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(BIRDS CHIRPING)
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NARRATOR:
In the middle of
Southern Africa,
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there's a vast uncharted
sea of golden grassland.
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(WILDEBEEST GRUNTING)
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NARRATOR: Remote and wild,
it was once home to huge herds
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grazing the savannah.
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And predators lurking,
waiting to take their pick.
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(BIRD SQUAWKING)
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But 30 years of civil war
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00:00:39,539 --> 00:00:42,175
decimated the
abundant wildlife.
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00:00:58,659 --> 00:01:03,196
Now peace has returned to this
damaged yet beautiful Eden.
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(ZEBRAS CALLING)
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NARRATOR: An extraordinary
band of conservationists
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is trying to restore
these grasslands
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to their former glory.
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(LOW GROWL)
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(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
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NARRATOR:
For over 100 years,
Zambia's Liuwa Plain
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was preserved by
the Lozi people
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as a royal hunting ground.
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Now a national park,
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it is one of the oldest
wildlife reserves in Africa.
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Its grasslands stretch for
over 1,400 square miles
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in the old kingdom of
Barotseland that straddles
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the remote northwest frontier
of Zambia and Angola.
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Historically, lions were the
rulers of these plains.
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But not any more.
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Almost 30 years
of civil war
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in neighboring Angola
changed that.
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The effects of the war,
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which began after
independence in 1975,
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spilled over into Zambia,
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and Liuwa's lions
paid a high price.
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They were shot and their prey
killed for meat.
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(GRUNTING)
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NARRATOR: In the end, just one
solitary lioness survived.
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Liuwa's ecosystem
teetered on the edge.
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(GRUNTING)
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NARRATOR: Given time, nature
can usually heal itself.
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But replacing
the missing pieces
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of the ecological jigsaw often
requires human intervention.
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(ENGINE REVVING)
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NARRATOR:
Understanding what's going
on in an ecosystem this huge
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is the first challenge.
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The solution is to concentrate
on the apex predators.
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In Liuwa, that now
means the hyena.
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(HYENAS LAUGHING)
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NARRATOR: Normally,
hyenas and lions
are mortal enemies,
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competing for prey.
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But here the absence of lions
has allowed the hyenas
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to be the heavyweight
champions of hunting.
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(HYENAS LAUGHING)
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NARRATOR: If the food chain's
top carnivores are doing well,
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it normally means all
the animals are recovering.
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So the Zambian
Carnivore Program
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closely monitors
the apex predators
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to check on the health of
the whole ecosystem.
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(BIRDS CHIRPING)
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NARRATOR: It's 6:00 a.m.
A new day.
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The scientists' first task
is to find the predators.
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It requires a
head for heights.
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Large carnivores are elusive
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and range over thousands
of square miles
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so researchers track them
using radio collars.
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(SENSOR BEEPING)
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NARRATOR: From the top of
the radio tower,
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it's possible to pick up
the signal from any collar
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within four miles.
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For the last seven years, the
Zambian Carnivore Program
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has been studying hundreds
of individual predators
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and detailing their impact
on their prey,
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making this one of the most
comprehensive studies
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of predation ever undertaken.
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(WIND WHOOSHING)
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NARRATOR: Having got a rough
fix on a hyena
from the radio tower,
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senior researcher
Daan Smit heads out.
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This is a vast land
with no roads
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and few landmarks.
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It's parched and empty.
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There's a drought and
food is in short supply.
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Most of the great herds
of migratory prey
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are still way up north,
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where there is more
water and food.
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They will only come
south with the rains.
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Then, the rivers will
rise and flood the plains,
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transforming Liuwa into a
green land of life and water.
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Following the wildlife
in the wet season
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becomes much more difficult
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so the scientists need
to gather as much data
now as possible.
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At ground level,
the range of Daan's receiver
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shrinks to one mile.
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(BEEPING)
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NARRATOR:
Homing in on the target
takes trial and error.
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(ENGINE REVVING)
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NARRATOR: Every day,
the scientists
seek out the predators.
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Daan takes pictures to
identify the hyenas
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and he records their
position and activity.
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(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING)
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NARRATOR: Liuwa's hyenas
are some of
the biggest in Africa.
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Having spent years in
the field with them,
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Daan thinks they're
misunderstood.
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SMIT: Some people
look at hyenas,
and...
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Like they're the...
They still steal kills
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and they...
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They don't look pretty
like a lion or a cheetah.
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Yeah, hyenas do have
a bad reputation
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but I think
everybody who has...
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Who has come to Liuwa
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and has seen hyenas here,
you will...
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Everybody will change their...
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their opinion about hyenas.
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NARRATOR: While rarely
a threat to humans,
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hyenas are still
dangerous predators
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and shouldn't be approached,
except by experts.
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Daan knows that during
the heat of the day
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the hyenas aren't
in hunting mode.
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But later on, when
the sun goes down,
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it will be a
different story.
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(BIRDS CHIRPING)
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NARRATOR: In the cool
of the evening,
researcher Teddy Mukula
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finds a small group of hyenas
emerging from the long grass.
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00:09:06,146 --> 00:09:09,749
He's been studying Liuwa's
hyenas for the last two years.
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(HYENAS WHINING)
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NARRATOR: They look like
they're getting ready
to go hunting.
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Teddy will attempt
to stay with them.
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Hyenas are
much underrated.
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(HYENA LAUGHING)
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NARRATOR: Most people think
they're mainly scavengers.
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But they'd be wrong.
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00:09:39,579 --> 00:09:42,415
The researchers have found
that Liuwa's hyenas
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are highly efficient predators
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and the Zambian Carnivore
Program is working
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to understand what impact this
has on the other animals here.
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Hyenas are so successful,
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they're the most common
large carnivores in Africa.
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(HYENAS WHINING)
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NARRATOR: They have
complex societies
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based on status and
female dominance.
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MUKULA: Hyenas have a great
social interaction.
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00:10:18,418 --> 00:10:20,386
You know,
they have just that
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social interaction
that is really
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unique from other
carnivores, and...
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Their hierarchy is very,
very highly respected.
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And, uh...
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Everyone knows what
their place here...
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They know what
they're supposed to do.
