1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 2 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 3 00:00:11,520 --> 00:00:14,720 [soft instrumental music playing] 4 00:00:17,520 --> 00:00:18,720 [narrator] In southwest Asia, 5 00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:22,800 by the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. 6 00:00:25,640 --> 00:00:27,400 A little-known story of life… 7 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:31,280 - [bees buzz] - [leopard growls] 8 00:00:31,360 --> 00:00:33,440 …in a land steeped in history, 9 00:00:34,480 --> 00:00:36,920 and landscapes shaped through millennia. 10 00:00:38,920 --> 00:00:43,400 Prepare your senses for Saudi Arabia's wildest secrets. 11 00:00:44,120 --> 00:00:46,080 [music builds] 12 00:00:59,480 --> 00:01:00,400 [oryx huffs] 13 00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:31,440 [birds squawking] 14 00:01:51,880 --> 00:01:54,360 [music fades] 15 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:57,480 [wondrous music playing] 16 00:01:57,600 --> 00:02:00,440 [narrator] Above the refreshing waves, and under the water, 17 00:02:00,640 --> 00:02:02,720 a world of wonder thrives. 18 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:11,680 Families of diverse animals live, travel, hunt, and feed in harmony. 19 00:02:13,440 --> 00:02:16,960 [dolphins whistle] 20 00:02:20,320 --> 00:02:23,440 [narrator] The Red Sea is home to a wealth of marine life. 21 00:02:26,520 --> 00:02:28,560 Nestled in its southeastern corner, 22 00:02:28,720 --> 00:02:30,800 the Farasan Islands and their waters 23 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:34,200 are a Man and Biosphere program by UNESCO. 24 00:02:40,480 --> 00:02:44,000 This archipelago of around 180 coral islands 25 00:02:44,320 --> 00:02:46,720 is protected for its rich biodiversity. 26 00:02:57,200 --> 00:03:00,800 Hidden beneath the surface is an abundance of marine life. 27 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:06,960 [wondrous music continues] 28 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:13,600 [rustling] 29 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:26,960 [music fades] 30 00:03:32,240 --> 00:03:36,200 [mysterious music playing] 31 00:03:54,840 --> 00:03:57,040 [narrator] From the smallest shoals of fish 32 00:03:57,480 --> 00:04:01,720 to the majestic manta ray, whose wingspan can exceed six meters. 33 00:04:10,920 --> 00:04:13,800 Possibly one of the most prized sightings underwater 34 00:04:14,040 --> 00:04:16,280 is the magnificent whale shark, 35 00:04:16,720 --> 00:04:18,800 with its delicately spotted markings. 36 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:22,600 Despite only feeding on plankton and small fish, 37 00:04:22,920 --> 00:04:25,080 they can grow up to 12 meters in length. 38 00:04:43,800 --> 00:04:48,120 [mysterious music continues] 39 00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:03,360 [narrator] Sharks, fast and efficient hunters, 40 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:05,040 feared by some, 41 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:08,760 are also crucial to the stability of this undersea habitat. 42 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:51,600 Turtles play an important role 43 00:05:51,680 --> 00:05:54,080 in the ecological balance of underwater life. 44 00:05:55,240 --> 00:05:57,320 They feed on a variety of sponges. 45 00:05:58,240 --> 00:05:59,360 If left alone, 46 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:02,920 the sponges can slow and hinder the growth of coral reefs. 47 00:06:04,160 --> 00:06:08,040 As well, their continuous grazing of seagrass in shallow waters 48 00:06:08,360 --> 00:06:09,960 keeps it from growing rampant. 49 00:06:10,920 --> 00:06:15,280 Healthy seagrass beds are important for oxygenation and carbon reduction. 50 00:06:16,040 --> 00:06:20,320 Inadvertently, the turtles' diet promotes a healthy ocean life. 51 00:06:23,320 --> 00:06:25,880 [mysterious music continues] 52 00:06:36,720 --> 00:06:39,120 - [birds chirping] - [music fades] 53 00:06:39,640 --> 00:06:42,360 [narrator] Mangrove forests range the southwestern waters 54 00:06:42,440 --> 00:06:43,680 of the Jizan region. 55 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:47,800 [flamingos squawk] 56 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:51,320 [narrator] Mangroves are an invaluable natural carbon sink, 57 00:06:51,840 --> 00:06:54,960 sequestering more carbon per square mile than tropical forests. 58 00:06:55,040 --> 00:06:58,560 [flamingos squawk] 59 00:06:58,640 --> 00:07:01,440 [narrator] The mangroves also help create sheltered lagoons, 60 00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:05,480 and greater flamingos flock here to the shallow waters in their hundreds 61 00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:07,160 to feed and mate. 62 00:07:11,360 --> 00:07:16,920 These are the largest of all flamingos, averaging 1.1 to 1.5 meters tall. 63 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:21,640 Flamingos are omnivores, 64 00:07:21,920 --> 00:07:25,280 and their diet of algae, shrimp, and crustaceans 65 00:07:25,520 --> 00:07:27,680 result in their vibrant pink plumage. 