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In the Limpopo region of South
Africa lies an ancient land.
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00:00:10,844 --> 00:00:15,282
Forged by water,
today it provides life to many.
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00:00:18,151 --> 00:00:23,690
From rolling grasslands
to rocky gorges,
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00:00:23,690 --> 00:00:29,663
wildlife has learnt to make
the most of what's on offer.
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00:00:29,663 --> 00:00:34,334
At it's heart life giving waters
burst from giant rocks
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00:00:34,334 --> 00:00:37,304
and spread across the landscape.
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00:00:37,304 --> 00:00:40,574
Supporting everything
from miniatures...
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00:00:40,574 --> 00:00:43,176
to the masses.
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00:00:51,718 --> 00:00:55,822
This is the Waterberg,
a land of plenty.
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(♪♪♪)
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00:01:06,366 --> 00:01:12,572
(♪♪♪)
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00:01:12,572 --> 00:01:17,611
(♪♪♪)
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00:01:35,329 --> 00:01:40,233
The Waterberg runs from west to
east for over 90 miles.
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00:01:43,570 --> 00:01:46,740
Lying in the northeastern
corner of South Africa
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00:01:46,740 --> 00:01:50,210
it sprawls across an area of
over five and half thousand
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00:01:50,210 --> 00:01:51,712
square miles
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00:01:51,712 --> 00:01:55,315
and makes up the first UNESCO
reserve in the region.
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00:02:03,824 --> 00:02:08,762
Created by mineral rich rivers
almost two billion years ago,
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00:02:08,762 --> 00:02:11,465
it is so old;
it has been around for longer
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00:02:11,465 --> 00:02:13,867
than terrestrial life itself.
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00:02:22,376 --> 00:02:24,411
Today, it stands at the center
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00:02:24,411 --> 00:02:26,947
of an incredibly diverse
landscape
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00:02:26,947 --> 00:02:31,852
of open grassy plains...
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00:02:31,852 --> 00:02:34,454
Bushveld savannah...
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00:02:39,259 --> 00:02:42,963
Rocky gorges...
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00:02:42,963 --> 00:02:45,565
Ravines...
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00:02:52,239 --> 00:02:56,376
And cliffs that tower up
to two thousand feet high.
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00:03:04,584 --> 00:03:06,620
But it's the bedrock
of these mountains
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00:03:06,620 --> 00:03:09,222
that holds their
greatest gift.
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00:03:10,891 --> 00:03:15,328
Bands of porous rock soak up
water like a sponge,
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00:03:15,328 --> 00:03:17,898
storing it
in underground aquifers.
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00:03:23,837 --> 00:03:27,374
Once full, they pour out
of the mountains themselves.
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00:03:31,378 --> 00:03:35,682
Giving rise to the name
Waterberg or Water Mountain.
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00:03:45,025 --> 00:03:50,330
As they descend, the waterfalls
and streams merge,
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00:03:50,330 --> 00:03:53,600
creating rivers that carve their
way through the landscape.
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00:03:53,600 --> 00:03:59,806
(♪♪♪)
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00:03:59,806 --> 00:04:02,409
(♪♪♪)
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00:04:02,409 --> 00:04:06,346
(♪♪♪)
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00:04:06,346 --> 00:04:07,914
As they shape the land,
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00:04:07,914 --> 00:04:10,784
they also support
a rich variety of life.
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00:04:17,390 --> 00:04:21,428
Grazers feast on the lush grass
of the plateau's rolling planes.
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00:04:39,513 --> 00:04:42,482
In the lowlands,
sprawling savannah stretches
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00:04:42,482 --> 00:04:44,885
as far as the eye can see.
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00:04:48,788 --> 00:04:51,758
And present throughout;
is water.
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00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:03,937
Streams, rivers, dams
and waterholes
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bind the landscape
together.
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00:05:06,673 --> 00:05:12,879
(♪♪♪)
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00:05:12,879 --> 00:05:19,085
(♪♪♪)
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00:05:19,085 --> 00:05:25,492
(♪♪♪)
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00:05:25,492 --> 00:05:31,698
(♪♪♪)
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00:05:31,698 --> 00:05:36,703
(♪♪♪)
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00:05:36,703 --> 00:05:39,172
(♪♪♪)
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00:05:39,172 --> 00:05:43,677
This diverse wilderness is the
setting for many natural dramas.
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00:05:46,713 --> 00:05:49,049
Battles will be fought...
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00:05:49,049 --> 00:05:51,851
Mates will be won...
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00:05:51,851 --> 00:05:55,589
And a new generation
will be born.
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00:05:55,589 --> 00:05:59,059
But all will rely on the
Waterberg for sustenance.
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00:06:05,165 --> 00:06:07,867
The annual rains
arrive in November
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00:06:07,867 --> 00:06:10,437
and can last
for up to five months.
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00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:17,544
Their arrival ushers in a time
of plenty in the Waterberg.
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00:06:20,547 --> 00:06:24,551
Animals are preoccupied with
one thing: eating their fill.
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00:06:26,987 --> 00:06:29,589
This is a time to bulk up.