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They know what they're
not supposed to do.
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And they are just... They...
They look out for each
other very well, yeah.
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NARRATOR: And hyenas
are very inquisitive.
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(ENGINE STARTING)
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NARRATOR: Luckily there
are better things to eat
than Teddy's tires.
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To understand a predator,
you have to see it hunt.
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(THUNDERING)
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NARRATOR: But tracking hyenas
at night is a challenge.
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(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)
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NARRATOR:
The hyenas are stalking
a herd of wildebeest.
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(THUNDER CRACKING)
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NARRATOR: An electrical storm,
a precursor to
the imminent rains,
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helps camouflage
their approach.
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00:11:41,167 --> 00:11:43,036
(WILDEBEEST GRUNTING)
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NARRATOR: Suddenly, the hyenas
give chase.
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00:11:50,410 --> 00:11:52,178
(WILDEBEEST GRUNTING)
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NARRATOR: Running at
35 miles per hour...
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(INDISTINCT TALKING)
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NARRATOR:
It's impossible to keep up.
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MUKULA:
Yeah.
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MUKULA:
Yeah.
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MUKULA:
Ah, (BLEEP).
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NARRATOR:
Teddy drives with one hand
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and tries to keep track of
the hyenas with the other.
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The hyenas target
adult wildebeest,
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often picking out
the old or the weak,
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and chasing them
to exhaustion.
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(THUNDERING)
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(HYENAS LAUGHING))
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NARRATOR: Success.
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The hyenas quickly pull the
wildebeest to the ground,
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devouring their prey
as fast as they can.
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(WILDEBEEST GRUNTING)
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NARRATOR: With their
acute hearing, any hyenas
within five miles
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could hear the commotion
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and try to grab
a share of the kill.
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00:13:18,364 --> 00:13:23,202
Observing hyena kills gives
a wealth of information
on what they eat,
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00:13:23,736 --> 00:13:27,106
and how this affects
both clan and prey.
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By putting all this together,
Teddy's building up
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00:13:35,381 --> 00:13:38,618
a detailed picture of the
hyenas' role in the ecosystem.
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(HYENAS LAUGHING)
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NARRATOR: Whereas big cats
can leave up to 40%
of a carcass,
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00:13:49,629 --> 00:13:52,398
hyenas eat their way
through skin and bone.
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In little over an hour,
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00:14:03,609 --> 00:14:05,611
there will be virtually
nothing left.
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00:14:05,812 --> 00:14:07,547
(THUNDERING)
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00:14:20,393 --> 00:14:23,596
NARRATOR:
With so much to do before
the rains finally arrive,
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00:14:24,197 --> 00:14:27,133
keeping their bikes
going is essential.
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00:14:29,202 --> 00:14:31,704
Teddy is teaching new
researcher Shadrach
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00:14:31,704 --> 00:14:33,506
some field maintenance.
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00:14:38,444 --> 00:14:40,213
In the middle of nowhere,
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00:14:40,213 --> 00:14:42,348
you really don't
want to break down.
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00:14:43,216 --> 00:14:44,484
Yeah.
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00:14:44,484 --> 00:14:46,686
MUKULA: We don't have
a mechanic to do this for us.
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00:14:47,587 --> 00:14:50,490
So what we do is,
we learn this ourselves.
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00:14:50,490 --> 00:14:52,225
We have to do this ourselves.
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00:14:52,725 --> 00:14:54,160
NARRATOR:
The researchers spend
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00:14:54,160 --> 00:14:58,097
long hours,
alone on their bikes
in the middle of the plains.
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00:14:58,631 --> 00:15:02,668
Breakdowns can
attract attention
of the four-legged variety.
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00:15:03,369 --> 00:15:05,238
MUKULA: The hyenas
are very inquisitive.
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00:15:05,605 --> 00:15:08,441
Very inquisitive and curious
at the same time.
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00:15:09,308 --> 00:15:11,377
They can come as
close as possible.
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00:15:12,111 --> 00:15:14,547
They would want to
sniff your handlebars
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00:15:14,547 --> 00:15:16,549
while you're still
holding them.
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And, uh...
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Yeah, they've got teeth,
you just need to
be careful, yeah.
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NARRATOR:
The spare bikes
also need to be checked
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00:15:25,258 --> 00:15:28,094
because the team
is getting reinforcements.
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00:15:35,201 --> 00:15:36,636
SMIT:
So this year, we have
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00:15:37,203 --> 00:15:38,538
received probably...
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00:15:39,972 --> 00:15:42,642
NARRATOR:
Jassiel M'soka is one
of the project's co-founders.
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00:15:43,543 --> 00:15:47,647
In 2009, he helped set up
the Liuwa Research Program.
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00:15:48,681 --> 00:15:50,616
He's now a senior ecologist
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00:15:51,083 --> 00:15:53,753
for the Zambian Department
of Parks and Wildlife
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00:15:54,220 --> 00:15:55,555
based in Lusaka.
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00:15:56,289 --> 00:15:59,559
But he returns to Liuwa
regularly to help out.
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00:15:59,559 --> 00:16:00,626
(INDISTINCT TALKING)
224
00:16:01,160 --> 00:16:02,461
(ENGINE STARTING)
225
00:16:04,096 --> 00:16:06,632
NARRATOR: Jassiel heads
out onto the plains
to search for predators.
226
00:16:15,141 --> 00:16:16,742
(VULTURES CAWING)
227
00:16:18,144 --> 00:16:21,447
NARRATOR: Circling vultures
lead the researchers
to a kill.
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00:16:29,055 --> 00:16:32,358
A hyena is eating what's
left of a wildebeest.
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00:16:35,328 --> 00:16:37,763
With almost no lions
to worry about,
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00:16:37,763 --> 00:16:40,499
Liuwa's hyena numbers
are increasing.
231
00:16:41,267 --> 00:16:45,204
They're organized into
super clans up to 80 strong.
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00:16:47,573 --> 00:16:50,009
This female is
from North Clan,
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00:16:50,276 --> 00:16:52,778
one of five hyena
families in the study.
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00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:58,117
She's a long way from
home, scavenging a kill.