66 00:07:33,240 --> 00:07:34,840 Their method of eating is… 67 00:07:35,160 --> 00:07:36,160 unique. 68 00:07:36,280 --> 00:07:39,720 With their heads inverted, they work with their bristly tongues. 69 00:07:40,640 --> 00:07:43,800 The bent shape of the bill aids in filtering the mud 70 00:07:43,880 --> 00:07:45,320 and silt from their food. 71 00:07:45,760 --> 00:07:48,800 [flamingos squawking] 72 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:00,040 [narrator] In between their meals, 73 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:02,040 flamingos make their nests of mud. 74 00:08:02,480 --> 00:08:05,000 [whimsical music playing] 75 00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:08,040 [narrator] These low mounds keep the eggs out of the salt water 76 00:08:08,120 --> 00:08:10,400 and provide slightly cooler temperatures. 77 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:15,760 [flamingo chirps] 78 00:08:33,360 --> 00:08:35,920 [whimsical music continues] 79 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:38,320 [flamingos squawking] 80 00:08:44,320 --> 00:08:45,480 [somber music playing] 81 00:08:45,560 --> 00:08:46,800 [narrator] In the colder seasons, 82 00:08:47,200 --> 00:08:50,320 many of the greater flamingos migrate to warmer climates, 83 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:52,600 from India to southern Africa. 84 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:56,440 Due to global warming and the climatic changes on our planet, 85 00:08:56,720 --> 00:08:59,560 their habitats are becoming more and more disrupted. 86 00:09:00,200 --> 00:09:03,280 They are forced to move to more favorable habitats. 87 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:05,240 [flamingos squawk] 88 00:09:05,320 --> 00:09:07,200 [somber music continues] 89 00:09:12,600 --> 00:09:14,680 [music fades] 90 00:09:17,120 --> 00:09:19,560 [wind whistling] 91 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:22,560 [birds chirping] 92 00:09:25,280 --> 00:09:29,200 [instrumental folk music playing] 93 00:09:37,200 --> 00:09:39,600 [narrator] Arabian gazelle are shy creatures. 94 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:48,240 This particular subspecies is endemic and rare. 95 00:09:54,040 --> 00:09:56,400 They graze and browse the native plants, 96 00:09:56,480 --> 00:09:59,720 adapted perfectly for surviving in this harsh landscape. 97 00:10:09,360 --> 00:10:11,520 Hunted and persecuted for decades, 98 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:13,160 they are nervous animals, 99 00:10:13,400 --> 00:10:15,680 always keeping an eye out for danger. 100 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:27,920 [music fades] 101 00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:31,160 [whimsical music playing] 102 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:50,520 [gazelle grunts] 103 00:10:53,800 --> 00:10:55,360 [music fades] 104 00:11:00,800 --> 00:11:03,840 [water rippling] 105 00:11:04,960 --> 00:11:07,200 [birds chirping] 106 00:11:12,680 --> 00:11:16,160 [narrator] The mangroves are also home to the pink-backed pelican. 107 00:11:17,080 --> 00:11:19,200 They are gregarious and live in colonies. 108 00:11:19,960 --> 00:11:23,600 Their nests are strong and durable, often lasting years, 109 00:11:23,760 --> 00:11:26,600 and are made in the safety and security of the treetops. 110 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:30,800 [ethereal music playing] 111 00:11:48,320 --> 00:11:50,920 [narrator] The pelicans take to the air to find their food 112 00:11:51,040 --> 00:11:53,040 and scan with their keen eyesight. 113 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:56,960 Their fishing technique is to hunt singly or in groups. 114 00:11:57,680 --> 00:11:58,840 When on the water, 115 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:01,400 they stab with their beaks at lightning speed 116 00:12:01,560 --> 00:12:05,160 to scoop up fish into their pouch, which can expand in size. 117 00:12:05,840 --> 00:12:08,760 They then let the water drain before swallowing their prey. 118 00:12:20,760 --> 00:12:23,200 With their stomachs full and appetites met, 119 00:12:23,360 --> 00:12:25,160 they return to safe roosts. 120 00:12:27,520 --> 00:12:29,120 [music fades] 121 00:12:29,240 --> 00:12:31,400 [wind whistling] 122 00:12:38,640 --> 00:12:40,600 [mysterious music playing] 123 00:12:41,160 --> 00:12:43,040 [narrator] The kingdom of Saudi Arabia 124 00:12:43,280 --> 00:12:48,840 is known for its vast, rocky landscapes, home to the world's largest sand deserts. 125 00:12:53,960 --> 00:12:57,080 The oryx are Saudi's most iconic species. 126 00:12:57,880 --> 00:13:01,680 They are the symbol of the desert, and are well adapted to live here. 127 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:07,640 Their distinctive white fur helps them thermo-regulate their bodies 128 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:09,600 by reflecting the harsh sunlight. 129 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:15,400 So, despite the desert regularly reaching above 55 degrees centigrade, 130 00:13:16,080 --> 00:13:19,360 these antelope are able to maintain their body temperatures 131 00:13:19,480 --> 00:13:21,720 at around 38 degrees centigrade. 