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00:06:37,130 --> 00:06:42,769
(Chirping)
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00:06:42,769 --> 00:06:45,238
(Chirping)
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00:06:45,238 --> 00:06:49,709
Grazers move in large, mixed
herds - feasting on the bounty.
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00:07:15,702 --> 00:07:18,905
After months of drought,
the grass is the quickest
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00:07:18,905 --> 00:07:21,808
to take advantage of the
landscape's renewed moisture.
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00:07:25,812 --> 00:07:29,616
More than 200 different species
grow in the Waterberg,
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00:07:29,616 --> 00:07:32,686
offering a banquet
to all manner of herbivores.
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00:07:41,061 --> 00:07:43,763
And the elephants are amongst
those cashing in.
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00:07:50,704 --> 00:07:54,841
They have one of the most varied
diets of all herbivores,
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00:07:54,841 --> 00:07:57,977
eating everything
from leaves to roots and bark.
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00:08:18,698 --> 00:08:22,068
But with the coming of the rainy
season they shift their focus
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00:08:22,068 --> 00:08:24,771
to the sweet new growth
of tender grass.
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00:08:53,967 --> 00:08:56,970
It is also the perfect
time of year to raise young.
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00:08:59,939 --> 00:09:02,175
With the abundance
of food on offer,
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mothers are full of milk
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00:09:04,043 --> 00:09:09,749
and in prime condition to
support the next generation.
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00:09:09,749 --> 00:09:12,952
For many antelope,
the first few days of life
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00:09:12,952 --> 00:09:16,623
are spent hidden away
among the long grass.
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00:09:16,623 --> 00:09:20,126
Safe from unwanted attention.
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00:09:20,126 --> 00:09:23,029
But as soon as they are fit
enough to follow their mothers,
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00:09:23,029 --> 00:09:25,632
they rejoin the herd.
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00:09:27,267 --> 00:09:29,402
And within
four and a half months
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00:09:29,402 --> 00:09:34,307
they'll be fully
independent.
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00:09:34,307 --> 00:09:36,209
For others in the grasslands
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00:09:36,209 --> 00:09:41,181
the introduction to herd life
is much swifter.
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00:09:41,181 --> 00:09:44,150
Blesbok mothers give birth
surrounded by others.
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00:09:50,190 --> 00:09:53,426
The lambs will stand
within 5-10 minutes
90
00:09:53,426 --> 00:09:57,931
and walk within 20.
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00:09:57,931 --> 00:10:00,233
This ensures the young
are ready to flee
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00:10:00,233 --> 00:10:03,069
as soon as possible
making them less vulnerable.
93
00:10:08,374 --> 00:10:10,210
It is a technique
that has been adopted
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00:10:10,210 --> 00:10:13,279
by a number of the grazers.
95
00:10:13,279 --> 00:10:18,051
Wildebeest and zebra
newborns are quick learners.
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00:10:18,051 --> 00:10:20,920
They too are up and running
in a matter of minutes.
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00:10:24,757 --> 00:10:27,093
But for the wildebeest,
there's more to things
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00:10:27,093 --> 00:10:29,996
than just being able to run.
99
00:10:29,996 --> 00:10:32,398
Timing is everything.
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00:10:34,701 --> 00:10:39,472
Up to 90% of calves will drop in
the space of a three-week period
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00:10:39,472 --> 00:10:41,708
coinciding with
the coming of the rains.
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00:10:44,777 --> 00:10:47,814
And if you want to survive,
you better arrive on time.
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00:10:55,822 --> 00:10:59,192
When pursued by predators,
a wildebeest's best hope
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00:10:59,192 --> 00:11:01,794
is to mix in
with the fleeing herd.
105
00:11:06,766 --> 00:11:09,235
But youngsters have tan coats,
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00:11:09,235 --> 00:11:11,838
making them easy for predators
to single out.
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00:11:17,343 --> 00:11:20,747
In the two months it takes
for a darker coat to grow,
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00:11:20,747 --> 00:11:23,783
some calves will be lucky,
some will not.
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00:11:33,526 --> 00:11:37,997
While escaping danger
is the primary concern for many,
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00:11:37,997 --> 00:11:40,166
there are those
who have little to fear
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from the local predators.
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00:11:48,374 --> 00:11:51,377
White rhino calves have
formidably armed parents
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00:11:51,377 --> 00:11:53,980
to look after them.
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00:11:58,217 --> 00:12:00,887
The youngsters will spend
the first two to three years
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00:12:00,887 --> 00:12:03,289
of their lives
with their mothers.
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00:12:07,260 --> 00:12:10,229
Staying side by side
under her protection
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until she calves again.
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00:12:25,378 --> 00:12:28,581
But for the grazers timing
the birth of their offspring
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00:12:28,581 --> 00:12:30,350
with the arrival of the rains
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00:12:30,350 --> 00:12:34,354
gives them the best chance
of survival
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00:12:34,354 --> 00:12:37,523
and results in a sudden increase
in herd members.
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00:12:39,292 --> 00:12:41,394
But despite all
their best efforts,
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00:12:41,394 --> 00:12:46,532
it doesn't go unnoticed.
