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Two billion years ago,
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00:00:12,479 --> 00:00:16,283
a giant meteorite
collided with Earth,
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00:00:16,283 --> 00:00:21,121
releasing enough energy
to vaporize solid rock.
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00:00:21,121 --> 00:00:23,857
A site of total devastation,
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00:00:23,857 --> 00:00:26,360
its effects rippled
throughout Africa.
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00:00:30,097 --> 00:00:34,768
But over the course of time,
life conquered the barren lands.
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00:00:38,839 --> 00:00:42,276
And today, the crater's past
is all but forgotten.
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00:00:48,582 --> 00:00:52,586
This ancient landscape creates
a haven for the unique plants
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00:00:52,586 --> 00:00:55,656
and animals
of the Vredefort Dome.
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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Lying in the grasslands
of Southern Africa's
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interior plateau
is a little known wonder.
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185 miles wide
and six miles deep,
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00:01:43,403 --> 00:01:47,507
the Vredefort crater
is an ancient world.
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00:01:51,778 --> 00:01:55,716
Forged when a giant meteorite
collided with earth,
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00:01:55,716 --> 00:02:00,387
it was one of the largest
impacts ever to hit our planet.
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00:02:00,387 --> 00:02:03,190
The vast mass of rock was
thought to have been
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six miles in diameter
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00:02:05,292 --> 00:02:09,463
and traveling at
44,000 miles an hour.
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00:02:14,634 --> 00:02:18,739
But over the course of time
the crater's scars healed
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00:02:18,739 --> 00:02:22,876
and life not only began to
arrive in the desolate lands,
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it thrived here.
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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(♪♪♪)
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Signs of the impact are now
only visible from space.
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At the very center
of the collision,
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is what is known as
the Vredefort Dome.
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Mountains of ancient rock
lie in rich, fertile grasslands.
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Whilst rivers and wetlands
provide the water
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00:03:37,984 --> 00:03:40,220
needed for
life to flourish.
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00:03:44,925 --> 00:03:47,794
Today, the mountains
of the Vredefort Dome
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00:03:47,794 --> 00:03:50,630
are the most prominent feature
on the landscape.
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00:03:52,566 --> 00:03:55,936
Surrounded by seas
of undulating grassland,
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00:03:55,936 --> 00:03:58,738
they hold clues
to the crater's past.
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00:04:05,045 --> 00:04:06,980
Rounded granite boulders
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00:04:06,980 --> 00:04:10,617
embedded in a black glassy
obsidian layer
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are the result of colossal
forces exerted during the impact
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00:04:15,422 --> 00:04:18,892
liquefying rock.
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00:04:18,892 --> 00:04:22,329
These outcrops were once
the giant canvas
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for some of the
world's first artists.
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00:04:27,033 --> 00:04:31,638
Ancient engravings, left by
Bushmen who once sheltered here,
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tell of a landscape
rich in life.
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It is thought the Vredefort
crater may have played
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00:04:40,113 --> 00:04:42,582
an important role
in human evolution.
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00:04:45,485 --> 00:04:49,623
Some even believe that without
the major evolutionary changes
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00:04:49,623 --> 00:04:53,393
the impact caused,
we would not be here today.
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00:04:55,762 --> 00:04:58,431
However the crater
links to our past,
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we have been drawn to it
for shelter, food
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00:05:01,601 --> 00:05:04,838
and in the search for wealth.
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00:05:04,838 --> 00:05:08,675
These tunnels were dug by gold
prospectors decades ago.
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00:05:10,777 --> 00:05:12,712
When the meteor struck,
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00:05:12,712 --> 00:05:14,648
it fractured rock
deep beneath
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00:05:14,648 --> 00:05:16,449
the surface of the Earth,
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00:05:16,449 --> 00:05:21,655
pushing South Africa's gold
reserves deep underground.
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00:05:21,655 --> 00:05:24,758
Here the gold was preserved
from erosion,
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00:05:24,758 --> 00:05:26,793
laying the foundation
for South Africa
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to become the world's biggest
exporter of the precious metal.
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00:05:32,532 --> 00:05:37,103
Abandoned as unproductive,
these tunnels now offer shelter.
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00:05:42,175 --> 00:05:44,778
Horseshoe bats
have taken up residence.
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00:05:49,149 --> 00:05:50,750
Hunting on the wing,
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00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:53,687
they consume flying insects
from the night sky.
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And they are not the only ones
making the most
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of the tunnels' refuge.
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00:06:07,100 --> 00:06:09,936
Cave toads also shelter
in the darkness.
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00:06:12,105 --> 00:06:15,742
From the very base of the
mountains, life is provided for.
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00:06:28,154 --> 00:06:32,626
The Vredefort crater's unique
mix of landscapes and vegetation
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00:06:32,626 --> 00:06:37,163
make it a special place
for wildlife.
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00:06:37,163 --> 00:06:41,001
Grasslands dominate South
Africa's high interior plateau.
