Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated:
1
00:00:05,138 --> 00:00:09,176
Trapped in one of
Africa's great deserts,
2
00:00:10,811 --> 00:00:15,382
lies a lush hidden world.
3
00:00:15,382 --> 00:00:21,355
An untamed wilderness
unlike any other on earth.
4
00:00:21,355 --> 00:00:26,126
Fed by a mighty river that
travels from distant mountains,
5
00:00:26,126 --> 00:00:32,299
it is a vast mosaic of
life, which pulsates
with vivid beauty.
6
00:00:32,299 --> 00:00:36,737
That attracts Africa's most
iconic animals
7
00:00:36,737 --> 00:00:39,539
and others less well known.
8
00:00:43,143 --> 00:00:47,080
All drawn to this
implausible paradise.
9
00:00:51,385 --> 00:00:55,055
This is the jewel
of the Kalahari...
10
00:00:56,690 --> 00:01:00,060
The great Okavango delta.
11
00:01:38,165 --> 00:01:40,634
Botswana is an arid country,
12
00:01:40,634 --> 00:01:45,305
where rain falls only for a
few short summer months.
13
00:01:47,207 --> 00:01:49,943
Much of its land is
covered by desert,
14
00:01:49,943 --> 00:01:55,449
yet it harbors possibly the
greatest wildlife haven on
the African continent.
15
00:01:56,817 --> 00:01:59,619
The Okavango Delta
16
00:02:03,423 --> 00:02:07,227
But how did this expanse
of water come to be?
17
00:02:08,528 --> 00:02:12,733
The Okavango delta is a
true anomaly of nature
18
00:02:12,733 --> 00:02:19,706
a shallow water-filled basin
contained within the dry
Kalahari desert.
19
00:02:19,706 --> 00:02:25,812
Created by the Okavango river,
which flows 995 miles down
20
00:02:25,812 --> 00:02:31,618
from Angola's highlands
into the Kalahari basin.
21
00:02:31,618 --> 00:02:36,823
Trapped between tectonic ridges
in this broad, flat depression,
22
00:02:36,823 --> 00:02:43,463
the water spreads out to
make an inland delta the
size of Jamaica.
23
00:02:43,463 --> 00:02:49,369
Providing habitats varied enough
to support all manner of life.
24
00:02:49,369 --> 00:02:51,972
From the most water dependent.
25
00:02:51,972 --> 00:02:54,708
To those which can go without.
26
00:02:57,411 --> 00:03:00,814
And ranging from the
small and slender
27
00:03:00,814 --> 00:03:03,417
To the biggest of all.
28
00:03:06,920 --> 00:03:14,461
It is a landscape shaped
by the unstoppable flow
of annual floods.
29
00:03:14,461 --> 00:03:18,899
Where an abundance of prey
makes perfect hunting grounds.
30
00:03:18,899 --> 00:03:23,336
For a wide array of Africa's
most accomplished predators.
31
00:03:30,010 --> 00:03:34,214
It's June, the height of
the floods in the delta.
32
00:03:35,649 --> 00:03:39,653
And water has inundated
the landscape.
33
00:03:39,653 --> 00:03:44,791
Making it ideal
elephant country.
34
00:03:44,791 --> 00:03:49,629
The African elephant is the
largest land mammal on earth.
35
00:03:51,631 --> 00:03:55,569
They grow massive on a
varied plant based diet,
36
00:03:55,569 --> 00:03:59,473
with mature bulls
weighing up to five tons.
37
00:04:01,842 --> 00:04:07,314
This makes them the largest
land mammals in the world.
38
00:04:07,314 --> 00:04:11,485
Powering such considerable bulk
takes a lot of fuel
39
00:04:11,485 --> 00:04:17,724
and large bulls need to eat
more than 600 pounds of
food daily.
40
00:04:27,801 --> 00:04:32,305
Luckily the delta is dotted
with lush islands
41
00:04:45,886 --> 00:04:48,955
These two bulls are
traveling together,
42
00:04:48,955 --> 00:04:54,394
a common practice for young
bachelors who have left their
family herds.
43
00:05:10,010 --> 00:05:14,948
For the younger bull it's a
good opportunity to pick up
some useful survival tips
44
00:05:14,948 --> 00:05:18,585
from his larger and more
experienced companion.
45
00:05:35,402 --> 00:05:42,576
One such lesson is learning
how to harvest the seedpods
of the Camelthorn tree.
46
00:05:51,184 --> 00:05:55,522
The tree's nutritious pods
are too high to be plucked,
47
00:05:55,522 --> 00:05:58,858
but the big bull knows
how to get to them.
48
00:05:58,858 --> 00:06:02,896
He has perfected his technique.
49
00:06:11,137 --> 00:06:14,708
But the younger bull
still needs some practice.
50
00:06:24,818 --> 00:06:30,657
This behavior is testament to
the great intelligence of these
noble pachyderms.