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00:12:46,532 --> 00:12:49,936
Lions patrol the grasslands
and savannahs,
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00:12:49,936 --> 00:12:53,439
on the look out for
an easy meal.
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00:12:53,439 --> 00:12:56,442
The herds many pairs of eyes
watch back
127
00:12:56,442 --> 00:13:00,179
and the age-old battle of
predator versus prey continues.
128
00:13:03,483 --> 00:13:06,285
But sometimes the danger
lies closer to home....
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00:13:19,132 --> 00:13:22,568
A male zebra must fight off
the challenge of a rival...
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00:13:27,407 --> 00:13:31,811
in order to secure sole breeding
access to his harem of females.
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00:13:40,486 --> 00:13:43,089
Fights can be fierce.
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00:13:53,032 --> 00:13:56,135
A combination of biting
and high-powered kicks
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00:13:56,135 --> 00:13:58,538
is used to secure victory.
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00:13:58,538 --> 00:14:04,944
(♪♪♪)
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00:14:04,944 --> 00:14:09,949
(♪♪♪)
136
00:14:20,093 --> 00:14:24,430
The Waterberg provides a home
for huge numbers of creatures...
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00:14:24,430 --> 00:14:26,466
(Hooting)
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00:14:26,466 --> 00:14:28,935
And it is not only
out on the grasslands
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00:14:28,935 --> 00:14:31,337
where this can witnessed.
140
00:14:46,486 --> 00:14:48,054
The mountain range is home
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00:14:48,054 --> 00:14:50,490
to one of the rarest animals
on the planet.
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00:14:54,293 --> 00:14:56,896
The Waterberg Copper.
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00:15:01,968 --> 00:15:04,604
Thought to have gone extinct
in the 1980s
144
00:15:04,604 --> 00:15:07,974
it was recently rediscovered
living on a small plateau.
145
00:15:14,981 --> 00:15:18,050
A microhabitat no larger
than 7-1/2 acres
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00:15:18,050 --> 00:15:20,353
has harbored the
species and sheltered it
147
00:15:20,353 --> 00:15:22,522
from the encroachment
of the modern world.
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00:15:29,462 --> 00:15:32,965
It is an amazing story of
survival against the odds.
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00:15:35,268 --> 00:15:38,571
The Waterberg Copper requires
a unique set of conditions
150
00:15:38,571 --> 00:15:41,607
to reproduce and has
a fascinating life cycle.
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00:15:44,343 --> 00:15:50,149
It will only lay eggs
near one of two host plants
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00:15:50,149 --> 00:15:52,552
and a particular species
of sugar ant
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00:15:52,552 --> 00:15:55,154
must have a nest within
the vicinity.
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00:15:56,522 --> 00:16:02,028
The ants build their homes in
sandy soil, close to wetlands,
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00:16:02,028 --> 00:16:07,300
making the Waterberg the ideal
environment for them.
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00:16:07,300 --> 00:16:09,302
This is the only place
in the world
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00:16:09,302 --> 00:16:11,671
where these butterflies
are known to exist.
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00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:17,610
Females lay their eggs
in the sand.
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00:16:21,447 --> 00:16:25,084
Once hatched, the caterpillars
live within the ant nest.
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00:16:26,719 --> 00:16:29,655
But by night, the ants
escort the caterpillar
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00:16:29,655 --> 00:16:32,124
to the host plant,
where it feeds.
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00:16:36,062 --> 00:16:39,165
There is a reason the ants go to
so much trouble to accommodate
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00:16:39,165 --> 00:16:41,567
and protect the caterpillars.
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00:16:44,670 --> 00:16:48,341
As they feed they produce
a sweet honeydew secretion
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00:16:48,341 --> 00:16:50,676
from glands on their abdomen.
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00:16:50,676 --> 00:16:53,279
Which the ants
find irresistible.
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00:16:55,648 --> 00:16:58,651
Ants are one of the few
creatures in the world
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00:16:58,651 --> 00:17:01,254
that farm other animals.
169
00:17:02,788 --> 00:17:05,825
In this incredible symbiotic
relationship,
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00:17:05,825 --> 00:17:09,028
both the ant and the butterfly
are rewarded.
171
00:17:11,230 --> 00:17:13,799
For the security of their nest
the ants receive
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00:17:13,799 --> 00:17:16,135
an invaluable food source
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00:17:16,135 --> 00:17:18,638
and the caterpillars are
provided with a safe place
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00:17:18,638 --> 00:17:22,842
to grow and develop.
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00:17:22,842 --> 00:17:26,145
During its next stage of life
the Waterberg Copper
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00:17:26,145 --> 00:17:28,514
transforms into
a stunning butterfly.
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00:17:32,485 --> 00:17:35,888
The bright colors are
a warning to predators.
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00:17:35,888 --> 00:17:40,559
It's poisonous.
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00:17:40,559 --> 00:17:43,596
While feeding on
the toxic host plants,
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00:17:43,596 --> 00:17:46,365
the caterpillars absorb
the poisons,
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00:17:46,365 --> 00:17:49,769
retaining them through their
metamorphosis into adulthood.