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00:16:58,517 --> 00:17:00,186
M'SOKA:
This is a hyena that, uh,
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00:17:00,186 --> 00:17:01,754
we've known from before.
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00:17:01,754 --> 00:17:06,158
She's been in the study for
at least, uh, five years.
238
00:17:08,327 --> 00:17:11,330
It's good to know that...
That it's still alive
and still in the study.
239
00:17:13,065 --> 00:17:15,601
NARRATOR: Jassiel knows
some of the hyenas so well,
240
00:17:15,601 --> 00:17:18,237
he can recognize them
by their markings.
241
00:17:29,282 --> 00:17:31,350
At about 150 pounds,
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00:17:31,350 --> 00:17:34,120
this female is bigger
than the approaching male
243
00:17:34,120 --> 00:17:35,621
and she outranks him.
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00:17:42,228 --> 00:17:45,331
The male will have to make
do with the leftovers.
245
00:17:59,211 --> 00:18:01,013
(HYENAS LAUGHING)
246
00:18:01,747 --> 00:18:04,750
NARRATOR: Jassiel and Shadrach
want to take a closer look
247
00:18:04,750 --> 00:18:06,585
at the remains of the kill.
248
00:18:07,186 --> 00:18:11,123
The hyenas here are wary
of people and back off.
249
00:18:18,331 --> 00:18:20,566
They collect samples
to gather data.
250
00:18:27,206 --> 00:18:30,376
There's not much left, but
teeth and hair samples
251
00:18:30,376 --> 00:18:33,279
will reveal the wildebeest's
age and condition.
252
00:18:36,148 --> 00:18:37,650
This carcass is
one of hundreds
253
00:18:37,650 --> 00:18:39,418
the researchers will study.
254
00:18:39,785 --> 00:18:42,421
Each provides clues to
the intricate dynamics
255
00:18:42,421 --> 00:18:43,723
of the ecosystem.
256
00:18:48,594 --> 00:18:51,163
(CAR ENGINE STARTING)
257
00:18:54,333 --> 00:18:57,803
To be ranging so far into
another clan's territory,
258
00:18:57,803 --> 00:19:00,239
the North Clan
must be struggling.
259
00:19:01,340 --> 00:19:02,775
To find out why,
260
00:19:02,775 --> 00:19:05,578
Jassiel wants to take
a look at the clan's den.
261
00:19:24,196 --> 00:19:27,366
Hyenas rear their cubs
in underground dens.
262
00:19:28,634 --> 00:19:31,370
The area around
the den is communal
263
00:19:31,370 --> 00:19:34,974
and at twilight,
it's the centre
of the clan's social life.
264
00:19:38,377 --> 00:19:41,614
But the hunting adults of
the North Clan are out,
265
00:19:41,614 --> 00:19:44,250
still searching far
and wide for food.
266
00:19:46,419 --> 00:19:47,787
All the cubs can do
267
00:19:47,787 --> 00:19:50,322
is wait at the relative
safety of the den.
268
00:19:53,125 --> 00:19:56,529
With the drought caused by
El Nino, this is a tough year.
269
00:19:58,831 --> 00:20:00,633
The researchers have
already discovered
270
00:20:00,633 --> 00:20:02,435
the drought's first victims.
271
00:20:06,072 --> 00:20:11,077
A neighboring den abandoned
with seven cubs dead inside.
272
00:20:20,319 --> 00:20:21,854
When times are tough,
273
00:20:21,854 --> 00:20:24,623
the mothers don't always
make it back to the den
274
00:20:24,623 --> 00:20:26,358
to feed their cubs.
275
00:20:27,893 --> 00:20:31,597
If the North Clan
adults don't return
in the next couple of days,
276
00:20:32,198 --> 00:20:34,100
these cubs will die.
277
00:20:35,534 --> 00:20:37,470
(CAR ENGINE STARTING)
278
00:20:38,170 --> 00:20:40,372
The researchers head
back to camp
279
00:20:40,372 --> 00:20:42,374
to record the day's findings.
280
00:20:55,855 --> 00:20:57,523
It's 7:00 a.m.
281
00:20:58,424 --> 00:21:01,127
Project leader Matt Becker
is out surveying
282
00:21:01,127 --> 00:21:03,129
the grasslands'
eastern sector.
283
00:21:04,697 --> 00:21:07,433
Seven years ago,
Matt helped Jassiel
284
00:21:07,433 --> 00:21:10,002
set up the Carnivore
Research Program.
285
00:21:15,274 --> 00:21:17,343
He spots an old friend.
286
00:21:24,383 --> 00:21:28,521
She's Lady, the world famous
last lioness of Liuwa.
287
00:21:30,623 --> 00:21:35,094
Potentially as old as 16,
she's ancient for a lion
288
00:21:35,094 --> 00:21:37,229
but she's in remarkably
good shape.
289
00:21:39,131 --> 00:21:40,599
For nearly a decade,
290
00:21:40,599 --> 00:21:43,435
she lived all alone
on these vast plains.
291
00:21:48,140 --> 00:21:49,808
(LIONS GROWLING)
292
00:21:50,276 --> 00:21:53,312
NARRATOR: Lions are the only
truly social cats.
293
00:21:55,114 --> 00:21:57,683
Lionesses typically
live together,
294
00:21:57,683 --> 00:22:00,319
raising cubs and
sharing kills.
295
00:22:08,227 --> 00:22:10,596
In the absence of
any other lions,
296
00:22:10,596 --> 00:22:12,631
Lady became so lonely
297
00:22:12,631 --> 00:22:15,367
that she started going
into the Liuwa field camp.
298
00:22:16,635 --> 00:22:19,371
MATT BECKER:
It was quite common to have
her come in to camp and just
299
00:22:19,638 --> 00:22:21,340
be hanging out at camp.
300
00:22:21,340 --> 00:22:24,276
At a level that you wouldn't
typically be comfortable with
301
00:22:24,276 --> 00:22:26,612
or, um, wouldn't
be wise for...
302
00:22:27,146 --> 00:22:30,115
To have a lion
in that close a vicinity.
303
00:22:30,683 --> 00:22:33,652
But she's just accustomed
to that. She, uh,
304
00:22:33,652 --> 00:22:37,256
has never, um,
endangered anyone.