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00:06:43,703 --> 00:06:48,141
It is here that the mountains
of ancient rock form islands,
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rich in species not normally
found on the open plains.
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Higher up the mountainside
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a pair of Mocking cliff chats
are calling.
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00:07:06,126 --> 00:07:11,264
The territorial birds defend
sections of the rocky hillside.
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00:07:11,264 --> 00:07:13,900
And this pair have a reason
to be protective...
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00:07:15,669 --> 00:07:17,804
they have a couple
of new arrivals.
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00:07:22,075 --> 00:07:25,945
Their recently fledged chicks
are getting a feel for life
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outside the nest.
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The rising hills provide shelter
for flowering plants
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and trees to grow,
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attracting a new cast
of creatures.
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00:07:50,670 --> 00:07:53,073
From Long-horned beetles...
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00:07:54,974 --> 00:07:57,944
to kudu.
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00:07:57,944 --> 00:08:01,214
These majestic antelope
are browsers,
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feeding on trees and bushes.
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00:08:05,151 --> 00:08:08,121
Rarely found out
on the open grasslands,
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00:08:08,121 --> 00:08:10,724
they are drawn here by food.
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00:08:15,328 --> 00:08:18,164
And they are not the only ones
tempted away
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00:08:18,164 --> 00:08:19,599
from the plains below.
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00:08:24,571 --> 00:08:29,576
At over 16 feet tall, giraffes
have the pick of the canopy.
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00:08:32,312 --> 00:08:35,982
Being able to eat from all
levels of the tree
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00:08:35,982 --> 00:08:39,018
gives them a valuable edge
when conditions are poor.
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The mountain vegetation
provides food for the largest
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and for the
smallest of creatures.
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00:08:56,669 --> 00:09:00,073
Chafer beetles feed,
moving from flower to flower.
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00:09:03,209 --> 00:09:06,079
Along the way
they transfer pollen,
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pollinating the plants
in the process.
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00:09:10,083 --> 00:09:14,287
It's a win-win scenario for both
the beetles and the flowers.
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00:09:16,956 --> 00:09:21,027
But the chafers are looking
for a bigger meal...
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00:09:21,027 --> 00:09:23,997
and around here,
they don't need to go far.
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00:09:27,133 --> 00:09:29,736
The flowers of
the Sugar Bush Protea
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are famed for their
abundant, sweet nectar.
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And the chafers seem to agree.
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This plant is more than
just a source of food
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for the local insects;
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it is part of
a unique relationship.
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Growing out of the rough-barked
stems is a parasitic mistletoe.
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It grows directly
from the sugar bush,
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taking the nutrients it
needs from its host.
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00:10:03,803 --> 00:10:06,639
But the mistletoe
is itself a host plant.
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00:10:09,142 --> 00:10:11,845
The caterpillar
of the Sapphire butterfly
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lives only on the
leaves of the protea mistletoe,
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feeding off it until it is ready
to begin the next stage
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of its metamorphosis.
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00:10:22,922 --> 00:10:25,158
Over the next two to three weeks
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00:10:25,158 --> 00:10:28,828
this lowly caterpillar
will transform
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00:10:28,828 --> 00:10:31,231
into a Sapphire butterfly.
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00:10:33,867 --> 00:10:37,737
For this butterfly the protea
mistletoe is everything.
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00:10:39,305 --> 00:10:41,908
Without it,
it would not survive.
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00:10:46,779 --> 00:10:50,717
The Sapphire butterfly exists
here in the Vredefort Dome
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due to a specific set
of conditions,
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which would not have come about
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had the meteorite not struck
all those years ago.
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Over 100 species
of butterfly now live
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in its 115 square miles.
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More than double the number
found in the whole
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of the United Kingdom.
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00:11:13,273 --> 00:11:16,109
And they're not only here
for the host plants.
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00:11:19,445 --> 00:11:23,750
In sexual selection, many
butterflies resort to a behavior
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known as "hilltopping".
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00:11:27,220 --> 00:11:30,123
Males fly to the highest point
of the mountain
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00:11:30,123 --> 00:11:33,793
and occupy a prominent perch
until a female appears.
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00:11:35,361 --> 00:11:39,198
When she does, the males
take off in a courting flurry.
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Flying to the very tops of hills
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demonstrates their
physical prowess.
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And therefore their strength
as a mate.
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00:11:54,180 --> 00:11:56,215
These mountains provide food,
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shelter and opportunities
for a range of animals
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perfectly adapted to
their unique ecosystem.
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Cutting through
the Vredefort crater
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is one of South Africa's
largest rivers.
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00:12:18,037 --> 00:12:21,474
A vital water source,
the Vaal winds its way
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through more than six hundred
miles of the country
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on its westward journey
toward the Atlantic ocean.
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00:12:32,118 --> 00:12:35,088
Its route courses straight
through the crater,
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providing habitats
for a range of life.
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00:12:44,197 --> 00:12:47,367
Sacred Ibises are early risers,
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00:12:47,367 --> 00:12:49,836
making the most of what
the river has to offer.