132 00:13:24,080 --> 00:13:25,520 Oryx are social, 133 00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:27,680 and their herds range in size 134 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:30,720 from single pairs to several dozen animals. 135 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:33,640 Outside the breeding season, 136 00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:36,600 the males will often live in bachelor herds, 137 00:13:36,760 --> 00:13:38,000 or on their own, 138 00:13:38,160 --> 00:13:41,920 roaming the landscape for food, water, and shade. 139 00:13:44,640 --> 00:13:47,520 Even though they are the world's smallest species of oryx, 140 00:13:47,960 --> 00:13:51,800 their tall, elegant horns are well-proportioned for their size, 141 00:13:52,280 --> 00:13:54,400 and reach lengths of 70 centimeters. 142 00:13:55,960 --> 00:13:58,360 The horns evolved to serve two purposes. 143 00:13:58,840 --> 00:14:01,200 Primarily as protection against predators, 144 00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:04,760 and secondly, for the males to joust in courtship. 145 00:14:05,360 --> 00:14:07,000 Their lives are nomadic 146 00:14:07,440 --> 00:14:09,560 and their journey is endless. 147 00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:13,560 [music fades] 148 00:14:16,840 --> 00:14:19,760 [dramatic music playing] 149 00:14:34,920 --> 00:14:38,200 [narrator] Spring is the prime season for dust sandstorms. 150 00:14:39,880 --> 00:14:42,160 They are the sculptors of the landscape, 151 00:14:42,840 --> 00:14:45,240 ever-changing the terrain over millennia. 152 00:14:46,160 --> 00:14:50,360 Fast, aggressive winds build and shape rolling dunes, 153 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:53,120 some as high as 250 meters. 154 00:14:53,840 --> 00:14:56,360 Winds can reach 80 kilometers per hour, 155 00:14:56,880 --> 00:14:59,200 carving even the hardest rocks. 156 00:15:01,640 --> 00:15:05,360 Animals have no choice but to take shelter until they subside. 157 00:15:06,600 --> 00:15:09,760 The oryx turn their backs and face downwind 158 00:15:09,920 --> 00:15:11,120 to protect their eyes. 159 00:15:11,200 --> 00:15:13,400 [wind whistling sharply] 160 00:15:16,040 --> 00:15:19,400 [suspenseful music playing] 161 00:15:21,080 --> 00:15:23,760 [narrator] It's impossible to fly during a sandstorm, 162 00:15:24,080 --> 00:15:27,280 so birds land and seek refuge amongst the rocks. 163 00:15:41,120 --> 00:15:42,920 [music fades] 164 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:45,600 [steady skittering] 165 00:15:46,880 --> 00:15:51,000 [mysterious music playing] 166 00:15:57,120 --> 00:15:58,600 [narrator] Despite their size, 167 00:15:58,840 --> 00:16:02,360 desert ants are extremely well-suited to the environment. 168 00:16:03,080 --> 00:16:04,360 In their thousands, 169 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:07,960 they harvest the scattered seeds dislodged by the storm 170 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:10,880 and take them back to their nests underground 171 00:16:11,040 --> 00:16:12,400 to stock their larder. 172 00:16:12,520 --> 00:16:14,600 [mysterious music continues] 173 00:16:32,040 --> 00:16:34,280 [narrator] Surviving the intensity of the desert 174 00:16:34,560 --> 00:16:36,640 is a game of energy conservation. 175 00:16:43,040 --> 00:16:45,400 In the long periods of time between meals, 176 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:48,320 the desert Agama soaks up sunlight. 177 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:51,520 Cold-blooded reptiles rely on intense heat, 178 00:16:51,640 --> 00:16:55,640 retaining the warmth to last them the cool desert nights. 179 00:16:55,720 --> 00:16:56,960 [music fades] 180 00:16:57,600 --> 00:16:59,520 [lively music playing] 181 00:16:59,600 --> 00:17:02,120 [narrator] In landscapes where food is abundant, 182 00:17:02,400 --> 00:17:04,360 things can be a little more relaxed. 183 00:17:13,440 --> 00:17:16,200 [lively music continues] 184 00:18:04,120 --> 00:18:06,000 [music fades] 185 00:18:06,080 --> 00:18:08,200 [somber music playing] 186 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:09,640 [narrator] Living in the desert 187 00:18:09,880 --> 00:18:11,440 is a challenge for all. 188 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:16,240 The gazelle cannot withstand the sun for too long. 189 00:18:16,840 --> 00:18:19,280 It is vital for them to find shade 190 00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:24,040 to prevent their bodies from overheating and regulate at healthy levels. 191 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:38,480 The landscape is unforgiving. 192 00:18:39,840 --> 00:18:43,320 In the summer, food is scarce and hard to find. 193 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:49,480 Stamina and energy conservation are essential to lasting in the desert. 194 00:18:49,880 --> 00:18:54,000 [sand crunching underfoot] 195 00:18:55,160 --> 00:19:00,600 [jazzy music playing] 196 00:19:00,720 --> 00:19:02,360 [wind blowing] 197 00:19:07,360 --> 00:19:08,720 [animal cry] 198 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:11,280 [ostrich trilling] 199 00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:22,400 [narrator] This is the red-necked African ostrich. 