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1 00:00:32,920 00:00:34,400 DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'. DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'.
2 00:00:50,400 00:00:54,400 We live in a world with a violent atmosphere. We live in a world with a violent atmosphere.
3 00:00:57,440 00:01:03,840 Rain clouds form, and powerful winds carry their fresh water around the globe. Rain clouds form, and powerful winds carry their fresh water around the globe.
4 00:01:06,040 00:01:10,600 Without this, our perfect planet simply couldn't function... Without this, our perfect planet simply couldn't function...
5 00:01:11,760 00:01:15,920 ...for all life on land depends on the weather. ...for all life on land depends on the weather.
6 00:01:29,000 00:01:34,360 We all know that the weather can change on a daily, even hourly, basis. We all know that the weather can change on a daily, even hourly, basis.
7 00:01:36,320 00:01:40,720 But annual weather patterns have been stable for millennia... But annual weather patterns have been stable for millennia...
8 00:01:42,280 00:01:46,960 ...and it's this reliability on which life depends. ...and it's this reliability on which life depends.
9 00:01:47,080 00:01:48,480 (ANIMALS AND BIRDS CALL) (ANIMALS AND BIRDS CALL)
10 00:01:52,720 00:01:56,960 Every year in October, the weather brings a dramatic transformation Every year in October, the weather brings a dramatic transformation
11 00:01:57,080 00:02:00,840 to this tiny patch of forest in Zambia. to this tiny patch of forest in Zambia.
12 00:02:05,960 00:02:08,360 Storm clouds begin to build. Storm clouds begin to build.
13 00:02:12,280 00:02:13,960 (THUNDER CRASHES) (THUNDER CRASHES)
14 00:02:16,080 00:02:22,680 And right on cue, straw-coloured fruit bats start to appear. And right on cue, straw-coloured fruit bats start to appear.
15 00:02:28,400 00:02:33,280 They've travelled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to be here. They've travelled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to be here.
16 00:02:40,720 00:02:44,760 And they always arrive at exactly the same time. And they always arrive at exactly the same time.
17 00:02:47,920 00:02:51,600 They know that these rains will transform this forest, They know that these rains will transform this forest,
18 00:02:51,720 00:02:55,280 allowing countless fruit trees to ripen. allowing countless fruit trees to ripen.
19 00:02:59,600 00:03:04,040 And the bats gorge on the new-found abundance. And the bats gorge on the new-found abundance.
20 00:03:23,120 00:03:25,440 For just 12 weeks every year, For just 12 weeks every year,
21 00:03:25,560 00:03:31,160 this forest becomes home to ten million fruit bats. this forest becomes home to ten million fruit bats.
22 00:03:35,120 00:03:38,760 One of the greatest gatherings of mammals on Earth, One of the greatest gatherings of mammals on Earth,
23 00:03:38,880 00:03:43,840 all crowding into an area no bigger than a dozen football pitches. all crowding into an area no bigger than a dozen football pitches.
24 00:03:47,440 00:03:50,080 From this hub, the bats fan out, From this hub, the bats fan out,
25 00:03:50,200 00:03:54,120 consuming more than 300,000 tonnes of fruit, consuming more than 300,000 tonnes of fruit,
26 00:03:54,240 00:03:57,960 spreading the seeds and regenerating the forests. spreading the seeds and regenerating the forests.
27 00:04:17,520 00:04:23,240 Africa's largest wildlife migration - entirely dependent on the rain Africa's largest wildlife migration - entirely dependent on the rain
28 00:04:23,360 00:04:26,440 that comes to this small corner of Zambia that comes to this small corner of Zambia
29 00:04:26,560 00:04:30,080 at the same time each year. at the same time each year.
30 00:04:45,600 00:04:49,760 Every second, over 13 million tonnes of water Every second, over 13 million tonnes of water
31 00:04:49,880 00:04:54,680 evaporate from our oceans, forming clouds. evaporate from our oceans, forming clouds.
32 00:05:01,040 00:05:04,160 The spin of the Earth and the prevailing winds The spin of the Earth and the prevailing winds
33 00:05:04,280 00:05:07,000 determine where these clouds blow. determine where these clouds blow.
34 00:05:08,800 00:05:12,120 As a consequence, some places get less rain... As a consequence, some places get less rain...
35 00:05:14,040 00:05:15,720 ...and others much more. ...and others much more.
36 00:05:18,560 00:05:20,680 The Amazon rainforest... The Amazon rainforest...
37 00:05:21,760 00:05:23,520 (THUNDER CRASHES) (THUNDER CRASHES)
38 00:05:23,640 00:05:26,600 ...one of the wettest places on Earth. ...one of the wettest places on Earth.
39 00:05:36,760 00:05:39,280 It gets three metres of rain a year... It gets three metres of rain a year...
40 00:05:40,520 00:05:46,560 ...so life has learned to deal with the near-daily downpours. ...so life has learned to deal with the near-daily downpours.
41 00:05:51,880 00:05:56,080 Every year, for thousands of years, the persistent rains Every year, for thousands of years, the persistent rains
42 00:05:56,200 00:05:59,760 have flooded vast tracts of the Amazon... have flooded vast tracts of the Amazon...
43 00:06:01,720 00:06:06,200 ...turning the jungle into a seasonal wetland. ...turning the jungle into a seasonal wetland.
44 00:06:08,320 00:06:13,000 Anything living here must either climb or swim. Anything living here must either climb or swim.
45 00:06:17,880 00:06:21,960 But there's one extraordinary animal that has turned this deluge But there's one extraordinary animal that has turned this deluge
46 00:06:22,080 00:06:25,600 from a disaster into an opportunity. from a disaster into an opportunity.
47 00:06:31,640 00:06:36,400 This fire ant has reached the edge of her known world. This fire ant has reached the edge of her known world.
48 00:06:40,040 00:06:44,520 Her way forward has now become blocked by the rising waters. Her way forward has now become blocked by the rising waters.
49 00:06:50,360 00:06:53,920 She's one of many, and in a few minutes She's one of many, and in a few minutes
50 00:06:54,040 00:06:57,200 their underground home will be submerged. their underground home will be submerged.
51 00:07:03,800 00:07:10,280 Forced to evacuate, workers and soldiers try to save the larval young. Forced to evacuate, workers and soldiers try to save the larval young.
52 00:07:11,840 00:07:16,600 As their nest floods, the colony seems to be doomed. As their nest floods, the colony seems to be doomed.
53 00:07:24,640 00:07:28,240 But from chaos comes order. But from chaos comes order.
54 00:07:30,240 00:07:34,520 The fire ants band together, each locking legs with its neighbours. The fire ants band together, each locking legs with its neighbours.
55 00:07:37,720 00:07:40,200 They're building a living raft. They're building a living raft.
56 00:07:43,080 00:07:48,720 Each ant is covered in fine hairs that trap air against its body. Each ant is covered in fine hairs that trap air against its body.
57 00:07:52,880 00:07:58,640 As the raft forms, this air creates a cushion for them all to float on. As the raft forms, this air creates a cushion for them all to float on.