51
00:06:41,134 --> 00:06:44,904
Coupled with robust digestion
and a dextrous trunk
52
00:06:44,904 --> 00:06:50,076
the elephant is able to exploit
a variety of food sources in the
Okavango.
53
00:07:08,561 --> 00:07:12,432
But the voracious appetites of
elephants can be devastating.
54
00:07:19,906 --> 00:07:25,612
This graveyard of trees
is their doing.
55
00:07:25,612 --> 00:07:30,784
While stripping off bark
to eat, the elephants
ring bark the trees,
56
00:07:30,784 --> 00:07:32,819
killing them.
57
00:07:37,791 --> 00:07:44,064
This seemingly destructive
activity does actually have
some positive side effects.
58
00:07:46,633 --> 00:07:50,203
It prevents the trees
from forming a closed canopy,
59
00:07:50,203 --> 00:07:55,041
allowing sunlight to
access grass below,
60
00:07:55,041 --> 00:08:01,981
a crucial influence in savannah
biomes around the continent.
61
00:08:01,981 --> 00:08:07,887
Also creating microhabitats
for another of the delta's
smaller creatures.
62
00:08:13,827 --> 00:08:16,162
African bush squirrels.
63
00:08:19,766 --> 00:08:24,003
An old acacia skeleton makes
an excellent home for them.
64
00:08:24,003 --> 00:08:27,941
Complete with a hole for nesting
and escaping predators.
65
00:08:30,276 --> 00:08:35,882
But while there is no threat
around, this pair has plenty
of time for playful chases.
66
00:08:40,887 --> 00:08:45,725
African bush squirrels live
in tightly knit family groups.
67
00:08:45,725 --> 00:08:51,731
And will chase away any
squirrels who do not share
their family's common scent.
68
00:08:51,731 --> 00:08:57,337
Grooming one-another is one of
the ways to ensure family
members share the same smell.
69
00:08:57,337 --> 00:09:00,206
And no spot is overlooked.
70
00:09:02,008 --> 00:09:06,312
Long tails making up half
their total length of 14 inches
71
00:09:06,312 --> 00:09:09,082
are crucial balancing aids.
72
00:09:16,623 --> 00:09:19,259
In the Okavango's
cool winter months,
73
00:09:19,259 --> 00:09:21,928
they are active all day.
74
00:09:21,928 --> 00:09:27,367
Coming down from the heights
to forage for seeds, fruits
and insects.
75
00:09:27,367 --> 00:09:31,771
But the squirrels never
stray too far from the
safety of the tree.
76
00:09:33,006 --> 00:09:36,276
There's a reason
for their caution
77
00:09:36,276 --> 00:09:41,714
The delta is home to one of
Africa's fiercest raptors.
78
00:09:45,752 --> 00:09:48,688
The martial eagle's
telescopic eyesight
79
00:09:48,688 --> 00:09:52,625
can spot a squirrel from
almost four miles away.
80
00:09:56,262 --> 00:10:01,167
Weighing over ten pounds,
and with a wingspan of
almost eight feet,
81
00:10:01,167 --> 00:10:05,872
it is the biggest eagle
in Africa.
82
00:10:05,872 --> 00:10:09,042
Capable of catching prey
twice its weight,
83
00:10:09,042 --> 00:10:13,213
a little tree squirrel
would make a tasty
morsel for this bird.
84
00:10:17,884 --> 00:10:23,756
Squirrels aren't the only small
mammals taking cover from these
deadly predators.
85
00:10:27,160 --> 00:10:30,830
This old termite mound
has been repurposed
86
00:10:30,830 --> 00:10:33,199
to house a pack
of dwarf mongoose,
87
00:10:33,199 --> 00:10:37,937
who, like the squirrels,
have found a haven in
the Okavango.
88
00:10:37,937 --> 00:10:41,074
They are the smallest member
of the mongoose family
89
00:10:41,074 --> 00:10:46,679
at around twelve ounces,
and just under ten inches
in length.
90
00:10:51,951 --> 00:10:55,421
Being small means they
need to stick together.
91
00:10:59,058 --> 00:11:02,161
Giving them plenty of eyes
on the lookout for danger
92
00:11:02,161 --> 00:11:05,398
while the diminutive
carnivores forage.
93
00:11:08,368 --> 00:11:13,740
Dwarf mongoose feed
mostly on insects, especially
beetles and their larvae
94
00:11:13,740 --> 00:11:20,213
as well as the original
architects of their
spacious home -- termites.
95
00:11:20,213 --> 00:11:24,117
Packs average nine adults,
including their young.
96
00:11:27,754 --> 00:11:33,826
Only the oldest, most socially
dominant male and female in
the pack will reproduce.
97
00:11:37,163 --> 00:11:42,201
While younger members
help to raise the litter
of the breeding pair.
98
00:11:42,201 --> 00:11:49,309
Subordinate females will even
lactate and nurse despite never
having been pregnant.