200 00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:25,600 They were brought to Saudi in 1994, 201 00:19:25,880 --> 00:19:30,120 replacing the Arabian ostrich that went extinct in 1941. 202 00:19:30,880 --> 00:19:32,720 They are well-suited for the desert, 203 00:19:32,920 --> 00:19:34,640 withstanding hot temperatures 204 00:19:34,760 --> 00:19:37,480 and surviving on moisture from the plants they eat. 205 00:19:42,360 --> 00:19:43,600 To aid digestion, 206 00:19:43,880 --> 00:19:46,720 ostriches eat sand and small stones 207 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:51,880 alongside their diet of seeds and roots, insects and reptiles. 208 00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:54,320 Their feathers are loose, 209 00:19:54,400 --> 00:19:55,880 soft and smooth, 210 00:19:55,960 --> 00:19:57,960 which can keep them cool in the heat. 211 00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:00,080 In small groups, 212 00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:01,840 they range the local flora. 213 00:20:03,360 --> 00:20:06,440 [jazzy music continues] 214 00:20:14,120 --> 00:20:15,440 [music fades] 215 00:20:15,680 --> 00:20:18,920 [whimsical music playing] 216 00:20:29,480 --> 00:20:30,960 [music fades] 217 00:20:31,040 --> 00:20:34,800 - [wind whistling] - [mysterious music playing] 218 00:20:41,840 --> 00:20:44,120 [narrator] In the southwest corner of Saudi Arabia 219 00:20:44,400 --> 00:20:46,160 stands the Asir Mountains. 220 00:20:46,840 --> 00:20:49,480 Rising over 9,000 feet above sea level, 221 00:20:49,760 --> 00:20:52,760 it's the perfect vantage spot for a bird of prey. 222 00:21:07,960 --> 00:21:12,760 The griffon vulture has evolved to be one of the world's most efficient flyers. 223 00:21:13,640 --> 00:21:16,560 With their broad wingspan of over 2.5 meters, 224 00:21:16,920 --> 00:21:19,840 they can soar on thermal updrafts with ease, 225 00:21:20,120 --> 00:21:24,320 flying all day, with barely a wing flap for prolonged periods, 226 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:26,000 to spot their next meal. 227 00:21:41,520 --> 00:21:42,640 Like other vultures, 228 00:21:42,960 --> 00:21:44,320 they are scavengers. 229 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:46,640 With their extremely keen eyesight, 230 00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:50,160 they can spot a carcass from up to ten kilometers. 231 00:22:04,280 --> 00:22:06,320 - [birds chirping] - [music fades] 232 00:22:06,400 --> 00:22:08,960 [serene music playing] 233 00:22:19,040 --> 00:22:21,040 [narrator] Despite it being harsh and dry, 234 00:22:21,480 --> 00:22:26,160 the Nubian ibex manage to scrape a living in this challenging environment. 235 00:22:30,680 --> 00:22:31,920 [birds chirping] 236 00:22:32,920 --> 00:22:36,640 [narrator] This beige ibex, with its distinctive large, curved horns, 237 00:22:36,960 --> 00:22:39,800 grazes and browses on grasses and shrubs, 238 00:22:40,160 --> 00:22:44,960 and although the ibex needs to drink, they can go days without water. 239 00:22:49,960 --> 00:22:55,960 [ibex chomping] 240 00:22:58,400 --> 00:23:01,160 [hoofbeats clopping] 241 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:10,160 [serene music continues] 242 00:23:16,040 --> 00:23:20,440 [wind blowing] 243 00:23:26,720 --> 00:23:28,600 [mysterious music playing] 244 00:23:46,080 --> 00:23:48,240 [narrator] High above the dry deserts 245 00:23:48,320 --> 00:23:50,000 rise the Asir Mountains. 246 00:23:50,960 --> 00:23:53,560 Every day, magic happens here. 247 00:23:55,880 --> 00:24:00,960 Warm moist air from the coast condenses as it ascends to the mountaintops. 248 00:24:02,000 --> 00:24:05,680 Rolling clouds and fog pass through as the temperature drops, 249 00:24:05,960 --> 00:24:08,240 providing moisture to the local trees. 250 00:24:09,520 --> 00:24:13,600 In this rough and rocky range, junipers thrive, 251 00:24:13,960 --> 00:24:16,480 even at 9,000 feet above sea level. 252 00:24:17,160 --> 00:24:18,440 But not without help. 253 00:24:19,760 --> 00:24:23,280 Draped over the branches hang curtains of bromeliads. 254 00:24:24,120 --> 00:24:27,480 The trees provide a frame on which these plants can grow, 255 00:24:27,600 --> 00:24:28,840 and in return, 256 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:32,640 the bromeliads capture and share moisture with its host. 257 00:24:32,960 --> 00:24:35,720 [lively music playing] 258 00:24:39,200 --> 00:24:42,920 [narrator] Native to this region are hamadryas baboons. 259 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:45,600 [yawns] 260 00:24:50,320 --> 00:24:53,760 [narrator] Their troops can consist of as many as 100 individuals. 261 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:56,880 Together, they navigate the rocky slopes, 262 00:24:57,280 --> 00:25:01,840 ascending and descending the mountain, depending on the season and temperature. 263 00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:10,400 Baboons are omnivorous and feed on pretty much anything, 264 00:25:10,640 --> 00:25:17,600 including buckthorn, acacia, wild flowers, birds' eggs, insects, and reptiles. 265 00:25:22,280 --> 00:25:26,320 [birds squawking] 266 00:25:28,760 --> 00:25:31,520 [music fades] 267 00:25:44,720 --> 00:25:47,080 [baboons grunting] 268 00:25:47,960 --> 00:25:49,640 [narrator] The youngsters are playful. 