58 00:08:01,720 00:08:04,040 This is the power of the colony. This is the power of the colony.
59 00:08:05,760 00:08:09,040 By working together, they've become unsinkable. By working together, they've become unsinkable.
60 00:08:13,560 00:08:15,800 And no-one gets left behind. And no-one gets left behind.
61 00:08:28,680 00:08:33,600 Pulled from the shallows, the colony is now at the mercy of the flood. Pulled from the shallows, the colony is now at the mercy of the flood.
62 00:08:39,360 00:08:41,360 Holding tight to the larvae Holding tight to the larvae
63 00:08:41,480 00:08:44,480 and keeping their queen hidden at the centre of the raft, and keeping their queen hidden at the centre of the raft,
64 00:08:44,600 00:08:48,200 the colony drifts into deeper water... the colony drifts into deeper water...
65 00:08:53,840 00:08:59,280 ...where they're vulnerable to fish that now swim through the flooded forest. ...where they're vulnerable to fish that now swim through the flooded forest.
66 00:09:05,120 00:09:10,720 Those that lose their grip must get back to the safety of the raft. Those that lose their grip must get back to the safety of the raft.
67 00:09:22,200 00:09:26,040 With jaws that join to become a surgical needle, With jaws that join to become a surgical needle,
68 00:09:26,160 00:09:29,800 this pond skater could suck an ant dry. this pond skater could suck an ant dry.
69 00:09:41,040 00:09:47,200 But together, the colony is strong, and it's time to repel boarders. But together, the colony is strong, and it's time to repel boarders.
70 00:09:58,640 00:10:02,080 The ants can travel like this for weeks. The ants can travel like this for weeks.
71 00:10:05,040 00:10:08,400 They've even come to depend on the flood to carry them They've even come to depend on the flood to carry them
72 00:10:08,520 00:10:10,760 to new feeding grounds. to new feeding grounds.
73 00:10:23,800 00:10:27,760 At last, the ants can make their raft secure. At last, the ants can make their raft secure.
74 00:10:33,560 00:10:36,800 Surging forward, they claim their new home... Surging forward, they claim their new home...
75 00:10:37,960 00:10:41,240 ...evicting current tenants without hesitation. ...evicting current tenants without hesitation.
76 00:10:45,280 00:10:48,600 One of the first to safety is their larval queen, One of the first to safety is their larval queen,
77 00:10:48,720 00:10:51,160 carried from the heart of the raft. carried from the heart of the raft.
78 00:10:57,960 00:11:01,800 This palm will be their home for the next three months, This palm will be their home for the next three months,
79 00:11:01,920 00:11:06,680 until the floodwaters recede and they can head back underground. until the floodwaters recede and they can head back underground.
80 00:11:20,120 00:11:23,320 The average temperature of our planet hasn't varied The average temperature of our planet hasn't varied
81 00:11:23,440 00:11:28,040 by more than a single degree Celsius in 10,000 years. by more than a single degree Celsius in 10,000 years.
82 00:11:29,720 00:11:32,480 This has made our climate stable, This has made our climate stable,
83 00:11:32,600 00:11:35,840 allowing animals to fine-tune their behaviour allowing animals to fine-tune their behaviour
84 00:11:35,960 00:11:39,240 around predictable weather patterns. around predictable weather patterns.
85 00:11:42,200 00:11:44,160 October in the Amazon. October in the Amazon.
86 00:11:46,200 00:11:48,440 The heaviest rains have come to an end, The heaviest rains have come to an end,
87 00:11:48,560 00:11:53,240 and the falling river level exposes a new landscape. and the falling river level exposes a new landscape.
88 00:11:55,800 00:12:01,120 Three weeks ago, these mile-wide sandbars didn't exist. Three weeks ago, these mile-wide sandbars didn't exist.
89 00:12:03,480 00:12:07,720 In another three months, they'll be back under water. In another three months, they'll be back under water.
90 00:12:10,200 00:12:16,360 But now they provide a crucial opportunity for giant river turtles. But now they provide a crucial opportunity for giant river turtles.
91 00:12:19,040 00:12:23,880 They've been coming here at precisely this time of year for generations. They've been coming here at precisely this time of year for generations.
92 00:12:28,880 00:12:33,960 50,000 of them - a quarter of the world's population. 50,000 of them - a quarter of the world's population.
93 00:12:38,240 00:12:40,120 They're all here for one reason. They're all here for one reason.
94 00:12:41,840 00:12:47,240 But their window of opportunity is short, so timing is everything. But their window of opportunity is short, so timing is everything.
95 00:12:52,120 00:12:57,760 Scaling the three-metre-high banks will take this female higher and drier Scaling the three-metre-high banks will take this female higher and drier
96 00:12:57,880 00:13:00,440 than she's been for months. than she's been for months.
97 00:13:02,640 00:13:06,200 She's come here to lay her eggs. She's come here to lay her eggs.
98 00:13:07,720 00:13:09,680 But others have beaten her to it. But others have beaten her to it.
99 00:13:20,280 00:13:26,000 The early arrivals have already claimed nearly every inch of the beach... The early arrivals have already claimed nearly every inch of the beach...
100 00:13:27,200 00:13:29,640 ...and there are still many more turtles to come. ...and there are still many more turtles to come.
101 00:13:35,600 00:13:39,400 Wherever she turns, the space is taken. Wherever she turns, the space is taken.
102 00:13:39,520 00:13:41,280 (SAND PATTERS) (SAND PATTERS)
103 00:13:48,240 00:13:52,080 But being fashionably late does have an advantage. But being fashionably late does have an advantage.
104 00:13:55,240 00:13:56,920 Had she arrived earlier, Had she arrived earlier,
105 00:13:57,040 00:14:02,280 her eggs might have been dug up by those searching for somewhere to lay. her eggs might have been dug up by those searching for somewhere to lay.
106 00:14:07,480 00:14:09,920 She's found her spot. She's found her spot.
107 00:14:16,800 00:14:21,200 Settling down, she lays nearly 100 eggs. Settling down, she lays nearly 100 eggs.
108 00:14:25,880 00:14:29,440 Burying them keeps them safe from predators, Burying them keeps them safe from predators,
109 00:14:29,560 00:14:33,040 and the warm sand incubates the clutch. and the warm sand incubates the clutch.
110 00:14:40,360 00:14:45,760 They must hatch before the river rises again and floods the sandbar. They must hatch before the river rises again and floods the sandbar.
111 00:14:50,160 00:14:54,080 Any turtles that lay after her may have left it too late. Any turtles that lay after her may have left it too late.
112 00:15:01,280 00:15:04,320 Hopefully, she has got her timing right. Hopefully, she has got her timing right.
113 00:15:17,880 00:15:22,840 Two months on, and the hatchlings emerge into the world. Two months on, and the hatchlings emerge into the world.
114 00:15:32,760 00:15:35,840 They were laid at the perfect time. They were laid at the perfect time.
115 00:15:35,960 00:15:38,840 Hundreds scramble for the river Hundreds scramble for the river
116 00:15:38,960 00:15:41,200 just as the water starts to rise. just as the water starts to rise.