99
00:11:49,309 --> 00:11:54,547
This allows time for the
dominant female to eat enough
to rebuild her energy.
100
00:11:54,547 --> 00:11:58,251
It's an incredible system
of social breeding,
101
00:11:58,251 --> 00:12:03,489
working to the benefit
of the pack by ensuring
strength in numbers.
102
00:12:10,530 --> 00:12:13,433
Many of the Okavango's
smaller creatures
103
00:12:13,433 --> 00:12:16,869
make their permanent homes
on the delta's dry islands,
104
00:12:16,869 --> 00:12:20,807
out of reach of the
encroaching water.
105
00:12:20,807 --> 00:12:25,178
But for them, the real danger
comes from above.
106
00:12:25,178 --> 00:12:30,083
And it's not just the
martial eagle that they
have to watch out for.
107
00:12:30,083 --> 00:12:36,356
The delta's variety of habitats
provides for more than 480
species of birds,
108
00:12:36,356 --> 00:12:40,026
including a host of raptors.
109
00:12:40,026 --> 00:12:43,429
Africa's biggest owl
lives here too.
110
00:12:45,932 --> 00:12:52,105
The Verreaux's eagle owl
weighs in at a hefty 5 pounds.
111
00:12:52,105 --> 00:12:56,009
Mainly nocturnal, it
will occasionally hunt
during the day,
112
00:12:56,009 --> 00:13:01,214
and can fly off with prey
bigger than a dwarf mongoose.
113
00:13:01,214 --> 00:13:06,986
But the most successful
raptor around is the
African fish eagle.
114
00:13:06,986 --> 00:13:12,258
There are more of these regal
birds along the delta's
fish-filled waterways
115
00:13:12,258 --> 00:13:16,996
than anywhere else
on the continent.
116
00:13:16,996 --> 00:13:20,266
Although they are famed
for their fishing abilities,
117
00:13:20,266 --> 00:13:25,638
they often steal prey from
other birds, including the
martial eagle.
118
00:13:25,638 --> 00:13:29,642
And the Bateleur Eagle.
119
00:13:29,642 --> 00:13:35,214
Like the fish eagle,
this striking raptor
is highly territorial,
120
00:13:35,214 --> 00:13:41,020
preferring dead trees for
roosting and surveying
its range.
121
00:13:41,020 --> 00:13:46,993
While it will hunt for small
mammals it also gets much
of its food from scavenging,
122
00:13:49,896 --> 00:13:55,902
and is adept at finding small
carcasses before the delta's
most committed carrion eaters.
123
00:13:59,038 --> 00:14:06,946
At more than eleven pounds, the
white backed vulture dwarfs even
the martial eagle.
124
00:14:06,946 --> 00:14:10,450
Vultures have evolved
to rely on scavenging carrion,
125
00:14:10,450 --> 00:14:16,355
which the delta's high density
of mammals invariably provides.
126
00:14:16,355 --> 00:14:23,196
They're capable of devouring
over two pounds of meat in less
than five minutes.
127
00:14:23,196 --> 00:14:28,167
While others in the delta
are designed to kill.
128
00:14:28,167 --> 00:14:32,438
And few are as efficient
as Africa's largest canid.
129
00:14:34,073 --> 00:14:36,642
The African Wild Dog.
130
00:14:38,945 --> 00:14:44,650
Also known as the painted dog,
it is one of Africa's most
threatened predators,
131
00:14:44,650 --> 00:14:48,654
with fewer than 5,000
surviving in the world.
132
00:14:51,224 --> 00:14:57,330
Across the continent habitat
loss, persecution at the hands
of humans and disease
133
00:14:57,330 --> 00:15:02,602
has had devastating effects
on their populations.
134
00:15:02,602 --> 00:15:06,672
But here in the Okavango,
the painted dog is thriving.
135
00:15:11,077 --> 00:15:16,415
Each member of this eight strong
pack of predators has a unique
coat pattern.
136
00:15:18,284 --> 00:15:23,422
Like the dwarf mongoose,
only the dominant male
and female reproduce.
137
00:15:27,026 --> 00:15:30,263
Once the pups are born
they are kept in quarantine
138
00:15:30,263 --> 00:15:34,734
in an underground den for
the first three weeks of life.
139
00:15:34,734 --> 00:15:37,303
It's up to the rest
of the pack to hunt
140
00:15:37,303 --> 00:15:42,708
and bring home enough meat
to keep mother and pups fed.
141
00:15:43,776 --> 00:15:45,745
When not centered around a den,
142
00:15:45,745 --> 00:15:50,016
the hardy wild dogs can cover
immense hunting ranges -
143
00:15:50,016 --> 00:15:53,653
as much as 770 square miles.