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00:12:53,106 --> 00:12:58,311
The flock probes the mud
searching for crabs, worms,
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frogs and anything else
they can find.
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00:13:10,423 --> 00:13:15,128
Later in the day, they'll head
to the grasslands to hunt.
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00:13:18,631 --> 00:13:23,302
The river is a magnet
for bird life of all kinds.
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00:13:37,550 --> 00:13:40,253
From wagtails,
to Yellow-billed ducks.
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00:13:56,903 --> 00:14:00,306
A Nile monitor enjoys
the morning sun.
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At three feet in length
it is only half the size
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00:14:05,311 --> 00:14:07,914
it will eventually reach.
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00:14:10,083 --> 00:14:14,654
Cold blooded, the reptile needs
the sun's heat to warm its blood
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00:14:14,654 --> 00:14:17,256
before it can start to hunt.
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00:14:20,359 --> 00:14:25,431
Once fully charged, it heads off
in search of breakfast.
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00:14:42,148 --> 00:14:46,085
With predators about,
this White-browed sparrow-weaver
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is taking no chances.
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00:14:48,688 --> 00:14:54,393
He's building his nests high up
in the branches of a thorn tree.
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In a land covered with grass,
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supplies should be
easy to come by.
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00:15:13,446 --> 00:15:18,317
But this weaver
only uses the best--
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he's using it
to attract a mate.
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Two entrances allow the weaver
to make a swift getaway
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should a predator find the nest.
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However,
once he has found a mate
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and she has laid her eggs
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00:15:49,682 --> 00:15:52,618
he will have to seal
the back door for protection.
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00:15:56,422 --> 00:15:59,592
A male Red Bishop
is also showing off.
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00:16:02,495 --> 00:16:05,598
But he doesn't only
rely on his DIY skills.
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During the breeding season
his feathers turn bright red
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to attract females.
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00:16:26,686 --> 00:16:29,455
If he's successful
he'll mate with as many
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as eight in a season.
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00:16:41,767 --> 00:16:46,539
Throughout the day many other
species are drawn to the water.
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00:17:02,421 --> 00:17:06,058
But not all are in search
of sustenance.
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00:17:08,294 --> 00:17:11,664
Damselflies use
stagnant pools to mate.
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00:17:15,601 --> 00:17:19,605
The male uses special grasping
clips on his tail
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00:17:19,605 --> 00:17:24,510
to hold the female often
for more than an hour.
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His clips fit into neat
depressions behind her head,
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locking tight.
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00:17:31,350 --> 00:17:34,353
Each species has
a unique lock and key.
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00:17:38,424 --> 00:17:42,662
Even once the pair has mated,
the male's job is not done.
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00:17:45,298 --> 00:17:47,733
The female begins
laying her eggs
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00:17:47,733 --> 00:17:52,571
and the male retains
his vice-like grip.
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00:17:52,571 --> 00:17:56,309
If he leaves, other males
will remove his sperm
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00:17:56,309 --> 00:17:57,843
and mate with her,
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00:17:57,843 --> 00:18:00,212
so he remains with his partner
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00:18:00,212 --> 00:18:02,615
until she has
finished laying.
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00:18:11,891 --> 00:18:14,694
These waters support many
different life forms.
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00:18:17,797 --> 00:18:21,367
The Goliath heron
is the largest heron species
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00:18:21,367 --> 00:18:23,703
and requires a lot of food.
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00:18:23,703 --> 00:18:26,839
Despite this
they are selective hunters,
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00:18:26,839 --> 00:18:30,176
spending as much as
75% of their time
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00:18:30,176 --> 00:18:32,511
standing completely still,
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00:18:32,511 --> 00:18:36,615
waiting for just the right size
prey to cross their path.
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00:18:38,451 --> 00:18:40,653
Under a hot African sun
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00:18:40,653 --> 00:18:44,457
the birds can't sweat
to cool down.
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00:18:44,457 --> 00:18:47,593
To solve the problem they have
developed a technique
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00:18:47,593 --> 00:18:50,796
called "gular fluttering"
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00:18:50,796 --> 00:18:52,765
similar to the panting of dogs.
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00:18:54,734 --> 00:18:58,504
By rapidly moving air through
a pouch in their throats,
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00:18:58,504 --> 00:19:00,539
which has a rich blood supply,
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00:19:00,539 --> 00:19:02,641
they are able
to cool their bodies.
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00:19:16,222 --> 00:19:20,292
The Vaal is a crucial feature
in the Vredefort landscape,
217
00:19:20,292 --> 00:19:23,763
providing water that is so vital
for supporting life.
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00:19:29,335 --> 00:19:31,303
From here,
it flows westward
219
00:19:31,303 --> 00:19:35,441
on its long lonely journey
to the sea,
220
00:19:35,441 --> 00:19:38,577
striking out across
the Highveld grasslands.
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00:19:50,423 --> 00:19:52,324
In the summer months
the grasslands
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00:19:52,324 --> 00:19:55,661
on the outskirts of
the Vredefort crater come alive.
