About this season
Consistently stunning documentaries transport viewers to far-flung locations ranging from the torrid African plains to the chilly splendours of icy Antarctica. The show's primary focus is on animals and ecosystems around the world. A comic book based on the show, meant to be used an as educational tool for kids, was briefly distributed to museums and schools at no cost in the mid-2000s.
Episodes (20)
1. And Then the Rains Came
Aired 20 October 1985 • 53 min
Torrential rains flood Kenya’s Tsavo Plain triggering a cycle of animal and plant regeneration that flowers in the short period before the next drought.
2. Battle of the Leaves
Aired 27 October 1985 • 53 min
How plants and their leaves adapt to different climates, predatory animals and man.
3. The Ganges Gharial
Aired 3 November 1985 • 53 min
A five-year chronicle of India’s endangered gharial crocodile.
4. One Man’s Island
Aired 10 November 1985 • 53 min
The year-long sojourn of artist and naturalist Keith Brockie on Scotland's Isle of May is captured on film.
5. Selva Verde: The Green Jungle
Aired 17 November 1985 • 53 min
An exploration of the ecosystem of Central America's rain forest.
6. The Plant Hunters
Aired 24 November 1985 • 53 min
An exploration of the scientific research into the nutritional, medicinal and economic value of plants.
7. Kalahari: Wilderness Without Water
Aired 15 December 1985 • 53 min
An examination of the diverse plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh environment of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa.
8. Emas: High Plains of Brazil
Aired 5 January 1986 • 53 min
A visit to Brazil's national park Emas, home to a unique collection of rare and unusual wildlife.
9. The Feathered Swarm
Aired 26 January 1986 • 53 min
The huge mating flocks of the East African quelea, feared by farmers almost as much as they fear locusts.
10. Kingdom of the Ice Bear: The Frozen Ocean
Aired 16 February 1986 • 53 min
A look at sea creatures of the Arctic including planktonic animals, small crustaceans, seals, belugas, tucked narwhals and polar bears.
11. Kingdom of the Ice Bear: Land of Beyond
Aired 23 February 1986 • 53 min
After the nine-month Arctic winter, lemmings, hares, foxes and caribous become active to raise their young.
12. Kingdom of the Ice Bear: The Final Challenge
Aired 2 March 1986 • 53 min
A study of man’s relationship with the Arctic and its wildlife.
13. Saguaro: Sentinel of the Desert
Aired 9 March 1986 • 53 min
Wolfgang Bayer focuses on the native giant saguaro cactus of the southwestern United States.
14. Death Trap
Aired 23 March 1986 • 53 min
The sophisticated trapping mechanism of the main group of carnivorous plants.
15. Aspen: Dancer on the Wind
Aired 6 April 1986 • 53 min
A look at the trembling aspen, a widely distributed poplar found in more regions of North America than any other tree.
16. Secrets of an African Jungle
Aired 27 April 1986 • 53 min
The fragile ecosystem of the great African rainforest of Korup in Cameroon.
17. Birdwatch from Florida
Aired 4 May 1986 • 53 min
Chronicling a weeklong series of bird-watching activities at sites that include the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades, Tampa Bay Island and Port Orange.
18. The Gooneys of Midway
Aired 11 May 1986 • 53 min
Wildlife cinematographer Wolfgang Bayer focuses on the Laysan Albatross of the Hawaiian Islands.
19. Where Eagles Fly
Aired 18 May 1986 • 53 min
A five year study of the golden eagle, Britain's largest bird of prey, in the Scottish highlands.
20. The Skyhunters
Aired 25 May 1986 • 53 min
An examination of the vultures of Africa's Serengeti plain and the rainforests of South America.