144
00:16:00,226 --> 00:16:04,430
Relying on teamwork and stamina
rather than speed,
145
00:16:04,430 --> 00:16:07,667
they run their prey
to exhaustion
146
00:16:12,071 --> 00:16:16,976
and are some of the most
efficient predatory mammals
in the world.
147
00:16:22,415 --> 00:16:26,352
But a mature elephant bull
fears nothing.
148
00:16:40,766 --> 00:16:43,736
And the dogs move hastily along.
149
00:16:50,309 --> 00:16:56,682
Like all predators, they often
come home from hunts with
empty stomachs.
150
00:16:56,682 --> 00:17:00,653
The pack rests, waiting for
the heat of the day to pass,
151
00:17:00,653 --> 00:17:04,323
gathering their energy for
the afternoon's attempt.
152
00:17:10,663 --> 00:17:15,401
Like the wild dog, each of
the individuals in this herd
of plains zebra
153
00:17:15,401 --> 00:17:20,673
has a coat with a different
striped pattern, equivalent to
a human fingerprint.
154
00:17:23,609 --> 00:17:30,716
And as with the dogs, the
zebra relies on the Okavango
for all their needs.
155
00:17:30,716 --> 00:17:35,321
This breeding herd is led by
a single stallion.
156
00:17:37,123 --> 00:17:39,292
The herd must drink regularly,
157
00:17:39,292 --> 00:17:45,431
and zebra seldom wander
more than seven miles
from a water source.
158
00:17:45,431 --> 00:17:49,835
But they're here for
more than just water.
159
00:17:49,835 --> 00:17:55,574
It's an essential, if unusual,
dietary requirement found in
the Okavango's earth
160
00:17:55,574 --> 00:17:58,277
that the zebra seek.
161
00:17:58,277 --> 00:18:02,415
In the dry season their diet
lacks important minerals,
162
00:18:02,415 --> 00:18:08,821
which they supplement by eating
mineral-rich soil deposits known
as salt licks.
163
00:18:08,821 --> 00:18:14,360
This unusual practice
is called Geophagia.
164
00:18:16,762 --> 00:18:22,101
The sands of the delta's islands
provide excellent salt licks.
165
00:18:26,305 --> 00:18:32,478
The minerals of the Okavango
present themselves in other,
more bizarre ways.
166
00:18:34,246 --> 00:18:37,817
Trees and plants pull ground
water up to the surface,
167
00:18:37,817 --> 00:18:43,723
where it evaporates over
time, leaving concentrated
solid crystals.
168
00:18:47,259 --> 00:18:51,364
This precipitation of minerals
creates intricate formations,
169
00:18:51,364 --> 00:18:55,534
which become alien visions
of snow under the sun.
170
00:19:02,308 --> 00:19:04,677
These build up in the soil
over time
171
00:19:04,677 --> 00:19:10,683
to make up a staggering
40% of the total bulk of
the delta's islands.
172
00:19:18,958 --> 00:19:24,630
Impala herds also find soil
based mineral deposits to
supplement their diets.
173
00:19:30,436 --> 00:19:34,907
These come in the shape of
termite mounds, by a species,
174
00:19:34,907 --> 00:19:39,945
which cultivates beds of fungus
below ground for food.
175
00:19:39,945 --> 00:19:47,586
In the process they enrich the
soil of their mounds with
minerals like copper and zinc.
176
00:19:47,586 --> 00:19:51,457
Which the impala intuitively
know they need.
177
00:19:51,457 --> 00:19:54,493
Especially at this time of year.
178
00:19:57,363 --> 00:20:01,967
Winter is rutting season.
179
00:20:01,967 --> 00:20:10,609
Males older than four years mark
out territories with glandular
secretions from their foreheads.
180
00:20:10,609 --> 00:20:15,648
They are eager to herd
prospective mates into
their territories.
181
00:20:15,648 --> 00:20:19,718
And must keep bachelors at bay.
182
00:20:25,291 --> 00:20:28,427
This ram has a challenger.
183
00:20:45,478 --> 00:20:48,848
Their sharp horns grow
up to 27 inches long,
184
00:20:48,848 --> 00:20:52,251
and can inflict serious damage.
185
00:21:13,839 --> 00:21:15,941
He is experienced in battle,
186
00:21:15,941 --> 00:21:19,645
using posture and confidence
to push his opponent back.
187
00:21:32,725 --> 00:21:36,462
The defender does not
emerge unscathed.
188
00:21:39,098 --> 00:21:44,537
He's successfully defended
his territory and retained
the right to mate.
189
00:21:46,839 --> 00:21:50,776
After the rut,
males will lose territorial urge
190
00:21:50,776 --> 00:21:55,147
and regroup into bachelor herds
or join breeding herds.
191
00:21:55,147 --> 00:22:00,586
Seven months later, foals
will appear within days of
one another.
192
00:22:00,586 --> 00:22:04,423
Carefully timed to coincide
with the rainy season.