305
00:22:37,623 --> 00:22:42,228
NARRATOR: Out of respect,
the lioness became
known as Lady Liuwa.
306
00:22:43,329 --> 00:22:46,865
You can't not find
her remarkable.
307
00:22:46,865 --> 00:22:48,300
And, uh...
308
00:22:48,300 --> 00:22:51,303
And that doesn't have
anything to do with
309
00:22:51,537 --> 00:22:54,273
science or research
or conservation or anything.
310
00:22:54,273 --> 00:22:56,308
It's just a remarkable animal.
311
00:23:10,689 --> 00:23:12,524
NARRATOR:
Liuwa is being protected
312
00:23:12,524 --> 00:23:15,728
and restored by the
African Parks Network.
313
00:23:20,666 --> 00:23:24,370
To cure Lady's loneliness,
in 2009,
314
00:23:24,370 --> 00:23:27,106
African Parks introduced
two males.
315
00:23:27,640 --> 00:23:30,109
But Lady failed to conceive
316
00:23:30,109 --> 00:23:33,212
so Matt's team worked
with African Parks
317
00:23:33,212 --> 00:23:35,481
to introduce a new lioness.
318
00:23:38,517 --> 00:23:42,021
They called her Sepo,
the local word for hope,
319
00:23:42,254 --> 00:23:44,857
as she'd hopefully kick-start
a new generation
320
00:23:44,857 --> 00:23:46,692
while learning from Lady.
321
00:23:51,463 --> 00:23:56,135
In 2013, in the thick
undergrowth by the camp,
322
00:23:56,135 --> 00:23:58,304
Sepo had three cubs.
323
00:24:00,572 --> 00:24:03,442
With Lady's help,
she safeguarded them
324
00:24:03,442 --> 00:24:07,146
from the hyenas and now
there's a glimmer of hope
325
00:24:07,146 --> 00:24:10,349
that lions might be
returning to the grasslands.
326
00:24:17,823 --> 00:24:19,558
BECKER: Lady Liuwa's story
327
00:24:20,159 --> 00:24:22,394
is... Is very emblematic
of the story
328
00:24:22,394 --> 00:24:24,163
of Liuwa Plain in general.
329
00:24:24,163 --> 00:24:25,798
Uh, something that, um...
330
00:24:25,798 --> 00:24:27,633
Sort of renewal and recovery.
331
00:24:27,633 --> 00:24:31,437
Uh, we now have in the
twilight years of her life
332
00:24:31,437 --> 00:24:32,471
a, uh...
333
00:24:32,471 --> 00:24:36,275
The first pride, um,
in over a decade in Liuwa.
334
00:24:36,275 --> 00:24:38,310
And you can see them
interacting with her.
335
00:24:38,310 --> 00:24:39,545
Even though they're not hers,
336
00:24:39,545 --> 00:24:42,114
she is obviously the
matriarch of this pride.
337
00:24:42,481 --> 00:24:44,817
She's a special lion,
and it's...
338
00:24:44,817 --> 00:24:48,420
She really symbolizes what
Liuwa Plain is about.
339
00:24:51,724 --> 00:24:53,759
NARRATOR:
Being so few in number,
340
00:24:53,759 --> 00:24:58,163
the new pride needs intensive
levels of care and monitoring.
341
00:25:01,033 --> 00:25:02,301
There's a problem.
342
00:25:03,035 --> 00:25:04,737
There are only three lions.
343
00:25:07,139 --> 00:25:10,476
Lady, Sepo and
one of the juveniles.
344
00:25:13,178 --> 00:25:14,980
Two youngsters are missing.
345
00:25:15,247 --> 00:25:17,149
(ENGINE STARTING)
346
00:25:30,195 --> 00:25:32,331
They're not wearing
radio collars
347
00:25:32,331 --> 00:25:34,099
and they could be anywhere.
348
00:25:35,634 --> 00:25:38,270
All the researchers will have
to keep their eyes peeled
349
00:25:38,504 --> 00:25:40,105
for the missing lions.
350
00:25:49,448 --> 00:25:51,817
Back at camp, Jassiel
heads out again
351
00:25:51,817 --> 00:25:54,219
to see if any hyenas
from the North Clan
352
00:25:54,486 --> 00:25:56,121
have returned to the den.
353
00:25:56,688 --> 00:25:58,257
(ENGINE REVVING)
354
00:26:05,197 --> 00:26:08,634
Hyenas can easily range
30 miles a night
355
00:26:08,634 --> 00:26:10,269
looking for food.
356
00:26:15,374 --> 00:26:19,077
If they made a kill, they
should have returned by dawn.
357
00:26:38,263 --> 00:26:39,398
(ENGINE TURNS OFF)
358
00:26:47,840 --> 00:26:50,108
NARRATOR: The females
are back.
359
00:26:52,144 --> 00:26:55,547
At long last,
the cubs can suckle again.
360
00:27:03,655 --> 00:27:05,591
The cubs owe their survival
361
00:27:05,591 --> 00:27:07,626
to the richness of
their mother's milk.
362
00:27:13,198 --> 00:27:15,667
Hyena milk has some
of the highest levels
363
00:27:15,667 --> 00:27:19,137
of protein and fat of
any terrestrial mammal.
364
00:27:27,246 --> 00:27:29,114
(CUBS WHINING)
365
00:27:33,452 --> 00:27:37,055
NARRATOR: Each female
only nurses her own cubs.
366
00:27:39,124 --> 00:27:40,726
This high-ranking female
367
00:27:40,726 --> 00:27:42,761
is one of the
leaders of the clan.
368
00:27:44,062 --> 00:27:47,466
She gets the pick of the food
and produces richer milk.
369
00:27:49,768 --> 00:27:52,104
Her two cubs will grow
faster and bigger
370
00:27:52,104 --> 00:27:54,273
than the other cubs
in the clan.
371
00:27:55,374 --> 00:27:58,777
One day, they'll try to take
their turn to be the boss.
372
00:28:04,550 --> 00:28:06,351
(HYENA WHINING)
373
00:28:06,585 --> 00:28:10,255
NARRATOR: Social interactions
teach the cubs
the clan's hierarchy.
