,647 --> 00:05:56,980
Digging.
57
00:06:06,658 --> 00:06:10,410
Meerkats' sharp claws make them
experts in this field,
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00:06:10,621 --> 00:06:13,497
Helping them thrive
in their sandy habitat.
59
00:06:23,333 --> 00:06:27,386
They feed mainly on insects
fetched from below the surface.
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00:06:29,089 --> 00:06:31,264
The pups'
older siblings and cousins
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00:06:31,341 --> 00:06:34,267
Will dig up prey for them
for the coming weeks,
62
00:06:34,344 --> 00:06:37,062
Supplementing
their mother's milk.
63
00:06:48,358 --> 00:06:51,535
Within the next six weeks
they'll be weaned
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00:06:51,611 --> 00:06:55,414
And then their begging whines
will fall on deaf ears.
65
00:07:00,537 --> 00:07:03,130
They must learn to find
their own food
66
00:07:03,206 --> 00:07:06,133
Before then if
they're to survive.
67
00:07:06,209 --> 00:07:10,554
But the ability to dig is
crucial for more than just food.
68
00:07:13,300 --> 00:07:16,476
As the midday sun
beats down on the kalahari,
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00:07:16,687 --> 00:07:20,147
Summer days
average 100 degrees fahrenheit,
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00:07:20,223 --> 00:07:22,858
And can soar above 105.
71
00:07:24,144 --> 00:07:26,069
Now, in the middle of winter,
72
00:07:26,146 --> 00:07:30,282
Nights can plummet
to 10 degrees.
73
00:07:34,070 --> 00:07:36,913
So meerkats live underground.
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00:07:38,742 --> 00:07:40,167
The meerkats' burrow
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00:07:40,243 --> 00:07:42,994
Is insulated by as much
as 7 feet of sand,
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00:07:43,005 --> 00:07:45,246
Keeping temperatures comfortable
77
00:07:45,257 --> 00:07:47,591
Despite the extremes outside.
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00:07:55,184 --> 00:07:57,517
Meerkats can carve out
lives for themselves
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00:07:57,728 --> 00:07:59,603
In the kalahari's sands.
80
00:08:03,025 --> 00:08:09,687
They find both food and shelter
beneath the surface.
81
00:08:09,698 --> 00:08:13,775
But not all share the advantage
of being able to take shelter
82
00:08:13,785 --> 00:08:16,620
From the kalahari's extremes.
83
00:08:21,701 --> 00:08:26,204
On a cold winter morning
this ostrich lies in the sand,
84
00:08:26,215 --> 00:08:29,841
Trapping its body heat
in its dense feathers.
85
00:08:34,798 --> 00:08:38,517
But keeping warm
is only part of the battle.
86
00:08:41,772 --> 00:08:45,148
As the sun rises
so does the temperature,
87
00:08:45,225 --> 00:08:49,277
And even winter days can top
86 degrees fahrenheit.
88
00:08:53,075 --> 00:08:57,986
Long, bare legs help the ostrich
keep cool during the day.
89
00:09:00,791 --> 00:09:04,668
And spreading her wings
allows for maximum airflow.
90
00:09:10,759 --> 00:09:16,596
Her male companion's legs
serve another important purpose.
91
00:09:16,723 --> 00:09:21,017
His scarlet shins indicate
high testosterone levels.
92
00:09:21,094 --> 00:09:22,686
It's late winter;
93
00:09:22,762 --> 00:09:24,646
The beginning
of breeding season.
94
00:09:32,022 --> 00:09:35,023
He ushers another male
away from his territory
95
00:09:35,033 --> 00:09:38,034
And his harem of three females.
96
00:09:40,831 --> 00:09:43,448
In an unusual system
of communal breeding,
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00:09:43,458 --> 00:09:47,127
All the females will lay their
eggs in the same nest,
98
00:09:47,203 --> 00:09:49,120
But only the first to lay
99
00:09:49,131 --> 00:09:51,881
Will share incubation duties
with the male.
100
00:09:59,466 --> 00:10:03,059
The other females need only
look out for themselves.
101
00:10:10,310 --> 00:10:13,653
At 6.5 feet tall, ostriches
have a good vantage point
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00:10:13,822 --> 00:10:15,655
To scan
for their biggest threat.