269 00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:52,360 This is how they develop their social skills. 270 00:25:53,120 --> 00:25:55,680 [baboons grunt, squeal] 271 00:25:58,400 --> 00:26:00,480 [baboons screech] 272 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:04,960 [baboons screech, grunt] 273 00:26:17,280 --> 00:26:18,560 [soft instrumental music playing] 274 00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:21,440 [narrator] Living at these altitudes has its advantages. 275 00:26:29,360 --> 00:26:31,800 However, accidents happen. 276 00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:35,040 One misstep can result in injury. 277 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:41,520 [baboons grunt] 278 00:26:41,600 --> 00:26:43,040 [narrator] Despite these hardships, 279 00:26:43,240 --> 00:26:45,920 like all families, they remain together. 280 00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:49,160 [baboons grunt] 281 00:27:10,320 --> 00:27:13,160 [dramatic music playing] 282 00:27:33,280 --> 00:27:37,120 [narrator] As the sun starts to set, they climb to sleep in the cliffs. 283 00:27:56,120 --> 00:27:57,240 [music fades] 284 00:27:57,320 --> 00:28:00,400 [flames crackling] 285 00:28:02,280 --> 00:28:04,320 [narrator] With temperatures increasing globally, 286 00:28:04,680 --> 00:28:07,000 it's not only the wildlife that suffers. 287 00:28:07,480 --> 00:28:12,200 Dry, arid environments can be recipes for disaster in warmer climates. 288 00:28:13,160 --> 00:28:15,520 Wildfires are a natural phenomena, 289 00:28:15,840 --> 00:28:17,920 but are becoming more frequent and severe 290 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:22,080 as temperatures rise and human-induced factors increase. 291 00:28:23,360 --> 00:28:25,640 Once they start, they are hard to contain, 292 00:28:26,080 --> 00:28:28,080 particularly in remote regions, 293 00:28:28,320 --> 00:28:31,160 and can ruthlessly decimate landscapes. 294 00:28:31,240 --> 00:28:34,520 [somber music playing] 295 00:28:34,600 --> 00:28:38,040 [narrator] Vast areas of forests can be engulfed in a matter of days, 296 00:28:38,200 --> 00:28:39,920 leaving them scorched, 297 00:28:40,080 --> 00:28:41,640 black and bare. 298 00:28:42,560 --> 00:28:44,080 Habitats scarred, 299 00:28:44,640 --> 00:28:46,560 desolate, and barren. 300 00:28:48,480 --> 00:28:50,320 Charred wood and ash 301 00:28:50,880 --> 00:28:52,440 is often all that remains. 302 00:29:02,480 --> 00:29:07,000 Few are lucky to survive the intense heat and harsh flames. 303 00:29:17,560 --> 00:29:22,200 However, whilst unfortunate, this is all part of a natural cycle. 304 00:29:23,960 --> 00:29:27,080 [thunder rumbling] 305 00:29:27,280 --> 00:29:29,200 [narrator] The seasonal drop in temperatures 306 00:29:29,320 --> 00:29:31,520 bring heavy rain and storms, 307 00:29:31,880 --> 00:29:35,800 replenishing the parched earth and offering relief to the land. 308 00:29:36,840 --> 00:29:39,840 Nutrients and moisture are returned. 309 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:46,280 - [hopeful music playing] - [thunder rumbling] 310 00:30:09,320 --> 00:30:12,480 [narrator] Life is given another chance to start again, 311 00:30:12,960 --> 00:30:15,160 to bounce back and thrive. 312 00:30:22,440 --> 00:30:24,840 Life always finds a way. 313 00:30:25,520 --> 00:30:26,840 [music fades] 314 00:30:26,920 --> 00:30:30,520 [birds chirping] 315 00:30:30,600 --> 00:30:32,000 [narrator] Deeper in the valleys, 316 00:30:32,280 --> 00:30:35,200 all of nature's ingredients come together. 317 00:30:35,840 --> 00:30:37,840 The recipe for abundant life. 318 00:30:38,600 --> 00:30:39,720 The result, 319 00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:41,080 an oasis. 320 00:30:41,960 --> 00:30:43,320 Heaven in a desert. 321 00:30:44,320 --> 00:30:48,000 Just add water and plants of all varieties. 322 00:30:48,080 --> 00:30:51,240 Wildlife of all shapes and sizes… 323 00:30:52,120 --> 00:30:53,160 thrive. 324 00:30:53,280 --> 00:30:56,560 [soft wondrous music playing] 325 00:30:59,240 --> 00:31:00,640 [narrator] Traveling through the kingdom, 326 00:31:01,040 --> 00:31:04,560 it remains clear that water brings life. 327 00:31:09,280 --> 00:31:12,200 Beneath even the shallow waters of trickling streams, 328 00:31:12,720 --> 00:31:16,360 the toad is able to grow, hunt, and mate. 329 00:31:17,240 --> 00:31:21,120 Their small lives are the result of this delicate balance, 330 00:31:21,360 --> 00:31:24,600 much needed for a strong, healthy ecosystem. 331 00:31:25,520 --> 00:31:29,600 [eccentric music playing] 332 00:31:33,520 --> 00:31:34,920 [narrator] On Shadah Mountain, 333 00:31:35,200 --> 00:31:37,720 honey bees frequent aloe plants for pollen. 334 00:31:38,520 --> 00:31:39,800 This is to produce honey, 335 00:31:40,280 --> 00:31:44,600 - food for their colonies. - [bees buzz] 336 00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:53,720 [narrator] The Palestine sunbird also visits the floral bounty. 337 00:31:54,440 --> 00:31:57,880 The male is a flying gem of iridescent colors. 338 00:31:58,280 --> 00:32:03,440 Their bill is long and down-curved, adapted to extract nectar from flowers. 