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00:19:59,331 --> 00:20:02,835
The rains have come
and new life is everywhere.
224
00:20:06,739 --> 00:20:09,675
The open grassy plains,
which have lain dormant
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00:20:09,675 --> 00:20:14,046
all through the dry cold winter,
have rebounded.
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00:20:14,046 --> 00:20:17,349
And the animals have
a new spring in their step.
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00:20:26,525 --> 00:20:30,830
At first glance these grasslands
may look flat and uniform.
228
00:20:32,965 --> 00:20:35,668
But they harbor
a unique variety of life.
229
00:20:50,049 --> 00:20:54,520
A Long-tailed widowbird
is looking for a mate.
230
00:20:54,520 --> 00:20:57,423
Dragging his enormous tail
behind him,
231
00:20:57,423 --> 00:20:59,859
he is showing off
with a display of strength.
232
00:21:05,030 --> 00:21:08,033
Males are territorial.
233
00:21:08,033 --> 00:21:10,736
And they perch
on prominent vegetation
234
00:21:10,736 --> 00:21:13,339
to advertise their presence.
235
00:21:16,342 --> 00:21:18,544
Before taking to the wing
to perform.
236
00:21:20,513 --> 00:21:23,983
Their tail feathers can be up
to forty inches long
237
00:21:23,983 --> 00:21:26,952
and drag below them
as they patrol their territory.
238
00:21:35,694 --> 00:21:39,732
While his tail is cumbersome his
efforts are likely to pay off.
239
00:21:43,736 --> 00:21:47,907
If successful, he will mate
with as many as five females
240
00:21:47,907 --> 00:21:50,509
during the season.
241
00:22:02,087 --> 00:22:06,492
These grasslands support
the weird...
242
00:22:06,492 --> 00:22:08,894
and the wonderful.
243
00:22:13,599 --> 00:22:17,436
The white rhino is the largest
grazer on the planet
244
00:22:17,436 --> 00:22:20,172
and the biggest animal
ever to have existed
245
00:22:20,172 --> 00:22:22,775
solely on a diet of grass.
246
00:22:26,512 --> 00:22:29,949
The short, sweet, nutrient-rich
blades of the summer
247
00:22:29,949 --> 00:22:32,551
are a welcome treat.
248
00:22:36,755 --> 00:22:39,625
Across the plains animals
are making the most
249
00:22:39,625 --> 00:22:42,027
of the flush of life.
250
00:22:50,836 --> 00:22:54,206
Secretary birds use their legs
as weapons,
251
00:22:54,206 --> 00:22:56,542
stamping larger prey species,
252
00:22:56,542 --> 00:23:00,212
including venomous snakes,
to death.
253
00:23:00,212 --> 00:23:02,748
And this pair are busier
than usual.
254
00:23:09,655 --> 00:23:13,626
With two hungry mouths to feed
they have their work cut out.
255
00:23:15,828 --> 00:23:19,131
A family of Ground squirrels
keeps a wary eye
256
00:23:19,131 --> 00:23:21,900
on the Secretary birds.
257
00:23:21,900 --> 00:23:25,437
Their pups could be prime
targets for the predators.
258
00:23:29,208 --> 00:23:30,876
Luckily for the chicks,
259
00:23:30,876 --> 00:23:34,146
their arrival coincides
with the explosion of new life.
260
00:23:47,259 --> 00:23:49,528
For the rhino mother and calf,
261
00:23:49,528 --> 00:23:51,930
the grasslands
pose little danger.
262
00:23:55,768 --> 00:24:01,173
In the natural world adults
are practically invincible.
263
00:24:01,173 --> 00:24:04,710
They have sharp horns
and thick armored skin
264
00:24:04,710 --> 00:24:10,149
too tough for most predators.
265
00:24:10,149 --> 00:24:14,286
But calves are more vulnerable
so mothers keep them close
266
00:24:14,286 --> 00:24:17,589
until they are big enough
to fend for themselves.
267
00:24:36,008 --> 00:24:37,643
For smaller species
268
00:24:37,643 --> 00:24:40,913
the open spaces of the
grasslands are a problem.
269
00:24:43,315 --> 00:24:48,687
Out here, they are exposed
to predators.
270
00:24:48,687 --> 00:24:51,890
Ground squirrels have adapted
to the dangers of the grassland
271
00:24:51,890 --> 00:24:55,194
by building their warrens
underground.
272
00:24:55,194 --> 00:24:57,863
But when there aren't any
predators about,
273
00:24:57,863 --> 00:25:00,265
they come to the surface.
274
00:25:02,801 --> 00:25:05,003
Extremely sociable animals
275
00:25:05,003 --> 00:25:08,674
they live in large groups
of up to 19 individuals.
276
00:25:11,710 --> 00:25:15,748
As a result, socializing is
an important daily activity.
277
00:25:21,954 --> 00:25:25,090
Males live separately
and will only visit
278
00:25:25,090 --> 00:25:27,693
when the females
are ready to mate.