103
00:10:20,487 --> 00:10:22,621
The kalahari's lions.
104
00:10:28,328 --> 00:10:30,086
This big male
105
00:10:30,163 --> 00:10:33,757
Has recently formed a coalition
with a younger accomplice.
106
00:10:35,886 --> 00:10:37,919
Together
they control a territory
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00:10:37,929 --> 00:10:42,265
Of around 1,000 square miles,
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00:10:44,344 --> 00:10:48,647
And the right to mate with the
pride of females living in it.
109
00:10:51,434 --> 00:10:53,777
Now in the height
of the dry season,
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They know that prey congregates
in dry riverbeds.
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00:11:03,288 --> 00:11:07,365
Here plants take advantage of
relatively nutrient rich soils,
112
00:11:07,376 --> 00:11:09,876
Which attracts these herds.
113
00:11:13,373 --> 00:11:17,041
Even here,
few big herbivores can survive,
114
00:11:17,052 --> 00:11:21,137
So kalahari lions
rely far more on small prey
115
00:11:21,214 --> 00:11:23,390
Than their counterparts
elsewhere.
116
00:11:27,637 --> 00:11:31,731
A springbok ram would make
a decent meal for the males.
117
00:11:35,320 --> 00:11:38,738
But lions use
the element of surprise to hunt,
118
00:11:38,907 --> 00:11:42,450
And in the open riverbed there
will be no surprising the ram.
119
00:11:49,993 --> 00:11:53,411
Springbok can run
at almost 55 miles per hour -
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00:11:53,422 --> 00:11:56,214
A good deal faster
than the apex predator.
121
00:12:03,673 --> 00:12:06,924
The ram's plucky show
draws a line in the sand,
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00:12:06,935 --> 00:12:08,768
Reminding the lion
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00:12:08,937 --> 00:12:13,064
That with the ram's head start,
a chase would be futile.
124
00:12:15,101 --> 00:12:17,110
And the lion knows it.
125
00:12:19,948 --> 00:12:21,448
By avoiding the chase,
126
00:12:21,524 --> 00:12:24,826
The springbok has conserved
crucial energy.
127
00:12:31,460 --> 00:12:34,294
The lions will wait
for the cover of darkness,
128
00:12:34,370 --> 00:12:38,122
When they're
less likely to be spotted.
129
00:12:38,133 --> 00:12:42,218
Satisfied of their safety,
the springbok slowly move off.
130
00:12:49,561 --> 00:12:54,147
They use these dry riverbeds as
highways through the sandy land,
131
00:12:56,234 --> 00:12:59,152
Finding food here
in the toughest times.
132
00:13:04,567 --> 00:13:06,234
Between the riverbeds,
133
00:13:06,244 --> 00:13:11,664
Great dune fields
stretch for hundreds of miles.
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00:13:11,741 --> 00:13:17,295
Forming iconic landscapes in a
wilderness dominated by sand.
135
00:13:21,593 --> 00:13:24,585
But some 500 miles to the north,
136
00:13:24,596 --> 00:13:29,265
An entirely different form
rises from the kalahari floor.
137
00:13:32,020 --> 00:13:34,437
The tsodilo hills
in northern botswana
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00:13:34,514 --> 00:13:38,316
Are rocky islands
in a sea of sandy soils.
139
00:13:51,706 --> 00:13:54,624
They stretch for 9.5 miles,
140
00:13:54,701 --> 00:13:58,378
And rise to around
1,300 feet high.
141
00:14:04,961 --> 00:14:08,471
It's more than
150 miles in any direction
142
00:14:08,548 --> 00:14:11,850
To their nearest equivalent
in elevation.
143
00:14:18,725 --> 00:14:22,068
More rain falls in these
northern reaches of the kalahari
144
00:14:22,145 --> 00:14:24,487
And green plant life
takes advantage of it
145
00:14:24,564 --> 00:14:26,072
In the rocky slopes.
146
00:14:30,245 --> 00:14:34,330
Formed under high temperatures
and pressures deep underground,
147
00:14:34,407 --> 00:14:38,409
These hard quartzite rocks have
withstood the effects of erosion
148
00:14:38,420 --> 00:14:40,545
Over millennia.
