The Animals That Rule the Desert
In he Animals That Rule the Desert, host Simon Reeve journeys through the Kalahari in Botswana, where he encounters lions, elephants, and jackals. Botswana has become a safe haven for African elephants, holding nearly a third of the population after decades of poaching and habitat destruction. With only 400,000 elephants left from an original 25 million, Simon emphasizes the urgency to protect these majestic creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
Lesson Express
Q: What challenges do elephants face besides poaching, and how might these challenges be addressed?
A: Elephants face habitat loss due to farming and urban development. Solutions include creating wildlife corridors, enforcing stricter land-use policies, and involving local communities in conservation.
Q: How does the loss of millions of elephants affect ecosystems and other animals in Africa?
A: Elephants play a critical role in their ecosystems; some of these roles include spreading seeds and creating water holes used by other animals. Losing them disrupts food chains and habitats, which can harm many other species.
Q: What can students like you do to raise awareness about the dangers of ivory poaching and habitat destruction?
A: Students can share information through social media, organize school events like fundraisers for wildlife organizations, or create art or projects that highlight the importance of protecting elephants and other endangered animals.
More Like This
In Grassland Floods in the Okavango, narrator Sir David Attenborough shows how heavy rains flood the Okavango Delta, transforming the grasslands into a waterlogged landscape. Lions must adapt to hunting in the wet conditions, while their prey, like buffaloes, face new struggles to find food and safe ground. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Grassland Floods in the Okavango, narrator Sir David Attenborough shows how heavy rains flood the Okavango Delta, transforming the grasslands into a waterlogged landscape. Lions must adapt to hunting in the wet conditions, while their prey, like buffaloes, face new struggles to find food and safe ground. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.