374
00:28:12,424 --> 00:28:14,192
(HYENAS WHINING)
375
00:28:18,564 --> 00:28:21,233
NARRATOR: Only high ranking
males and juveniles
376
00:28:21,233 --> 00:28:23,468
are allowed anywhere near.
377
00:28:24,469 --> 00:28:26,138
(HYENA WHINING)
378
00:28:30,475 --> 00:28:34,079
NARRATOR: All other
lowly males have
to keep their distance.
379
00:28:40,652 --> 00:28:43,722
Jassiel photographs
each individual
380
00:28:43,722 --> 00:28:45,324
so the study can keep track
381
00:28:45,324 --> 00:28:47,659
of the changing fortunes
in the clan.
382
00:28:47,659 --> 00:28:49,428
(ENGINE REVVING)
383
00:29:08,280 --> 00:29:11,617
NARRATOR: Back at base,
Jassiel reviews his data.
384
00:29:12,618 --> 00:29:14,720
(CLICKING)
385
00:29:17,255 --> 00:29:21,193
NARRATOR: First, he needs
to identify the hyenas
from his photos.
386
00:29:24,262 --> 00:29:27,499
Their spots are as individual
as a human fingerprint.
387
00:29:33,705 --> 00:29:37,542
But the study has over
300 hyenas in its database,
388
00:29:39,177 --> 00:29:41,446
so it requires
an eye for detail.
389
00:29:45,550 --> 00:29:47,319
M'SOKA: This looks like
this could be the one.
390
00:29:50,088 --> 00:29:53,592
Uh, this is Liuwa hyena 474.
391
00:29:53,592 --> 00:29:55,193
Her nickname is "Bridget".
392
00:29:56,795 --> 00:30:00,732
The sex says here
it's male, but...
393
00:30:02,501 --> 00:30:05,437
It's got a female name,
and yet it's...
394
00:30:05,437 --> 00:30:07,205
(LAUGHING)
A male.
395
00:30:07,205 --> 00:30:09,241
So that tells you a lot
about sexing hyenas.
396
00:30:14,279 --> 00:30:16,314
(HYENAS LAUGHING)
397
00:30:16,715 --> 00:30:19,518
NARRATOR: Females lead
hyena society,
398
00:30:19,518 --> 00:30:22,421
and it's very difficult
to tell the sexes apart.
399
00:30:25,290 --> 00:30:27,392
The females have
external genitalia
400
00:30:27,392 --> 00:30:30,328
that appears to be almost
identical to the males'.
401
00:30:31,163 --> 00:30:32,631
Hence the confusion.
402
00:30:34,700 --> 00:30:36,435
(WHINING)
403
00:30:37,302 --> 00:30:39,504
NARRATOR: Having identified
his hyenas,
404
00:30:39,504 --> 00:30:42,074
Jassiel can update
the records.
405
00:30:42,507 --> 00:30:45,410
Thus the study builds up
a long-term picture
406
00:30:45,410 --> 00:30:47,846
of hyena survival,
reproduction,
407
00:30:47,846 --> 00:30:50,115
and their impact
on the ecosystem.
408
00:31:02,260 --> 00:31:04,429
The hyenas in
the study area
409
00:31:04,429 --> 00:31:06,298
live in five competing clans.
410
00:31:10,368 --> 00:31:12,337
After two years in the field,
411
00:31:12,537 --> 00:31:15,540
Daan is getting a picture of
the differences between them.
412
00:31:17,275 --> 00:31:19,211
(REVVING ENGINE)
413
00:31:25,250 --> 00:31:27,219
NARRATOR: By using
the radio collars,
414
00:31:27,219 --> 00:31:29,654
and intensively watching
the same individuals,
415
00:31:30,322 --> 00:31:32,124
the researchers have
been able to see why
416
00:31:32,124 --> 00:31:34,559
the struggling North Clan
are having to range
417
00:31:34,559 --> 00:31:36,294
so far for food.
418
00:31:40,398 --> 00:31:41,666
The drought is drying up
419
00:31:41,666 --> 00:31:44,236
their already limited
access to water.
420
00:31:44,870 --> 00:31:47,572
And their prey
is staying away.
421
00:32:03,488 --> 00:32:06,291
The neighboring hyenas
are getting more powerful
422
00:32:06,658 --> 00:32:09,327
and they're squeezing the
North Clan's territory.
423
00:32:20,205 --> 00:32:23,542
Some of North Clan headed
east, two months ago.
424
00:32:25,343 --> 00:32:27,245
And they haven't returned.
425
00:32:32,217 --> 00:32:34,219
Three are wearing collars,
426
00:32:35,086 --> 00:32:37,389
but their signals
are out of range.
427
00:32:44,162 --> 00:32:47,032
To keep track of the remaining
members of North Clan,
428
00:32:47,332 --> 00:32:50,735
the scientists need to collar
another high ranking female.
429
00:32:53,171 --> 00:32:55,674
(INDISTINCT TALKING)
430
00:33:00,378 --> 00:33:03,215
NARRATOR: Teddy finds their
target hyena cooling off.
431
00:33:06,785 --> 00:33:10,555
To collar this wild female,
they'll need to dart her.
432
00:33:15,660 --> 00:33:18,997
Daan gets the veterinarian
in position for a shot.
433
00:33:23,768 --> 00:33:26,471
Their target is the one
standing up.
434
00:33:30,075 --> 00:33:32,377
They circle the hyena first,
435
00:33:32,377 --> 00:33:34,312
so she gets used
to their presence.
436
00:33:44,656 --> 00:33:46,658
(SHOT FIRED)
437
00:33:44,656 --> 00:33:46,658
(HYENA WHINING)
438
00:33:46,858 --> 00:33:48,326
NARRATOR:
Bullseye.
439
00:33:55,133 --> 00:33:57,702
The drug quickly takes effect.
440
00:34:04,075 --> 00:34:06,611
Project leader Matt
isn't far behind.
441
00:34:09,314 --> 00:34:10,615
Copy that, we'll
hang back here.
442
00:34:10,615 --> 00:34:12,183
Just let us
know when to come in.