149
00:14:47,262 --> 00:14:49,170
Ancient rock paintings
150
00:14:49,180 --> 00:14:52,348
Are evidence that humans have
been attracted to this landmark
151
00:14:52,425 --> 00:14:55,894
For over
a hundred thousand years.
152
00:15:02,152 --> 00:15:05,695
These hills offer more
than a glimpse into the past.
153
00:15:09,692 --> 00:15:12,952
They are a shady refuge
to a variety of life.
154
00:15:16,708 --> 00:15:21,002
Including a species that lives
nowhere else on earth.
155
00:15:29,137 --> 00:15:31,095
The tsodilo gecko.
156
00:15:35,101 --> 00:15:39,228
Mainly nocturnal, its eyes are
adapted to low light conditions,
157
00:15:42,567 --> 00:15:45,226
With pupils that contract
to a thin slit
158
00:15:45,236 --> 00:15:47,946
During occasional
daytime forays.
159
00:16:00,410 --> 00:16:04,003
To grip the rocks, the gecko's
toes have adhesive pads
160
00:16:04,172 --> 00:16:07,331
Covered in microscopic
hair-like structures.
161
00:16:10,169 --> 00:16:13,262
It scales the cave's walls
to hunt insects
162
00:16:13,339 --> 00:16:15,390
In the many crevices.
163
00:16:20,430 --> 00:16:23,848
Mottled skin helps it
blend in with its rocky home
164
00:16:23,858 --> 00:16:26,776
And escape the attention
of predatory birds
165
00:16:26,853 --> 00:16:28,945
And small mammals.
166
00:16:31,783 --> 00:16:35,443
Ear holes lead to sensitive
tympanic membranes
167
00:16:35,453 --> 00:16:38,997
That make hearing
one of its most acute senses;
168
00:16:43,545 --> 00:16:47,296
And even when the quietest
attacker catches it off guard,
169
00:16:47,373 --> 00:16:50,258
It has an emergency
defense mechanism.
170
00:16:52,887 --> 00:16:59,058
Like all geckos it can
shed its tail in times of peril,
171
00:16:59,185 --> 00:17:02,729
Growing a new one
after each close call.
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00:17:14,242 --> 00:17:15,733
This species has evolved
173
00:17:15,744 --> 00:17:19,037
To live in the rocks
of these isolated outcrops,
174
00:17:20,165 --> 00:17:21,748
And tsodilo geckos
175
00:17:21,824 --> 00:17:25,251
Rarely venture
onto the sandy savanna beyond.
176
00:17:33,428 --> 00:17:35,595
In the dry south
of the kalahari,
177
00:17:35,671 --> 00:17:39,265
Bigger species rely on their
ability to cover open ground
178
00:17:39,342 --> 00:17:40,725
To survive.
179
00:17:48,276 --> 00:17:51,685
Here, herds of hartebeest
roam over home ranges
180
00:17:51,696 --> 00:17:54,489
Of up to 380 square miles.
181
00:18:00,371 --> 00:18:02,121
Their reflective coats
182
00:18:02,332 --> 00:18:05,449
Allow them to spend long hours
under the baking sun
183
00:18:05,460 --> 00:18:09,587
In their preferred habitat
of open grasslands.
184
00:18:15,211 --> 00:18:18,721
But these large antelope
struggle to find enough food
185
00:18:18,798 --> 00:18:21,307
During the driest part
of the year.
186
00:18:35,365 --> 00:18:37,565
They cover ground day after day,
187
00:18:37,575 --> 00:18:42,203
Searching for nutritious grass
until rain brings new growth.
188
00:18:56,427 --> 00:19:00,421
As the sun sets,
they'll stop and huddle together
189
00:19:00,431 --> 00:19:03,266
To avoid attracting
the attention of lions.
190
00:19:13,769 --> 00:19:15,611
Luckily for the hartebeest
191
00:19:15,688 --> 00:19:19,782
Not all who prowl
the kalahari night are a threat.
192
00:19:24,447 --> 00:19:27,865
These bat-eared foxes
have spent the day in their den,
193
00:19:27,876 --> 00:19:29,417
Avoiding the heat.