339 00:32:03,520 --> 00:32:04,960 [music fades] 340 00:32:05,640 --> 00:32:07,960 [narrator] Birds play a role in forest growth, 341 00:32:08,040 --> 00:32:10,120 spreading seeds as they feed. 342 00:32:11,960 --> 00:32:15,640 The African gray hornbill feast on the cacti fruit. 343 00:32:16,760 --> 00:32:19,280 Paddle cactus produce prickly pears, 344 00:32:19,600 --> 00:32:21,440 and they are nutritious to the bird. 345 00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:25,560 [soft instrumental music playing] 346 00:32:26,440 --> 00:32:31,040 [narrator] Rüppell weavers skillfully source grass, twigs, and roots 347 00:32:31,120 --> 00:32:33,680 to thread pendulous nests in the trees, 348 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:36,720 to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. 349 00:32:39,120 --> 00:32:44,000 [soft instrumental music continues] 350 00:32:48,600 --> 00:32:51,800 [narrator] Camels have long been an integral part of the country. 351 00:32:52,160 --> 00:32:55,080 Their presence here is as ancient as ours. 352 00:32:55,760 --> 00:32:58,280 [camel groans] 353 00:33:04,520 --> 00:33:07,280 [camel groans] 354 00:33:12,760 --> 00:33:17,880 [camels grunt] 355 00:33:19,320 --> 00:33:23,200 - [music fades] - [camel groans] 356 00:33:29,640 --> 00:33:33,040 - [gentle music playing] - [camel moans] 357 00:33:38,040 --> 00:33:40,920 [narrator] The milk produced by camels is tasty. 358 00:33:41,760 --> 00:33:44,680 It's high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 359 00:33:45,400 --> 00:33:47,840 It's long played a part of the Saudi diet. 360 00:33:51,600 --> 00:33:54,560 - [music fades] - [birds chirping] 361 00:33:56,320 --> 00:33:59,240 [narrator] There's an increased effort to switch to agroecology, 362 00:33:59,560 --> 00:34:02,880 a farming discipline that's better at sustaining the land. 363 00:34:03,760 --> 00:34:06,400 This technique eases the stress on the landscape 364 00:34:06,640 --> 00:34:08,520 and reduces the use of water. 365 00:34:09,280 --> 00:34:12,440 [buzzing] 366 00:34:14,680 --> 00:34:17,240 [narrator] Fig trees are resilient, with deep roots, 367 00:34:17,320 --> 00:34:20,200 and can survive on sparse amounts of rainfall. 368 00:34:20,280 --> 00:34:23,440 [pensive music playing] 369 00:34:30,320 --> 00:34:33,280 [narrator] Using better farming and cultivation practices 370 00:34:33,480 --> 00:34:35,840 means we can enjoy nature's bounty, 371 00:34:36,280 --> 00:34:38,720 such as papaya and oranges, 372 00:34:38,920 --> 00:34:41,480 while minimizing damage to the planet. 373 00:34:44,200 --> 00:34:47,120 If we are going to live and survive with nature, 374 00:34:47,240 --> 00:34:52,120 we must adapt and strike a balance that sustains local ecosystems. 375 00:34:55,000 --> 00:34:56,920 [music fades] 376 00:34:57,000 --> 00:35:01,240 [bees buzzing] 377 00:35:06,200 --> 00:35:07,840 [narrator] In Asir City, 378 00:35:07,920 --> 00:35:10,760 traditional beekeeping practices have been passed down 379 00:35:10,880 --> 00:35:13,560 by generations of farmers for centuries. 380 00:35:14,800 --> 00:35:17,600 There are an estimated 4,000 beekeepers, 381 00:35:18,480 --> 00:35:21,760 tending a staggering 700,000 beehives. 382 00:35:22,400 --> 00:35:25,680 [soft wondrous music playing] 383 00:35:26,120 --> 00:35:28,960 [narrator] Our relationship with this insect is symbiotic. 384 00:35:29,640 --> 00:35:31,760 We provide them a home to colonize, 385 00:35:32,000 --> 00:35:34,520 and in return, we harvest their honey. 386 00:35:37,760 --> 00:35:41,760 - [soft wondrous music continues] - [bees buzz] 387 00:35:50,720 --> 00:35:54,520 [narrator] Around 3,500 tons of honey are harvested every year. 388 00:35:59,960 --> 00:36:02,920 Approximately 70% of the bees kept here 389 00:36:03,160 --> 00:36:05,280 are native Apis populations. 390 00:36:08,520 --> 00:36:11,120 [bee buzzing] 391 00:36:15,680 --> 00:36:18,400 [music fades] 392 00:36:19,480 --> 00:36:23,360 [birds chirping] 393 00:36:25,680 --> 00:36:28,280 [narrator] The chameleon lives among banana plants. 394 00:36:28,920 --> 00:36:33,160 They feed on flies and insects attracted to the sweet fruit sugars. 395 00:36:34,440 --> 00:36:36,600 With opposing toes on each foot, 396 00:36:36,880 --> 00:36:41,000 they are able to make a firm grasp of the twigs and branches as they climb, 397 00:36:41,720 --> 00:36:45,200 and can use their prehensile tails as a fifth hand, 398 00:36:45,560 --> 00:36:47,200 wrapping it around any shape 399 00:36:47,280 --> 00:36:49,960 to anchor their position as they move and hunt. 400 00:36:50,880 --> 00:36:53,080 Their two eyes can swivel independently, 401 00:36:53,400 --> 00:36:55,600 perfect for keeping an eye out for prey, 402 00:36:55,760 --> 00:36:57,960 as well as avoiding predators. 403 00:37:05,920 --> 00:37:09,480 [dramatic music playing] 404 00:37:11,040 --> 00:37:13,840 [narrator] One of Saudi Arabia's greatest animals 405 00:37:13,960 --> 00:37:15,160 is in trouble. 406 00:37:18,600 --> 00:37:20,120 [leopard growls] 407 00:37:29,880 --> 00:37:31,360 [leopard growls] 408 00:37:38,440 --> 00:37:40,880 [narrator] This is the Arabian leopard. 409 00:37:51,560 --> 00:37:55,000 [leopard grunts] 410 00:37:57,360 --> 00:37:59,200 [narrator] Through conservation initiatives, 411 00:37:59,280 --> 00:38:01,160 the Royal Commission for Al-'Ula 412 00:38:01,560 --> 00:38:04,440 aims to restore the Arabian leopard population. 