Ep 3. Grasslands

Hostile Planet is a documentary series that explores the different environments on Earth and the animals that inhabit them. Season 1 episode 3 titled Grasslands is a 47-minute long exploration of the vast open spaces of the grasslands and the challenges that its inhabitants encounter in order to survive.

The episode begins with an introduction to the grasslands, which cover almost a quarter of the Earth's surface and are home to some of the most iconic and majestic animals on Earth. The camera then introduces a group of giraffes, who are shown using their long necks to reach the leaves of the tall trees in the savannah. We then see a group of zebras, who are constantly on the move in search of fresh grass to graze on before the rains come.

The episode also introduces us to the predators that inhabit the grasslands, such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, who hunt in packs and are incredibly fast and agile. We meet a pack of African wild dogs, who are shown using their highly effective pack hunting techniques to take down an impala. Next, the episode explores how the animals of the grasslands use their senses to keep themselves safe. For instance, the wildebeest have specialized eyes that allow them to see in a wider range than humans, which gives them an advantage when it comes to detecting predators.

The episode also shows how animals in the grasslands have adapted to survive the harsh climate. For example, the camera follows a group of springbok, who are shown using their powerful hind legs to jump over long distances, allowing them to escape predators and traverse the vast plains of the grasslands. We also see the ostrich, the world's largest bird, which can go without water for extended periods of time thanks to its specialized kidneys, which are able to extract the maximum amount of water from its food.

As the episode progresses, we see how the grasslands change depending on the time of year. During the wet season, the grasslands are lush and green, which attracts large herds of animals who graze on the abundance of fresh vegetation. However, during the dry season, the grasslands become parched and brown, which forces the animals to search for water and food in order to survive. The camera then follows a group of lions who are shown stalking a group of elephants and waiting patiently for their moment to attack.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to stunning visuals of the grasslands, from the brilliant sunrises and sunsets to the majestic landscapes that stretch out as far as the eye can see. We also get to see the animals of the grasslands up close and personal, from the small rodents and insects that scatter through the grass to the towering giraffes and massive elephants that roam the plains.

Overall, Hostile Planet season 1 episode 3 titled Grasslands is a fascinating and informative look at one of the most iconic environments on Earth and the incredible animals that call it home. Fans of nature documentaries will definitely want to check out this episode, which is filled with stunning visuals and amazing insights into the world of the grasslands.