Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated:
1
00:00:02,436 --> 00:00:06,707
NARRATOR: The Drakensberg
has the highest peaks in Africa
2
00:00:06,707 --> 00:00:09,109
south of Kilimanjaro.
3
00:00:09,109 --> 00:00:12,512
It is home to many creatures.
4
00:00:14,414 --> 00:00:18,318
But to live here
is no easy feat.
5
00:00:18,318 --> 00:00:22,522
Its beauty is matched
only by its danger.
6
00:00:25,692 --> 00:00:29,263
Within its unassailable peaks,
mystical reptiles
7
00:00:29,263 --> 00:00:35,035
make their home--
the dragons of the mountain.
8
00:00:40,574 --> 00:00:44,344
Their realm is one
of the most beautiful
9
00:00:44,344 --> 00:00:47,180
and least hospitable
in the world.
10
00:00:51,785 --> 00:00:58,625
This is Dragon Mountain,
where only the cunning survive.
11
00:01:33,293 --> 00:01:36,563
NARRATOR: When the AmaZulu
first saw these cliffs,
12
00:01:36,563 --> 00:01:41,134
they called them uKhahlamba--
"a barrier of spears".
13
00:01:44,504 --> 00:01:50,277
Decades later, in early 1837,
a group of weary Dutch travelers
14
00:01:50,277 --> 00:01:54,381
rolled their ox wagons
through this landscape.
15
00:01:54,381 --> 00:01:59,186
Between the spires and the mist,
they imagined they glimpsed
16
00:01:59,186 --> 00:02:02,522
a large, fire-breathing serpent.
17
00:02:02,522 --> 00:02:06,360
They named its lair
Dragon Mountain.
18
00:02:10,530 --> 00:02:14,267
These two groups of travelers
were vastly different.
19
00:02:14,267 --> 00:02:17,771
But they seem to have found
common ground
20
00:02:17,771 --> 00:02:19,573
when they saw the mountain.
21
00:02:23,577 --> 00:02:26,546
Frightened by the severity
of the landscape,
22
00:02:26,546 --> 00:02:31,685
captivated by its mystery,
their names tell
23
00:02:31,685 --> 00:02:36,156
of the unknown dangers
hidden within the jagged ledges.
24
00:02:40,727 --> 00:02:46,967
But this harsh and rocky
terrain, however unyielding,
25
00:02:46,967 --> 00:02:49,469
still supports life.
26
00:03:00,714 --> 00:03:04,785
And those that call this place
their home are as resilient
27
00:03:04,785 --> 00:03:07,320
as the land on which they live.
28
00:03:09,923 --> 00:03:11,558
They are adapted to survive
29
00:03:11,558 --> 00:03:15,429
in an environment
inhospitable to most,
30
00:03:15,429 --> 00:03:20,600
in conditions that have made
the Drakensberg
31
00:03:20,600 --> 00:03:24,337
South Africa's
last truly pristine wilderness.
32
00:03:27,607 --> 00:03:33,213
The life that exists here does
so largely unencumbered by man.
33
00:03:35,982 --> 00:03:40,387
The moist montane grassland
marks the lowest life zone
34
00:03:40,387 --> 00:03:43,590
of the Drakensberg's
altitude levels.
35
00:03:43,590 --> 00:03:47,427
Ranging up to 6,500 feet,
these open meadows
36
00:03:47,427 --> 00:03:49,796
comprise many types of grass.
37
00:03:49,796 --> 00:03:53,700
And they are home
to a number of creatures.
38
00:03:53,700 --> 00:03:59,639
Species that live
at the base of the mountain
39
00:03:59,639 --> 00:04:02,342
benefit from higher temperatures
and more rainfall
40
00:04:02,342 --> 00:04:04,644
than those higher up.
41
00:04:04,644 --> 00:04:07,681
Standing at the gateway
to the Drakensberg
42
00:04:07,681 --> 00:04:11,751
is the first dragon
of Dragon Mountain--
43
00:04:11,751 --> 00:04:15,455
Smaug giganteus.
44
00:04:15,455 --> 00:04:18,859
His scientific name
is a direct result
45
00:04:18,859 --> 00:04:22,295
of his resemblance
to the fire-breathing monster.
46
00:04:25,799 --> 00:04:29,436
But at a little under
8 inches long,
47
00:04:29,436 --> 00:04:32,472
he does not share
the same reputation.
48
00:04:36,776 --> 00:04:40,914
These open grasslands at the
very base of the Drakensberg
49
00:04:40,914 --> 00:04:43,750
are his domain.
50
00:04:50,557 --> 00:04:54,528
More commonly known
as a sungazer,
51
00:04:56,763 --> 00:05:00,567
he is the largest
of the girdled lizard family
52
00:05:00,567 --> 00:05:02,602
and the only one
in the Drakensberg region
53
00:05:02,602 --> 00:05:05,038
that can survive
away from the rocky shelter
54
00:05:05,038 --> 00:05:06,773
of the mountain peaks.
