Seasons on the savannah, grazing animals, predators, prey, scavengers—children learn about them all as they visit this fascinating habitats.
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AnimalsTranscript
00:00Group predators prowling the savannah.
00:28Lone hunters nestled high up in trees.
00:33The fastest animal on Earth chasing its prey at over 100 kilometers an hour.
00:41Several million savannah-fueled meals spread miles across the plains.
00:48This incredible drama between predator and prey has been continually played out throughout our planet's long history.
00:57And the force driving this drama may be a unique grass growing here in the savannah.
01:07One botanist is trying to unravel the secrets behind this mammoth meadow amid the remarkable daily dramas played out by Africa's biggest cats.
01:20The savannah. A land of grass. A land with so few trees.
01:35Just south of the equator, the Serengeti plains stretch across eastern Africa through Tanzania and Kenya.
01:49This region is home to the best preserved wildlife in the world.
02:04An incredible number of creatures walk this land, including millions of wildebeest.
02:19These wildebeest never remain in one place.
02:25Instead, they migrate in immense herds all year round, searching for the grass which rules their lives.
02:33These youngsters were born earlier this year.
02:48They are able to walk and travel with their parents the day they're born.
02:55Zebras also accompany the wildebeest herds.
03:10They also migrate across these great plains in huge numbers.
03:16A small group have gathered here to quench their thirst.
03:31They pay close attention to the sounds and motions of their peers.
03:37a youngbow MorphНеpe'sHeart's
03:43watering stops can be full of danger.
03:50Suddenly, the herd run for cover.
03:56An awakening male lion doesn't go unnoticed.
04:01Lions are the strongest predator of all the savannah's big cats.
04:13Other members of the pride are now on their feet, waiting for the right moment to move
04:19in.
04:27They spot their target, a zebra separated from the rest of the group.
04:45The seemingly peaceful life of the grass eaters strolling these plains is in fact a life full
04:51of danger through predatory attack.
05:07Another big cat patrolling the region is the cheetah.
05:16Cheetahs are the fastest creatures on the planet, able to reach speeds up to 100 kilometers
05:22per hour.
05:27These two males have spotted a feeding opportunity.
05:34A herd of wildebeest.
06:02Cheetahs lives are also dominated by hunting herbivores.
06:14Few trees grow on the plain, but within those that do, you'll often find another member
06:19of the big cat family.
06:27This leopard uses the tree as a lookout post in search of its prey.
06:36Soon spots a small herd of gazelle and creeps into action.
07:02Leopards also survive by hunting herbivores.
07:06And trees provide the perfect safe storage for their kills.
07:21It's a never-ending battle between the meat-eating predators and their grass-eating prey.
07:34This game of survival takes place throughout these plains.
07:45The endless dramas continue day in day out.
07:54These grasslands are home to over 1,000 leopards, around 600 cheetahs and approximately 2,500 lions.
08:07Nowhere else on earth is there such a huge density of large predators living side by side.
08:17The simple reason why so many predators are able to survive here is because of the incredible
08:22number of herbivores available as prey.
08:271.7 million wildebeest are estimated to graze these plains.
08:34Zebras number around 200,000, and the smaller gazelles add approximately 1 million extra to the total.
08:44Collectively, they amount to over 3 million creatures which migrate continuously in search of food.
08:5210 million tons of grass grows on the Serengeti each year.
09:13This huge quantity fuels the migration of herbivores.
09:20Grass is the driving force behind this mammoth and continuous movement.
09:29But it appears that the Serengeti plains function in an entirely different way than most ordinary grasslands.
09:41Exactly what, in this particular region, possesses such a power to fuel the movement of these massive herds of animals?
09:56One person hopes to unravel the mystery.
10:02For years, he's been interested in the power behind the Serengeti's grass.
10:08Even as soon as he steps foot off the plane, his attention is glued to the floor.
10:15He's botanist Professor Hideaki Osuda of Taikyo University, Japan.
10:22His research focuses on creating food crops with better harvest.
