Ep 5. Armoured Giants

Life in Cold Blood is a nature documentary series that explores the world of reptiles and amphibians. In episode 5 of season 1 titled "Armoured Giants," the focus is on the reptilian giants - the crocodiles and alligators.

The episode starts with a stunning aerial shot of a river delta in northern Australia, where saltwater crocodiles thrive. David Attenborough, the narrator, explains that these formidable predators have been around for millions of years and are the biggest reptiles on the planet. He claims that crocodiles are feared by humans the world over, and not without reason.

The episode then takes us to the pristine waters of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where we see a Nile crocodile quietly basking in the sun. The camera captures the intricate scales on its body and its menacing jaws with razor-sharp teeth. David reveals that crocodiles are much more intelligent than we give them credit for and have advanced communication skills.

We then learn about the other side of the reptilian world - the smaller and more fragile species like the ploughshare tortoise, which has adapted to life in the dangerous forests of Madagascar. We see a heartwarming scene of a mother tortoise caring for her tiny newborns.

The episode then takes us to the swamps of Louisiana, where we meet some of the biggest alligators in the world. The camera captures the impressive strength and agility of these prehistoric creatures as they hunt and defend their territory.

David then moves on to talk about the vulnerability of these reptiles to habitat destruction and overhunting. He recounts stories of crocodiles being hunted to near extinction in the past and highlights the important conservation work being done today to save these creatures.

The episode ends with a touching scene of a mother crocodile carefully guiding her young hatchlings to safety in the murky waters of a river in northern Australia. David concludes by reminding us that these magnificent creatures have survived for millions of years, but they now face an uncertain future due to the actions of humans.

Overall, "Armoured Giants" is a fascinating and eye-opening episode that takes us deep into the world of crocodiles and alligators. It presents an awe-inspiring glimpse into the lives of these ancient creatures and also highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect them from extinction.