117 00:15:43,400 00:15:46,160 Those still to hatch aren't so lucky. Those still to hatch aren't so lucky.
118 00:15:52,680 00:15:56,000 This year, the heavy rains have returned early. This year, the heavy rains have returned early.
119 00:15:56,120 00:15:57,440 (THUNDER RUMBLES) (THUNDER RUMBLES)
120 00:16:17,600 00:16:20,480 The nesting beach is beginning to flood. The nesting beach is beginning to flood.
121 00:16:28,720 00:16:31,720 Most hatchlings can escape in time. Most hatchlings can escape in time.
122 00:16:39,480 00:16:41,760 Those still below ground... Those still below ground...
123 00:16:43,080 00:16:45,160 ...will drown in their nests. ...will drown in their nests.
124 00:16:50,440 00:16:55,160 For thousands of years, giant river turtles have timed their breeding For thousands of years, giant river turtles have timed their breeding
125 00:16:55,280 00:16:59,160 around the Amazon's reliable cycles of rain. around the Amazon's reliable cycles of rain.
126 00:17:02,840 00:17:06,040 But today, our weather is changing. But today, our weather is changing.
127 00:17:10,720 00:17:17,000 Disastrous early floods like this used to happen once every 20 years. Disastrous early floods like this used to happen once every 20 years.
128 00:17:17,120 00:17:22,320 Now the turtles have to deal with them every four. Now the turtles have to deal with them every four.
129 00:17:36,880 00:17:40,720 Winds may carry huge amounts of rain to the Amazon, Winds may carry huge amounts of rain to the Amazon,
130 00:17:40,840 00:17:45,760 but they don't provide this service to every corner of the planet. but they don't provide this service to every corner of the planet.
131 00:17:47,440 00:17:53,680 A third of the land receives less than 25 centimetres of rain a year. A third of the land receives less than 25 centimetres of rain a year.
132 00:17:58,440 00:18:03,640 Deserts are scarred by desiccating winds and baked by the sun. Deserts are scarred by desiccating winds and baked by the sun.
133 00:18:06,680 00:18:11,960 But even weather as challenging as this can be perfect for the locals. But even weather as challenging as this can be perfect for the locals.
134 00:18:17,480 00:18:21,200 As darkness falls in the coastal deserts of South Africa, As darkness falls in the coastal deserts of South Africa,
135 00:18:21,320 00:18:23,960 the dunes come alive... the dunes come alive...
136 00:18:24,080 00:18:25,520 (HIGH-PITCH ED CALL) (HIGH-PITCH ED CALL)
137 00:18:25,640 00:18:29,720 ...with the call of a surprising desert dweller. ...with the call of a surprising desert dweller.
138 00:18:31,400 00:18:33,760 (HIGH-PITCH ED CALL) (HIGH-PITCH ED CALL)
139 00:18:37,920 00:18:39,320 (CALL CONTINUES) (CALL CONTINUES)
140 00:18:49,920 00:18:54,120 A rain frog - not what you'd expect A rain frog - not what you'd expect
141 00:18:54,240 00:18:59,240 in a place that gets just seven centimetres of rain a year. in a place that gets just seven centimetres of rain a year.
142 00:19:03,960 00:19:07,800 To survive here, she has to avoid the heat of the day To survive here, she has to avoid the heat of the day
143 00:19:07,920 00:19:09,840 buried in the sand. buried in the sand.
144 00:19:12,440 00:19:17,920 But each night, she heads out on her hunt for moisture. But each night, she heads out on her hunt for moisture.
145 00:19:21,720 00:19:26,040 Short stumpy legs and a plump body are ideal for digging... Short stumpy legs and a plump body are ideal for digging...
146 00:19:28,960 00:19:31,920 ...but not so good for getting around. ...but not so good for getting around.
147 00:19:35,800 00:19:42,120 She can't hop, so she waddles across the dunes. She can't hop, so she waddles across the dunes.
148 00:19:49,560 00:19:53,800 The world's slowest steeplechaser. The world's slowest steeplechaser.
149 00:19:58,000 00:20:02,120 Obstacles are tackled with dogged perseverance. Obstacles are tackled with dogged perseverance.
150 00:20:09,120 00:20:13,640 She can travel a whopping 38 metres a night, She can travel a whopping 38 metres a night,
151 00:20:13,760 00:20:18,960 no mean feat when you're the same size and shape as a marshmallow. no mean feat when you're the same size and shape as a marshmallow.
152 00:20:24,720 00:20:26,480 Termites. Termites.
153 00:20:26,600 00:20:29,920 They are 75% water - They are 75% water -
154 00:20:30,040 00:20:34,200 a meal and a drink in one. a meal and a drink in one.
155 00:20:38,120 00:20:41,800 But she's not the most agile predator. But she's not the most agile predator.
156 00:20:44,040 00:20:47,960 Maybe if they just came a little closer... Maybe if they just came a little closer...
157 00:20:52,400 00:20:53,400 Oh, clear. Oh, clear.
158 00:20:56,280 00:20:59,040 Perhaps if they stop moving... Perhaps if they stop moving...
159 00:21:20,040 00:21:21,360 At last! At last!
160 00:21:22,960 00:21:26,280 But now she has another challenge. But now she has another challenge.
161 00:21:26,400 00:21:32,960 To swallow her food, she must squash in her eyeballs to push it down her throat. To swallow her food, she must squash in her eyeballs to push it down her throat.
162 00:21:41,920 00:21:43,880 Termites may be juicy, Termites may be juicy,
163 00:21:44,000 00:21:47,720 but they don't provide her with quite enough water to survive. but they don't provide her with quite enough water to survive.
164 00:21:51,480 00:21:53,720 It rarely rains here, It rarely rains here,
165 00:21:53,840 00:21:59,200 but coastal deserts do get another reliable source of moisture. but coastal deserts do get another reliable source of moisture.
166 00:22:10,440 00:22:11,400 At night, At night,
167 00:22:11,520 00:22:14,640 cool moist air is blown in from the ocean, cool moist air is blown in from the ocean,
168 00:22:14,760 00:22:18,920 forming fog banks that shroud the desert in mist. forming fog banks that shroud the desert in mist.
169 00:22:30,800 00:22:35,440 It condenses on vegetation, wetting the sand beneath. It condenses on vegetation, wetting the sand beneath.
170 00:22:35,560 00:22:40,880 So it's here that she waits, absorbing moisture through her skin. So it's here that she waits, absorbing moisture through her skin.
171 00:22:48,920 00:22:52,200 Rain frogs are so dependent on this water Rain frogs are so dependent on this water
172 00:22:52,320 00:22:58,680 that they can only survive in places with at least 100 days of fog a year. that they can only survive in places with at least 100 days of fog a year.
173 00:23:00,960 00:23:05,920 And on the foggiest nights, when other frogs have emerged onto the dunes, And on the foggiest nights, when other frogs have emerged onto the dunes,
174 00:23:06,040 00:23:09,880 she takes her opportunity to find love. she takes her opportunity to find love.
