Human Planet Season 1 Episode 4
Human Planet
Season 1

Ep 4. Jungles - People of the Trees

  • TV-PG
  • April 17, 2011
  • 49 min
  • 8.8  (433)

In season 1, episode 4 of Human Planet, titled "Jungles - People of the Trees," viewers are transported deep into the heart of the world's densest and most dangerous forests to witness the incredible resilience and adaptability of the people who call it home.

The episode takes us across multiple continents, from the dense rainforests of Papua New Guinea to the Amazon basin and beyond, to meet the various tribes and communities that make a living in some of the most challenging and inhospitable environments on the planet.

Through stunning cinematography and intimate interviews with these communities, we learn about the unique ways in which these people have learned to live in harmony with the unforgiving jungle environment. We see them navigate treacherous rivers, climb towering trees, and forge paths through tangled underbrush to gather food, medicine, and other essential resources.

One particularly striking segment introduces us to the Korowai people of Papua New Guinea, who through centuries of practice and knowledge, build entire communities high up in the trees. We see them expertly crafting homes, bridges, and even furniture out of the jungle's abundant resources, all while dodging the ever-present danger of falling to the forest floor far below.

From there, the episode takes us deeper into the jungle, introducing us to various tribes and communities whose ways of life have been shaped by the rich biodiversity of the forest. We meet the Yanomami of Brazil, who are experts at hunting with blowpipes and gathering from the forest's abundant plant life. We also get to know the Mbendjele tribe of the Congo Basin, whose extensive knowledge of the forest's flora and fauna is essential to their survival.

Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that the jungle is a challenging and dangerous place to live, and these communities are constantly adapting to survive in a world where one wrong move can be deadly. Yet despite the harsh conditions, there is a palpable sense of admiration and respect for the jungle amongst these people, who view it not as an adversary but as a partner in their day-to-day lives.

Overall, "Jungles - People of the Trees" is a fascinating and eye-opening look at the incredible resilience and ingenuity of the people who call the jungle home. Through their stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the fragile and complex ecosystem of the forest, and the importance of protecting it for generations to come.

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Description
  • First Aired
    April 17, 2011
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    49 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (433)