194
00:19:34,048 --> 00:19:37,291
Thick coats make them better
suited to searching for food
195
00:19:37,302 --> 00:19:39,552
In the cold night.
196
00:19:43,808 --> 00:19:47,727
And they're excellently equipped
for finding prey in the dark.
197
00:19:50,389 --> 00:19:54,192
Their enormous ears can hear
the slightest of movements.
198
00:19:58,448 --> 00:19:59,780
Even below ground.
199
00:20:10,668 --> 00:20:12,501
When the rains arrive,
200
00:20:12,578 --> 00:20:16,756
The foxes will feed mainly on a
fresh abundance of termites.
201
00:20:23,839 --> 00:20:29,352
But during the dry winter,
they turn to hunting rodents.
202
00:20:29,428 --> 00:20:32,480
A mouse makes a good meal
for a small fox.
203
00:20:38,521 --> 00:20:41,364
Their adaptable diet
will carry the foxes through
204
00:20:41,440 --> 00:20:44,408
To the easy pickings
of the rainy season.
205
00:21:04,973 --> 00:21:09,267
An ant-eating chat subsists
entirely on insects.
206
00:21:12,563 --> 00:21:15,690
In the dry winter,
it turns to a staple.
207
00:21:19,404 --> 00:21:21,562
It's found a colony
of harvester ants
208
00:21:21,572 --> 00:21:24,282
With their
huge underground nest.
209
00:21:29,905 --> 00:21:34,500
It offers insulation and
protection from most predators.
210
00:21:35,745 --> 00:21:38,004
But the ants must eat.
211
00:21:40,750 --> 00:21:43,426
An army of workers
heads out to gather food
212
00:21:43,502 --> 00:21:45,753
In the form of grass seeds.
213
00:21:48,558 --> 00:21:53,352
On this small scale a grass seed
represents relative plenty,
214
00:21:53,429 --> 00:21:55,521
And the colony can thrive.
215
00:22:02,438 --> 00:22:04,071
It's a toilsome task.
216
00:22:10,196 --> 00:22:13,113
But they go about it
with busy determination,
217
00:22:13,124 --> 00:22:16,625
Returning their spoils
to the hordes below ground.
218
00:22:28,964 --> 00:22:31,632
While those below
receive the banquet,
219
00:22:31,642 --> 00:22:34,852
The foragers risk becoming food.
220
00:22:36,481 --> 00:22:39,056
Though each ant
is a mere morsel,
221
00:22:39,067 --> 00:22:42,360
In large numbers they can
satisfy the chat's hunger.
222
00:22:46,899 --> 00:22:50,368
It's a constantly replenishing
food source for the chat.
223
00:23:06,585 --> 00:23:09,920
These very small creatures
can find all they need
224
00:23:09,931 --> 00:23:12,390
In the driest parts
of the kalahari.
225
00:23:14,852 --> 00:23:17,770
But the mosaic of landscapes
in this wilderness
226
00:23:17,847 --> 00:23:20,731
Provides for animals
of all sizes.
227
00:23:21,692 --> 00:23:24,685
465 miles to the north
228
00:23:24,695 --> 00:23:28,989
There's another exception to the
kalahari's general severity;
229
00:23:37,125 --> 00:23:43,462
A place where even giants can
find all they need to thrive.
230
00:23:56,978 --> 00:23:58,719
What starts as a trickle
231
00:23:58,729 --> 00:24:03,232
Some thousand miles away
in the angolan highlands,
232
00:24:03,309 --> 00:24:07,153
Steadily grows to become
the mighty okavango river.
233
00:24:11,075 --> 00:24:13,650
By the height
of the kalahari dry season,
234
00:24:13,661 --> 00:24:16,495
The floodwaters which have
gathered over months
235
00:24:16,622 --> 00:24:18,664
Reach northern botswana.
236
00:24:21,919 --> 00:24:23,660
Here they unleash
237
00:24:23,671 --> 00:24:28,257
4 million olympic-sized swimming
pools worth of water.
238
00:24:32,838 --> 00:24:37,007
This great flood covers more
than 2,000 square miles
239
00:24:37,018 --> 00:24:41,937
In a system of streams,
swamps and lagoons.