175 00:23:17,280 00:23:21,080 Male rain frogs are smaller than the females, Male rain frogs are smaller than the females,
176 00:23:21,200 00:23:26,120 and his stubby legs make it hard to hold on, and his stubby legs make it hard to hold on,
177 00:23:26,240 00:23:30,440 so he glues himself onto her back. so he glues himself onto her back.
178 00:23:41,760 00:23:46,560 Still locked in their embrace, the pair head back beneath the sand, Still locked in their embrace, the pair head back beneath the sand,
179 00:23:46,680 00:23:51,600 where they'll lay their eggs, safe from the heat of the desert sun. where they'll lay their eggs, safe from the heat of the desert sun.
180 00:24:00,040 00:24:03,600 But there's one desert that gets so cold But there's one desert that gets so cold
181 00:24:03,720 00:24:07,760 that liquid water simply can't exist. that liquid water simply can't exist.
182 00:24:10,560 00:24:14,400 Winter in Mongolia's Gobi Desert... Winter in Mongolia's Gobi Desert...
183 00:24:15,960 00:24:18,840 ".40 degrees below freezing. ".40 degrees below freezing.
184 00:24:21,560 00:24:26,200 One of the driest and most extreme environments in the world. One of the driest and most extreme environments in the world.
185 00:24:32,800 00:24:36,480 Most animals can't survive weather like this... Most animals can't survive weather like this...
186 00:24:39,000 00:24:44,680 ...but there's one unique mammal that manages to eke out a living here. ...but there's one unique mammal that manages to eke out a living here.
187 00:24:47,360 00:24:54,080 The Gobi is home to the last 1,000 wild Bactrian camels on Earth... The Gobi is home to the last 1,000 wild Bactrian camels on Earth...
188 00:24:56,240 00:24:59,040 ...surviving at the very edge of what's possible. ...surviving at the very edge of what's possible.
189 00:25:00,240 00:25:01,480 (CAMEL GRUNTS) (CAMEL GRUNTS)
190 00:25:02,680 00:25:08,520 Even camels need moisture, but any water here is now frozen solid. Even camels need moisture, but any water here is now frozen solid.
191 00:25:12,440 00:25:15,480 It's down to the bull to find a solution. It's down to the bull to find a solution.
192 00:25:15,600 00:25:17,160 (GRUNTING CONTINUES) (GRUNTING CONTINUES)
193 00:25:22,400 00:25:28,200 Setting off with his herd, his search could cover thousands of square miles. Setting off with his herd, his search could cover thousands of square miles.
194 00:25:34,280 00:25:39,000 Driving them forward, he can keep going for days on end. Driving them forward, he can keep going for days on end.
195 00:25:49,720 00:25:52,960 Herds come together from across their vast range... Herds come together from across their vast range...
196 00:25:54,640 00:25:56,840 ...all looking for the same thing. ...all looking for the same thing.
197 00:26:05,400 00:26:11,040 These long-distance specialists can smell moisture from 30 miles away... These long-distance specialists can smell moisture from 30 miles away...
198 00:26:12,080 00:26:13,960 ...and they've picked up a scent. ...and they've picked up a scent.
199 00:26:19,080 00:26:23,000 Even in the Gobi, one of the driest places on Earth, Even in the Gobi, one of the driest places on Earth,
200 00:26:23,120 00:26:27,400 wind can provide a rare source of moisture. wind can provide a rare source of moisture.
201 00:26:29,560 00:26:33,640 Snow is blown to this desert from Siberia. Snow is blown to this desert from Siberia.
202 00:26:35,640 00:26:40,680 Where it settles is impossible to predict, and it may not last long. Where it settles is impossible to predict, and it may not last long.
203 00:26:47,880 00:26:53,000 But for now, at least, this bull has found what he's been searching for. But for now, at least, this bull has found what he's been searching for.
204 00:27:03,280 00:27:05,160 In the cold, dry air, In the cold, dry air,
205 00:27:05,280 00:27:07,320 snow doesn't melt... snow doesn't melt...
206 00:27:09,320 00:27:11,520 ...so it must be eaten. ...so it must be eaten.
207 00:27:20,720 00:27:24,840 The Gobi's windblown snow is a lifeline The Gobi's windblown snow is a lifeline
208 00:27:24,960 00:27:28,080 that will sustain his herd throughout the winter. that will sustain his herd throughout the winter.
209 00:27:36,120 00:27:39,200 Even in this most hostile of places, Even in this most hostile of places,
210 00:27:39,320 00:27:43,600 weather still provides just enough for survival. weather still provides just enough for survival.
211 00:27:55,440 00:27:59,560 The largest, most unpredictable weather on the planet The largest, most unpredictable weather on the planet
212 00:27:59,680 00:28:02,600 starts far out at sea. starts far out at sea.
213 00:28:07,880 00:28:12,240 Hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones Hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones
214 00:28:12,360 00:28:16,040 are violent, short-lived megastorms. are violent, short-lived megastorms.
215 00:28:17,640 00:28:20,600 But there's a far more reliable weather system But there's a far more reliable weather system
216 00:28:20,720 00:28:22,840 that originates over the ocean... that originates over the ocean...
217 00:28:24,000 00:28:28,320 ...one that is eagerly anticipated by all in its path. ...one that is eagerly anticipated by all in its path.
218 00:28:31,360 00:28:37,840 Monsoons are seasonal winds that blow at the same time each year... Monsoons are seasonal winds that blow at the same time each year...
219 00:28:40,320 00:28:45,080 ...and they carry colossal amounts of water from the ocean to the land. ...and they carry colossal amounts of water from the ocean to the land.
220 00:28:52,640 00:28:54,160 Christmas Island. Christmas Island.
221 00:28:55,680 00:28:58,960 A remote speck of rock in the Indian Ocean. A remote speck of rock in the Indian Ocean.
222 00:29:03,680 00:29:09,760 For the last four months, its forest interior has remained dry and dusty. For the last four months, its forest interior has remained dry and dusty.
223 00:29:12,800 00:29:16,680 Life here is waiting for change. Life here is waiting for change.
224 00:29:19,920 00:29:24,720 In November, the first storms of the monsoon reach the island. In November, the first storms of the monsoon reach the island.
225 00:29:24,840 00:29:27,080 (THUNDER CRASHES) (THUNDER CRASHES)
226 00:29:42,360 00:29:46,720 They're a welcome relief for those that have suffered through the dry. They're a welcome relief for those that have suffered through the dry.
227 00:29:51,320 00:29:56,320 And they are vital for the island's most numerous residents. And they are vital for the island's most numerous residents.
228 00:30:10,200 00:30:13,720 The red crabs of Christmas Island. The red crabs of Christmas Island.
229 00:30:17,160 00:30:21,520 They've spent the dry season sheltering in damp burrows They've spent the dry season sheltering in damp burrows
230 00:30:21,640 00:30:23,080 beneath the leaf litter. beneath the leaf litter.
231 00:30:26,480 00:30:30,360 Crabs breathe through gills that must be kept moist. Crabs breathe through gills that must be kept moist.