279
00:25:32,965 --> 00:25:36,001
For the rest of the time,
groups of dominant females
280
00:25:36,001 --> 00:25:39,104
live together with up to
nine sub-adults
281
00:25:39,104 --> 00:25:41,707
and the females'
dependent offspring.
282
00:25:45,978 --> 00:25:49,648
When food is abundant and there
aren't predators around,
283
00:25:49,648 --> 00:25:51,283
family life is relaxed.
284
00:25:56,155 --> 00:25:58,991
Another unique burrower
has chosen a life
285
00:25:58,991 --> 00:26:01,193
below ground on
these grassy plains.
286
00:26:04,897 --> 00:26:09,835
A Giant girdled lizard,
known locally as a Sungazer.
287
00:26:12,070 --> 00:26:14,373
Burrowing makes them unusual.
288
00:26:14,373 --> 00:26:18,977
They are the only girdled
lizards to do so.
289
00:26:18,977 --> 00:26:22,281
All the other species
live in or on rocks.
290
00:26:23,916 --> 00:26:26,251
But here,
in the open grasslands
291
00:26:26,251 --> 00:26:30,656
suitable rock homes
are not common.
292
00:26:30,656 --> 00:26:33,926
So if a predator attacks
it dives underground.
293
00:26:37,396 --> 00:26:40,299
Nearby, an Amur falcon
is on the hunt.
294
00:26:49,341 --> 00:26:51,310
But part of life
on the grassland
295
00:26:51,310 --> 00:26:54,112
is knowing what's a
threat and what's not -
296
00:26:57,783 --> 00:27:02,421
and this Amur falcon subsists
almost entirely on beetles,
297
00:27:02,421 --> 00:27:04,957
locusts and other,
smaller insects.
298
00:27:07,826 --> 00:27:12,130
These thrive in the grasslands,
meaning that prey is plentiful,
299
00:27:12,130 --> 00:27:14,967
competition for
resources is minimal
300
00:27:14,967 --> 00:27:18,904
and these falcons can exist here
in remarkably high densities.
301
00:27:21,473 --> 00:27:25,844
For the pair of Secretary birds
life is tougher.
302
00:27:25,844 --> 00:27:28,914
They need bigger prey
and far more of it.
303
00:27:32,251 --> 00:27:34,853
The chicks are
increasingly hungry.
304
00:27:46,331 --> 00:27:49,735
But it will be another two
months before they stride out
305
00:27:49,735 --> 00:27:52,004
onto the grasslands
for themselves
306
00:27:52,004 --> 00:27:54,406
and life returns to normal.
307
00:28:09,187 --> 00:28:13,358
For all animals, finding food
is an essential part of life.
308
00:28:15,861 --> 00:28:18,330
One group has developed
a unique way
309
00:28:18,330 --> 00:28:20,933
of getting their
daily nourishment.
310
00:28:23,268 --> 00:28:26,438
After rain, butterflies
congregate around puddles
311
00:28:26,438 --> 00:28:29,041
on the ground.
312
00:28:30,409 --> 00:28:34,446
Once they have drunk their fill,
something surprising happens.
313
00:28:36,281 --> 00:28:39,318
They begin to excrete liquid.
314
00:28:39,318 --> 00:28:43,355
This method allows the
butterflies to filter the water,
315
00:28:43,355 --> 00:28:47,225
absorbing important nutrients
without having to store
316
00:28:47,225 --> 00:28:50,128
all the fluid.
317
00:28:50,128 --> 00:28:54,433
A variety of insects obtain the
moisture and nutrients they need
318
00:28:54,433 --> 00:28:57,035
in this way.
319
00:29:07,879 --> 00:29:09,848
Where there are
lots of butterflies
320
00:29:09,848 --> 00:29:12,484
there are lots
of caterpillars.
321
00:29:12,484 --> 00:29:18,857
And from the very first day
these are under threat.
322
00:29:18,857 --> 00:29:22,461
To compensate, caterpillars have
developed many strategies
323
00:29:22,461 --> 00:29:25,063
to prevent themselves
being eaten.
324
00:29:27,165 --> 00:29:31,503
Some hide away,
whilst others fight back.
325
00:29:33,872 --> 00:29:37,542
They grow long, fibrous hairs
that deal a nasty sting
326
00:29:37,542 --> 00:29:40,145
to anything that disturbs them.
327
00:29:42,381 --> 00:29:46,585
Others rely on their host plants
for protection.
328
00:29:46,585 --> 00:29:50,088
The Spotted joker feeds
on stinging nettles,
329
00:29:50,088 --> 00:29:53,392
which deter predators.
330
00:29:53,392 --> 00:29:59,331
Monarch butterflies have taken
toxic warfare to a new level.
331
00:29:59,331 --> 00:30:03,035
Their caterpillars retain toxins
from their host plant
332
00:30:03,035 --> 00:30:07,305
in their body tissue
during metamorphosis.
333
00:30:07,305 --> 00:30:11,877
And adult butterflies emerge as
unpalatable as the caterpillars.