193
00:22:04,423 --> 00:22:08,027
While the floods bring
new growth on the
delta's floodplains,
194
00:22:08,027 --> 00:22:11,597
the grasses of the arid islands
are more nutritious,
195
00:22:11,597 --> 00:22:15,868
and only the rainy season
will replenish them.
196
00:22:15,868 --> 00:22:21,507
The timing of the rut offers
impala young the best chance
of survival.
197
00:22:23,943 --> 00:22:26,579
But it could spell danger
for the adults
198
00:22:26,579 --> 00:22:30,950
if their preoccupation with
mating lowers their guard.
199
00:22:30,950 --> 00:22:36,121
Impala are a favorite food
of the delta's stealthiest
predator.
200
00:22:38,991 --> 00:22:43,095
Leopards have the widest
distribution of any wild cat,
201
00:22:43,095 --> 00:22:48,100
living throughout sub-Saharan
Africa and in Asia.
202
00:22:48,100 --> 00:22:52,037
This young female will grow
to around 132 pounds,
203
00:22:52,037 --> 00:22:55,608
the same size as an
adult impala ram.
204
00:23:00,012 --> 00:23:05,451
She learnt how to kill from
her mother at the age of
eight months.
205
00:23:08,787 --> 00:23:12,725
And since she was two years old
she has lived alone,
206
00:23:12,725 --> 00:23:15,094
fending for herself.
207
00:23:18,063 --> 00:23:21,834
Capitalizing on her natural
power and stealth,
208
00:23:28,540 --> 00:23:33,012
she won't pounce unless she can
get within 65 feet of her prey,
209
00:23:33,012 --> 00:23:36,649
preferably to within 15.
210
00:23:36,649 --> 00:23:39,051
But this is easier
said than done.
211
00:23:44,056 --> 00:23:46,625
Despite her camouflaged coat,
212
00:23:46,625 --> 00:23:48,494
she has been spotted.
213
00:23:55,934 --> 00:23:59,138
When not hunting,
she often takes to the trees.
214
00:24:04,543 --> 00:24:11,450
Using her elevated position to
rest and survey her surroundings
for more potential prey.
215
00:24:16,655 --> 00:24:19,692
Leopards will hunt a
variety of prey species,
216
00:24:19,692 --> 00:24:23,629
including reptiles, birds
and even fish.
217
00:24:26,899 --> 00:24:31,203
But their staple is
small antelope.
218
00:24:33,005 --> 00:24:37,076
And the delta has
plenty of those to offer.
219
00:24:42,214 --> 00:24:48,754
Including red lechwe,
an icon of the Okavango.
220
00:24:48,754 --> 00:24:53,625
These are among the
most water-dependent
of all antelopes.
221
00:24:56,562 --> 00:25:01,600
Grazing new growth on the
margins of the delta's
floodplains.
222
00:25:04,103 --> 00:25:08,674
Like the impala, males and
females live in separate herds,
223
00:25:08,674 --> 00:25:13,212
both governed by
territorial males.
224
00:25:13,212 --> 00:25:16,315
Lechwe are well adapted
to life in the Okavango,
225
00:25:16,315 --> 00:25:21,153
with powerful,
overdeveloped hindquarters
and elongated hooves
226
00:25:21,153 --> 00:25:25,023
that help them outrun predators
through reeds and water.
227
00:25:37,035 --> 00:25:43,809
The sight of them bounding
majestically across the shallows
is a true Okavango trademark.
228
00:26:05,230 --> 00:26:10,135
The leopard looks on, sleepily
surveying her land from a tree
branch
229
00:26:10,135 --> 00:26:13,038
as another day draws to a close.
230
00:26:26,051 --> 00:26:30,656
While the fleet-footed lechwe
come and go through the
delta's waters,
231
00:26:30,656 --> 00:26:36,161
another more cumbersome Okavango
icon prefers a leisurely pace.
232
00:26:40,332 --> 00:26:42,768
The hefty Hippopotamus.
233
00:26:45,704 --> 00:26:52,177
Weighing more than two tons,
hippos generate large amounts
of metabolic heat.
234
00:26:52,177 --> 00:26:57,850
And porous skin loses water
more quickly to the sun than
most mammals.
235
00:27:02,254 --> 00:27:07,259
To stay cool, hippos spend
lazy days submerged.
236
00:27:07,259 --> 00:27:12,164
Emerging to graze on
grassy islands by night.
237
00:27:14,233 --> 00:27:18,937
The trails carved by their
regular movements through
the water and onto land,
238
00:27:18,937 --> 00:27:22,374
help shape and direct
the delta's flow.
239
00:27:25,143 --> 00:27:29,047
And while elephants have the
biggest environmental impact,
240
00:27:29,047 --> 00:27:34,720
no animal is as important
to the Okavango system as
the hippopotamus.
241
00:27:42,995 --> 00:27:46,465
Adult males aggressively
defend territories.
242
00:27:46,465 --> 00:27:49,968
And have a unique way
of spreading their scent.
