All language subtitles for Wild Assassins 04

From the North American grasslands,

across sea ice and forest floor,

to Africa's vast plains,

nature's deadliest assassins roam.

Armed with lethal weapons

carved from bone and ivory.

Capable of taking down predators,

defending their young,

and foraging for food.

They are the finest defence
mechanisms on the planet.

One of nature's oldest,

most efficient
and deadliest weapon...

tusks and horns.

Welcome to the world
of wild assassins.

Over 10,000 years ago,

during the last ice age...

stalked a mammal with tusks that
could grow over 5 metres in length.

The mammoth.

One of the countless megafauna armed
with tusks and horns.

Lost to history, but not forgotten.

Closely related to many
living species today.

With tusks and horns that pack
just as terrifying a punch.

Capable of impaling any adversary.

And taking down any foe.

With horns spanning
over three metres

and tusks that can weigh
100 kilogrammes,

their pure power
and size is a deterrent.

These imposing tusks
and horns striking fear

into the hearts of any foe.

Weapons of defence and destruction.

Horns grow directly
from the bony skull

and are made from keratin
like our nails.

Tusks are carved from dentine
and are coated in hard enamel.

From elephants and rhinos,

to wildebeest and Cape buffalo.

Bison.

Warthogs, walruses,

and bighorn sheep.

All across the globe,

these kings and queens
of ivory and bone roam,

equipped with the perfect armour
to defend their territory.

These are the favoured weapons

of nature's deadliest
wild assassins.

Native to the North American plains,

these bovine marvels range
from the peaks of Southern Canada

to the foothills of Mexico.

Named after their impressively
large horns,

they are legendary for their ability
to thrive in rocky terrain.

They are feared for their
brute force and striking horns.

The bighorn sheep.

Bighorn sheep have been on
the Earth for nearly 100,000 years,

evolving long, heavy,
and very strong horns.

While both ewes and rams
are equipped with horns,

the males are significantly larger.

Male horns weigh
as much as 14 kilogrammes.

And amongst bighorn sheep,
horn size is a symbol of rank.

Bighorn sheep
are most commonly found

in the mountainous
of the contiguous US.

They are well adapted to this rocky
and challenging environment.

Bighorn sheep are social creatures

who travel in bachelor groups
or herds of ewes.

Ewes and rams
usually only meet to mate.

But it is during this mating season
that tensions run high.

From July to December,
males compete to mate with females.

Their large horns are
the perfect weapons.

Rearing up on their hind legs,
they hurl themselves at one another.

In displays of dominance,
males ram their heads together.

These headbutting competitions
are epic displays

of brute force and strength.

Their horns are one of nature's most
effective defences.

These majestic creatures
live life on the edge.

Habitat fragmentation, disease,
and climate change

are threatening this species.

Rising temperatures have led
to water sources drying up,

affecting the vegetation
in their habitats.

Having evolved over the centuries
to survive in extreme environments,

even the bighorn sheep
is struggling

to adapt to these perilous threats.

Conservationists across
the United States

are battling to help
these iconic creatures,

creating wildlife corridors to help
keep this species connected

to ensure the magnificent
bighorn sheep,

owners of the strongest
armour in the wild,

continue to thrive and flourish
in the environments they call home.

(SHEEP BLEATS)

An enduring American symbol,

the largest mammal on the continent.

Weighing up to 900 kilogrammes,

and standing at six feet tall,

they are armed with horns
that can grow to two feet long.

The American bison!

Curious,

aggressive,

bulking beasts.

They are feared across
the once boundless prairies,

yet bison calves
are not born with horns

and look distinctively different
from their parents.

Their striking coat has earned bison
calves the nickname of red dogs.

And they only weigh a mere
30 kilogrammes

in comparison to their parent's
immense size.

After a few months, their hair
starts to change to dark brown,

and their characteristic shoulder
humps and horns start to grow,

eventually matching their parents
in brute size, force, and strength.

Calves are the pride and joy
of any bison herd,

but they don't stay small
and cute for long.

Grown from bone
and carved by keratin,

both cows and bulls
are armed with horns.

Able to reach speeds
of up to 30 kph.

They are at home
on the open plains.