232 00:30:35,200 00:30:38,360 So it's only with the return of the annual monsoon So it's only with the return of the annual monsoon
233 00:30:38,480 00:30:42,600 that these land crabs can finally emerge. that these land crabs can finally emerge.
234 00:30:49,960 00:30:56,000 With the humidity now high enough, they can begin an epic trek to the coast. With the humidity now high enough, they can begin an epic trek to the coast.
235 00:31:08,360 00:31:13,360 Every red crab comes together from across the island, Every red crab comes together from across the island,
236 00:31:13,480 00:31:16,120 and they do so in their millions. and they do so in their millions.
237 00:31:17,520 00:31:20,920 50 million, to be precise. 50 million, to be precise.
238 00:31:35,400 00:31:40,760 They've come to release their eggs that can only develop in the ocean. They've come to release their eggs that can only develop in the ocean.
239 00:31:42,160 00:31:45,000 There's just one small problem. There's just one small problem.
240 00:31:46,040 00:31:47,560 They may be crabs... They may be crabs...
241 00:31:48,800 00:31:50,640 ...but they can't swim. ...but they can't swim.
242 00:31:54,680 00:31:57,000 They're scared of the sea. They're scared of the sea.
243 00:32:10,920 00:32:12,880 But they don't have a choice. But they don't have a choice.
244 00:32:14,520 00:32:18,600 They must release their eggs on the highest tide. They must release their eggs on the highest tide.
245 00:32:25,040 00:32:28,800 Each carries around 100,000 eggs, Each carries around 100,000 eggs,
246 00:32:28,920 00:32:31,480 so over just two or three nights, so over just two or three nights,
247 00:32:31,600 00:32:34,760 trillions are released into the ocean... trillions are released into the ocean...
248 00:32:37,160 00:32:40,760 ...though some are more successful than others. ...though some are more successful than others.
249 00:33:05,760 00:33:10,480 Once their work is clone, the crabs will return to the forest. Once their work is clone, the crabs will return to the forest.
250 00:33:27,280 00:33:30,080 Then, four weeks later, Then, four weeks later,
251 00:33:30,200 00:33:32,800 on the next highest tide... on the next highest tide...
252 00:33:37,840 00:33:40,040 ...having hatched out to sea, ...having hatched out to sea,
253 00:33:40,160 00:33:45,400 a new generation of red crabs returns to the same beach. a new generation of red crabs returns to the same beach.
254 00:33:46,880 00:33:49,200 In good years like this one, In good years like this one,
255 00:33:49,320 00:33:53,360 countless millions arrive back on the shores of Christmas Island, countless millions arrive back on the shores of Christmas Island,
256 00:33:53,480 00:33:55,880 turning the beaches red. turning the beaches red.
257 00:34:13,080 00:34:17,720 Like their parents, they also need moisture in the air to breathe. Like their parents, they also need moisture in the air to breathe.
258 00:34:20,320 00:34:22,440 So before the rains move on, So before the rains move on,
259 00:34:22,560 00:34:28,440 the young crabs must undertake their own epic journey into the forest, the young crabs must undertake their own epic journey into the forest,
260 00:34:28,560 00:34:31,920 where they'll wait out the next few months of dry. where they'll wait out the next few months of dry.
261 00:34:52,240 00:34:53,960 The Christmas Island crab - The Christmas Island crab -
262 00:34:54,080 00:34:58,960 entirely reliant on the return of the monsoon. entirely reliant on the return of the monsoon.
263 00:35:09,800 00:35:15,680 The annual rhythms of the weather shape life across our planet. The annual rhythms of the weather shape life across our planet.
264 00:35:18,120 00:35:20,280 In some parts of the world, In some parts of the world,
265 00:35:20,400 00:35:22,920 seasonal cycles of wet and dry seasonal cycles of wet and dry
266 00:35:23,040 00:35:24,880 can bring dramatic change. can bring dramatic change.
267 00:35:26,520 00:35:32,360 And there are few places where this is more apparent than Southern Africa. And there are few places where this is more apparent than Southern Africa.
268 00:35:39,520 00:35:41,440 The Zambezi River. The Zambezi River.
269 00:35:43,280 00:35:49,560 It flows across six countries and drains half a million square miles. It flows across six countries and drains half a million square miles.
270 00:36:03,400 00:36:06,360 At the peak of the wet season, At the peak of the wet season,
271 00:36:06,480 00:36:09,440 5,000 tonnes of water cascade 5,000 tonnes of water cascade
272 00:36:09,560 00:36:12,680 over Victoria Falls every second. over Victoria Falls every second.
273 00:36:15,520 00:36:22,240 And yet, each year when the rains stop, these falls run dry. And yet, each year when the rains stop, these falls run dry.
274 00:36:30,080 00:36:33,640 It's almost as if someone turns off the tap. It's almost as if someone turns off the tap.
275 00:36:38,960 00:36:40,160 Ma)'- Ma)'-
276 00:36:43,720 00:36:44,720 December. December.
277 00:36:48,680 00:36:49,760 Wet season. Wet season.
278 00:36:54,040 00:36:55,360 Dry season. Dry season.
279 00:36:57,760 00:37:02,280 It's happened like this for thousands of years. It's happened like this for thousands of years.
280 00:37:07,800 00:37:12,560 But there are signs that the weather here is changing. But there are signs that the weather here is changing.
281 00:37:13,640 00:37:14,880 In recent yea rs, In recent yea rs,
282 00:37:15,000 00:37:20,520 the volume of water flowing over Victoria Falls has dropped by half... the volume of water flowing over Victoria Falls has dropped by half...
283 00:37:25,160 00:37:28,400 ...a concern for animals that have come to rely on ...a concern for animals that have come to rely on
284 00:37:28,520 00:37:31,800 the natural rhythms of wet and dry. the natural rhythms of wet and dry.
285 00:37:45,000 00:37:51,000 Zambia's Luangwa River is a major tributary of the Zambezi. Zambia's Luangwa River is a major tributary of the Zambezi.
286 00:37:52,760 00:37:55,760 Every year, as the dry season takes hold, Every year, as the dry season takes hold,
287 00:37:55,880 00:37:59,280 it dwindles into pools. it dwindles into pools.
288 00:38:02,200 00:38:05,840 Accommodation starts to get tight for the locals. Accommodation starts to get tight for the locals.
289 00:38:05,960 00:38:07,120 (HIPPO GRUNTS) (HIPPO GRUNTS)
290 00:38:09,760 00:38:14,520 With no other water around, the river becomes a magnet for visitors. With no other water around, the river becomes a magnet for visitors.
291 00:38:20,640 00:38:25,000 Millions of red-billed quelea flock to the water's edge. Millions of red-billed quelea flock to the water's edge.
292 00:38:29,760 00:38:33,560 These seed-eaters need to drink every clay... These seed-eaters need to drink every clay...
293 00:38:52,640 00:38:55,240 ...and Nile crocodiles know it. ...and Nile crocodiles know it.
294 00:38:56,880 00:38:59,120 They may not have eaten for six months. They may not have eaten for six months.