243
00:27:53,438 --> 00:27:59,845
This seemingly unhygienic
activity of dung flinging
does fuel plant growth,
244
00:27:59,845 --> 00:28:03,382
which in turn supports
other species.
245
00:28:11,990 --> 00:28:16,194
The Okavango's water systems are
rich in aquatic life,
246
00:28:16,194 --> 00:28:22,034
with 71 fish species living
in the numerous waterways
and channels.
247
00:28:22,034 --> 00:28:26,305
This attracts many birds to
take advantage of the
profuse fishing.
248
00:28:30,776 --> 00:28:34,947
A pied kingfisher surveys
the water from its perch.
249
00:28:40,052 --> 00:28:46,158
But it's their aerial ability
that sets this species apart.
250
00:28:46,158 --> 00:28:51,229
At around 3 ounces, pied
kingfishers are considered
the largest bird in the world
251
00:28:51,229 --> 00:28:55,300
able to hover in one
place continuously.
252
00:28:57,436 --> 00:29:00,238
And they do so more than
any other bird,
253
00:29:00,238 --> 00:29:04,042
patiently waiting for the
moment to dive.
254
00:29:06,545 --> 00:29:09,481
But not every hunt
is successful.
255
00:29:20,225 --> 00:29:23,161
Eventually persistence pays off.
256
00:29:27,599 --> 00:29:29,534
He will fish continuously,
257
00:29:29,534 --> 00:29:32,904
needing to eat up to half
of his body weight in a day.
258
00:29:36,441 --> 00:29:41,346
While the little aerial expert's
food is locked within the
Okavango's waters,
259
00:29:41,346 --> 00:29:49,187
one of the largest of the
delta's inhabitants is far less
dependent on the annual floods.
260
00:29:49,187 --> 00:29:53,392
Giraffe can get most of the
moisture they need from
their food,
261
00:29:53,392 --> 00:29:56,194
going up to three days
without drinking.
262
00:29:56,194 --> 00:30:00,432
But, at up to 16 feet tall
and more than a ton in weight,
263
00:30:00,432 --> 00:30:05,337
they need to eat
over 75 pounds of food a day.
264
00:30:05,337 --> 00:30:09,307
They browse only the foliage
of woody plants,
265
00:30:09,307 --> 00:30:14,546
so the rapid growth of grass
accompanying the floods is
of no use to them.
266
00:30:22,320 --> 00:30:26,024
To find the food they need
on the delta's dry islands,
267
00:30:26,024 --> 00:30:29,528
they turn to woodlands
of the mopane tree.
268
00:30:31,263 --> 00:30:35,200
These mopane trees are
exceptionally drought resistant,
269
00:30:35,200 --> 00:30:38,837
often the last to lose their
leaves in the dry season.
270
00:30:40,439 --> 00:30:44,309
The giraffe's elongated muzzle
and prehensile tongue
271
00:30:44,309 --> 00:30:50,015
allow it to feed selectively,
plucking the freshest,
tastiest leaves available.
272
00:30:52,651 --> 00:30:57,255
Giraffes are often found in
groups, known as journeys.
273
00:30:59,357 --> 00:31:02,627
But no rigid social
organization exists.
274
00:31:08,500 --> 00:31:11,536
Individuals will come and go.
275
00:31:11,536 --> 00:31:16,508
But there is a hard-won
hierarchy among males
276
00:31:16,508 --> 00:31:20,145
two bulls size each other up.
277
00:31:28,987 --> 00:31:31,189
The rhythmic nature
of the sparring
278
00:31:31,189 --> 00:31:36,428
belies the staggering power
of each wrecking ball blow.
279
00:31:36,428 --> 00:31:41,032
Known as necking, these contests
establish hierarchy among bulls
280
00:31:41,032 --> 00:31:44,436
and determine who has
the right to mate.
281
00:32:04,389 --> 00:32:09,427
While the largest bulls are
pre-occupied only with
determining who is strongest,
282
00:32:09,427 --> 00:32:15,200
younger giraffes must be
cautious while growing up
in the Okavango.
283
00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:20,605
They are still small enough to
fall prey to the delta's most
powerful hunters.
284
00:32:31,616 --> 00:32:34,586
A male lion is massively built,
285
00:32:34,586 --> 00:32:37,622
roughly 4 feet tall
at the shoulder
286
00:32:37,622 --> 00:32:43,094
and weighing in at
around 420 pounds.
287
00:32:43,094 --> 00:32:45,430
The only truly social cat,
288
00:32:45,430 --> 00:32:50,535
lions live in prides of 2-12
adult females, plus their young.
289
00:32:57,742 --> 00:33:06,151
Males hold tenure over prides,
usually in coalitions of between
two and six.
290
00:33:06,151 --> 00:33:09,654
Lions use teamwork as well as
their incredible strength
291
00:33:09,654 --> 00:33:14,593
to bring down
even the biggest prey.