Thundering through the prairies
in herds of over 2000,

their endurance and stamina
is unparalleled.

Bisons are the strongest animals
on the prairies.

Perfectly adapted
to their environment

with their thick, furry coats.

Bisons are expert fighters,

using their large horns to crash
against their foes in battle.

A keystone species,

they have been on Earth
for over 400,000 years,

and have evolved a particularly
powerful weapon.

In displays of brute force
and strength,

bison are not afraid
to challenge other males.

Mercilessly hunted by new settlers,

in 1800, there were an estimated
60 million bison roaming

the North American plains.

By 1889, there were only 541 left.

Since then, through conservation
and protection,

the bison population
has reached 500,000!

They are the creators and sustainers
of the Great Plains.

From the ice-covered northern waters
of Canada to the Bering Seas,

over 225,000 worldwide,

weighing over a ton,

these bulking beasts
are armed with ivory tusks,

growing over 70 centimetres
and weighing up to 5 kilogrammes,

the walrus!

Found in groupings called, haulouts,
of over 35,000,

sunbathing on the ice,
they group together to keep warm.

On Earth for 50 million years.

Perfectly adapted
to these frigid conditions

with a layer of fat called blubber.

They feast on molluscs resting
in shallow waters and coastlines.

A highly skilled marine forager
in this barren landscape.

Walruses use their tusks
to fend off predators.

When a polar bear approaches,
walruses must be wary.

They find safety in numbers.

Alternatively,
they flee into the ocean,

but they will defend themselves.

Polar bears may be
the Earth's largest land predator,

but even they know
a fight with a walrus

could result in bloodshed or death.

The walrus uses its size
and tusks to defend itself,

allowing them to make
a narrow escape.

Armed with ivory tusks,

walruses use this weapon
in defence and attack.

Carved from dentin,
they are surprisingly sharp.

Fights often ensue
in the throes of a haulout.

Using their tusks against
one another...

...in displays of intimidation.

Walruses ward off opposing males
during mating season,

showcasing their size,
strength, and tusks.

The greatest threat
to these majestic creatures

is climate change.

Melting sea ice has led to habitat
fragmentation and overcrowding.

Increases in tourism
and shipping disturbs

these lounging marine mammals,

starting stampedes
that can be deadly.

They are also hunted for their
meat, fat, skin, tusks, and bone.

Consuming 50 kilogrammes
of food a day,

walruses are integral
to the Arctic ecosystem.

Influencing the structure
of shallow water communities.

Feeding on more than 50 clams
during a single dive.

Defenders of their territory.

These giant creatures will continue
to be the fierce protectors

of the Arctic ice,

and owner of one of the Arctic's
deadliest weapons.

Dominating the African grasslands,

with a population numbering
in the millions,

armed with a pair of large,
curved horns,

the great migrators
of the African plains.

The wildebeest!

More than 1.5 million wildebeest
migrate every year,

travelling hundreds of miles
in search of food and water.

The most successful herbivores
on the continent.

Wildebeest find safety in numbers.

Both females and males are equipped
with pointed horns,

aiding them in defence and attack.

Preyed upon by lions,
cheetah, and leopard,

the wildebeest must be cunning.

Outrunning their predators,

or facing them head on.

Wildebeest will defend
their calves with their life.

These mighty, migratory creatures
are a keystone species

of the African grasslands.

Yet, threats to their habitat pose
some of their greatest challenges.

As water holes dry up,
they are forced to relocate.

One of the most successful
herbivores on the grasslands,

integral to death
and rebirth in the life cycle

of their fragile ecosystem.

Across national parks,
nature reserves, and rain forests,

in Africa, India, and Indonesia,

lives a mighty creature.

Bulking beasts that are few
and far between,

but known across the globe
for their two horns,

both packing a lethal punch.

Made of tightly woven keratin,

they are armed
with the deadliest of weapons.

The rhinoceros.

On Earth for over 14 million years,

rhinoceros have evolved
the perfect defence mechanism.

Nervous in temperament,

rhinos have been known to charge
when threatened.

Rhinos can be found
in groups known as crashes.

These are usually made up
of a female and her calves.

Female rhinos are incredibly
protective of their young.