240
00:24:48,362 --> 00:24:51,238
This is the okavango delta.
241
00:24:53,951 --> 00:24:59,497
Here more than 480 species
of birds make their homes.
242
00:25:50,925 --> 00:25:52,758
The okavango's water
243
00:25:52,835 --> 00:25:55,919
Provides for bird life that
couldn't survive without it.
244
00:25:58,724 --> 00:26:03,269
As well as large herds of
africa's mega-herbivores.
245
00:26:09,860 --> 00:26:12,936
Buffalo must drink
at least once a day,
246
00:26:12,947 --> 00:26:14,863
So most of the kalahari
247
00:26:14,940 --> 00:26:18,117
Is uninhabitable
to these large grazers.
248
00:26:21,789 --> 00:26:24,873
They gather here
in herds of hundreds,
249
00:26:24,950 --> 00:26:27,376
Finding all the water they need
250
00:26:27,453 --> 00:26:30,462
Even after
the annual floods recede.
251
00:26:33,375 --> 00:26:36,135
But they dare not wade too deep;
252
00:26:36,211 --> 00:26:38,846
Danger lurks in these waters.
253
00:26:48,149 --> 00:26:52,476
Nile crocodiles can grow
to more than 16 feet long,
254
00:26:52,486 --> 00:26:54,987
And weigh up to a ton.
255
00:26:56,782 --> 00:26:58,398
These powerful carnivores
256
00:26:58,409 --> 00:27:01,827
Ambush drinking prey
from beneath the surface.
257
00:27:08,836 --> 00:27:10,410
But powerful jaws
258
00:27:10,421 --> 00:27:14,340
Can be menacing
to more than just their prey.
259
00:27:18,095 --> 00:27:21,680
A youngster has strayed
onto an adult male's turf,
260
00:27:21,757 --> 00:27:24,058
And provoked an attack.
261
00:27:31,850 --> 00:27:35,694
The battle-hardened veteran
has only half of his upper jaw
262
00:27:35,771 --> 00:27:39,198
But it's enough to hold fast
on his opponent.
263
00:27:41,869 --> 00:27:44,361
He takes a few deep breaths
to prepare himself
264
00:27:44,372 --> 00:27:46,789
For an explosion of energy.
265
00:27:58,302 --> 00:28:02,721
His powerful shakes would tear
the flesh from a mammal carcass.
266
00:28:06,060 --> 00:28:09,728
But the young crocodile's
armor of scales resists.
267
00:28:12,149 --> 00:28:14,316
And the stalemate continues.
268
00:28:18,906 --> 00:28:22,199
The old male
is strongest in the water.
269
00:28:26,155 --> 00:28:28,205
He prepares himself again.
270
00:28:38,175 --> 00:28:40,926
This time
the youngster bites back.
271
00:28:48,343 --> 00:28:50,310
In the frenzy he escapes.
272
00:29:02,908 --> 00:29:06,118
The scarred old male blows
bubbles of aggression.
273
00:29:07,955 --> 00:29:11,457
Eventually he emerges
to warm himself on the bank
274
00:29:11,533 --> 00:29:14,534
And regain his energy.
275
00:29:14,545 --> 00:29:18,088
He has asserted his dominance
among the crocodiles,
276
00:29:20,042 --> 00:29:24,970
But even he isn't boss
in the okavango's swamps.
277
00:29:27,382 --> 00:29:30,517
This title belongs
to the hippopotamus.
278
00:29:37,902 --> 00:29:41,153
Bulls can weigh
more than 3 tons,
279
00:29:41,230 --> 00:29:45,482
And they have
mighty jaws of their own.
280
00:29:45,493 --> 00:29:48,401
Hippos spend the night
grazing on land,
281
00:29:48,412 --> 00:29:52,164
Eating up to 90 pounds of grass.
282
00:29:52,241 --> 00:29:57,377
During the day they stay
submerged, escaping the hot sun.
283
00:30:02,751 --> 00:30:06,970
And water lilies make a great
snack to get them to dinnertime.
284
00:30:17,066 --> 00:30:20,526
Mostly aquatic, hippos rely
on the delta's surface water
285
00:30:20,602 --> 00:30:22,444
As a suitable habitat.