55
00:05:10,877 --> 00:05:14,481
This is because he is endowed
with a skill that none
56
00:05:14,481 --> 00:05:19,786
of his other clan members have:
the ability to burrow.
57
00:05:19,786 --> 00:05:24,391
Smaug spends the majority
of his day gazing out
58
00:05:24,391 --> 00:05:28,795
across his territory, scanning
for intruders and predators.
59
00:05:31,998 --> 00:05:36,736
Then, when it is time,
he returns to his lair.
60
00:05:39,139 --> 00:05:41,675
Each lizard digs its own burrow,
61
00:05:41,675 --> 00:05:43,977
often delving almost 7 feet
into the earth,
62
00:05:43,977 --> 00:05:47,180
and always facing due east
to make the most
63
00:05:47,180 --> 00:05:50,750
of the sun's warmth.
64
00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:54,721
Rows of thick, spiny scales act
as protection from predators.
65
00:05:56,022 --> 00:06:00,594
Sungazers are formidable
defenders of their grassy realm
66
00:06:00,594 --> 00:06:03,096
on Dragon Mountain.
67
00:06:03,096 --> 00:06:07,901
They can defend their turf
for as long as 20 years
68
00:06:07,901 --> 00:06:10,770
before the next generation
takes over.
69
00:06:13,873 --> 00:06:17,510
Small creatures like Smaug
share the lower meadows
70
00:06:17,510 --> 00:06:19,713
with the largest congregations
of animals
71
00:06:19,713 --> 00:06:22,749
found in the Drakensberg.
72
00:06:33,860 --> 00:06:39,699
The Drakensberg embraces almost
every high-altitude biome:
73
00:06:39,699 --> 00:06:42,969
from grasslands,
to lush forests,
74
00:06:42,969 --> 00:06:45,639
and extensive shrub communities.
75
00:06:47,874 --> 00:06:49,709
It contains
several dozen pockets
76
00:06:49,709 --> 00:06:51,544
of different flower species.
77
00:06:55,815 --> 00:06:58,184
Each of these communities
is remarkable
78
00:06:58,184 --> 00:07:00,987
for their sheer variety.
79
00:07:07,894 --> 00:07:14,434
2,153 species of plant
have been identified so far.
80
00:07:16,836 --> 00:07:22,275
An astonishing 30%
are found nowhere else on earth.
81
00:07:22,275 --> 00:07:27,113
And they have developed ways
to deal with the specific trials
82
00:07:27,113 --> 00:07:29,582
of the areas in which they live.
83
00:07:32,719 --> 00:07:36,923
These are dependent
on two main factors:
84
00:07:36,923 --> 00:07:40,760
how high they are
and which way they face.
85
00:07:41,961 --> 00:07:44,764
Some plants have to deal
with incessant winds,
86
00:07:44,764 --> 00:07:49,302
some are snow resistant,
while others stay dormant
87
00:07:49,302 --> 00:07:51,871
within the earth
for most of the year,
88
00:07:51,871 --> 00:07:54,274
only coming out
when there is enough water
89
00:07:54,274 --> 00:07:56,509
and light to support them.
90
00:08:04,617 --> 00:08:07,620
Small creatures like Smaug
share the lower meadows
91
00:08:07,620 --> 00:08:09,289
with the largest congregations
of animals
92
00:08:09,289 --> 00:08:11,758
found in the Drakensberg.
93
00:08:27,173 --> 00:08:29,576
Blesbok thrive
on the fresh young growth
94
00:08:29,576 --> 00:08:30,910
of the open grasslands.
95
00:08:36,816 --> 00:08:40,653
Families live in mobile groups,
continuously searching the land
96
00:08:40,653 --> 00:08:42,689
for the best grazing.
97
00:08:45,191 --> 00:08:49,829
Calves remain with the breeding
herds until they are a year old.
98
00:08:52,098 --> 00:08:55,802
When they reach this milestone,
they're cast out
99
00:08:55,802 --> 00:08:58,538
and left to face the mountain
on their own.
100
00:09:01,908 --> 00:09:05,678
Blesbok are adapted to life
on the grassy plains
101
00:09:05,678 --> 00:09:09,649
so they don't wander
onto the higher slopes.
102
00:09:14,687 --> 00:09:16,823
However, South Africa's
largest antelope
103
00:09:16,823 --> 00:09:19,392
is a very capable climber.
104
00:09:19,392 --> 00:09:24,631
In the summer Cape Eland migrate
to the top of the escarpment
105
00:09:24,631 --> 00:09:27,233
for fine grazing,
106
00:09:27,233 --> 00:09:30,236
during which time
they can obtain enough moisture
107
00:09:30,236 --> 00:09:34,374
from their food to go for long
periods without drinking.
108
00:09:34,374 --> 00:09:38,178
Red hartebeest,
on the other hand,
109
00:09:38,178 --> 00:09:42,248
can only live in areas
with ready access to water
110
00:09:42,248 --> 00:09:44,150
and so, like blesbok,
111
00:09:44,150 --> 00:09:47,053
are confined to the mountain's
lower slopes.