10:27Because the Serengeti nurtures such a great diversity of animals,
10:33he hopes to find out how the grass growing here manages to feed so many.
10:45The southern area of the plains will be the focus of Professor Osuda's research activity.
10:52He is joined by local botanist Richard Ryamnia, who knows the region well.
10:59The pair get straight down to business.
11:05Professor Osuda is keen to establish exactly which type of plants they're dealing with.
11:14According to Richard, the grass on the southern part of the plains provides another important requirement in order for herbivores to reproduce.
11:29As well as providing food, he believes the wildebeest benefit from the short grasses,
11:34as it enables them to spot predators over a greater distance.
11:39The taller grasses further north don't offer the same security.
11:45They can see the predator from far away.
11:50Wildebeest begin their migration from northern Serengeti to its southern plains in October,
11:56one month before the rainy season starts.
12:00In the north, there is a river that never dries up, offering a year-round water supply.
12:07But in the south, grasses with high nutrition grow.
12:11This is what triggers the migration.
12:14Later, at the start of the dry season, the grasses die and the wildebeest return to the north.
12:22Some animals cover over a thousand kilometers on this gruelling annual round trip.
12:30The migration has just begun.
12:42Eventually, this mass of one million animals will gather in the southern plains.
12:48But this journey plays a big part in many other animals' lives along the way.
13:12This pride of lions has a stable territory.
13:20Blood-related females make up the group.
13:25They preserve their territory collectively, which is then passed on to the next generation.
13:31Females never leave their pride after being born, and lead their lives as a tight-knit family.
13:42All females lend a hand in raising the cubs.
13:59So when it comes to feeding, any teat will do.
14:03Male cubs leave the family at around two years of age.
14:19But one particular male living in this pride is no fresh-faced youngster.
14:24This is the only adult male lion living in the territory belonging to the females.
14:34He is the father of all the children.
14:39The females choose just one male to remain in the group for the sake of producing offspring.
14:49This female is on a mission.
14:51Hunting is women's work.
15:01The youngsters watch as one of their mothers homes in on her target.
15:10A hartebeast, a relative of the cow.
15:12Little by little, she shortens the distance to her prey.
15:25The hartebeast has no idea it's being stalked.
15:33Suddenly, it spots the lion and flees in the opposite direction.
15:37But this was a trap.
15:41Another female lion was waiting for this very move.
15:46The success of this hunt was down to teamwork.
15:51The rest of the females move in.
15:55But someone else wants his share of the bounty.
15:59The big male chases the females away.
16:05A selfish move against the hard-working hunters.
16:10The females allow him to act in such a selfish way as he provides the role of protector for the entire group.
16:19In the distance, a herd of wildebeest approaches.
16:30When wildebeest enter the home region of territorial lions, it is likely that wandering male lions following the herd will also enter their territory.
16:41This mother isn't prepared to take any chances.
16:57A wandering male is getting near.
16:59He could attempt to take over leadership of her pride.
17:11This intruder will try to kill the youngsters in order to start afresh should his attempted overthrow be successful.
17:18The resident male launches into battle with one of the wandering lions.
17:30If the pride's protector loses this fight, all his cubs will be killed and his crown as leader will be lost.
17:38His females can only look on.
17:51Finally, the intruder gives up.
18:06The cubs are safe and the big male's position as leader is secure.
18:14For now.
18:19Female lions protect their young by relying on the strength of their resident males.
18:25In return for security, they offer the male their kills in order to keep him in the pride.
18:31A strategy to ensure their youngster's survival.
18:42But this tactic doesn't always pay off.
18:52This mother from a neighbouring pride pays the ultimate price following a recent attempted takeover.
18:57Researchers have recorded that the number of cub killings by wandering lions reaches its peak when the grass starts to grow.
19:14The fresh growth on the plains draws in the wildebeest as well as the following wanderers.
19:26The peaceful life of resident lions is often ruined as a result.
19:40Professor Asuda continues his field research among the wildebeest.
19:54He needs to establish exactly which grasses cover this section of the plain.