334
00:30:13,478 --> 00:30:16,381
This has been so successful
for the Monarchs,
335
00:30:16,381 --> 00:30:20,018
other butterflies
have mimicked them.
336
00:30:20,018 --> 00:30:22,020
Not poisonous themselves
337
00:30:22,020 --> 00:30:26,625
predators avoid them,
thinking they are.
338
00:30:26,625 --> 00:30:28,427
Throughout the natural world,
339
00:30:28,427 --> 00:30:32,097
the predator-prey dynamic
drives evolution.
340
00:30:35,033 --> 00:30:39,604
A family of Meerkats
is on the lookout.
341
00:30:39,604 --> 00:30:42,307
Meerkats live
in close family groups
342
00:30:42,307 --> 00:30:45,110
comprising a dominant
female and her mate
343
00:30:45,110 --> 00:30:47,312
and many generations
of offspring.
344
00:30:49,648 --> 00:30:52,284
In times of plenty,
groups can number
345
00:30:52,284 --> 00:30:56,421
as many as 30 individuals.
346
00:30:56,421 --> 00:31:01,326
The larger the family, the more
eyes to spot predators.
347
00:31:01,326 --> 00:31:03,195
At the first sign of danger,
348
00:31:03,195 --> 00:31:05,464
they disappear into the safety
of their burrow.
349
00:31:08,400 --> 00:31:13,271
But occasionally,
they decide to fight back.
350
00:31:13,271 --> 00:31:17,042
Even if the towering ostrich
doesn't pose any sort of threat.
351
00:31:27,085 --> 00:31:30,388
Dotted throughout the Vredefort
crater's grasslands
352
00:31:30,388 --> 00:31:32,991
are wetlands and pans.
353
00:31:34,693 --> 00:31:38,130
The availability of permanent
water attracts animals
354
00:31:38,130 --> 00:31:40,532
from all around.
355
00:32:27,078 --> 00:32:30,148
Where there is water,
there is always life.
356
00:32:37,522 --> 00:32:41,459
Common plantaina frogs feast
on insects above the surface.
357
00:32:46,565 --> 00:32:49,634
With pockets of life dotted
throughout the crater,
358
00:32:49,634 --> 00:32:52,704
in its mountains,
rivers and wetlands,
359
00:32:52,704 --> 00:32:56,608
animals gather in their greatest
numbers on the grasslands.
360
00:32:59,244 --> 00:33:01,446
The plains are home
to the grazers.
361
00:33:03,515 --> 00:33:08,053
Black wildebeest live in mixed
herds of females and youngsters,
362
00:33:08,053 --> 00:33:11,089
moving through the territories
of adult males.
363
00:33:13,124 --> 00:33:14,793
During the mating season,
364
00:33:14,793 --> 00:33:20,298
males corral females
on their territory into harems.
365
00:33:20,298 --> 00:33:24,536
And will defend their right
to mate with them all.
366
00:33:24,536 --> 00:33:30,175
But they have a job on their
hands keeping them all in check.
367
00:33:30,175 --> 00:33:33,478
Black wildebeest were brought
to the brink of extinction
368
00:33:33,478 --> 00:33:36,248
during the 19th century.
369
00:33:36,248 --> 00:33:39,618
Between 1870 and 1871 alone,
370
00:33:39,618 --> 00:33:43,521
the skins of nearly half
a million black wildebeest,
371
00:33:43,521 --> 00:33:47,559
blesbuck and zebra were exported
from the coastal port of Durban.
372
00:33:49,361 --> 00:33:53,698
Before the scourge of hunting,
these three species dominated
373
00:33:53,698 --> 00:33:58,603
South Africa's high grasslands
along with springbok.
374
00:33:58,603 --> 00:34:01,239
Moving in herds of thousands.
375
00:34:03,208 --> 00:34:06,778
Today, they only exist in
fragmented pockets
376
00:34:06,778 --> 00:34:10,081
isolated among miles and miles
of farmland.
377
00:34:15,553 --> 00:34:18,423
Despite the apparent
abundance of food,
378
00:34:18,423 --> 00:34:22,294
much of this tall grass
is fibrous and of little value.
379
00:34:26,831 --> 00:34:29,801
The animals that live on these
plants have developed
380
00:34:29,801 --> 00:34:33,471
a number of ways to cope
with this low-quality fodder.
381
00:34:38,176 --> 00:34:40,578
Blesbuck are pure grazers.
382
00:34:43,148 --> 00:34:47,452
They eat selectively, consuming
only grasses that provide them
383
00:34:47,452 --> 00:34:52,290
with the nutrients they need.
384
00:34:52,290 --> 00:34:56,227
Springbok complement their grass
diet with a range of succulents,
385
00:34:56,227 --> 00:34:58,730
herbs, and shrubs
in order to survive.
386
00:35:03,868 --> 00:35:06,871
And another resourceful
herbivore is the buffalo.
387
00:35:08,940 --> 00:35:11,176
They are predominantly grazers,
388
00:35:11,176 --> 00:35:13,578
eating a large variety
of grasses.