286
00:30:25,115 --> 00:30:26,865
And flat sandy soils
287
00:30:26,992 --> 00:30:29,451
Allow them to walk along the
bottom of swamps
288
00:30:29,528 --> 00:30:31,829
At relatively constant depths.
289
00:30:42,291 --> 00:30:44,716
But it's a plant
rather than an animal
290
00:30:44,793 --> 00:30:48,595
That takes advantage of the
delta better than any other.
291
00:30:53,227 --> 00:30:54,518
Papyrus.
292
00:30:59,558 --> 00:31:02,901
This is one of the fastest
growing plants in the world
293
00:31:03,070 --> 00:31:06,238
And it dominates the waterways.
294
00:31:07,992 --> 00:31:12,411
The steady flow of water leeches
nutrients from the sandy floor.
295
00:31:16,083 --> 00:31:19,668
But papyrus is able to recycle
the nutrients it absorbs,
296
00:31:19,745 --> 00:31:22,162
Taking nourishment
from dying shoots,
297
00:31:22,172 --> 00:31:24,497
And redirecting it
toward new growth.
298
00:31:24,508 --> 00:31:27,676
Allowing it
to grow tall and dense.
299
00:31:45,029 --> 00:31:49,448
It's a banquet for the world's
biggest land mammal.
300
00:31:49,524 --> 00:31:51,241
The african elephant.
301
00:31:54,696 --> 00:32:00,292
A mature elephant bull eats
around 660 pounds of food a day.
302
00:32:06,091 --> 00:32:10,969
He feeds on a huge variety
of plant matter.
303
00:32:11,180 --> 00:32:14,640
And even the fibrous papyrus
stems are on the menu.
304
00:32:21,056 --> 00:32:23,732
Thanks to the okavango's
abundant greenery
305
00:32:23,809 --> 00:32:26,568
In this wet corner
of the great kalahari,
306
00:32:26,645 --> 00:32:30,197
Elephants thrive
in high concentrations.
307
00:32:33,577 --> 00:32:35,568
As this giant moves,
308
00:32:35,579 --> 00:32:40,248
His disturbance provides a feast
for a smaller companion.
309
00:32:40,325 --> 00:32:44,169
A cattle egret can snap up
insects flushed from the grass,
310
00:32:44,246 --> 00:32:47,798
Taking advantage of feast
on a smaller scale.
311
00:32:54,223 --> 00:32:56,256
Insects are an important
source of food
312
00:32:56,266 --> 00:32:58,976
For many of the delta's birds.
313
00:33:01,772 --> 00:33:03,346
Including hornbills
314
00:33:03,357 --> 00:33:05,190
Of the red billed;
315
00:33:05,267 --> 00:33:07,359
And yellow billed varieties.
316
00:33:19,197 --> 00:33:21,373
But there is
another hornbill here
317
00:33:21,450 --> 00:33:24,710
That needs more than insects
to get by.
318
00:33:30,217 --> 00:33:33,760
The southern ground hornbill
is as big as a turkey.
319
00:33:42,888 --> 00:33:45,388
They spend their days
patrolling territories
320
00:33:45,399 --> 00:33:48,641
Of up to
38 square miles on foot,
321
00:33:48,652 --> 00:33:50,277
Looking for food.
322
00:33:53,490 --> 00:33:55,648
This group's territory
includes part
323
00:33:55,659 --> 00:33:59,036
Of one of the
delta's large islands.
324
00:34:00,572 --> 00:34:02,664
The floodwater
doesn't reach here,
325
00:34:02,741 --> 00:34:06,293
But despite the dryness
there is food to be found.
326
00:34:09,998 --> 00:34:14,167
Hornbills will eat anything
from insects to reptiles,
327
00:34:14,178 --> 00:34:16,344
And even small mammals.
328
00:34:20,008 --> 00:34:22,350
This leopard tortoise
is in danger.
329
00:34:33,355 --> 00:34:36,073
The hornbills have cornered him.
330
00:34:59,890 --> 00:35:03,100
But they can't remove him
from his shell.