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00:18:01,647 --> 00:18:03,616
Not all of
the Waterberg's residents
183
00:18:03,616 --> 00:18:06,452
have such an
intricate life cycle
184
00:18:06,452 --> 00:18:09,488
but there are some who face the
same pressures of extinction.
185
00:18:12,758 --> 00:18:16,562
White rhino populations are
being decimated throughout
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00:18:16,562 --> 00:18:21,133
Southern Africa by an insatiable
demand for their horn from Asia.
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00:18:23,336 --> 00:18:25,338
In traditional Asian medicine,
188
00:18:25,338 --> 00:18:27,740
rhino horn is thought
to cure illness
189
00:18:27,740 --> 00:18:30,343
and guarantee good health.
190
00:18:34,647 --> 00:18:36,749
It is a problem
that is affecting parks
191
00:18:36,749 --> 00:18:40,619
and reserves across the region,
including the Waterberg.
192
00:18:42,922 --> 00:18:47,193
Drastic measures are being taken
and armed guards are posted
193
00:18:47,193 --> 00:18:50,796
throughout the area.
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00:18:50,796 --> 00:18:54,734
It is a battle that must be won
if the rhino is to have chance
195
00:18:54,734 --> 00:18:57,336
of survival in the wild.
196
00:19:02,808 --> 00:19:06,278
But for now, life is good
for the Waterberg's rhino...
197
00:19:09,782 --> 00:19:11,417
There is plenty of grass,
198
00:19:11,417 --> 00:19:13,619
which makes up
their entire diet.
199
00:19:17,690 --> 00:19:20,960
An inability to lift their heads
above shoulder height
200
00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:22,895
combined with poor eyesight
201
00:19:22,895 --> 00:19:26,832
means they must rely mainly on
their sense of smell and hearing
202
00:19:26,832 --> 00:19:32,471
to detect threats.
203
00:19:32,471 --> 00:19:34,940
Big ears move independently,
204
00:19:34,940 --> 00:19:37,343
focusing in on the direction
of sounds
205
00:19:37,343 --> 00:19:39,745
like huge satellite dishes.
206
00:19:53,826 --> 00:19:56,829
Their inability to lift their
heads above shoulder height
207
00:19:56,829 --> 00:19:59,465
means that they are
unable to swim
208
00:19:59,465 --> 00:20:01,867
and can't submerge
themselves completely.
209
00:20:09,008 --> 00:20:14,780
Rhinos are dependent
on the presence of water,
210
00:20:14,780 --> 00:20:17,783
often drinking twice a day
to quench their thirst.
211
00:20:19,552 --> 00:20:21,787
The waterholes are
a common meeting place
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00:20:21,787 --> 00:20:23,556
for the large mammals
213
00:20:23,556 --> 00:20:25,658
and they offer more
than just drinking water.
214
00:20:30,563 --> 00:20:34,700
Wallowing serves many purposes;
215
00:20:34,700 --> 00:20:38,471
it discourages and removes
irritating insects like ticks.
216
00:20:43,843 --> 00:20:46,445
But it is also a bit of fun.
217
00:20:51,550 --> 00:20:53,319
Elsewhere in the country,
218
00:20:53,319 --> 00:20:57,323
elephant herds can walk for many
days in their search for food,
219
00:20:57,323 --> 00:20:59,391
often going without water
220
00:20:59,391 --> 00:21:04,430
but here in the Waterberg
they never go thirsty.
221
00:21:04,430 --> 00:21:08,100
Once refreshed, the muddy
elephants find a scratching post
222
00:21:08,100 --> 00:21:09,668
and rub up against it,
223
00:21:09,668 --> 00:21:12,605
dislodging any unwanted
passengers in the process.
224
00:21:23,482 --> 00:21:28,621
Returning to the same waterholes
and rivers year after year,
225
00:21:28,621 --> 00:21:31,557
their favorite trees become
smoothed over time.
226
00:21:38,430 --> 00:21:41,500
But some itches require
a little extra soothing.
227
00:21:58,817 --> 00:22:02,021
The hot, wet months
of the rainy season see a boom
228
00:22:02,021 --> 00:22:06,692
in insect numbers.
229
00:22:06,692 --> 00:22:09,094
Swarms of flies
follow the herds.
230
00:22:17,870 --> 00:22:20,506
For the buffalo it seems
there is a price to pay
231
00:22:20,506 --> 00:22:22,508
for the abundance
of food and water.
232
00:22:30,149 --> 00:22:33,786
The grasslands largest animal
has developed another technique
233
00:22:33,786 --> 00:22:37,890
for keeping the invaders at bay.
234
00:22:37,890 --> 00:22:40,859
Elephants don't only bathe
in the water.
235
00:22:40,859 --> 00:22:43,462
They also cake their skin
with soil
236
00:22:43,462 --> 00:22:45,564
to avoid biting and sucking
insects.
237
00:23:00,646 --> 00:23:03,716
While the insects
are a nuisance for most...
238
00:23:03,716 --> 00:23:05,751
they are an opportunity
for others.