292
00:33:14,593 --> 00:33:20,765
But these predators
typically spend around
twenty hours a day resting.
293
00:33:20,765 --> 00:33:24,369
Their lives are woven
with long bouts of rest
294
00:33:24,369 --> 00:33:28,273
and short bursts
of dynamic action.
295
00:33:33,078 --> 00:33:35,146
Unlike the lions,
296
00:33:35,146 --> 00:33:40,852
wild dogs are among the
most active of Africa's
predators during the day.
297
00:33:40,852 --> 00:33:47,259
After the midday heat has
passed, the pack has returned
to the hunt.
298
00:33:47,259 --> 00:33:50,428
But they're not hunting
lechwe today.
299
00:33:56,101 --> 00:34:01,406
Zebra are some of the largest
prey hunted by wild dogs.
300
00:34:01,406 --> 00:34:04,409
If they can startle
the herd into fleeing,
301
00:34:04,409 --> 00:34:10,115
they may be able to isolate
one and bring it down.
302
00:34:10,115 --> 00:34:13,652
Some packs have learnt
that grabbing zebra by the lip
303
00:34:13,652 --> 00:34:16,755
has the effect of
immobilizing the animal.
304
00:34:22,594 --> 00:34:28,433
A 660 pound stallion can
inflict serious damage to
the slender dog.
305
00:34:31,202 --> 00:34:35,140
But the dogs are willing
to take the risk
306
00:34:46,718 --> 00:34:50,855
Presenting a united front is
the best option for the zebra.
307
00:35:10,909 --> 00:35:16,348
With the knowledge of
hungry mouths back at the
den, the dogs regroup.
308
00:35:30,495 --> 00:35:35,734
The zebra's instinctive
choice to fight rather
than flee pays off.
309
00:35:52,917 --> 00:35:58,189
Even for the most efficient
hunters, there are no sure
bets in life.
310
00:36:20,545 --> 00:36:27,585
At the den, the alpha female
greets the returning pack with
anxious excitement.
311
00:36:27,585 --> 00:36:31,689
She hopes that they will
regurgitate meat for her
and her pups.
312
00:36:38,696 --> 00:36:42,534
But the pack has returned
empty handed.
313
00:36:48,706 --> 00:36:51,676
Although today's hunt
has been unsuccessful,
314
00:36:51,676 --> 00:37:00,518
overall the delta provides a
stable home for these beautiful
and highly endangered creatures.
315
00:37:00,518 --> 00:37:06,524
Giving them the space they need
to move away from the fences
and guns of man.
316
00:37:13,298 --> 00:37:16,401
The Okavango delta's
verdant waterways
317
00:37:16,401 --> 00:37:21,706
are a haven for
endangered species both
iconic and little known.
318
00:37:29,781 --> 00:37:35,453
For these wattled cranes,
the delta's wetlands are
a crucial lifeline.
319
00:37:40,892 --> 00:37:45,463
They are the most threatened
of Africa's six crane species.
320
00:37:48,433 --> 00:37:54,038
With fewer than 8,000 adults
surviving in the wild.
321
00:37:54,038 --> 00:38:00,745
The rarity of wattled cranes is
due to a combination of factors.
322
00:38:00,745 --> 00:38:06,518
Cranes are particularly
susceptible to human
disturbance.
323
00:38:06,518 --> 00:38:13,291
Chicks have a naturally low
survival rate - only around 6%
make it to adulthood.
324
00:38:16,794 --> 00:38:20,598
And breeding pairs have
specific habitat requirements.
325
00:38:22,367 --> 00:38:25,770
They need around 100 acres
of wetland,
326
00:38:25,770 --> 00:38:31,442
combined with 350 acres
of surrounding grassland
or woodland.
327
00:38:31,442 --> 00:38:36,114
This gives them access to
their major food sources
of grass seeds
328
00:38:36,114 --> 00:38:39,617
and the tubers of
wetland sedges.
329
00:38:43,388 --> 00:38:49,027
The delta's mosaic of waterways
and islands provides exactly
such a combination of habitats.
330
00:38:54,732 --> 00:38:59,070
The cranes spend as much
as 75% of the day foraging,
331
00:39:03,908 --> 00:39:08,012
feeling with their beaks for
these tubers beneath the ground.
332
00:39:14,118 --> 00:39:21,426
Accompanying them is a
goliath heron - the largest
heron species in the world.
333
00:39:42,513 --> 00:39:48,987
These blacksmith lapwings
thrive in the delta's short,
moist grasslands.
334
00:39:48,987 --> 00:39:52,557
Global numbers of these
highly adaptable birds
335
00:39:52,557 --> 00:39:55,994
have increased dramatically
in the last hundred years,
336
00:39:55,994 --> 00:40:01,733
now estimated by some
to be around a million.
337
00:40:01,733 --> 00:40:06,838
And they must be extra vigilant;
there are predators around.