331
00:35:13,895 --> 00:35:17,572
The tortoise survives the ordeal
332
00:35:17,649 --> 00:35:20,909
And the birds move off
to hunt elsewhere.
333
00:35:27,918 --> 00:35:30,743
With enough territory
on the delta's dry islands,
334
00:35:30,754 --> 00:35:33,547
The hornbills can find
all they need.
335
00:35:36,084 --> 00:35:39,002
For another
of the area's iconic predators,
336
00:35:39,012 --> 00:35:42,722
The daytime strategy
is very different.
337
00:35:47,512 --> 00:35:49,187
This young leopard
338
00:35:49,264 --> 00:35:52,357
Has recently gained
independence from her mother.
339
00:35:54,945 --> 00:35:56,519
The delta's tall trees
340
00:35:56,530 --> 00:35:59,364
Provide her
with excellent lookout points.
341
00:36:01,326 --> 00:36:04,703
From here she can
keep an eye out for prey.
342
00:36:06,623 --> 00:36:09,207
And another
group of youngsters nearby
343
00:36:09,334 --> 00:36:12,169
Would do well to be wary.
344
00:36:14,706 --> 00:36:18,175
A family of baboons is moving
through the undergrowth.
345
00:36:29,438 --> 00:36:31,721
Theirs is a relatively
easy life,
346
00:36:31,732 --> 00:36:34,649
Surrounded by
the delta's lush abundance.
347
00:36:37,896 --> 00:36:42,815
Leopards are the biggest threat
to the troop.
348
00:36:42,826 --> 00:36:48,413
But she does most of her hunting
under the cover of darkness.
349
00:36:48,490 --> 00:36:50,823
With the troop's
big males on guard,
350
00:36:50,834 --> 00:36:54,211
She won't risk an attack
in broad daylight.
351
00:36:56,581 --> 00:36:59,216
Instead she will
take the time to rest.
352
00:37:03,680 --> 00:37:07,515
And the young baboons
can play without concern.
353
00:37:30,415 --> 00:37:34,534
In this wet wonderland
all manner of creatures thrive
354
00:37:34,544 --> 00:37:37,370
But only africa's most hardy
355
00:37:37,381 --> 00:37:40,507
Can survive
beyond the limits of the oasis.
356
00:37:44,721 --> 00:37:48,548
In the height of the dry season,
the south of the kalahari
357
00:37:48,558 --> 00:37:51,268
Has very little
in the way of greenery
358
00:37:52,637 --> 00:37:55,021
And even less surface water.
359
00:38:00,478 --> 00:38:03,730
Living hundreds of miles
from the delta's oasis,
360
00:38:03,740 --> 00:38:08,827
Another family of baboons
must be resourceful to get by.
361
00:38:12,657 --> 00:38:16,459
But even here they can find
enough to sustain themselves.
362
00:38:21,842 --> 00:38:26,344
These omnivorous primates
have incredibly varied diets,
363
00:38:26,471 --> 00:38:28,513
Eating everything
from grass and bark
364
00:38:28,590 --> 00:38:31,016
To insects and small mammals.
365
00:38:37,524 --> 00:38:40,516
Dexterous hands allow them to
pick exactly what they're after
366
00:38:40,527 --> 00:38:42,902
From the foot of an acacia tree.
367
00:38:49,110 --> 00:38:52,028
Baboons are one of the few
mainly terrestrial species
368
00:38:52,039 --> 00:38:53,330
Of monkey.
369
00:38:58,286 --> 00:39:01,338
But they're no slouches
when it comes to climbing.
370
00:39:07,712 --> 00:39:11,639
The acacia tree is a jungle gym
for the youngsters' games.
371
00:39:21,568 --> 00:39:24,235
Despite the desolate appearance
of their habitat,
372
00:39:24,312 --> 00:39:28,156
The troop is healthy enough to
expend excess energy playing.
373
00:39:33,738 --> 00:39:35,747
The tree has a deep tap root
374
00:39:35,824 --> 00:39:38,666
That reaches water
far below the ground.
375
00:39:42,631 --> 00:39:46,174
This allows it to grow new
shoots; food for the baboons
376
00:39:46,251 --> 00:39:49,177
In even the toughest of times.