239
00:23:10,756 --> 00:23:14,560
Golden orb spiders are prepared
for the infestation.
240
00:23:16,462 --> 00:23:19,531
One of the oldest types
of spider in existence,
241
00:23:19,531 --> 00:23:22,935
they hold the crown for the
world's strongest spiders web.
242
00:23:25,537 --> 00:23:29,441
Spun from yellow silk, it is
maintained on a daily basis.
243
00:23:33,579 --> 00:23:35,981
Ensuring it is as sticky
as possible.
244
00:23:39,852 --> 00:23:43,155
It's done the job.
245
00:23:43,155 --> 00:23:46,992
Neurotoxic venom is injected,
immobilizing the victim.
246
00:23:51,263 --> 00:23:53,565
Before it is wrapped in silk.
247
00:23:53,565 --> 00:23:56,702
Taken deeper into the nest
and stashed.
248
00:24:13,752 --> 00:24:15,988
With so much food available in
the Waterberg
249
00:24:15,988 --> 00:24:18,891
at this time of year, the
spiders store some
250
00:24:18,891 --> 00:24:20,893
for a later date.
251
00:24:30,536 --> 00:24:33,205
Throughout the Waterberg
predators are taking advantage
252
00:24:33,205 --> 00:24:38,143
of the new food on offer.
253
00:24:38,143 --> 00:24:42,047
Whirligig beetles feed
on other aquatic insects.
254
00:24:42,047 --> 00:24:46,151
(♪♪♪)
255
00:24:46,151 --> 00:24:50,122
Compound eyes, allow them to see
both above and below the water.
256
00:24:53,225 --> 00:24:56,061
And their ability to turn
sharply helps them
257
00:24:56,061 --> 00:24:58,831
evade larger predators,
258
00:24:58,831 --> 00:25:02,701
while casting neat circular
shadows on the streambed.
259
00:25:14,747 --> 00:25:17,950
Of all the animals benefiting
from the glut of food,
260
00:25:17,950 --> 00:25:23,756
the Ox-pecker is one of
the most successful.
261
00:25:23,756 --> 00:25:25,758
Attaching themselves to a host,
262
00:25:25,758 --> 00:25:28,160
they rid the animals
of their parasites.
263
00:25:31,330 --> 00:25:34,366
Ticks, fleas and almost
anything that moves
264
00:25:34,366 --> 00:25:37,002
stand no chance
against their nimble beaks.
265
00:25:41,173 --> 00:25:43,175
Perfectly equipped
for this life;
266
00:25:43,175 --> 00:25:45,778
they have evolved
a number of adaptations.
267
00:25:50,182 --> 00:25:54,887
Short legs and sharp claws
help them grip their host.
268
00:25:54,887 --> 00:25:58,190
And an incredible feeding
technique of combing hair
269
00:25:58,190 --> 00:26:00,993
with their beaks
has allowed them to thrive.
270
00:26:07,065 --> 00:26:10,102
Known as scissoring,
it is a very effective method
271
00:26:10,102 --> 00:26:12,704
for them to find food.
272
00:26:14,840 --> 00:26:16,975
But despite their reputation,
273
00:26:16,975 --> 00:26:20,245
some Ox-peckers
seem to have a darker side.
274
00:26:25,684 --> 00:26:29,188
Individuals have been witnessed
feeding from wounds.
275
00:26:33,025 --> 00:26:35,260
It is believed
that some Ox-peckers
276
00:26:35,260 --> 00:26:37,062
have developed a
taste for the blood
277
00:26:37,062 --> 00:26:39,264
they find within
the ticks they feed on.
278
00:26:43,702 --> 00:26:46,805
And they have been observed
opening up existing wounds
279
00:26:46,805 --> 00:26:50,676
on their host animal's hide
in order to drink their blood.
280
00:26:58,851 --> 00:27:01,186
By keeping the wound open
in this way,
281
00:27:01,186 --> 00:27:04,756
the bird gets a
constant supply of blood
282
00:27:04,756 --> 00:27:08,760
but it also exposes the host to
an increased risk of infection.
283
00:27:10,929 --> 00:27:15,267
It seems not all Ox-peckers are
as helpful as we once thought.
284
00:27:27,813 --> 00:27:30,716
Throughout the Waterberg
the daily search for food
285
00:27:30,716 --> 00:27:32,351
has driven
creatures to adapt.
286
00:27:34,419 --> 00:27:39,157
While many utilize the daylight
hours, others emerge after dark.
287
00:27:42,094 --> 00:27:44,696
The Lesser Bush Baby.
288
00:27:53,071 --> 00:27:56,174
Sleeping in groups
of up to 7 during the day,
289
00:27:56,174 --> 00:27:59,912
they spend the
night foraging alone.
290
00:27:59,912 --> 00:28:04,349
Tree sap makes up a large part
of their diet
291
00:28:04,349 --> 00:28:07,085
and is vital to their survival
during the winter months.
292
00:28:10,055 --> 00:28:14,393
But tonight, there is more than
just sap on the menu.