443
00:34:12,384 --> 00:34:13,652
(RADIO STATIC)
444
00:34:14,052 --> 00:34:16,421
NARRATOR: While working
on the sedated animal,
445
00:34:16,421 --> 00:34:19,090
there's little risk from
the rest of the clan.
446
00:34:22,460 --> 00:34:24,629
And there are no lions here.
447
00:34:26,598 --> 00:34:29,234
All attention is focused
on getting the job done
448
00:34:29,234 --> 00:34:31,436
as quickly, and with
as little discomfort
449
00:34:31,436 --> 00:34:33,305
to the animal as possible.
450
00:34:33,305 --> 00:34:35,440
MAN: (FROM DISTANCE)
It's good but
just keep an eye on it.
451
00:34:37,309 --> 00:34:39,377
NARRATOR:
They cover the hyena's eyes
452
00:34:39,377 --> 00:34:41,746
to protect them from
dust and sunlight.
453
00:34:46,685 --> 00:34:49,721
Whilst unconscious,
carnivores can't control
454
00:34:49,721 --> 00:34:51,356
their own temperature well.
455
00:34:52,190 --> 00:34:53,625
So the team must
carefully monitor
456
00:34:53,625 --> 00:34:57,329
the hyena's vital signs
and keep her cool.
457
00:35:01,633 --> 00:35:03,068
MUKULA: It's, uh...
458
00:35:03,335 --> 00:35:07,439
A very big moment
of uncertainty, because, uh...
459
00:35:07,439 --> 00:35:10,342
You... You are not
guaranteed of the outcome.
460
00:35:11,309 --> 00:35:14,646
NARRATOR:
Fitting the collar requires
a lot of careful adjustment.
461
00:35:15,547 --> 00:35:18,350
It must allow room for
the hyena to grow,
462
00:35:18,350 --> 00:35:21,086
but not be so loose that
it might get snagged.
463
00:35:22,554 --> 00:35:24,189
MUKULA: Uh, thread.
464
00:35:26,091 --> 00:35:27,258
NARRATOR:
They take full advantage
465
00:35:27,258 --> 00:35:30,228
of the rare chance to check
on the hyena's health
466
00:35:30,228 --> 00:35:31,663
and gather more data.
467
00:35:33,431 --> 00:35:36,401
Analysis of the DNA
will tell them about
468
00:35:36,401 --> 00:35:38,503
interrelationships
in the clan.
469
00:35:42,073 --> 00:35:45,810
Height, length and teeth
help age the animal
470
00:35:45,810 --> 00:35:47,779
and provide a profile
of this member
471
00:35:47,779 --> 00:35:49,614
of the Liuwa population.
472
00:35:49,614 --> 00:35:51,182
(SHUTTER CLICKING)
473
00:35:52,150 --> 00:35:54,085
NARRATOR: They secure
the collar.
474
00:35:55,120 --> 00:35:57,555
(DEVICE BEEPING)
475
00:35:58,656 --> 00:36:00,725
Just gonna back up,
just a little bit.
476
00:36:03,094 --> 00:36:06,498
NARRATOR: Dr Banda injects
the drug to revive the hyena.
477
00:36:08,366 --> 00:36:12,070
And everyone quietly retreats
to allow her a calm recovery.
478
00:36:25,550 --> 00:36:29,154
Fifteen minutes later,
the hyena comes round.
479
00:36:31,222 --> 00:36:34,726
She's groggy, but she'll
sleep off any after-effects
480
00:36:34,726 --> 00:36:37,228
before joining tonight's hunt.
481
00:36:42,500 --> 00:36:45,470
BECKER: Everyone has a job,
everyone does it well,
and, uh,
482
00:36:45,470 --> 00:36:47,205
the safety and
comfort of the animal
483
00:36:47,205 --> 00:36:49,340
is of the utmost
importance, and so...
484
00:36:49,574 --> 00:36:53,178
Um, that is about as smooth
as you could ask for.
485
00:36:54,646 --> 00:36:56,748
BECKER: Well done, guys.
That was a nice one.
486
00:36:56,748 --> 00:36:58,149
(LAUGHING)
487
00:36:58,149 --> 00:36:59,617
NARRATOR:
For the next three years,
488
00:36:59,617 --> 00:37:01,553
the lifespan of the collar,
489
00:37:01,553 --> 00:37:04,622
the researchers will be able
to keep track of this hyena
490
00:37:04,622 --> 00:37:06,391
day and night.
491
00:37:07,459 --> 00:37:09,794
They'll follow the fortunes
of North Clan
492
00:37:09,794 --> 00:37:12,730
and they'll get a better
picture of these hyenas' role
493
00:37:12,730 --> 00:37:14,532
in Liuwa's recovery.
494
00:37:17,168 --> 00:37:19,270
The female lopes off,
495
00:37:19,671 --> 00:37:22,373
unaware that her life
will now contribute
496
00:37:22,373 --> 00:37:24,242
to the annals of science.
497
00:37:29,147 --> 00:37:31,549
All the researchers have
their eyes peeled
498
00:37:31,549 --> 00:37:34,552
for Lady and Sepo's
two missing lion cubs.
499
00:37:38,089 --> 00:37:41,192
Teddy is searching the
southern part of the plain.
500
00:37:41,726 --> 00:37:45,029
He knows a spot where the
lions sometimes lay up.
501
00:37:47,565 --> 00:37:49,634
He finds a cheetah family.
502
00:37:51,269 --> 00:37:54,372
Their numbers also crashed
during the civil war.
503
00:37:58,076 --> 00:38:01,012
This mother is managing
to raise four cubs,
504
00:38:01,012 --> 00:38:02,981
a big litter for a cheetah.
505
00:38:03,515 --> 00:38:06,651
It's another sign that
the ecosystem is recovering.
506
00:38:12,557 --> 00:38:15,026
There's hyena here.
507
00:38:15,026 --> 00:38:18,229
But, so far, no young lions.
508
00:38:20,665 --> 00:38:24,002
For a man on a motorbike,
lions are dangerous.
509
00:38:25,603 --> 00:38:27,372
Teddy will never forget
the first time
510
00:38:27,372 --> 00:38:30,408
he was riding his bike,
and came across a lion.