112
00:09:58,364 --> 00:10:04,137
The Drakensberg is the
most vital water catchment area
113
00:10:04,137 --> 00:10:06,606
in South Africa.
114
00:10:10,176 --> 00:10:14,147
Some of the country's primary
rivers begin their journey here.
115
00:10:29,829 --> 00:10:33,132
They are fed by vast waterfalls.
116
00:10:33,132 --> 00:10:36,769
Among these
is the Thukela falls,
117
00:10:36,769 --> 00:10:38,905
the second highest in the world.
118
00:10:40,874 --> 00:10:44,844
These powerful veins of moisture
119
00:10:44,844 --> 00:10:48,181
continuously drain
through the mountain.
120
00:10:53,953 --> 00:10:57,790
And they are coursing with life.
121
00:11:00,059 --> 00:11:03,863
But to exist here
is no easy feat.
122
00:11:03,863 --> 00:11:07,934
At higher altitudes,
temperatures can drop so low
123
00:11:07,934 --> 00:11:11,204
rivers freeze over, making them
inhospitable to most.
124
00:11:16,509 --> 00:11:19,212
The Inyanga river frog
only lives
125
00:11:19,212 --> 00:11:22,382
in the semi-permanent streams
of the Drakensberg.
126
00:11:22,382 --> 00:11:26,786
They start their journey
as eggs,
127
00:11:26,786 --> 00:11:30,490
and their metamorphosis
may be completed
128
00:11:30,490 --> 00:11:33,092
in little more than 30 days.
129
00:11:34,827 --> 00:11:36,863
This is the last remaining
habitat in the world
130
00:11:36,863 --> 00:11:38,364
that supports them.
131
00:11:38,364 --> 00:11:44,804
They thrive in the fast flowing
streams that begin their journey
132
00:11:44,804 --> 00:11:48,741
at the very top of the mountain.
133
00:11:50,810 --> 00:11:53,346
Moving upstream,
the 6,500 foot mark
134
00:11:53,346 --> 00:11:57,984
signals the beginning
of the sub-alpine zone.
135
00:12:06,192 --> 00:12:09,262
This region is where South
Africa's national jewel exists.
136
00:12:15,301 --> 00:12:18,871
The protea flower
is the country's emblem.
137
00:12:21,874 --> 00:12:26,279
This particular species
of protea only grows
138
00:12:26,279 --> 00:12:28,414
at 7,380 feet,
139
00:12:28,414 --> 00:12:33,219
on the basalt slopes
of Dragon Mountain.
140
00:12:33,219 --> 00:12:35,855
The Protea nubigena.
141
00:12:38,324 --> 00:12:43,196
Its name means "in the clouds".
142
00:12:45,098 --> 00:12:48,067
It is confined
to very steep slopes
143
00:12:48,067 --> 00:12:49,969
below the sentinel
rock formation.
144
00:12:51,337 --> 00:12:55,041
Here it's exposed to sunshine
for only half the day,
145
00:12:55,041 --> 00:12:58,978
and is out of range of fires
that are more common lower down.
146
00:13:01,381 --> 00:13:04,283
These very particular
requirements mean that it has
147
00:13:04,283 --> 00:13:08,187
the smallest distribution
of any Drakensberg endemic.
148
00:13:13,059 --> 00:13:15,528
At these high altitudes,
there are creatures
149
00:13:15,528 --> 00:13:17,463
specifically adapted to endure
150
00:13:17,463 --> 00:13:20,199
the pressures
of the unrelenting habitat.
151
00:13:22,468 --> 00:13:25,605
The Maluti river frog lives
in the crystal clear streams
152
00:13:25,605 --> 00:13:27,306
that flow through
the sub-alpine zone.
153
00:13:27,306 --> 00:13:31,077
Their pristine waters
leave all inhabitants
154
00:13:31,077 --> 00:13:34,347
vulnerable to predators.
155
00:13:34,347 --> 00:13:38,217
The only way to survive
is to become a shadow.
156
00:13:41,954 --> 00:13:44,557
Remaining unseen
in the bottom of the waters,
157
00:13:44,557 --> 00:13:49,829
the Maluti river frog has
the ability to stay undetected.
158
00:14:02,508 --> 00:14:07,046
It only lives in streams
in the afromontane grasslands
159
00:14:07,046 --> 00:14:10,216
at altitudes
of around 5,700 feet.
160
00:14:22,395 --> 00:14:25,331
Where it uses the cold
as an ally--
161
00:14:25,331 --> 00:14:29,435
and up here the cold is
a very powerful partner to have.
162
00:14:48,688 --> 00:14:51,424
As it sits motionless
in the water,
163
00:14:51,424 --> 00:14:55,394
it seems like another feature
of the riverbed.
164
00:15:14,313 --> 00:15:16,582
Surviving in temperatures
others can't,
165
00:15:16,582 --> 00:15:20,319
the Maluti river frog has little
competition for resources.
