The Animals of the Namibian Desert
In The Animals of the Namibian Desert, narrator Sir David Attenborough teaches about the animals in Namibia. Elephants here walk up to 50 miles a day to find food. Lion prides are small and hunt oryxes that are in search of water. Oryx take to the sand dunes to escape from hungry lions. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: Deserts are known for having no water and being extremely hot. Is this what ends up killing desert animals?
A: No, what actually ends up killing the animals is a lack of food.
Q: How did lions have to change their habits in this environment as opposed to the savannas?
A: The lions can’t rely on large herds of animals, so their prides are smaller and their home range is bigger.
Q: How do the oryx buy themselves time from the preying lions?
A: The oryx know that the lions won’t follow them into the hills of sand dunes, so they stay there until they run out of food and water.
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