389
00:35:15,680 --> 00:35:18,783
Buffalo will chew, swallow,
regurgitate
390
00:35:18,783 --> 00:35:21,619
and continue to chew,
in order to break down
391
00:35:21,619 --> 00:35:24,322
the high cellulose content
of their food.
392
00:35:25,790 --> 00:35:28,727
Ensuring they get the most
out of their meal.
393
00:35:33,965 --> 00:35:37,535
Zebra and wildebeest
often occur together
394
00:35:37,535 --> 00:35:41,306
because there is little
competition between them.
395
00:35:41,306 --> 00:35:44,275
Zebra have evolved a
digestive system adept
396
00:35:44,275 --> 00:35:47,445
at removing nutrients and
protein from fibrous grasses.
397
00:35:49,581 --> 00:35:53,418
They often clear the way
to shorter, sweeter grasses
398
00:35:53,418 --> 00:35:59,557
for the wildebeest.
399
00:35:59,557 --> 00:36:03,595
On these grasslands animals have
found a niche for themselves
400
00:36:03,595 --> 00:36:07,499
allowing them all to happily
coexist side-by-side.
401
00:36:10,602 --> 00:36:12,937
But it's not always peaceful.
402
00:36:22,380 --> 00:36:26,317
Two male giraffes are battling
for the right to rule.
403
00:36:34,559 --> 00:36:38,396
The hard bony heads
can inflict serious damage.
404
00:37:02,353 --> 00:37:06,825
Fights can go on for hours
before a winner finally emerges.
405
00:37:16,468 --> 00:37:20,438
A drawback faced by all animals
on the open grasslands
406
00:37:20,438 --> 00:37:24,309
is that there is nowhere
to hide.
407
00:37:24,309 --> 00:37:27,846
Living side-by-side benefits
some through safety in numbers.
408
00:37:29,647 --> 00:37:32,283
But they are all
built for speed.
409
00:37:36,454 --> 00:37:38,990
In large open spaces
such as this
410
00:37:38,990 --> 00:37:41,559
their first instinct
when startled
411
00:37:41,559 --> 00:37:43,261
is to break and run.
412
00:37:56,407 --> 00:37:59,377
But predators have long
disappeared from the crater.
413
00:38:02,814 --> 00:38:05,650
And it is only
an evolutionary impulse
414
00:38:05,650 --> 00:38:08,052
that drives them to flee.
415
00:38:40,051 --> 00:38:44,022
This strategy is in stark
contrast to that employed
416
00:38:44,022 --> 00:38:46,591
by the bulkier buffalo.
417
00:38:46,591 --> 00:38:49,661
These are built for power.
418
00:38:49,661 --> 00:38:52,830
If threatened,
the herd rarely breaks and runs.
419
00:38:56,467 --> 00:39:00,071
Both bulls and cows
have formidable horns.
420
00:39:01,739 --> 00:39:05,109
While cows use their horns
predominantly for protection...
421
00:39:07,912 --> 00:39:10,148
bulls use theirs in fights
422
00:39:10,148 --> 00:39:12,650
to establish dominance
with the herd.
423
00:39:18,122 --> 00:39:22,026
Which are strictly hierarchical
with dominant individuals
424
00:39:22,026 --> 00:39:24,829
winning the right to occupy
the center of the gathering.
425
00:39:28,866 --> 00:39:31,669
Inferiors hang on the fringes
426
00:39:31,669 --> 00:39:34,072
where they are more exposed
to threats.
427
00:39:42,947 --> 00:39:44,983
For both of these old timers
428
00:39:44,983 --> 00:39:47,719
a life of solitude
is full of danger.
429
00:40:03,134 --> 00:40:06,137
The grasslands support
many giants.
430
00:40:06,137 --> 00:40:11,909
Including the largest antelope
in the world - Eland.
431
00:40:11,909 --> 00:40:15,079
Contests for dominance here
are usually settled
432
00:40:15,079 --> 00:40:17,482
without coming to blows.
433
00:40:17,482 --> 00:40:22,920
Status is determined by a range
of clear visual signals,
434
00:40:22,920 --> 00:40:25,757
including the size
of the dewlap -
435
00:40:25,757 --> 00:40:28,226
the fleshy skin below the
throat.
436
00:40:28,226 --> 00:40:32,764
Mature males will also rub the
furry patch on their foreheads
437
00:40:32,764 --> 00:40:37,502
in dirt and urine, turning it
into a smelly, caked mass.
438
00:40:39,837 --> 00:40:43,908
This strong odor is associated
with strength and dominance.
439
00:40:47,812 --> 00:40:50,248
Like many of the animals
out on the plains,
440
00:40:50,248 --> 00:40:52,750
eland have not lost
their instinct to flee.
441
00:40:56,821 --> 00:41:00,825
They will dash for safety,
but unlike the smaller antelope,
442
00:41:00,825 --> 00:41:04,028
they haven't evolved
for speed and quickly tire.