19:59The initial step is to collect samples.
20:06The plants are removed without damaging their roots.
20:12He takes as many specimens as possible.
20:16On this seemingly uniform plain, many types of grasses grow.
20:26It appears the majority of these specimens are narrow-leafed grasses.
20:34Maybe it's this that holds the secret to the wealth of life on the savannah.
20:40The Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute specialises in wildlife on the plains.
20:58Professor Asuda plans to analyse his collected samples at this government-funded laboratory.
21:03There are two types of grasses.
21:10Both are difficult to identify by their appearance alone.
21:16The easiest way to establish which group a plant belongs is to examine the inside of its leaf by slicing it as thin as possible.
21:24This cross-section of the leaf Professor Asuda has prepared shows many transparent parts.
21:35They are known as vascular bundles and act like tubes to transport water and nutrition.
21:43The green doughnuts are chloroplasts containing cells.
21:47It's a clear indication that this is a C4 plant.
21:57It is now assumed the vast majority of plants growing on this plain are of the C4 group.
22:06The name C4 sounds unusual.
22:08But Professor Asuda believes that this particular type of grass is the source of energy responsible for such an immense collection of wildlife.
22:27Common plants are known as C3 plants because the primary substance created by photosynthesis is made up of three carbon atoms.
22:35On the other hand, the substance created first within C4 plants contains four carbon atoms.
22:48C4 plants have a unique construction within their cell structure that enables them to absorb carbon dioxide much more efficiently than the C3 group.
23:01C4 plants can grow several times faster than common plants under strong sunshine and high temperature with appropriate water.
23:15The requirement for water in C4 plants is lower than that of C3, so C4 plants are more resistant to dryness.
23:24C4 plants are more resistant to dryness.
23:27But C4 grasses are a relatively new species.
23:3110 million years ago, the formation of the Great Rift Valley began.
23:37Two enormous forts moved apart, leaving a void 45 kilometers wide and around 5,000 kilometers long.
23:50The Serengeti and its surrounding area became extremely dry.
23:56The concentration of carbon dioxide also decreased as cold seas absorbed the gas.
24:07Under these arid and low carbon dioxide conditions, C4 grasses evolved from the C3 plants and adapted to the new conditions.
24:19Most places around the equator are covered by forest, but the pasture of the Serengeti is unique.
24:32It is the only place near the equator where these specific grasses grow with such a high density.
24:40Leopards originally adapted to a life in the forest, which is why they spend a great deal of time in the savannah's trees.
24:58This herd of impala haven't yet spotted the predator hiding nearby.
25:17The leopard waits for the right moment to make her move.
25:22Stealth is one of this big cat's strongest talents.
25:43This time, her mission fails, and the impalas escape.
25:47The mother calls for her youngster.
26:05This cub is around six months old.
26:09On average, leopards give birth to one or two young at a time.
26:13Just like domestic cats, leopard cubs are extremely playful.
26:26And forever curious.
26:33The mother leads her youngster to the safety of the tall grass.
26:36It's time for her to go hunting again.
26:47The cub hides in this ditch.
26:50It will stay here until its mother returns.
26:52Two female lions stroll into the area.
27:09They're heading towards the ditch where the leopard cub is hiding.
27:12The cub realises the danger and runs for safety.
27:25Leopards are excellent climbers, so it takes refuge up a nearby tree.
27:31It reaches a height well out of the lion's reach.
27:40The cub will stay here until its mother returns.
27:45Night draws in.
27:49The mother leopard is still out hunting.
27:54This impala has been separated from the rest of its herd.
27:57It has no idea it is being stalked.
27:59She struggles to overpower this relatively large prey.
28:00She struggles to overpower this relatively large prey.
28:01Biting and covering the impala.
28:02Biting and covering the impala.
28:03Biting and covering the impala.
28:04This impala has been separated from the rest of its herd.
28:09It has no idea it is being stalked.
28:14She struggles to overpower this relatively large prey.