293
00:28:14,393 --> 00:28:16,762
The abundance of insect life
294
00:28:16,762 --> 00:28:21,199
has caught the Bush Babies
attention.
295
00:28:21,199 --> 00:28:25,470
Long hind limbs and short
forelimbs make them well adapted
296
00:28:25,470 --> 00:28:28,240
to launching attacks
from vertical branches.
297
00:28:32,477 --> 00:28:34,980
Feeding on a range
of arthropods,
298
00:28:34,980 --> 00:28:38,050
they are one of the night's
most accomplished predators.
299
00:28:47,826 --> 00:28:50,195
For another mammal,
the search for insects
300
00:28:50,195 --> 00:28:53,966
is not all about food.
301
00:28:53,966 --> 00:28:56,935
A troop of Vervet monkeys
basks in the morning sun.
302
00:29:02,274 --> 00:29:05,978
Ranging all the way
from South African to Ethiopia,
303
00:29:05,978 --> 00:29:08,380
they are found in healthy
numbers in the Waterberg.
304
00:29:17,522 --> 00:29:23,161
Living in large groups
they are highly social
305
00:29:23,161 --> 00:29:24,396
and one of the best ways
306
00:29:24,396 --> 00:29:26,965
of reinforcing bonds
is by grooming.
307
00:29:29,835 --> 00:29:32,571
Relatives sift through
one another's fur,
308
00:29:32,571 --> 00:29:35,173
removing any parasites.
309
00:29:41,013 --> 00:29:45,117
Grooming is commonly used
as a courtship strategy
310
00:29:45,117 --> 00:29:47,019
as it brings males and females
311
00:29:47,019 --> 00:29:49,421
into close proximity
to one another.
312
00:29:52,190 --> 00:29:54,092
It is vital
to the troop's success.
313
00:30:01,366 --> 00:30:04,403
For the Vervets the Waterberg's
rains will provide
314
00:30:04,403 --> 00:30:07,472
a glut of fruits to see them
through the dry months.
315
00:30:21,019 --> 00:30:24,156
Despite the abundance
the waters bring,
316
00:30:24,156 --> 00:30:27,559
some creatures still rely
on the dry and dead
317
00:30:27,559 --> 00:30:30,462
in order to find what they need.
318
00:30:30,462 --> 00:30:35,300
(Knocking)
319
00:30:35,300 --> 00:30:38,170
(Knocking)
320
00:30:38,170 --> 00:30:41,306
A bearded woodpecker
is on the hunt for a meal.
321
00:30:43,508 --> 00:30:47,846
He uses a sharp, barbed tongue
to remove anything he uncovers.
322
00:30:52,250 --> 00:30:54,686
(Knocking)
323
00:30:54,686 --> 00:30:57,456
Unlike the Waterberg's
other insectivores,
324
00:30:57,456 --> 00:31:01,093
bearded woodpeckers feed mainly
on wood-boring beetles
325
00:31:01,093 --> 00:31:02,260
and their larvae.
326
00:31:02,260 --> 00:31:05,130
Which can be found
all year round.
327
00:31:05,130 --> 00:31:07,566
(Knocking)
328
00:31:07,566 --> 00:31:10,368
As well as helping locate
a tasty meal,
329
00:31:10,368 --> 00:31:13,038
drumming on trees
also helps him establish
330
00:31:13,038 --> 00:31:15,440
a territory and attract a mate.
331
00:31:18,143 --> 00:31:22,047
The hollow tree acts as
the perfect megaphone.
332
00:31:22,047 --> 00:31:28,253
(Knocking)
333
00:31:28,253 --> 00:31:33,725
(Knocking)
334
00:31:33,725 --> 00:31:36,661
Another of the Waterberg's
feathered inhabitants
335
00:31:36,661 --> 00:31:38,997
doesn't need to drink.
336
00:31:38,997 --> 00:31:42,934
In fact, ground hornbills
don't need to drink at all.
337
00:31:45,470 --> 00:31:48,673
They can survive entirely
on the moisture in their food.
338
00:31:52,144 --> 00:31:56,548
These unusual creatures are the
largest hornbills in the world
339
00:31:56,548 --> 00:31:59,151
and can live
for over sixty years.
340
00:32:04,422 --> 00:32:06,158
Spending most of their day
341
00:32:06,158 --> 00:32:10,228
searching the savannahs
for food.
342
00:32:10,228 --> 00:32:13,465
Ground Hornbills are
predominantly carnivorous,
343
00:32:13,465 --> 00:32:17,769
feeding on a large range of
insects, reptiles, amphibians
344
00:32:17,769 --> 00:32:20,105
and even small mammals
and birds.
345
00:32:32,083 --> 00:32:35,020
Living in groups of up to
12 individuals,
346
00:32:35,020 --> 00:32:40,058
they occupy and vigorously
defend large territories
347
00:32:40,058 --> 00:32:42,460
reaching 38 square miles.
348
00:32:53,405 --> 00:32:56,641
These groups normally
have one breeding pair
349
00:32:56,641 --> 00:32:59,444
and as a species they have
one of the slowest
350
00:32:59,444 --> 00:33:02,681
reproductive rates
in the bird world.