166
00:15:22,255 --> 00:15:26,192
Because little in the way
of food inhabits these streams,
167
00:15:26,192 --> 00:15:28,161
it often has to journey
great distances,
168
00:15:28,161 --> 00:15:31,998
constantly moving through
the high-altitude waterways
169
00:15:31,998 --> 00:15:34,467
of the Drakensberg,
in search of food.
170
00:15:46,445 --> 00:15:50,583
Only the hardiest
and most dauntless
171
00:15:50,583 --> 00:15:52,752
can survive the Drakensberg.
172
00:15:52,752 --> 00:15:55,354
And just as inhospitable
as the mountain,
173
00:15:55,354 --> 00:15:59,525
are the forces that produced it.
174
00:15:59,525 --> 00:16:03,563
Forged by magma and basalt
over 20 million years,
175
00:16:03,563 --> 00:16:07,366
it is a standing relic
of the great geological shifts
176
00:16:07,366 --> 00:16:10,503
that shaped the world
as we know it today.
177
00:16:17,343 --> 00:16:23,549
A tectonic drift occurred
around 1.8 billion years ago.
178
00:16:23,549 --> 00:16:27,453
The super-continent Gondwanaland
split into Antarctica,
179
00:16:27,453 --> 00:16:31,390
South America, Australia,
and Africa.
180
00:16:38,097 --> 00:16:42,401
Magma rose up
from below the earth's crust,
181
00:16:42,401 --> 00:16:47,306
solidifying and fusing
as it spread and cooled.
182
00:16:47,306 --> 00:16:55,648
This happened continuously
for 20 million years.
183
00:16:55,648 --> 00:16:59,785
The process of lava erupting
and cooling over itself
184
00:16:59,785 --> 00:17:03,789
formed a two kilometer-deep
crust of dark basalt
185
00:17:03,789 --> 00:17:07,393
over the earth's surface...
186
00:17:14,433 --> 00:17:18,204
That dropped off
suddenly into the sea.
187
00:17:22,275 --> 00:17:25,511
Wind and rain then beat
the mountain back over a period
188
00:17:25,511 --> 00:17:29,448
of a billion years to leave it
where it stands today.
189
00:17:37,456 --> 00:17:41,560
This process is ongoing:
the Drakensberg escarpment
190
00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:46,299
is eroding at a rate of over
1 inch every hundred years.
191
00:17:49,468 --> 00:17:52,872
Today, the Drakensberg lies
in the west of KwaZulu Natal,
192
00:17:52,872 --> 00:17:54,840
on the Lesotho border.
193
00:17:54,840 --> 00:18:01,580
The entire range of mountains
stretches over 600 miles,
194
00:18:01,580 --> 00:18:05,618
abruptly dividing the Highveld's
grassy plains to the east
195
00:18:05,618 --> 00:18:09,488
and the Natal Woodlands
to the west.
196
00:18:09,488 --> 00:18:15,494
Over 600,000 acres
of this range are protected
197
00:18:15,494 --> 00:18:20,499
as the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg
Park that, as of 2000,
198
00:18:20,499 --> 00:18:23,336
is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
199
00:18:38,951 --> 00:18:44,957
It's home to over 2,000 species
of plant
200
00:18:44,957 --> 00:18:48,861
and an abundance of birds,
201
00:18:48,861 --> 00:18:53,132
mammals, reptiles
and amphibians.
202
00:19:08,514 --> 00:19:09,982
Each step up the mountain
203
00:19:09,982 --> 00:19:11,617
is a little more perilous
than the last,
204
00:19:11,617 --> 00:19:16,155
and each inhabitant
a little more dauntless.
205
00:19:31,604 --> 00:19:35,975
At higher altitudes,
oxygen levels begin to thin,
206
00:19:35,975 --> 00:19:38,577
making it harder to breathe.
207
00:19:38,577 --> 00:19:41,847
And the cold becomes
steadily more piercing,
208
00:19:41,847 --> 00:19:43,282
with nighttime temperatures
209
00:19:43,282 --> 00:19:46,986
regularly dropping
below freezing.
210
00:19:46,986 --> 00:19:49,922
Almost 70 degrees Fahrenheit
colder
211
00:19:49,922 --> 00:19:52,191
than at the base
of the mountain.
212
00:19:54,326 --> 00:19:58,798
These skinks
rely on the rocks to survive.
213
00:20:02,868 --> 00:20:06,405
To endure the conditions,
they need the heat from the sun.
214
00:20:10,342 --> 00:20:12,778
They obtain this
either by basking,
215
00:20:12,778 --> 00:20:16,749
or by using the stored heat
within the rock.
216
00:20:22,521 --> 00:20:27,326
But exposure leaves them
vulnerable.
217
00:20:34,733 --> 00:20:40,539
The jackal buzzard
is a nomadic hunter
218
00:20:40,539 --> 00:20:43,776
and a specialist
aerial predator.
219
00:20:56,722 --> 00:20:58,891
It is able to soar
220
00:20:58,891 --> 00:21:02,661
or hover
with equal proficiency.
221
00:21:08,567 --> 00:21:13,439
Exposed on the rock, the skink
is at its most vulnerable.