28:27Biting and covering the impala's mouth and nose.
28:32She tries to suffocate it.
28:38Finally, it works.
28:49But this particular meal is too heavy to drag up the tree.
28:52So instead, she signals to her cub to come down from its hiding place.
29:08The pair are reunited.
29:10And the mother leads her cub to the kill.
29:12While the youngster feasts on the massive meal, its mother stands guard, keeping an eye out for any other predators.
29:30The gazelle's compact body and thin, elegant legs help make them one of Africa's fastest and most agile grass-eating species.
29:51They can hit speeds up to 80 kilometers an hour.
30:01The gazelles have adapted to living this fast life and choose to live in herds because of a particular predator pressure.
30:24Their most feared enemy is the cheetah.
30:27Gazelles prefer to live on plains with short grasses because here they can easily spot cheetahs approaching.
30:43Someone in the herd nearly always notices when a predator is nearby.
30:47These speedy hunters have their eyes on a meal.
30:56As long as the gazelles spot the cheetahs from a distance, they can flee safely.
31:04Even when a chase is on, the fastest runners can easily survive.
31:10Their adaptation for speed to avoid an attack is constantly being pushed.
31:21Cheetahs also continually develop their acceleration and running speed to keep up with the defense development of gazelles.
31:27It's a never-ending survival game between the two species.
31:45The current battle status gives cheetahs the slight edge in terms of speed.
32:07However, it may not be too long until gazelles will out-sprint them again.
32:21This pasture of C4 grasses provides a hidden power to its residents who never cease to develop dynamically.
32:33Cheetah cubs aren't just born super fast.
32:49They also receive long and intensive training in order to become speedy hunters.
32:53This female's teats shows that she is currently raising cubs.
33:15She approaches the deeper grass.
33:27A more secluded and safer place for her youngsters.
33:38She has five cubs.
33:41They were born about two weeks ago and are around 25 centimetres long.
33:50Newborn cheetahs have short legs and large heads.
33:56In this form, it's hard to imagine them running at speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour.
34:01It'll take some time until they start showing any signs of becoming high-speed sprinters.
34:10In another corner of the plane, a mother cares for her older cubs.
34:24These youngsters are around three months old and look much more cheetah-like.
34:36Their steps are already firmer.
34:41Once young cheetahs turn two months old, the mother takes them hunting with her.
34:53At this age, they're still highly playful.
35:08A herd of gazelles lies ahead.
35:17The mother's eyes lock onto the group.
35:23She creeps towards the herd.
35:27The cubs mimic her every move.
35:39The mother moves closer.
35:42The cubs do the same.
35:44She pauses and lowers her stance.
35:55This signals the end of the cubs copying session.
35:59Now, it's time to watch.
36:02The hunting lesson is over.
36:21Following the kill, she calls for her youngsters.
36:27The cubs rush forward.
36:32The first to arrive immediately bites the neck of the prey.
36:42The meal is shared by everyone.
36:48The mother is the first to finish eating.
36:53And decides it's time to move on.
36:58Now that everyone is fed, there'll be no more hunting lessons today.
37:05After three hours of walking, the mother finally decides to rest.
37:28The cubs are exhausted.
37:43They're so tired, they almost look ready for bed.
37:47After just five minutes break, their mother is back on her feet.
38:04The cubs have no choice but to follow her.
38:08By the end of the day, they have trekked over ten kilometers.
38:22One week later, the cubs still seem to be doing fine.
38:30The daily long walks have had a positive effect on their fitness.
38:34Their legs, bones and muscles have strengthened.
38:40Walking is the most basic training program in order to become the fastest hunter of all.
38:51This type of intensive training continues for nearly a whole year
38:55until the youngsters become expert hunters themselves.
38:58Professor Isuda continues his research and is keen to observe one of the plane's greatest spectacles.
39:19The grass is at its green peak, queuing the arrival of thousands of herbivore youngsters.
39:31This wildebeest is about to give birth.
39:46The legs are already visible.
39:48A newborn makes its first appearance.