351
00:33:02,681 --> 00:33:06,284
On average they breed
successfully every 9 years.
352
00:33:11,723 --> 00:33:15,760
Females always lay two eggs,
three to five days apart.
353
00:33:18,563 --> 00:33:20,165
The first chick to hatch
354
00:33:20,165 --> 00:33:24,069
invariably out-competes
the second,
355
00:33:24,069 --> 00:33:26,404
which will be killed
by its elder sibling
356
00:33:26,404 --> 00:33:31,109
or starve to death.
357
00:33:31,109 --> 00:33:34,212
The surviving chick
then takes another six years
358
00:33:34,212 --> 00:33:38,183
to reach adulthood.
359
00:33:38,183 --> 00:33:40,118
These birds have evolved
to survive
360
00:33:40,118 --> 00:33:43,388
in the harshest
of environments,
361
00:33:43,388 --> 00:33:45,790
but in the Waterberg
they are provided with
362
00:33:45,790 --> 00:33:50,462
more than they need.
363
00:33:50,462 --> 00:33:55,467
(♪♪♪)
364
00:33:55,467 --> 00:34:00,472
(♪♪♪)
365
00:34:00,472 --> 00:34:04,276
(♪♪♪)
366
00:34:04,276 --> 00:34:08,446
(♪♪♪)
367
00:34:08,446 --> 00:34:12,384
Although water doesn't play
a key role in all life cycles,
368
00:34:12,384 --> 00:34:14,786
it impacts most.
369
00:34:17,856 --> 00:34:20,558
And most animals
couldn't exist without it.
370
00:34:23,628 --> 00:34:28,700
The Waterberg's water levels
are dictated by the rains,
371
00:34:28,700 --> 00:34:32,604
but there are areas
of permanent water.
372
00:34:32,604 --> 00:34:36,441
Rivers and waterholes
remain full year round.
373
00:34:42,714 --> 00:34:46,518
These wetlands provide a
residence for a host of animals.
374
00:34:51,856 --> 00:34:55,093
But one group appears
in more variety than most.
375
00:34:58,797 --> 00:35:02,200
The Waterberg's rivers,
streams and waterholes
376
00:35:02,200 --> 00:35:04,669
teem with birds
of many shapes and sizes.
377
00:35:09,507 --> 00:35:12,510
Wattled Lapwings patrol
the wetland fringes.
378
00:35:17,282 --> 00:35:21,152
Terrestrial birds, they never
venture into deeper water.
379
00:35:32,630 --> 00:35:35,633
This domain is reserved
for true waterfowl.
380
00:35:42,374 --> 00:35:45,977
Unlike the lapwing, Knob-billed
ducks are buoyant,
381
00:35:45,977 --> 00:35:48,580
allowing them to float
on the waters surface.
382
00:35:52,484 --> 00:35:56,221
This ability allows them to
reach the rich aquatic grasses
383
00:35:56,221 --> 00:35:58,223
and water lilies
other birds can't.
384
00:36:03,561 --> 00:36:08,433
Some have taken life
on the water a stage further.
385
00:36:08,433 --> 00:36:11,302
Cormorants feed
exclusively on fish.
386
00:36:13,405 --> 00:36:16,408
Special feathers
allow water to penetrate;
387
00:36:16,408 --> 00:36:19,577
enabling the birds to
swim well under water
388
00:36:19,577 --> 00:36:22,180
as they chase their prey.
389
00:36:30,488 --> 00:36:34,592
After fishing, cormorants stand
in a characteristic pose,
390
00:36:34,592 --> 00:36:39,297
with wings out
and neck extended.
391
00:36:39,297 --> 00:36:41,766
Originally thought
to dry their wings,
392
00:36:41,766 --> 00:36:44,803
it is now also considered
to aid digestion
393
00:36:44,803 --> 00:36:47,405
by helping the birds
swallow fish.
394
00:36:52,911 --> 00:36:56,514
Darters and Grebes have evolved
the same technique for fishing.
395
00:37:00,718 --> 00:37:03,721
And all can be found along
the permanent water sources
396
00:37:03,721 --> 00:37:09,894
of the Waterberg.
397
00:37:09,894 --> 00:37:13,064
While many have mastered
life under the water,
398
00:37:13,064 --> 00:37:15,667
one has adapted
to a life on top of it.
399
00:37:21,639 --> 00:37:24,876
African Jacanas
spend their lives foraging
400
00:37:24,876 --> 00:37:27,479
on floating lily pads.
401
00:37:28,413 --> 00:37:30,348
They even build
their nests here.
402
00:37:32,550 --> 00:37:35,320
In what is known as
'lily-trotting',
403
00:37:35,320 --> 00:37:38,690
elongated toes enable them
to spread their weight enough
404
00:37:38,690 --> 00:37:41,292
to stop them sinking.
405
00:37:49,367 --> 00:37:51,769
It is an adaption
that has allowed them
406
00:37:51,769 --> 00:37:54,706
to conquer a habitat
few other birds can.
407
00:37:56,541 --> 00:37:58,943
Meaning all the more insects
for them to feed on.