295 00:39:00,480 00:39:05,160 For them, the dry season is the start of the good times. For them, the dry season is the start of the good times.
296 00:39:14,880 00:39:19,360 And they are not the only ones to depend on this time of year. And they are not the only ones to depend on this time of year.
297 00:39:24,840 00:39:31,520 Carmine bee-eaters have flown hundreds of miles from the rainforests of the Congo... Carmine bee-eaters have flown hundreds of miles from the rainforests of the Congo...
298 00:39:32,720 00:39:35,600 ...arriving at the peak of the dry season, ...arriving at the peak of the dry season,
299 00:39:35,720 00:39:40,840 when steep sandbanks are exposed by the falling water. when steep sandbanks are exposed by the falling water.
300 00:39:46,800 00:39:52,240 They're a perfect place to nest, out of reach of predators from above. They're a perfect place to nest, out of reach of predators from above.
301 00:40:02,200 00:40:07,360 Bee-eater burrows can extend for two metres into the soft river sand. Bee-eater burrows can extend for two metres into the soft river sand.
302 00:40:08,560 00:40:11,600 Already home to 6,000 nests, Already home to 6,000 nests,
303 00:40:11,720 00:40:16,520 real estate at Bee-eater Towers is in high demand. real estate at Bee-eater Towers is in high demand.
304 00:40:20,480 00:40:24,120 But it pays not to build too close to the neighbours. But it pays not to build too close to the neighbours.
305 00:40:34,960 00:40:39,600 As more birds arrive, competition for the best nesting sites heats up. As more birds arrive, competition for the best nesting sites heats up.
306 00:40:51,080 00:40:52,800 It's thirsty work. It's thirsty work.
307 00:41:03,520 00:41:07,600 In the sudden commotion, they're vulnerable from below... In the sudden commotion, they're vulnerable from below...
308 00:41:09,920 00:41:10,880 ...and above. ...and above.
309 00:41:15,280 00:41:17,600 African fish eagles. African fish eagles.
310 00:41:25,920 00:41:28,680 They are permanent residents here. They are permanent residents here.
311 00:41:28,800 00:41:33,640 But at this time of the year, they don't just eat fish. But at this time of the year, they don't just eat fish.
312 00:41:38,040 00:41:41,440 The safest place to be is inside a burrow. The safest place to be is inside a burrow.
313 00:41:43,320 00:41:48,960 But an eagle fly-by sends shockwaves of panic through the colony. But an eagle fly-by sends shockwaves of panic through the colony.
314 00:42:00,920 00:42:06,720 The eagle's strategy is to pin their prey against the river bank. The eagle's strategy is to pin their prey against the river bank.
315 00:42:11,040 00:42:15,760 With the colony in disarray, the predators have the advantage. With the colony in disarray, the predators have the advantage.
316 00:42:56,120 00:43:00,240 These fish eagles also choose to breed in the dry season These fish eagles also choose to breed in the dry season
317 00:43:00,360 00:43:04,480 because they need the bee-eaters as food for their chicks. because they need the bee-eaters as food for their chicks.
318 00:43:12,000 00:43:16,920 But this year's dry season shows no sign of letting up. But this year's dry season shows no sign of letting up.
319 00:43:24,640 00:43:27,560 Parts of the river are now bone dry, Parts of the river are now bone dry,
320 00:43:27,680 00:43:31,520 forcing huge male hippos from their home. forcing huge male hippos from their home.
321 00:43:42,240 00:43:43,960 With nowhere left to turn, With nowhere left to turn,
322 00:43:44,080 00:43:47,920 they must converge on the few remaining patches of water. they must converge on the few remaining patches of water.
323 00:43:48,040 00:43:49,480 (HIPPO GRUNTS) (HIPPO GRUNTS)
324 00:43:49,600 00:43:52,480 But these are already occupied. But these are already occupied.
325 00:44:04,520 00:44:06,960 The resident bull here The resident bull here
326 00:44:07,080 00:44:11,400 can't tolerate another big male in his shrinking pool. can't tolerate another big male in his shrinking pool.
327 00:44:13,920 00:44:15,440 (HIPPO BELLOWS) (HIPPO BELLOWS)
328 00:44:41,720 00:44:44,400 The newcomer is banished. The newcomer is banished.
329 00:44:56,200 00:44:58,960 Still, the sun bakes the land... Still, the sun bakes the land...
330 00:45:01,800 00:45:05,600 ...with devastating consequences. ...with devastating consequences.
331 00:45:37,200 00:45:40,200 Hundreds of nests are wiped out. Hundreds of nests are wiped out.
332 00:45:48,240 00:45:52,160 Southern Africa has experienced dry seasons Southern Africa has experienced dry seasons
333 00:45:52,280 00:45:55,160 for thousands of years. for thousands of years.
334 00:45:56,320 00:45:58,920 But this is something different. But this is something different.
335 00:46:03,560 00:46:09,760 Record high temperatures and the lowest rainfall in nearly 40 years Record high temperatures and the lowest rainfall in nearly 40 years
336 00:46:09,880 00:46:15,160 have thrown parts of Africa into one of the worst droughts in a century. have thrown parts of Africa into one of the worst droughts in a century.
337 00:46:22,520 00:46:23,960 (THUNDER CRASHES) (THUNDER CRASHES)
338 00:46:30,320 00:46:36,680 Across the planet, our once stable climate is changing. Across the planet, our once stable climate is changing.
339 00:46:41,240 00:46:43,360 Weather is less reliable... Weather is less reliable...
340 00:46:46,000 00:46:49,000 ...and is getting more extreme. ...and is getting more extreme.
341 00:46:52,840 00:46:55,400 Wildfires are becoming more frequent. Wildfires are becoming more frequent.
342 00:47:11,280 00:47:13,760 Droughts are more intense. Droughts are more intense.
343 00:47:25,040 00:47:29,320 And storms are more ferocious. And storms are more ferocious.
344 00:47:33,040 00:47:38,280 All this from a recent rise in global temperatures All this from a recent rise in global temperatures
345 00:47:38,400 00:47:41,280 of just a single degree Celsius. of just a single degree Celsius.
346 00:47:42,880 00:47:46,400 Yet if climate change continues unchecked, Yet if climate change continues unchecked,
347 00:47:46,520 00:47:52,400 we may see a rise of almost five degrees by the end of the century. we may see a rise of almost five degrees by the end of the century.
348 00:47:54,360 00:47:58,640 We can only imagine what this will do to our weather. We can only imagine what this will do to our weather.
349 00:48:17,720 00:48:21,040 There are a few things more daunting for the wildlife film crew There are a few things more daunting for the wildlife film crew
350 00:48:21,160 00:48:25,920 than the prospect of finding a very rare animal in a vast area. than the prospect of finding a very rare animal in a vast area.
351 00:48:30,080 00:48:34,040 But that is the mission in Mongolia's Gobi Desert - But that is the mission in Mongolia's Gobi Desert -
352 00:48:34,160 00:48:37,360 to film an animal numbering less than 500 to film an animal numbering less than 500
353 00:48:37,480 00:48:41,440 in a wilderness of half a million square miles. in a wilderness of half a million square miles.