413 00:38:05,200 --> 00:38:06,400 The final goal, 414 00:38:06,600 --> 00:38:09,320 reintroduce the species into the wilderness, 415 00:38:09,440 --> 00:38:12,400 - to the mountains of Al-'Ula. - [leopard whines] 416 00:38:16,800 --> 00:38:19,920 [muffled voices] 417 00:38:20,080 --> 00:38:22,800 [narrator] At the center, using CCTV, 418 00:38:23,080 --> 00:38:26,080 the caretakers monitor the leopards day and night. 419 00:38:26,640 --> 00:38:32,000 [soft instrumental music playing] 420 00:38:40,480 --> 00:38:41,520 [leopard growls] 421 00:38:41,600 --> 00:38:44,080 [narrator] Classified as critically endangered 422 00:38:44,200 --> 00:38:47,280 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 423 00:38:47,720 --> 00:38:51,240 it is estimated that fewer than 200 Arabian leopards 424 00:38:51,320 --> 00:38:52,560 are left in the wild. 425 00:38:53,400 --> 00:38:54,800 It's up to us 426 00:38:54,880 --> 00:38:57,840 to look after these globally threatened animals. 427 00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:05,480 [music fades] 428 00:39:07,840 --> 00:39:08,920 [narrator] In the future, 429 00:39:09,040 --> 00:39:11,640 we hope to see more of these animals in the wild. 430 00:39:12,600 --> 00:39:16,160 Meanwhile, it's our duty to ensure their well-being. 431 00:39:16,880 --> 00:39:20,000 This includes letting them play to get some exercise. 432 00:39:20,120 --> 00:39:23,440 [pensive music playing] 433 00:39:28,080 --> 00:39:30,080 [music intensifies] 434 00:39:58,080 --> 00:40:00,080 [leopard growls] 435 00:40:02,320 --> 00:40:03,800 [leopard snarls] 436 00:40:06,400 --> 00:40:08,800 [leopard growls] 437 00:40:25,120 --> 00:40:29,360 - [leopard growls] - [music fades] 438 00:40:29,480 --> 00:40:31,000 [birds squawking] 439 00:40:36,440 --> 00:40:39,000 [narrator] These are the fishermen of the Farasan Island. 440 00:40:39,960 --> 00:40:42,000 There is no industrial fishing here. 441 00:40:43,320 --> 00:40:47,120 Fishing here is treated as a respectful artisan practice only. 442 00:40:48,040 --> 00:40:51,680 There is a collective effort to protect the balance of species 443 00:40:51,880 --> 00:40:55,880 and to not over-fish, in order to maintain healthy stocks. 444 00:40:56,720 --> 00:40:58,640 [soft instrumental music playing] 445 00:40:59,880 --> 00:41:02,640 [narrator] Here, men fish with hand-thrown nets. 446 00:41:03,680 --> 00:41:06,560 Afterwards, they return to the port with their catch, 447 00:41:06,880 --> 00:41:09,360 where the fish are sold to locals on the coast. 448 00:41:15,120 --> 00:41:17,840 [suspenseful music playing] 449 00:41:17,960 --> 00:41:20,840 [narrator] Adult turtles lay their eggs on the beach. 450 00:41:21,800 --> 00:41:25,560 They have nested on our sandy shores for thousands of years. 451 00:41:26,480 --> 00:41:27,800 They do so at night, 452 00:41:27,920 --> 00:41:29,360 in the safety of darkness. 453 00:41:30,280 --> 00:41:31,880 After the eggs are laid, 454 00:41:32,200 --> 00:41:33,600 they return to the water. 455 00:41:55,720 --> 00:41:56,800 Once hatched, 456 00:41:56,880 --> 00:42:00,280 the baby turtles instinctively move towards the brightest light. 457 00:42:01,280 --> 00:42:03,480 Usually, this would lead them to the ocean, 458 00:42:03,560 --> 00:42:06,640 as they crawl toward the night sky spanning above. 459 00:42:07,840 --> 00:42:11,960 Cities and traffic lights confuse them and lead them astray. 460 00:42:17,280 --> 00:42:19,640 These beaches have drastically changed. 461 00:42:20,080 --> 00:42:23,200 Plastic waste pollutes the once-soft sands 462 00:42:23,440 --> 00:42:26,880 and creates obstacles for the turtles trying to reach the water. 463 00:42:28,200 --> 00:42:30,840 Humans have made it harder for them to survive, 464 00:42:31,120 --> 00:42:32,200 and over the years, 465 00:42:32,640 --> 00:42:35,400 fewer turtles make it safely to the ocean. 466 00:42:39,520 --> 00:42:40,920 [wondrous music playing] 467 00:42:41,000 --> 00:42:43,720 [narrator] However, our wrongs can be righted. 468 00:42:44,520 --> 00:42:45,600 In the early morning, 469 00:42:45,680 --> 00:42:48,560 rangers patrol the fence between the beach and the city. 470 00:42:49,320 --> 00:42:52,120 They look for stragglers, the survivors of the night, 471 00:42:52,440 --> 00:42:53,960 and bring them to the ocean. 472 00:42:54,960 --> 00:42:57,640 This small act has saved many turtles, 473 00:42:57,920 --> 00:43:01,120 but every effort must be made to clean our beaches too. 474 00:43:02,040 --> 00:43:04,920 Perhaps we should re-design coastal city lighting 475 00:43:05,080 --> 00:43:07,640 as to not mislead this vulnerable species. 476 00:43:08,760 --> 00:43:11,560 Survival should be made easier for the innocent, 477 00:43:11,960 --> 00:43:15,920 and we have the capacity and compassion to do so. 478 00:43:16,960 --> 00:43:19,320 This is just one example of many ways 479 00:43:19,400 --> 00:43:23,360 we can help wildlife return to some form of normality. 480 00:43:32,440 --> 00:43:34,160 [music fades] 481 00:43:51,120 --> 00:43:53,680 [narrator] Plastic in our waters is a huge problem. 482 00:43:54,720 --> 00:43:58,920 Turtles often confuse plastic carrier bags for jellyfish, 483 00:43:59,520 --> 00:44:01,320 and die as a result. 484 00:44:03,200 --> 00:44:05,880 Deaths are also caused by entanglement. 