338
00:40:12,110 --> 00:40:16,014
The water monitor is one of
Africa's biggest lizards,
339
00:40:16,014 --> 00:40:19,083
growing up to seven feet.
340
00:40:19,083 --> 00:40:23,087
Its long powerful tail
makes it a strong swimmer.
341
00:40:25,023 --> 00:40:28,660
Preying on fish and
other aquatic life.
342
00:40:31,596 --> 00:40:33,798
But it also eats birds.
343
00:40:35,700 --> 00:40:40,071
This territorial pair has
recently fledged chicks.
344
00:40:41,839 --> 00:40:46,544
And the lapwing chicks
are enticing.
345
00:40:46,544 --> 00:40:49,647
But it will have to get by
their parents first.
346
00:40:51,549 --> 00:40:54,819
Blacksmith lapwings are
notoriously aggressive,
347
00:40:57,622 --> 00:41:01,592
seemingly oblivious to
their small size.
348
00:41:01,592 --> 00:41:05,663
Adults take turns
guarding the chicks.
349
00:41:05,663 --> 00:41:10,568
One staying close while the
other launches attacks at
potential predators.
350
00:41:17,141 --> 00:41:20,611
Despite being five times
the lapwing's size,
351
00:41:20,611 --> 00:41:24,682
even a secretary bird
is discouraged by the
aerial bombardment.
352
00:41:33,624 --> 00:41:38,596
This largely
terrestrial bird strides
the landscape looking for prey
353
00:41:38,596 --> 00:41:42,734
it will batter to death
with its long legs.
354
00:41:46,671 --> 00:41:49,841
But it won't find anything
to eat here.
355
00:42:02,286 --> 00:42:07,291
After the excitement of the
dive-bombing the lapwing
cools down.
356
00:42:09,827 --> 00:42:13,965
Showing off its secret weapons
against predators.
357
00:42:13,965 --> 00:42:16,701
Each wing is equipped
with a sharp spur
358
00:42:16,701 --> 00:42:22,106
that can inflict significant
damage on anyone the birds
dive bomb
359
00:42:29,313 --> 00:42:32,083
which explains why
so many larger animals
360
00:42:32,083 --> 00:42:36,554
are reluctant to tangle with
these feisty little birds.
361
00:42:38,890 --> 00:42:42,193
But some in the delta need
more than a mere puddle
362
00:42:42,193 --> 00:42:45,229
to get the bath they're after.
363
00:42:45,229 --> 00:42:49,367
At the end of a long day
under the Okavango's baking sun
364
00:42:49,367 --> 00:42:54,338
the elephant bachelors
are keen for a swim.
365
00:42:54,338 --> 00:42:58,943
And the delta provides many
first-rate pools like this one,
366
00:42:58,943 --> 00:43:03,681
deep enough for even the
big-eared bathers to submerge.
367
00:43:09,086 --> 00:43:11,722
Elephants are
fantastic swimmers,
368
00:43:11,722 --> 00:43:16,861
known to cross lakes
as wide as 24 miles.
369
00:43:18,029 --> 00:43:20,198
For the elephants
of the Okavango
370
00:43:20,198 --> 00:43:24,902
this refreshing dip is
one of the perks of
being a delta local.
371
00:43:30,908 --> 00:43:37,114
Making the most of the abundant
waters to cool themselves under
the unrelenting sun.
372
00:43:50,061 --> 00:43:56,200
For these gentle natured
giants there is no better
way to end the day.
373
00:44:18,289 --> 00:44:21,726
The vast oasis of
the Okavango delta
374
00:44:21,726 --> 00:44:26,264
is a harbor of life in the
midst of a great desert.
375
00:44:42,980 --> 00:44:45,816
Here wet meets dry. . .
376
00:44:49,120 --> 00:44:51,455
Creating a diversity of habitats
377
00:44:51,455 --> 00:44:56,694
that nurtures an extraordinary
abundance of creatures
378
00:44:58,095 --> 00:45:00,464
large and small.
379
00:45:04,902 --> 00:45:08,406
From herbivores to hunters
380
00:45:08,406 --> 00:45:11,375
and reptiles to birds
381
00:45:16,380 --> 00:45:20,785
The Okavango presents us
with a rare vision of nature
382
00:45:20,785 --> 00:45:23,788
in its most untainted form.
383
00:45:31,495 --> 00:45:35,967
It is a place where time is told
through the flow of water
384
00:45:35,967 --> 00:45:40,905
and the cries of eagles
carry across the clear blue sky.
385
00:45:45,109 --> 00:45:52,116
The great Okavango delta
is a true wildlife paradise.
386
00:45:52,550 --> 00:46:02,793
(♪♪♪)
387
00:46:02,793 --> 00:46:07,565
(♪♪♪)
388
00:46:07,565 --> 00:46:20,778
(♪♪♪)
36097
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.