354 00:48:47,600 00:48:50,440 We're all loaded up, we got 40 cases of gear, we got nine vehicles. We're all loaded up, we got 40 cases of gear, we got nine vehicles.
355 00:48:50,560 00:48:52,920 We're off, we're heading to the Gobi. We're off, we're heading to the Gobi.
356 00:48:55,680 00:48:58,320 DAVID: From the capital, Ulaanbaatar, DAVID: From the capital, Ulaanbaatar,
357 00:48:58,440 00:49:03,760 it'll take the team five days to cross Mongolia in the depths of winter, it'll take the team five days to cross Mongolia in the depths of winter,
358 00:49:03,880 00:49:10,360 travelling in a convoy of large camping trucks - home for the next five weeks. travelling in a convoy of large camping trucks - home for the next five weeks.
359 00:49:28,000 00:49:33,800 1,000 miles later, the convoy reaches the Gobi and makes camp. 1,000 miles later, the convoy reaches the Gobi and makes camp.
360 00:49:37,720 00:49:40,880 Well, we have woken up on our first morning Well, we have woken up on our first morning
361 00:49:41,000 00:49:44,000 and it's about an hour-and-a-half before sunrise and it's about an hour-and-a-half before sunrise
362 00:49:44,120 00:49:47,200 and, rather foolishly, we let the fire go out last night, and, rather foolishly, we let the fire go out last night,
363 00:49:47,320 00:49:50,720 so it's a cool minus 20 in here. so it's a cool minus 20 in here.
364 00:49:50,840 00:49:54,360 Everything's frozen solid - toothpaste, hot sauce for breakfast, Everything's frozen solid - toothpaste, hot sauce for breakfast,
365 00:49:54,480 00:49:55,920 even the AP's pee bottle, even the AP's pee bottle,
366 00:49:56,040 00:49:57,480 so that's nice. so that's nice.
367 00:50:00,800 00:50:04,600 Finding a scarce animal in an area the size of Belgium Finding a scarce animal in an area the size of Belgium
368 00:50:04,720 00:50:07,560 is clearly no small task... is clearly no small task...
369 00:50:07,680 00:50:10,560 (MUFFLED RADIO CONVERSATION) (MUFFLED RADIO CONVERSATION)
370 00:50:10,680 00:50:14,320 ...but impossible without the help of local researchers. ...but impossible without the help of local researchers.
371 00:50:15,440 00:50:20,200 Each day, the team scour thousands of square miles. Each day, the team scour thousands of square miles.
372 00:50:20,320 00:50:22,560 JOHN: It's a huge area, and there's only 450 camels, JOHN: It's a huge area, and there's only 450 camels,
373 00:50:22,680 00:50:26,280 so it really is a bit like a needle in a haystack. so it really is a bit like a needle in a haystack.
374 00:50:27,400 00:50:31,080 A truly enormous haystack. A truly enormous haystack.
375 00:50:35,120 00:50:36,920 - 450 camels... - (LAUGHS) - 450 camels... - (LAUGHS)
376 00:50:37,040 00:50:38,400 ...28,000 square miles. ...28,000 square miles.
377 00:50:38,520 00:50:40,360 - Easy, yeah? - Yeah. - Easy, yeah? - Yeah.
378 00:50:40,480 00:50:43,480 And when scanning the horizon for camels, And when scanning the horizon for camels,
379 00:50:43,600 00:50:45,720 mistakes are all too easy. mistakes are all too easy.
380 00:50:45,840 00:50:47,160 Another bush. Another bush.
381 00:50:48,320 00:50:50,440 A bush. Sorry. A bush. Sorry.
382 00:50:51,800 00:50:54,720 Sometimes there's not even a bush to look at. Sometimes there's not even a bush to look at.
383 00:50:54,840 00:50:56,320 - See anything? - Nothing. - See anything? - Nothing.
384 00:50:57,600 00:50:59,640 Another hill climbed. Another hill climbed.
385 00:50:59,760 00:51:01,320 Another trail followed. Another trail followed.
386 00:51:01,440 00:51:03,240 Another dead end. Another dead end.
387 00:51:03,360 00:51:06,680 Thankfully, the experts remain positive. Thankfully, the experts remain positive.
388 00:51:06,800 00:51:08,240 I hope you can see them soon. I hope you can see them soon.
389 00:51:08,360 00:51:10,080 - Yeah, yeah. - Please. - Yeah, yeah. - Please.
390 00:51:12,920 00:51:16,000 Two weeks since leaving the UK - just hoping that we haven't... Two weeks since leaving the UK - just hoping that we haven't...
391 00:51:17,280 00:51:18,840 ...been slightly overambitious on this one. ...been slightly overambitious on this one.
392 00:51:18,960 00:51:21,680 Getting slightly worried it might actually be impossible. Getting slightly worried it might actually be impossible.
393 00:51:23,840 00:51:25,080 (SIGHS) (SIGHS)
394 00:51:27,480 00:51:29,360 - Hmm. - It's good support there, thanks. - Hmm. - It's good support there, thanks.
395 00:51:30,640 00:51:33,840 Eventually, the team spot their first camel, Eventually, the team spot their first camel,
396 00:51:33,960 00:51:37,920 but, unfortunately, it spotted them first. but, unfortunately, it spotted them first.
397 00:51:38,040 00:51:40,440 Very far away. Very far away.
398 00:51:40,560 00:51:44,240 Poaching has made the surviving camels very nervous Poaching has made the surviving camels very nervous
399 00:51:44,360 00:51:48,240 and once they start running, they can keep going for miles. and once they start running, they can keep going for miles.
400 00:51:50,440 00:51:52,200 (WIND HOWLS) (WIND HOWLS)
401 00:51:52,320 00:51:57,400 And when the winter winds kick off, all signs of camel vanish. And when the winter winds kick off, all signs of camel vanish.
402 00:51:57,520 00:52:01,520 So for about the last 24 hours, we've been experiencing the Gobi winds. So for about the last 24 hours, we've been experiencing the Gobi winds.
403 00:52:01,640 00:52:03,640 It's been gusting up to 70 miles an hour all night, It's been gusting up to 70 miles an hour all night,
404 00:52:03,760 00:52:06,680 and the temps have probably been down to almost negative 50 with the wind-chill. and the temps have probably been down to almost negative 50 with the wind-chill.
405 00:52:06,800 00:52:08,960 We just have to hunker down. We can't film in this. We just have to hunker down. We can't film in this.
406 00:52:13,280 00:52:17,280 When the gale eases, the search reveals new hope. When the gale eases, the search reveals new hope.
407 00:52:17,400 00:52:20,640 We got a load of fresh camel tracks here. We got a load of fresh camel tracks here.
408 00:52:22,200 00:52:24,440 Ana' all tracks head one way - Ana' all tracks head one way -
409 00:52:24,560 00:52:29,760 towards the even more remote mountainous southern Gobi. towards the even more remote mountainous southern Gobi.