511
00:38:32,110 --> 00:38:33,778
MUKULA: When I come here in,
512
00:38:33,778 --> 00:38:36,381
uh, November 2013,
513
00:38:36,381 --> 00:38:38,416
I had run into a male.
514
00:38:39,184 --> 00:38:42,654
And not knowing that
my fuel levels in the bike
515
00:38:42,654 --> 00:38:45,990
were actually very low,
516
00:38:46,324 --> 00:38:47,458
I stopped.
517
00:38:48,526 --> 00:38:51,996
Then the lion, you know,
became inquisitive.
518
00:38:53,331 --> 00:38:57,335
And I was, like, literally
40, 50 meters away from him.
519
00:38:59,537 --> 00:39:02,140
And I'm like, "Okay, now this
is the time to go."
520
00:39:02,707 --> 00:39:05,143
And the moment I wanted
to start the bike,
521
00:39:05,143 --> 00:39:09,247
and the bike couldn't start.
And I was like, "What?"
522
00:39:11,583 --> 00:39:15,153
Eventually, I remembered and
I turned to the reserve tank.
523
00:39:15,153 --> 00:39:17,622
Turned the knob to open up
the reserve tank.
524
00:39:17,622 --> 00:39:19,657
And boom, there it was.
525
00:39:20,325 --> 00:39:22,260
And I tell you,
my heart was like...
526
00:39:22,260 --> 00:39:24,162
Oh, I was carrying it
in my hand.
527
00:39:24,562 --> 00:39:26,664
(ENGINE REVVING)
528
00:39:29,434 --> 00:39:31,502
NARRATOR:
Teddy finds the thicket,
529
00:39:31,502 --> 00:39:33,438
and his instincts prove right.
530
00:39:34,339 --> 00:39:36,441
But he doesn't want
to get too close.
531
00:39:42,146 --> 00:39:45,183
It's hard to tell
how many are in there.
532
00:39:51,589 --> 00:39:54,626
Eventually,
he's able to count five.
533
00:39:57,829 --> 00:40:00,365
Papa Mike, Papa Mike
for Z City.
534
00:40:00,665 --> 00:40:01,733
(RADIO STATIC)
535
00:40:05,069 --> 00:40:06,437
MAN: (OVER WALKIE-TALKIE)
Control, control, control.
536
00:40:06,437 --> 00:40:07,505
(INDISTINCT TALKING)
537
00:40:07,505 --> 00:40:08,606
(RADIO SPEECH)
538
00:40:08,606 --> 00:40:10,341
MUKULA: The lions are back.
539
00:40:12,143 --> 00:40:13,511
NARRATOR: Lady and Sepo
540
00:40:13,511 --> 00:40:15,780
are with all three juveniles.
541
00:40:17,682 --> 00:40:19,550
The pride is reunited.
542
00:40:25,390 --> 00:40:27,392
(ENGINE REVVING)
543
00:40:42,740 --> 00:40:46,311
At base camp, the next
morning, the team assembles.
544
00:40:47,445 --> 00:40:49,447
They've got another
collar to deploy,
545
00:40:50,682 --> 00:40:53,151
but this involves
much higher stakes.
546
00:40:54,385 --> 00:40:56,254
It's Lady Liuwa's.
547
00:40:57,655 --> 00:41:00,091
Lady is a very old lion,
548
00:41:00,091 --> 00:41:03,361
so replacing her collar
will be a delicate operation.
549
00:41:04,562 --> 00:41:06,798
BECKER: Because of her role
550
00:41:06,798 --> 00:41:09,834
in the pride, we really need
to be able to find her
551
00:41:09,834 --> 00:41:11,135
and follow her.
552
00:41:11,135 --> 00:41:12,737
And make sure she
and the pride,
553
00:41:12,737 --> 00:41:14,172
particularly as she ages,
554
00:41:14,372 --> 00:41:16,474
and may not be as
adept of a hunter,
555
00:41:16,708 --> 00:41:20,211
may potentially get into
some trouble with livestock.
556
00:41:20,211 --> 00:41:21,379
We need to be able to...
557
00:41:21,646 --> 00:41:23,381
To find, follow,
558
00:41:23,381 --> 00:41:26,417
and hopefully,
avert any issues.
559
00:41:35,693 --> 00:41:37,261
NARRATOR: They find the lions
560
00:41:37,261 --> 00:41:38,663
sleeping off a kill.
561
00:41:42,233 --> 00:41:43,801
They're used to the vehicle
562
00:41:43,801 --> 00:41:46,804
and Matt's able to get
the veterinarian in close.
563
00:41:51,209 --> 00:41:52,410
(SHOT FIRED)
564
00:41:52,677 --> 00:41:54,178
NARRATOR: It's an easy shot.
565
00:42:01,052 --> 00:42:03,254
Lady is the leader
of the pride.
566
00:42:03,254 --> 00:42:05,156
(MAN TALKING INDISTINCTLY)
567
00:42:05,790 --> 00:42:07,558
NARRATOR: So when
she lies down,
568
00:42:07,558 --> 00:42:10,261
her family initially
stays with her,
569
00:42:10,695 --> 00:42:12,397
which isn't ideal.
570
00:42:13,398 --> 00:42:15,299
As the vehicle
slowly approaches,
571
00:42:15,533 --> 00:42:17,068
the lions wander off.
572
00:42:20,772 --> 00:42:23,808
Matt parks the truck to
screen Lady and the team
573
00:42:23,808 --> 00:42:25,276
from the rest of the pride.
574
00:42:27,712 --> 00:42:29,714
They keep a close eye on
Lady's breathing
575
00:42:29,714 --> 00:42:31,382
and temperature.
576
00:42:34,552 --> 00:42:36,254
Lady's been limping,
577
00:42:36,254 --> 00:42:39,056
so they check her paws
for any signs of injury.
578
00:42:41,459 --> 00:42:44,362
Big pads dampen the sound
of a lion's approach.
579
00:42:46,197 --> 00:42:49,500
Long hooked claws grip
the fleeing prey
580
00:42:49,500 --> 00:42:51,202
and pull it to the ground.
581
00:42:54,572 --> 00:42:56,674
DR BANDA: Hold that.