222
00:21:21,947 --> 00:21:26,619
The buzzard skims low over
the boulders in search of prey.
223
00:21:41,433 --> 00:21:45,371
But being small
has its advantages.
224
00:21:57,983 --> 00:22:04,456
In this landscape,
only a few rocks are lifesavers,
225
00:22:04,456 --> 00:22:07,593
providing the cover they need.
226
00:22:13,432 --> 00:22:16,902
And competition for these
is fierce.
227
00:22:16,902 --> 00:22:21,607
Life up here is difficult enough
for the skink.
228
00:22:22,975 --> 00:22:25,477
Predators are not
the only things that
229
00:22:25,477 --> 00:22:27,746
they have to worry about.
230
00:22:31,150 --> 00:22:34,653
There is another
dragon of the mountain--
231
00:22:34,653 --> 00:22:37,456
the Drakensberg crag lizard.
232
00:22:45,598 --> 00:22:48,467
The colors on mature males
are pronounced
233
00:22:48,467 --> 00:22:49,902
during breeding season.
234
00:23:04,783 --> 00:23:07,920
This is also when the lizards
become more aggressive.
235
00:23:16,795 --> 00:23:19,231
They are the generalists
of Dragon Mountain,
236
00:23:19,231 --> 00:23:22,935
thriving from
the base to the top.
237
00:23:24,803 --> 00:23:29,808
Where these rocks and ledges are
a constant obstacle to others,
238
00:23:29,808 --> 00:23:34,079
the Drakensberg crag lizard
negotiates them with ease,
239
00:23:34,079 --> 00:23:38,817
using them to hunt, bask, and,
most importantly, for shelter.
240
00:23:43,756 --> 00:23:46,659
But in order for them
to accomplish this,
241
00:23:46,659 --> 00:23:49,828
they are dependent on very
specific shapes of rock.
242
00:23:52,097 --> 00:23:55,901
There are few crevices that
are the right size and shape
243
00:23:55,901 --> 00:23:59,772
to protect them from both
predators and the elements.
244
00:24:07,713 --> 00:24:11,684
At times they become comatose
during the winter nights.
245
00:24:14,286 --> 00:24:19,658
If their body temperature drops
below 23 degrees Fahrenheit,
246
00:24:19,658 --> 00:24:21,260
they will freeze to death.
247
00:24:21,260 --> 00:24:25,564
The only way to prevent this
is by sheltering in crevices.
248
00:24:27,999 --> 00:24:31,737
And not all of these
are good enough
249
00:24:31,737 --> 00:24:34,506
to beat the cold
of Dragon Mountain.
250
00:24:35,774 --> 00:24:40,312
The best fighters lay claim
to the best shelter.
251
00:24:40,312 --> 00:24:45,818
Those that are forced to use
shallower, more exposed cracks
252
00:24:45,818 --> 00:24:48,854
are the ones that will freeze
during the night.
253
00:25:13,712 --> 00:25:16,648
Reptiles are not
the only creatures
254
00:25:16,648 --> 00:25:19,785
battling to live up here.
255
00:25:19,785 --> 00:25:23,322
Closer to the summit, it becomes
steadily more difficult
256
00:25:23,322 --> 00:25:26,258
to survive the mountain.
257
00:25:26,258 --> 00:25:32,197
Human beings have evolved
to function best at sea level.
258
00:25:32,197 --> 00:25:37,669
Our bodies struggle to withstand
the menacing temperatures,
259
00:25:37,669 --> 00:25:40,672
high winds, and lack of oxygen.
260
00:25:42,341 --> 00:25:46,845
Each resident
of the sub-alpine zone
261
00:25:46,845 --> 00:25:49,648
similarly has had to develop
its own way of dealing
262
00:25:49,648 --> 00:25:51,750
with the stresses of altitude.
263
00:25:53,018 --> 00:25:58,657
Like us, rock hyraxes
lack the natural equipment
264
00:25:58,657 --> 00:26:00,959
to deal with the severe cold.
265
00:26:02,294 --> 00:26:05,831
Unlike the mountain's reptiles,
however, they are unable
266
00:26:05,831 --> 00:26:09,001
to counter this by climbing
into narrow rock crevices.
267
00:26:11,970 --> 00:26:15,774
So, just like everything else
on Dragon Mountain,
268
00:26:15,774 --> 00:26:18,877
the rock hyraxes have had
to find their own methods
269
00:26:18,877 --> 00:26:22,848
to survive the elements:
they cuddle.
270
00:26:24,983 --> 00:26:28,253
Cuddling helps conserve heat
271
00:26:28,253 --> 00:26:31,623
and counteracts their
poor ability to thermoregulate.
272
00:26:33,292 --> 00:26:35,861
Because of their need
for each other's body warmth,
273
00:26:35,861 --> 00:26:39,798
they always live
in family units.
274
00:26:39,798 --> 00:26:43,135
They are indiscriminate
in their cuddling partners--
275
00:26:43,135 --> 00:26:48,907
neighbors, friends,
and even strangers will all do.