485 00:44:09,120 --> 00:44:11,120 The short convenience of plastic 486 00:44:11,560 --> 00:44:14,640 has a massively long consequence on the environment. 487 00:44:17,040 --> 00:44:20,480 [gentle music playing] 488 00:44:22,560 --> 00:44:25,720 [narrator] Efforts have been made to reduce plastic waste from the ocean. 489 00:44:26,560 --> 00:44:29,400 Recycling, reusing, and up-cycling 490 00:44:29,480 --> 00:44:33,040 are all methods used to limit pollution and plastic use. 491 00:44:34,080 --> 00:44:37,560 In the meantime, there is a lot of litter to clean up. 492 00:44:43,520 --> 00:44:46,040 One method of regenerating our landscape 493 00:44:46,240 --> 00:44:48,000 is to plant native trees. 494 00:44:48,880 --> 00:44:51,320 Mangroves are more than a suitable answer. 495 00:44:52,000 --> 00:44:54,200 They thrive in low-oxygen soil, 496 00:44:54,480 --> 00:44:57,720 where slow-moving waters allow sediments to gather. 497 00:44:58,520 --> 00:45:01,840 In time, as mangrove forests grow and spread, 498 00:45:02,400 --> 00:45:05,160 local wildlife will be encouraged to return. 499 00:45:06,040 --> 00:45:09,640 Here, they can feed, nest, and repopulate. 500 00:45:09,720 --> 00:45:11,640 [flamingos squawk] 501 00:45:15,960 --> 00:45:19,080 [pensive music playing] 502 00:45:21,760 --> 00:45:25,200 [narrator] At King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, 503 00:45:25,640 --> 00:45:28,280 research is being done to save the coral. 504 00:45:29,360 --> 00:45:31,440 Coral is threatened by climate change, 505 00:45:31,720 --> 00:45:35,600 with increasing temperatures causing inhospitable environments. 506 00:45:36,200 --> 00:45:38,640 Artificial coral bases are 3D-scanned, 507 00:45:38,920 --> 00:45:40,240 and replicas are made. 508 00:45:41,400 --> 00:45:45,800 A small number of live coral fragments are then applied to these bases. 509 00:45:46,600 --> 00:45:50,160 These small coral pieces grow faster than larger ones, 510 00:45:50,240 --> 00:45:52,600 and are quick to join each other on the models. 511 00:45:56,600 --> 00:46:00,320 They are grown further in artificially warmer water than the sea. 512 00:46:00,880 --> 00:46:04,360 This makes them tougher and more tolerant of higher temperatures. 513 00:46:05,200 --> 00:46:07,560 A whole variety are cultivated this way 514 00:46:07,640 --> 00:46:11,280 to match the over 300 coral species of the Red Sea. 515 00:46:14,280 --> 00:46:18,720 [pensive music continues] 516 00:46:23,600 --> 00:46:24,680 [narrative] When large enough, 517 00:46:24,760 --> 00:46:28,800 they are returned to the ocean and planted amongst the dying coral. 518 00:46:30,600 --> 00:46:33,600 In time, these coral will grow to be stronger 519 00:46:33,680 --> 00:46:36,800 and better suited to withstand an element of climate change. 520 00:46:37,480 --> 00:46:40,400 Additionally, they'll provide food and shelter 521 00:46:40,560 --> 00:46:43,480 for local fish populations and marine life. 522 00:46:49,240 --> 00:46:51,200 [music fades] 523 00:46:55,880 --> 00:47:00,400 [gentle music playing] 524 00:47:00,520 --> 00:47:01,520 [chick chirping] 525 00:47:01,600 --> 00:47:05,880 [narrator] Flying above the sea, the fish hawk, also known as the osprey, 526 00:47:06,200 --> 00:47:08,280 is a resident of the Farasan Island. 527 00:47:11,280 --> 00:47:15,000 [gentle music continues] 528 00:47:17,000 --> 00:47:19,600 [chick chirping] 529 00:47:22,280 --> 00:47:24,760 [narrator] They are efficient and exceptional hunters. 530 00:47:25,440 --> 00:47:27,880 They have long legs and large talons, 531 00:47:28,400 --> 00:47:30,080 and their feet on the underside 532 00:47:30,200 --> 00:47:33,680 are covered with small spines called spicules, 533 00:47:33,880 --> 00:47:35,560 which hold their catch securely. 534 00:47:46,960 --> 00:47:49,800 The chicks won't fledge until over seven weeks. 535 00:47:50,240 --> 00:47:53,960 Until then, they rely on their parents to bring food to the nest. 536 00:47:55,360 --> 00:47:57,480 The birds have evolved hooked beaks, 537 00:47:57,880 --> 00:48:00,360 perfect for tearing the flesh of a fish. 538 00:48:01,320 --> 00:48:02,600 [chick chirping] 539 00:48:04,760 --> 00:48:05,960 [hawk screeching] 540 00:48:07,800 --> 00:48:09,960 [music fades] 541 00:48:25,160 --> 00:48:26,840 [hawk chirps] 542 00:48:26,960 --> 00:48:30,120 [dramatic music playing] 543 00:48:30,200 --> 00:48:32,480 [narrator] Ospreys are known to pair for life, 544 00:48:33,000 --> 00:48:37,880 and their nests, known as an eyrie, can be used and added to year on year. 545 00:48:38,640 --> 00:48:42,880 Some nests are known to be used for over 20 years by the same pair. 546 00:48:47,160 --> 00:48:50,120 [hawk screeching] 547 00:48:51,720 --> 00:48:53,680 [narrator] The world is not ours alone. 548 00:48:54,360 --> 00:48:58,280 Whilst we benefit in many ways from what the land and nature provides, 549 00:48:58,960 --> 00:49:00,640 we must look after the planet. 550 00:49:01,280 --> 00:49:02,560 For us to survive, 551 00:49:02,640 --> 00:49:05,120 we must learn to live in harmony with nature 552 00:49:05,280 --> 00:49:06,520 and change our ways 553 00:49:06,600 --> 00:49:09,720 in order to ensure sustained health and well-being 554 00:49:10,080 --> 00:49:12,040 for all of Earth's inhabitants. 555 00:49:12,120 --> 00:49:16,960 [dramatic music continues] 556 00:50:09,560 --> 00:50:11,520 [music fades]