408
00:38:08,720 --> 00:38:11,556
The birds are not
the only ones feeding here.
409
00:38:25,537 --> 00:38:30,708
Hippos spend the majority
of their day in the water
410
00:38:30,708 --> 00:38:33,845
and have evolved a number
of adaptations as a result.
411
00:38:35,914 --> 00:38:38,850
Their ears fold closed
when submerged.
412
00:38:43,821 --> 00:38:46,824
And flick open
in a flurry when surfacing.
413
00:38:49,694 --> 00:38:54,899
High, ridged eyes protrude
above the water.
414
00:38:54,899 --> 00:38:58,369
And nostrils have evolved
to seal shut while swimming.
415
00:39:00,104 --> 00:39:03,441
Adults can spend up to five
minutes below the surface.
416
00:39:15,186 --> 00:39:19,123
And surfacing is as instinctive
as breathing itself,
417
00:39:19,123 --> 00:39:21,726
even in their sleep.
418
00:39:29,167 --> 00:39:32,136
Feeding out of the water,
mainly at night,
419
00:39:32,136 --> 00:39:35,807
days are spent digesting,
sleeping and socializing.
420
00:39:46,718 --> 00:39:49,887
Hippos are so at home
in their aquatic habitat,
421
00:39:49,887 --> 00:39:52,590
calves are able
to suckle underwater.
422
00:39:58,663 --> 00:40:02,133
There are others who depend
on Waterberg's permanent oases.
423
00:40:05,770 --> 00:40:09,073
Modern day dinosaurs,
their adaptations have evolved
424
00:40:09,073 --> 00:40:13,645
over millions of years.
425
00:40:13,645 --> 00:40:16,748
Crocodiles' ears
are now just slits
426
00:40:16,748 --> 00:40:19,584
and their eyes are coated
in a protective membrane.
427
00:40:23,054 --> 00:40:26,457
They are the ultimate
freshwater predator.
428
00:40:38,636 --> 00:40:40,938
Lying undetected in the water,
429
00:40:40,938 --> 00:40:43,941
they ambush animals
as they come down to drink.
430
00:41:08,199 --> 00:41:12,637
Rows of deadly teeth
drag prey into the depths,
431
00:41:12,637 --> 00:41:14,939
holding them
there until they drown.
432
00:41:41,833 --> 00:41:45,903
For many the dependence on water
is because it provides food.
433
00:41:50,641 --> 00:41:53,010
And crocodiles
are not the only reptiles
434
00:41:53,010 --> 00:41:55,713
patrolling the Waterberg.
435
00:41:55,713 --> 00:41:58,116
Water monitor lizards
bask in the sun.
436
00:42:03,621 --> 00:42:05,957
Like crocodiles,
they need to warm up
437
00:42:05,957 --> 00:42:08,559
before heading off to hunt.
438
00:42:20,238 --> 00:42:23,040
They are also perfectly adapted
to their habitat.
439
00:42:33,985 --> 00:42:37,021
Once warm, they head
to waters edge to fish.
440
00:42:43,694 --> 00:42:46,063
At home in or out of the water,
441
00:42:46,063 --> 00:42:48,833
a long, powerful tail
powers them along.
442
00:42:51,736 --> 00:42:56,274
While long nails and sharp claws
are perfect for catching prey.
443
00:43:05,750 --> 00:43:08,319
They are not the only ones
relying on the waters
444
00:43:08,319 --> 00:43:10,922
to provide a meal.
445
00:43:32,109 --> 00:43:35,079
It's not long before their
patience is rewarded.
446
00:43:50,127 --> 00:43:53,764
The monitor lizards,
Hamerkops and herons
447
00:43:53,764 --> 00:43:58,302
all have different
techniques.
448
00:43:58,302 --> 00:44:00,771
But the result
is always the same.
449
00:44:35,907 --> 00:44:39,844
The Waterberg supports
a diverse mix of habitats
450
00:44:39,844 --> 00:44:42,480
and a host of creatures.
451
00:44:42,480 --> 00:44:48,886
(♪♪♪)
452
00:44:48,886 --> 00:44:55,092
(♪♪♪)
453
00:44:55,092 --> 00:45:01,299
(♪♪♪)
454
00:45:01,299 --> 00:45:07,505
(♪♪♪)
455
00:45:07,505 --> 00:45:13,911
(♪♪♪)
456
00:45:13,911 --> 00:45:18,916
(♪♪♪)
457
00:45:18,916 --> 00:45:23,821
(♪♪♪)
458
00:45:23,821 --> 00:45:26,223
From the ancient and deadly...
459
00:45:29,026 --> 00:45:31,429
To the weird
and wonderful.
460
00:45:34,265 --> 00:45:39,403
Almost all have come to depend
on the land's waters for food
461
00:45:39,403 --> 00:45:44,108
and shelter.
462
00:45:44,108 --> 00:45:49,313
It is an ever-present life
source in the Mountain of Life.
463
00:45:53,017 --> 00:46:03,060
(♪♪♪)
464
00:46:03,060 --> 00:46:16,040
(♪♪♪)
36834
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