276
00:26:48,907 --> 00:26:51,777
They have a great ability
277
00:26:51,777 --> 00:26:55,013
to economize
on energy and resources,
278
00:26:55,013 --> 00:27:00,385
and they can eat virtually
all types of vegetation,
279
00:27:00,385 --> 00:27:04,156
obtaining most of their
moisture needs from their food.
280
00:27:06,892 --> 00:27:10,028
This is vital in a land
as unyielding as this.
281
00:27:12,931 --> 00:27:17,202
The hyraxes have, however,
developed another technique
282
00:27:17,202 --> 00:27:23,342
to cope with the stress of life
on the mountain:
283
00:27:23,342 --> 00:27:26,879
they relax.
284
00:27:26,879 --> 00:27:31,650
A lot of the hyrax's day
is spent chilling out.
285
00:27:34,853 --> 00:27:39,791
But don't let it fool you,
this is a tactical move--
286
00:27:39,791 --> 00:27:43,662
doing nothing helps them
conserve vital energy.
287
00:27:45,797 --> 00:27:49,067
Energy that they muster
to masterfully scale
288
00:27:49,067 --> 00:27:50,802
the rock faces.
289
00:27:52,905 --> 00:27:56,074
They are generally
very sluggish, only coming out
290
00:27:56,074 --> 00:28:01,213
to forage in the late morning
after a long lie-in.
291
00:28:04,016 --> 00:28:06,518
They minimize the time
spent on the rocks
292
00:28:06,518 --> 00:28:09,988
where they are exposed
to predators.
293
00:28:11,423 --> 00:28:15,694
Their key defense strategy is
their ability to eat rapidly.
294
00:28:21,233 --> 00:28:23,835
The hyraxes can consume
their entire day's meal
295
00:28:23,835 --> 00:28:25,804
in just an hour.
296
00:28:30,108 --> 00:28:34,846
And they are dependent on
the shelter of rocks to survive.
297
00:28:43,255 --> 00:28:47,492
Their clawless feet
are useless for digging,
298
00:28:47,492 --> 00:28:51,797
so they rely on natural cavities
provided by the mountain.
299
00:29:12,384 --> 00:29:15,287
Not all of the Drakensberg's
inhabitants are confined
300
00:29:15,287 --> 00:29:18,223
to the close quarters
of the rocks.
301
00:29:26,131 --> 00:29:29,835
Many birds scour the mountain
looking for opportunity.
302
00:29:30,902 --> 00:29:34,272
These scavenging
white-necked ravens
303
00:29:34,272 --> 00:29:38,176
continuously patrol
the landscape looking for food.
304
00:29:39,911 --> 00:29:43,615
For them, death is necessary
to ensure life.
305
00:29:43,615 --> 00:29:47,052
Without it,
they cannot continue.
306
00:29:50,422 --> 00:29:53,191
In the same manner,
this black-backed jackal
307
00:29:53,191 --> 00:29:56,962
relies on the lives
claimed by Dragon Mountain.
308
00:30:09,574 --> 00:30:15,347
Perhaps the most impressive
of the Drakensberg's scavengers
309
00:30:15,347 --> 00:30:18,316
is the lammergeyer.
310
00:30:18,316 --> 00:30:21,486
These beautiful vultures
take to the skies
311
00:30:21,486 --> 00:30:25,223
in a constant search for the
carcasses of deceased animals.
312
00:30:48,080 --> 00:30:51,216
But it is not only the
scavengers that survive up here.
313
00:30:52,984 --> 00:30:56,555
Naturally adapted
to climb trees,
314
00:30:56,555 --> 00:30:59,558
a family of chacma baboons
manages to navigate
315
00:30:59,558 --> 00:31:01,326
the rocky mountain with ease.
316
00:31:04,162 --> 00:31:07,432
Chacma baboons are equally
at home moving along branches,
317
00:31:07,432 --> 00:31:11,136
climbing a rock face,
or foraging through the grass.
318
00:31:19,411 --> 00:31:22,180
But the lack of trees here
means the mountain
319
00:31:22,180 --> 00:31:25,917
is not a generous provider.
320
00:31:29,321 --> 00:31:33,091
Baboon troops that live up here
often have to journey for days,
321
00:31:33,091 --> 00:31:36,895
scouring the dimly dressed
grassy peaks.
322
00:31:39,264 --> 00:31:40,632
The family moves as a unit,
323
00:31:40,632 --> 00:31:45,237
climbing higher and higher,
restlessly foraging.
324
00:31:48,306 --> 00:31:51,576
They are capable of obtaining
325
00:31:51,576 --> 00:31:55,514
the majority of their water
needs from their food.
326
00:31:57,682 --> 00:32:02,287
And they are
dietary opportunists,
327
00:32:02,287 --> 00:32:05,524
eating virtually anything
that is edible.
328
00:32:13,765 --> 00:32:15,767
Both of these traits
are crucial adaptations
329
00:32:15,767 --> 00:32:18,503
for surviving the mountain.