40:06Immediately, it tries to stand up.
40:09Like most wildebeest, it's up on all four feet within ten minutes of being born.
40:24This Thompson's gazelle is also giving birth.
40:37This Thompson's gazelle is also giving birth.
40:4020 minutes into labour and half the calf's body is already out.
40:58Half an hour later, a new life is born.
41:17Like wildebeest, gazelles can also stand up just ten minutes after birth.
41:22Some ten thousand new lives start their arduous journey.
41:30A life governed by the rules of the savannah.
41:34Youngsters hide in the grass as soon as they are born.
41:40They seem to know these plains are full of danger.
41:45On the savannah, each year is divided into dry and wet seasons.
42:06During the dry season, it hardly ever rains.
42:09The grass eventually turns brown.
42:20But this doesn't mean it's dead.
42:25The sea fall plants covering these plains bear plenty of seeds,
42:29which fall to the ground, giving birth to new shoots.
42:32These seeds also provide many savannah animals with essential nutrients.
42:47For mice, the dry season is a season of abundant food.
42:50Their population explodes, surpassing by far the number of large mammals.
43:09But even the mouse has a predator.
43:11This serval searches for a miniature meal.
43:21Although smaller than a cheetah, at 70 centimetres long,
43:25it is still a relatively large cat.
43:30Large ears allow it to detect the location of the mice.
43:33Its hunting technique relies on a particular skill.
43:44The exact moment it lands, it pounces on its prey.
43:53During the dry season, servals don't need to look too hard for food
43:58as the population of mice expands.
43:59They therefore coincide giving birth with the grass seeds falling to the ground.
44:18Tall grass provides the perfect nursery for young servals.
44:22These cubs are around two weeks old.
44:32Their mother returns to check their safe.
44:35They're safe.
45:00Servals also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the wealth of C4 plants.
45:03that cover the savannah.
45:17The rainy season begins.
45:22Dark clouds envelop the savannah sky.
45:24And showers pour down onto the parched plains.
45:33These hard rainfalls immediately alter the landscape of the arid land.
45:39Eventually, the whole plain becomes one enormous puddle.
45:40Surprisingly, the whole plain becomes one enormous puddle.
45:42Surprisingly, these rains fall on a very confined area of just a few square kilometres.
45:44This means the sections profiting from the rain continuously move along the plain.
45:45This means the sections profiting from the rain continuously move along the plain.
45:46The rain falls on a very confined area of just a few square kilometres.
45:47This means the sections profiting from the rain.
45:48continuously move along the path of the savannah.
45:49This means the sections profiting from the rain continuously move along the path of the savannah.
45:50.
45:51Eventually, the whole plain becomes one enormous puddle.
45:53.
45:54The whole plain becomes one enormous puddle.
46:00Surprisingly, these rains fall on a very confined area of just a few square kilometres.
46:10This means the sections profiting from the rain continuously move along the path of the savannah.
46:20As soon as the rain clouds move on, the intensive equator sunshine lights up the savannah's blanket of plants.
46:30This causes a sudden, rapid growth of grasses, which previously appeared dead and dry just a short while ago.
46:44These remarkable, fast-growing sea-fall plants create a brand new green pasture in less than a week.
47:01Professor Asuda's work here on the Serengeti draws to an end.
47:08It seems animals sense the rainfalls and start to move.
47:14By the time they arrive where the rains have fallen, plants have already grown.
47:19All this happens within a matter of days.
47:26Professor Asuda is now convinced that the driving force behind this incredible mass migration,
47:35which in turn supports the big cat population, is the very power of C4 plants themselves.
47:42It's incredible to think that something so small can have such an enormous effect on the entire lives of creatures so big.
47:56As the big cats and their prey continue to develop ways to out-class one another,
48:04these remarkable grassy plains quietly replenish themselves, year in, year out.
48:13Without these life-fueling plants, none of us would be able to witness such an amazing array of wildlife
48:19throughout this unique region.
48:49We'll see you next time.
48:50We'll see you next time.