377
00:39:53,007 --> 00:39:57,977
Trees like this are crucial to a
variety of life in the kalahari.
378
00:40:01,274 --> 00:40:03,858
Including its avian predators.
379
00:40:08,949 --> 00:40:11,533
The talons
of a verreaux's eagle owl
380
00:40:11,609 --> 00:40:16,028
Are strong enough
to lift its own weight in prey.
381
00:40:16,039 --> 00:40:21,617
It hunts by night and sleeps the
hot day away in the treetops.
382
00:40:21,628 --> 00:40:25,964
While the eagle owl rests,
other raptors are on the prowl.
383
00:40:30,137 --> 00:40:32,720
A southern pale chanting goshawk
384
00:40:32,797 --> 00:40:36,224
Swoops down on prey
from high branches.
385
00:40:41,690 --> 00:40:43,973
While it eats its latest kill,
386
00:40:43,984 --> 00:40:46,985
Someone else
pays close attention.
387
00:40:54,652 --> 00:40:56,652
A crimson-breasted shrike
388
00:40:56,663 --> 00:41:00,874
Is eager for a cheap meal
in the challenging dry times.
389
00:41:18,101 --> 00:41:21,769
The goshawk isn't fazed
by the smaller bird
390
00:41:21,846 --> 00:41:24,606
And it's unlikely
there'll be leftovers.
391
00:41:31,198 --> 00:41:33,022
As the wind starts to blow
392
00:41:33,033 --> 00:41:35,783
Through the kalahari's grasses
once again,
393
00:41:35,860 --> 00:41:39,913
Relief for the
parched land is on its way.
394
00:42:03,388 --> 00:42:07,190
Finally rain brings some
moisture to the land.
395
00:42:23,658 --> 00:42:26,668
The kalahari's plants
will grow rapidly
396
00:42:26,744 --> 00:42:29,546
And feed the animals
that need them most.
397
00:42:40,433 --> 00:42:43,434
As the clouds break
and the morning sun returns,
398
00:42:43,511 --> 00:42:46,762
The kalahari
bathes in new light.
399
00:42:49,776 --> 00:42:51,442
For all life here,
400
00:42:51,519 --> 00:42:55,613
The brief downfall has spurred
a timely boost in food supplies.
401
00:43:02,697 --> 00:43:04,622
And they all cash in,
402
00:43:04,833 --> 00:43:09,294
Taking advantage
of sudden plenty in a dry land.
403
00:43:13,124 --> 00:43:16,926
For the meerkat family this
is a gift at a crucial time.
404
00:43:22,767 --> 00:43:26,769
Every day brings the pups nearer
to fending for themselves.
405
00:43:31,484 --> 00:43:35,820
The rain has brought with it
a flush of insect activity.
406
00:43:41,402 --> 00:43:46,205
Feeding the pups as they gain
confidence and experience.
407
00:43:53,748 --> 00:43:57,467
Some will eventually leave
to join new families.
408
00:44:06,936 --> 00:44:09,687
But the pack will remain strong,
409
00:44:09,814 --> 00:44:14,317
Working together to raise
one generation after the next.
410
00:44:34,122 --> 00:44:36,297
In its immense expanse,
411
00:44:36,374 --> 00:44:40,134
The kalahari is far more
than a barren desert.
412
00:44:44,382 --> 00:44:47,392
Life of all forms thrives here.
413
00:44:52,390 --> 00:44:54,974
In a land underscored by sand,
414
00:44:54,984 --> 00:44:58,644
Rocks provide crucial refuge.
415
00:45:01,482 --> 00:45:05,368
And a mighty river
floods far and wide.
416
00:45:09,999 --> 00:45:12,917
This provides
abundance for some.
417
00:45:19,426 --> 00:45:24,721
While elsewhere the hardy must
make use of what's on offer.
418
00:45:28,926 --> 00:45:31,594
This is a land of variety,
419
00:45:31,604 --> 00:45:34,230
Filled with many faces;
420
00:45:38,686 --> 00:45:42,029
A collage of life and landscapes
421
00:45:42,106 --> 00:45:45,441
That make up
the colorful kaleidoscope,
422
00:45:45,452 --> 00:45:50,455
Which is the great kalahari.
35252
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