443
00:41:07,098 --> 00:41:09,867
Instead, they turn
to stand their ground
444
00:41:09,867 --> 00:41:13,037
against the
perceived threat.
445
00:41:13,037 --> 00:41:15,139
Grouping around
in defense of their young.
446
00:41:21,279 --> 00:41:23,981
Protecting your family
is a daily struggle
447
00:41:23,981 --> 00:41:26,584
for many of the
grassland residents.
448
00:41:33,925 --> 00:41:36,794
Male Red hartebeest
establish territories
449
00:41:36,794 --> 00:41:38,896
to protect their
females and offspring.
450
00:41:43,067 --> 00:41:46,270
Excellent eyesight helps them
spot both intruders
451
00:41:46,270 --> 00:41:48,873
and potential predators.
452
00:41:58,816 --> 00:42:01,219
Herds are strictly organized.
453
00:42:02,920 --> 00:42:05,990
Females establish
a dominance hierarchy
454
00:42:05,990 --> 00:42:08,025
and youngsters remain
with their mothers
455
00:42:08,025 --> 00:42:10,027
for up to two and a half years.
456
00:42:19,270 --> 00:42:21,706
The vast numbers of grazers
457
00:42:21,706 --> 00:42:26,043
draw in even larger
numbers of insects.
458
00:42:26,043 --> 00:42:28,212
Which swarm during
the rainy season.
459
00:42:30,681 --> 00:42:33,084
Even the toughest suffer.
460
00:42:47,098 --> 00:42:51,302
Zebra use their long tails
as much as anything else,
461
00:42:51,302 --> 00:42:54,739
but they have another
ingenious advantage--
462
00:42:54,739 --> 00:42:58,176
their famous stripes.
463
00:42:58,176 --> 00:43:02,180
Blood sucking flies
locate their hosts by sight
464
00:43:02,180 --> 00:43:05,616
and are attracted to large areas
of a single tone.
465
00:43:09,954 --> 00:43:13,825
The zebra's stripes make it
harder to home in on,
466
00:43:13,825 --> 00:43:16,294
and they suffer less
from bites as a result.
467
00:43:19,697 --> 00:43:23,201
Flies are not the only
bloodsuckers around.
468
00:43:23,201 --> 00:43:25,803
Ticks thrive.
469
00:43:27,705 --> 00:43:31,442
Without the benefit of wings,
they sit on the ends of grasses,
470
00:43:31,442 --> 00:43:34,345
waiting for a host to pass by,
471
00:43:34,345 --> 00:43:36,781
climbing on when they get
the chance.
472
00:43:40,852 --> 00:43:42,854
In a delicate arms race,
473
00:43:42,854 --> 00:43:45,156
animals living on these
grasslands
474
00:43:45,156 --> 00:43:47,692
are relatively immune
to diseases
475
00:43:47,692 --> 00:43:50,094
carried by these parasites.
476
00:43:52,263 --> 00:43:56,000
One such host is baboons.
477
00:43:56,000 --> 00:43:58,135
These primates have two
advantages
478
00:43:58,135 --> 00:44:01,973
when it comes
to parasite control.
479
00:44:01,973 --> 00:44:04,442
Cooperation and
opposable thumbs -
480
00:44:04,442 --> 00:44:07,445
which are both essential
for grooming -
481
00:44:07,445 --> 00:44:11,082
an important way of maintaining
social cohesion.
482
00:44:11,082 --> 00:44:14,051
And it also helps
rid yourself of ticks.
483
00:44:17,488 --> 00:44:19,323
Millions of years ago
484
00:44:19,323 --> 00:44:22,827
another slightly more
sophisticated primate
485
00:44:22,827 --> 00:44:25,796
came down from the trees
and strode out
486
00:44:25,796 --> 00:44:28,065
onto the grasslands
of Southern Africa.
487
00:44:29,500 --> 00:44:33,137
Drawn perhaps by
the wide open spaces to hunt
488
00:44:33,137 --> 00:44:35,740
and new territory to claim.
489
00:44:48,853 --> 00:44:51,522
The lands covering
the Vredefort crater
490
00:44:51,522 --> 00:44:54,458
contain a fascinating
array of animals
491
00:44:54,458 --> 00:44:57,061
both big and small.
492
00:45:05,870 --> 00:45:08,239
It is not a uniform world.
493
00:45:11,175 --> 00:45:15,313
But one of intricate details
and unique exceptions.
494
00:45:17,048 --> 00:45:20,985
From tiny caterpillars,
to mighty rivers...
495
00:45:24,388 --> 00:45:26,924
life occurs in abundance.
496
00:45:32,964 --> 00:45:36,267
A reminder that every species
survives
497
00:45:36,267 --> 00:45:38,903
in a fabric of time and space
498
00:45:38,903 --> 00:45:41,906
stretching back
to the very beginning.
499
00:45:53,117 --> 00:46:03,160
(♪♪♪)
500
00:46:03,160 --> 00:46:12,136
(♪♪♪)
40307
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