330
00:32:46,431 --> 00:32:50,635
This nomadic society
is founded on codependence:
331
00:32:50,635 --> 00:32:54,573
each member is responsible
for looking after the other.
332
00:32:56,107 --> 00:32:58,677
The higher they move,
333
00:32:58,677 --> 00:33:01,513
the less nourishment
the landscape provides them.
334
00:33:07,285 --> 00:33:10,555
But as a part of a strong
family unit,
335
00:33:10,555 --> 00:33:14,526
they are able to make
the most of any opportunity.
336
00:33:25,403 --> 00:33:31,409
This region is home to the
third dragon of the mountain.
337
00:33:37,649 --> 00:33:40,552
The spiny crag lizard.
338
00:33:59,704 --> 00:34:05,176
The only place in the world
that it lives is here:
339
00:34:05,176 --> 00:34:08,780
between 4,900 and 8,200 feet
above sea level
340
00:34:08,780 --> 00:34:10,548
on the Drakensberg.
341
00:34:21,159 --> 00:34:24,396
It has evolved to thrive
in a rugged world.
342
00:34:25,597 --> 00:34:28,800
Fallen rocks lie scattered
in boulder fields,
343
00:34:28,800 --> 00:34:33,104
creating an obstacle
for most mountain inhabitants.
344
00:34:34,372 --> 00:34:38,343
It has a heavily armored tail
and body.
345
00:34:44,849 --> 00:34:50,088
These natural shields
are a great defensive aid.
346
00:34:54,893 --> 00:34:58,697
When threatened they will wedge
themselves inside crevices,
347
00:34:58,697 --> 00:35:02,634
using these spines as anchors
against extraction.
348
00:35:13,778 --> 00:35:17,649
The heights are their realm, and
they are especially conditioned
349
00:35:17,649 --> 00:35:20,852
to endure the trials
of altitude.
350
00:35:20,852 --> 00:35:24,789
This is achieved by basking.
351
00:35:24,789 --> 00:35:30,595
They will spend the daylight
hours absorbing the sun's rays.
352
00:35:30,595 --> 00:35:34,532
Without this,
they would perish up here.
353
00:35:35,867 --> 00:35:38,803
They stand at the doorway
354
00:35:38,803 --> 00:35:42,374
to the last of the Drakensberg's
altitude zones.
355
00:35:45,577 --> 00:35:48,747
At almost 9,000 feet,
the alpine region
356
00:35:48,747 --> 00:35:52,684
is the bleakest of Dragon
Mountain's altitude belts.
357
00:35:56,955 --> 00:36:00,759
It is a barren realm.
358
00:36:02,260 --> 00:36:04,996
Frost is common.
359
00:36:04,996 --> 00:36:09,167
Mist continuously enshrouds
the peaks.
360
00:36:12,437 --> 00:36:17,976
And intense winds
relentlessly barrage
361
00:36:17,976 --> 00:36:20,178
the few creatures
that live here.
362
00:36:23,882 --> 00:36:26,851
The only shelter comes from the
snow-resistant tussock grasses
363
00:36:26,851 --> 00:36:29,354
and the unyielding basalt rocks.
364
00:36:31,689 --> 00:36:33,725
For half of the year,
365
00:36:33,725 --> 00:36:36,361
temperatures drop
below freezing,
366
00:36:36,361 --> 00:36:40,498
sometimes falling as low
as -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
367
00:36:40,498 --> 00:36:45,503
And right at the top of this
vast, ageless landscape,
368
00:36:45,503 --> 00:36:49,474
lives the most unassuming
of characters.
369
00:36:52,277 --> 00:36:54,546
This innocuous red rock rabbit
370
00:36:54,546 --> 00:36:57,415
is dwarfed by the rocks
that he inhabits.
371
00:36:59,484 --> 00:37:03,455
And this is the very secret
to his success.
372
00:37:03,455 --> 00:37:08,493
He is a master
at inconspicuous foraging--
373
00:37:08,493 --> 00:37:12,430
moving undetected
between the shadows of rocks.
374
00:37:14,699 --> 00:37:20,472
Up here, the only way to survive
is to stay hidden.
375
00:37:23,374 --> 00:37:28,580
Between these sheer cliff faces,
jagged buttresses,
376
00:37:28,580 --> 00:37:30,748
and unassailable pinnacles,
377
00:37:30,748 --> 00:37:35,653
predators are always looking
for a meal.
378
00:37:35,653 --> 00:37:39,524
And at every moment
he is vulnerable.
379
00:37:42,994 --> 00:37:45,730
His only defense is his ability
380
00:37:45,730 --> 00:37:48,867
to blend into this vast,
bleak landscape.
381
00:37:53,671 --> 00:37:55,740
For Dragon Mountain's
smallest residents,
382
00:37:55,740 --> 00:38:00,512
remaining undetected
is vital for survival.
383
00:38:00,512 --> 00:38:04,015
But some creatures
have no choice but to dash out
384
00:38:04,015 --> 00:38:05,483
in search of a meal.