That's good.
582
00:42:56,874 --> 00:42:58,242
Yes, that's good.
583
00:42:58,242 --> 00:42:59,610
Okay, so I'll put
the bag here...
584
00:43:00,478 --> 00:43:02,513
NARRATOR:
Lions rely on powerful jaws
585
00:43:02,513 --> 00:43:04,081
to bite the throat
586
00:43:04,081 --> 00:43:06,217
and suffocate their victims.
587
00:43:11,055 --> 00:43:14,392
It's a cold morning
and it looks like rain.
588
00:43:15,793 --> 00:43:18,696
They have to keep Lady
warm and dry.
589
00:43:21,232 --> 00:43:23,100
To support the basic shelter,
590
00:43:23,401 --> 00:43:25,503
a little improvisation
is needed.
591
00:43:30,741 --> 00:43:33,511
The vet doesn't want to
stress Lady's system
592
00:43:33,511 --> 00:43:35,680
by giving her any more drugs
593
00:43:36,547 --> 00:43:39,116
so they let the sedative
wear off naturally.
594
00:43:40,451 --> 00:43:43,488
Matt keeps a close eye
on Lady's recovery.
595
00:43:48,860 --> 00:43:51,395
The rest of the pride
becomes curious.
596
00:43:54,365 --> 00:43:56,167
They want to come closer,
597
00:43:56,167 --> 00:43:58,536
but they're unsure about
the plastic sheet.
598
00:44:00,471 --> 00:44:01,739
(THUDDING)
599
00:44:01,739 --> 00:44:03,040
(GROWLING)
600
00:44:04,308 --> 00:44:06,310
NARRATOR:
One cub builds up courage
601
00:44:06,310 --> 00:44:07,578
for a closer look.
602
00:44:10,781 --> 00:44:14,986
The rubber foot on the camera
tripod is too tempting.
603
00:44:25,730 --> 00:44:27,999
NARRATOR: The commotion
wakes the old lady.
604
00:44:28,432 --> 00:44:30,535
She's not sure where she is.
605
00:44:33,170 --> 00:44:37,174
Matt won't leave her side
until she's fully recovered
606
00:44:37,174 --> 00:44:39,143
and reunited with her family.
607
00:44:39,844 --> 00:44:43,214
Without the reversal drugs,
it could take hours.
608
00:44:51,856 --> 00:44:55,426
It stops raining and
the temperature rises.
609
00:45:00,431 --> 00:45:03,134
Matt gets a ringside seat
610
00:45:03,134 --> 00:45:05,469
as the pride re-joins Lady.
611
00:45:06,604 --> 00:45:09,040
BECKER: You can see just
from the way they interact,
612
00:45:09,040 --> 00:45:11,475
uh, Lady is a
very important member
613
00:45:11,475 --> 00:45:13,778
of the pride, and, uh...
614
00:45:13,778 --> 00:45:17,081
So it worked out as good as
anyone could have hoped.
615
00:45:17,348 --> 00:45:20,117
I think when you look out,
and you see the pride,
616
00:45:20,117 --> 00:45:23,287
um, despite all of
the issues, um,
617
00:45:23,287 --> 00:45:25,590
it is a great feeling
that hopefully
618
00:45:25,590 --> 00:45:28,192
lion recovery is
on the right track.
619
00:45:30,227 --> 00:45:34,198
If any lion could live a very
exceptionally long
620
00:45:34,198 --> 00:45:36,400
and rich life,
I think it would be Lady.
621
00:45:36,601 --> 00:45:39,737
I just... I hope she has
many more years and
622
00:45:39,737 --> 00:45:42,073
I know it's...
623
00:45:42,073 --> 00:45:44,108
It's not forever but, uh...
624
00:45:44,308 --> 00:45:47,011
It is hard to imagine
Liuwa without Lady.
625
00:46:00,124 --> 00:46:01,525
(THUNDERING)
626
00:46:05,596 --> 00:46:07,765
NARRATOR: The long awaited
rains arrive.
627
00:46:07,765 --> 00:46:10,101
(THUNDER CRACKING)
628
00:46:11,202 --> 00:46:12,536
NARRATOR: Quenched at last,
629
00:46:12,536 --> 00:46:14,605
Liuwa blooms into life.
630
00:46:17,575 --> 00:46:19,577
The plains throng
with wildebeest,
631
00:46:19,577 --> 00:46:21,512
zebra and their young.
632
00:46:24,248 --> 00:46:26,684
The study has found that
wildebeest numbers
633
00:46:26,684 --> 00:46:28,285
have nearly tripled.
634
00:46:30,354 --> 00:46:32,089
Liuwa is now home
635
00:46:32,089 --> 00:46:34,325
to the second largest
wildebeest migration
636
00:46:34,325 --> 00:46:35,459
in Africa.
637
00:46:37,495 --> 00:46:39,330
Carnivore heaven.
638
00:46:42,266 --> 00:46:44,769
For the coming months,
living will be easier
639
00:46:44,769 --> 00:46:46,537
for the North Clan hyenas.
640
00:46:48,439 --> 00:46:50,374
(WHIMPERING)
641
00:46:51,842 --> 00:46:53,644
NARRATOR: In this time
of plenty,
642
00:46:53,644 --> 00:46:55,680
the cheetah family
will grow fat.
643
00:46:59,784 --> 00:47:01,719
With the years'
collaring finished,
644
00:47:02,119 --> 00:47:05,556
the scientists are now able
to follow all the action.
645
00:47:08,125 --> 00:47:10,061
Under their watchful eyes,
646
00:47:10,061 --> 00:47:12,663
one of the great success
stories in Africa
647
00:47:12,663 --> 00:47:14,565
will continue to unfold.
648
00:47:16,534 --> 00:47:18,469
The seasons change,
649
00:47:19,303 --> 00:47:21,739
the natural order
slowly restores,
650
00:47:23,174 --> 00:47:28,345
and Liuwa National Park
returns to its former glory.
651
00:47:30,047 --> 00:47:38,055
♪♪
652
00:47:38,055 --> 00:47:46,063
♪♪
653
00:47:46,063 --> 00:47:54,071
♪♪
53345
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