410 00:52:33,880 00:52:37,320 The team must decide if they should follow. The team must decide if they should follow.
411 00:52:37,440 00:52:41,000 Do you think that landscape is likely to be better for us? Do you think that landscape is likely to be better for us?
412 00:52:41,120 00:52:44,440 More camels and closer encounters or...? More camels and closer encounters or...?
413 00:52:44,560 00:52:46,400 What's your gut telling you? What's your gut telling you?
414 00:52:48,760 00:52:52,720 Because of the wintertime, we need to see some snow... Because of the wintertime, we need to see some snow...
415 00:52:52,840 00:52:55,160 - Mmm. - ...to see camels. - Mmm. - ...to see camels.
416 00:52:56,200 00:53:00,840 To survive in this waterless desert, the camels depend on finding snow. To survive in this waterless desert, the camels depend on finding snow.
417 00:53:02,000 00:53:06,200 So with none in sight, the team decide to try their luck So with none in sight, the team decide to try their luck
418 00:53:06,320 00:53:08,880 in the icy mountains to the south. in the icy mountains to the south.
419 00:53:13,000 00:53:16,920 Sure enough, there's snow - and lots of it. Sure enough, there's snow - and lots of it.
420 00:53:20,560 00:53:24,680 But the larger camping trucks struggle in the mountainous terrain But the larger camping trucks struggle in the mountainous terrain
421 00:53:24,800 00:53:27,760 and the team are forced to go on without them, and the team are forced to go on without them,
422 00:53:27,880 00:53:33,480 leaving them somewhat more exposed to the winter conditions. leaving them somewhat more exposed to the winter conditions.
423 00:53:33,600 00:53:35,040 It's been down to minus 25 over the last week. It's been down to minus 25 over the last week.
424 00:53:35,160 00:53:40,160 So very thin canvas tents will be a whole new experience in the Gobi Desert for us. So very thin canvas tents will be a whole new experience in the Gobi Desert for us.
425 00:53:41,400 00:53:44,640 I'm wearing, currently, two pairs of trousers, thermals, I'm wearing, currently, two pairs of trousers, thermals,
426 00:53:44,760 00:53:48,440 thermals on top, two pairs of jumpers, three coats, two hats, thermals on top, two pairs of jumpers, three coats, two hats,
427 00:53:48,560 00:53:51,400 so I think I should be all right. so I think I should be all right.
428 00:53:51,520 00:53:52,520 (EXHALES) (EXHALES)
429 00:53:54,760 00:53:55,960 TOBY: All right, Eddie? TOBY: All right, Eddie?
430 00:53:56,080 00:53:58,400 Oh, I'm terrific, yeah. (LAUGHS) Oh, I'm terrific, yeah. (LAUGHS)
431 00:53:58,520 00:54:00,120 Really terrific. Really terrific.
432 00:54:00,240 00:54:01,520 (SIGHS CONTENTEDLY) (SIGHS CONTENTEDLY)
433 00:54:01,640 00:54:03,000 ED: I'm all cosy. ED: I'm all cosy.
434 00:54:04,320 00:54:07,480 I'm not. I'm cold. (LAUGHS) Really cold. I'm not. I'm cold. (LAUGHS) Really cold.
435 00:54:10,800 00:54:16,400 As Adiya predicted, with snow come camels. As Adiya predicted, with snow come camels.
436 00:54:16,520 00:54:19,880 The signs are everywhere. The signs are everywhere.
437 00:54:22,560 00:54:28,080 But having travelled so far, they can't risk anything ruining this chance. But having travelled so far, they can't risk anything ruining this chance.
438 00:54:28,200 00:54:30,400 (QUIETLY) Camels don't seem to like the cars so... (QUIETLY) Camels don't seem to like the cars so...
439 00:54:31,800 00:54:33,000 ...now we walk. ...now we walk.
440 00:54:34,920 00:54:37,480 ED: We've been walking for about five miles now ED: We've been walking for about five miles now
441 00:54:37,600 00:54:39,360 and hiking across this landscape, and hiking across this landscape,
442 00:54:39,480 00:54:43,240 it really does give you a new-found respect for the camels. it really does give you a new-found respect for the camels.
443 00:54:49,120 00:54:51,920 We've seen some camels way out on the plain here, We've seen some camels way out on the plain here,
444 00:54:52,040 00:54:56,400 but in order not to scare them, John's going to head out on his own. but in order not to scare them, John's going to head out on his own.
445 00:55:09,040 00:55:11,800 Yeah, yeah, I can see him. He's, urn... Yeah, yeah, I can see him. He's, urn...
446 00:55:11,920 00:55:13,400 ADIYA: Going to south? ADIYA: Going to south?
447 00:55:13,520 00:55:17,240 ED: Yeah, he's going to the south, he's just this side of the ridge. ED: Yeah, he's going to the south, he's just this side of the ridge.
448 00:55:24,160 00:55:26,240 - ADIYA: The camels come to john. - They are? - ADIYA: The camels come to john. - They are?
449 00:55:26,360 00:55:27,840 - The camels are coming to john? - Of course they are. - The camels are coming to john? - Of course they are.
450 00:55:27,960 00:55:29,200 - Yes! - Really? - Yes! - Really?
451 00:55:34,080 00:55:35,600 - (RADIO BEEPS) - JOHN: Maybe grab the bags - (RADIO BEEPS) - JOHN: Maybe grab the bags
452 00:55:35,720 00:55:38,400 and come down to where I am now by these bushes and come down to where I am now by these bushes
453 00:55:38,520 00:55:40,800 and we'll see if we can't slip down into the oasis. and we'll see if we can't slip down into the oasis.
454 00:55:46,320 00:55:48,280 ED: (QUIETLY) This is just amazing. It's hard fought. ED: (QUIETLY) This is just amazing. It's hard fought.
455 00:55:49,400 00:55:51,520 But the reward is so worth it, But the reward is so worth it,
456 00:55:51,640 00:55:55,600 because right now we're about 100 metres away... because right now we're about 100 metres away...
457 00:55:56,960 00:56:01,840 ...from some of the rarest and hardiest mammals on the planet. ...from some of the rarest and hardiest mammals on the planet.
458 00:56:04,280 00:56:05,480 Oh, what a privilege! Oh, what a privilege!
459 00:56:07,840 00:56:11,880 DAVID: The team film behaviour very few people have seen... DAVID: The team film behaviour very few people have seen...
460 00:56:13,720 00:56:18,000 ...rare images of one of the world's most endangered creatures. ...rare images of one of the world's most endangered creatures.
461 00:56:19,720 00:56:22,760 Once widespread across Central Asia, Once widespread across Central Asia,
462 00:56:22,880 00:56:27,680 this uninhabited desert is the wild camels' final home. this uninhabited desert is the wild camels' final home.
463 00:56:29,600 00:56:33,440 Were it not for Adiya's team, it might have disappeared altogether, Were it not for Adiya's team, it might have disappeared altogether,
464 00:56:33,560 00:56:39,080 but because of their work, we may yet save this icon of the Gobi. but because of their work, we may yet save this icon of the Gobi.