385
00:38:06,951 --> 00:38:10,555
An ice rat leaves the safety
of the overhanging rocks
386
00:38:10,555 --> 00:38:12,624
to forage in the open.
387
00:38:12,624 --> 00:38:17,495
They have thick fur
that helps them cope
388
00:38:17,495 --> 00:38:20,298
with the extreme cold.
389
00:38:21,933 --> 00:38:26,437
They also have an elongated
small intestine that aids them
390
00:38:26,437 --> 00:38:30,575
in absorbing nutrients
from their food.
391
00:38:30,575 --> 00:38:33,645
This efficient digestion system
means they don't have
392
00:38:33,645 --> 00:38:37,448
to stay out foraging for as long
as other rodent species
393
00:38:37,448 --> 00:38:39,417
found lower down.
394
00:38:43,721 --> 00:38:47,892
These are social animals
when in their burrow,
395
00:38:47,892 --> 00:38:50,528
but they always forage alone...
396
00:38:54,732 --> 00:38:58,736
Despite the dangers
of the mountain.
397
00:38:58,736 --> 00:39:02,674
Predators with keen eyesight
prowl the landscape for food.
398
00:39:18,089 --> 00:39:20,758
The tiny mammals
are not equipped
399
00:39:20,758 --> 00:39:24,462
with the same sharpness of sense
that the raptors have.
400
00:39:28,199 --> 00:39:32,370
Despite this,
they have to feed.
401
00:39:53,791 --> 00:39:59,697
Often the ice rat's best defense
is the mountain itself.
402
00:40:20,018 --> 00:40:23,888
What is a burden to some
is a refuge for others.
403
00:40:37,835 --> 00:40:41,005
And the ice rat lives
to forage another day.
404
00:40:45,176 --> 00:40:47,779
There is little else
in the world that can compare
405
00:40:47,779 --> 00:40:49,847
to what is found up here.
406
00:40:59,590 --> 00:41:02,727
This is the apex
of the mountain,
407
00:41:02,727 --> 00:41:06,531
the most exposed and
inhospitable of all its regions.
408
00:41:11,769 --> 00:41:15,840
But even here, at the
very summit of Dragon Mountain,
409
00:41:15,840 --> 00:41:19,777
creatures can be found
among its rocky outcrops.
410
00:41:28,886 --> 00:41:33,091
Perched on the very edge
of the world,
411
00:41:33,091 --> 00:41:37,695
with the clouds for a carpet
and the sky for a ceiling,
412
00:41:37,695 --> 00:41:39,931
the last dragon
of the mountain...
413
00:41:44,235 --> 00:41:46,938
The Lang's crag lizard.
414
00:41:49,841 --> 00:41:51,909
Also known
as the suicide lizard,
415
00:41:51,909 --> 00:41:54,846
its name comes from its habit
of hanging from ledges
416
00:41:54,846 --> 00:41:59,117
at extreme altitudes
above 8,900 feet.
417
00:42:04,188 --> 00:42:08,626
It has endured
because it lives in an area
418
00:42:08,626 --> 00:42:10,728
where little can harm it.
419
00:42:15,833 --> 00:42:20,805
The inhospitable summit
of the Drakensberg.
420
00:42:37,755 --> 00:42:40,858
Because of this remote location,
421
00:42:40,858 --> 00:42:43,895
little is known
about the Lang's crag lizard.
422
00:42:46,764 --> 00:42:51,135
Only that it makes
its home here
423
00:42:51,135 --> 00:42:54,005
on the top of basalt giants.
424
00:43:28,072 --> 00:43:32,109
Hidden by cold and altitude,
left to live undisturbed...
425
00:43:37,148 --> 00:43:41,752
A dragon as imperceptible
as the cliffs it lives in.
426
00:43:43,754 --> 00:43:45,189
Like the mountain's summit,
427
00:43:45,189 --> 00:43:48,693
it remains largely
outside of our reach.
428
00:43:56,868 --> 00:44:00,238
Yet another mystery
of the landscape.
429
00:44:21,025 --> 00:44:24,729
With every step
towards the summit,
430
00:44:24,729 --> 00:44:28,900
a new adaptation can be seen
in the creatures that endure
431
00:44:28,900 --> 00:44:31,669
the ruthlessness
of the mountain.
432
00:44:39,343 --> 00:44:43,948
The dragons that live here
are shrouded in the mystery
433
00:44:43,948 --> 00:44:46,183
of the landscape they inhabit.
434
00:44:53,491 --> 00:44:58,362
They have made their home
in a wilderness so remote
435
00:44:58,362 --> 00:45:03,234
that it occurs
largely beyond our reach.
436
00:45:16,280 --> 00:45:19,083
And the creatures that
they share this beautiful,
437
00:45:19,083 --> 00:45:23,721
unforgiving stage with
are some of nature's hardiest...
438
00:45:28,859 --> 00:45:31,395
Illustrating a will to survive
439
00:45:31,395 --> 00:45:36,267
that seems as improbable
as it is remarkable.
440
00:45:45,309 --> 00:45:49,046
And their stage is one of the
most spectacular on the planet.
36264
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.