Rhinos can weigh up to 3 tons,

and are armed
with an impenetrably thick skin.

Rhinos use their horns in defence
of their territory and their calves.

These imposing horns are perfect
for displays of dominance,

but if used in battle,

their horns can impale
or throw their adversaries.

Combative creatures,

rhinos are highly skilled
in the art of defence

and are able to charge with nearly
4 tons of force!

Reaching speeds of over 50 kph,

they are mighty creatures
in the habitats they call home.

Wielding their fearsome front horn,

they exude power and strength.

Rhino battles can often be deadly.

Male rhinos fight
over female rhinos,

these altercations often ending
in death for one.

Of the five species
of rhino across the globe,

Northern white rhinos
are extinct in the wild.

Only two remain,

and they live in
the Ol Pejeta Conservatory in Kenya.

They are protected around
the clock by armed guards.

Having been hunted mercilessly
by poachers over the centuries.

These two female rhinos
are the last of their kind.

Gentle creatures,

conservationists still hold hope
for their resurgence.

At home in the African grasslands,

these majestic animals
must be safeguarded.

Or else, we will lose
this ancient species forever.

An evolutionary marvel,

rhinoceros have a history
of unprecedented hardship.

These mighty beasts
have been poached

mercilessly across the globe.

Hunted and killed for their horns,

they are used for ornamental
carvings and traditional medicine.

Touted as a cure for hangovers,
cancer, and impotence.

But this has left all

but one species of rhino
critically endangered.

On the brink of extinction,

the Javan and Sumatran rhino
struggle to survive.

Thankfully, parks and reservations
have been built

all around the world...

...to help protect, conserve,
and safeguard

these magnificent creatures.

As mega herbivores they help
maintain grassland habitats,

ensuring not only themselves,
but those around them, can thrive.

They deserve to flourish in peace.

Across the African grasslands...

...lives one of the most successful
grazers on the open plains.

Incredibly strong, massive in size,

and armed with two foreboding horns,

capable of taking down lions
and afraid of nothing,

this mega fauna dominates
the African plains.

The Cape buffalo.

The only species of buffalo
in Africa,

Cape buffalo are considered
the most dangerous of animals

on the continent.

Weighing over 800 kilogrammes...

and standing at 5 feet tall,

the congregate in large herds,

one of their many
anti-predator adaptations.

Their heavy, rigid horns,
also aiding them in defence.

The Cape buffalo has earned
the nickname of "Black Death."

Extremely dangerous,

they are believed to have killed
more big game hunters

than any other animal in Africa.

Unafraid to go up against the kings
and queens of the open plains.

Using their strength,
speed, and size,

Cape buffalo will charge
at any threat and drive them off.

Fiercely protective
and highly aggressive,

they are infinitely more
intimidating with their large,

bulking horns.

Africa's most feared weapon.

Hostile and aggressive,

it is perhaps the most dangerous
of all creatures on the grasslands.

But despite its imposing demeanour,

the Cape buffalo is still
threatened in the wild,

for hunting for meat and trophies...

...to disease and habitat loss,

their population is in decline.

As with most mammals
on the African plains.

But the Cape buffalo is hearty,

a survivor who has inhabited
the savannah

for over 5 million years.

This might creature,
a symbol of Africa.

Beautiful, unbowed, and unbroken.

The Cape buffalo will continue
to thrive on the plains

of this vast continent
for years to come.

Found across the grasslands,
savannas, and woodlands

south of the Sahara...

...lives a tough and sturdy animal.

On Earth for over 55 million years,

they have evolved to be equipped
with four tusks,

the warthog!

Unique creatures, warthogs
have many distinguishable features.

They have disproportionately
large heads,

with warts on both sides.

They have long tails that end
with a tuft of bristles.

And even their large tusks
are unique,

with two emerging
from the sides of their snouts,

and the others sitting just below.

Small but razor sharp.

Warthogs spend most
of their time foraging for food.

Their tusks aiding them
and digging for roots and bulbs.

When they are not eating,

warthogs can be found bathing
in the mud,

which helps them deal with
the ticks that often plague them.

As a prey species,

they have to run very fast.

Outrunning predators
such as leopards and lions.

