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How the San Track the Wildebeest

In How the San Track the Wildebeest, host Simon Reeve joins tracker Twee and the hunters as they track and hunt for food. Using bows with poisoned darts, they rely on stealth, silence, and avoiding strong smells that could alert animals. After shooting a wildebeest, the group follows its tracks, showing their deep connection to the land and their expert ability to read the environment in ways most people can’t. 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.

Video Details
Location:
Kalahari
Grades:
Program:
Wilderness With Simon Reeve
Time:
6:08
Topic:

Lesson Express

Q: How does the use of poisoned darts differ from modern hunting techniques, and what advantages might this method have for the San people?
A: The use of poisoned darts is a traditional hunting technique that requires skill, precision, and patience. Unlike rifles, which can kill quickly, poisoned darts take time to affect the animal, allowing hunters to track it over a long distance. This method is effective in the Kalahari, where stealth and resourcefulness are crucial.

Q: What does Simon mean when he says that the San people see the landscape differently than someone unfamiliar with it?
A: Simon means that the San people have a deep understanding of their environment, noticing small details like animal tracks, sounds, and scents that outsiders might miss. This knowledge is vital for their survival and hunting practices, showing their close connection to the land.

Q: How might the skills and techniques used by the San hunters be valuable in a modern survival situation?
A: The skills of the San hunters, such as tracking, stealth, and using natural resources for hunting, would be valuable in a survival situation where modern tools might not be available. These techniques teach adaptability and resourcefulness, which are essential for surviving in challenging environments.

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