During mating season,

they will tussle with a rival male
in competition for a female,

their tusks the perfect
armour and weapon.

Warthogs live a simple life.

Across the African grasslands,

through the forests
of Gabon and Congo,

all the way to Southeast Asia,

lives the largest land animal
on the planet.

It is armed with two striking tusks.

These ancient creatures
are fierce protectors,

endless drifters,
and deeply loyal creatures.

The elephant.

Three living species of elephant
span across the globe.

The African bush elephant,

the African forest elephant,

and the Asian elephant.

All are giant creatures armed
with a pair of impressive tusks

used for digging
and lifting objects,

gathering food and stripping bark.

Their tusks also protect
their trunk.

A valuable tool for drinking,
breathing, and eating.

A highly intelligent animal
that puts family first,

elephants travel in herds
of up to 100 members.

They form lifelong friendships.

And even mourn the death
of their loved ones,

making them incredibly
protective by nature.

Using their tusks to defend
and protect.

Despite their massive size,

lions will still try to take down
an elephant,

and elephants will protect
their young with their life.

Hence, why these gigantic creatures
find safety in numbers.

To ensure their playful
and mischievous young

will live a long
and happy existence.

The only conflict between elephants
is in battles for dominance.

These altercations can
range from playful...

To deadly.

Using their striking tusks
and sheer brute force,

they fight to establish rank
within their herds.

Their tusks are the perfect weapon
in a fight for dominance.

With elephants weighing up
to 11 tons,

and their tusks measuring up
to three metres and over 100 kilos,

these are displays of immense
strength and force.

Their tusks the continent's
perfect defence mechanism.

And deadliest weapon.

Female elephants are pregnant
for nearly two years.

Ninety-nine percent of them
giving birth at night.

Weighing nearly 100 kilogrammes,

baby elephants are born
with practically zero eyesight,

but with a fully developed brain.

Baby elephants are known as calves.

Amazingly, they are able to stand
within 20 minutes of being born.

And they can walk within an hour.

Baby elephants stay very close
to their mothers

for the first couple of months.

But after two days,
they can even keep up with the herd.

Drinking up to three gallons
of their mother's milk per day

for over two years.

At first, baby elephants don't know
what to do with their trunks,

swinging them to and fro
and sometimes even stepping on them.

They will suck their trunk just like
a human baby sucks its thumb.

Curious and carefree creatures,

calves are the pride and joy
of any elephant herd.

With tusks integral
to their way of life,

it is a tragedy that elephants
have been poached mercilessly

for the ivory trade.

Endangered across the globe,

these emotional and intelligent
creatures who can feel pain,

sorrow, and grief
are killed every single year,

with 20,000 elephants
being poached annually.

The tusks are then traded illegally
on the international market.

It is a travesty that has left
elephant populations in ruins.

Fortunately, conservation
efforts are happening

across Africa and Asia.

Organisations across the globe
are creating safe havens

for these majestic creatures.

Over 80 percent of African elephants
live in well-protected areas.

And many Asian elephants are at home
in sanctuaries across the Continent.

Levels of poaching
have remained low across Africa,

while in 2016,

Asian elephants were afforded
the highest protection possible.

These safe havens,

ensuring these beautiful creatures
live to see another day,

helpless in the face
of illegal wildlife trade.

They should be able to roam freely
in the forests

and savannas they call home.

Protected from the brutality
and cruelty of man.

Glorious, beautiful,
and fearsome creatures,

all the animals equipped
with tusks and horns

are fierce protectors
and expert fighters,

yet they are endlessly hunted.

Brimming with brute force,
unparalleled strength,

and an armoury that allows
them to tear through flesh.

But that also allows them
to forage and feed.

These wild assassins are armed
with the best defensive

and most adaptable of weapons.

But with those weapons
in such high demand,

they face poaching,

that has left many of these
species facing extinction.

But these creatures are fighters!

Many coming back
from the brink before.

Defenders of their plains
and their families,

they are the wild assassins
of defence and protection.

Armed with one of the most glorious
of deadly weapons, tusks and horns.

But it will take humanity itself...

...to ensure these animals
can survive and thrive again.

Subtitle Caption by ZestCorp