National Geographic Explorer Season 1 Episode 2 The Ultimate Crocodile

The Ultimate Crocodile is the second episode from the inaugural season of National Geographic Explorer. This episode offers viewers a glimpse into the world of the Nile crocodile, the animal which is not only one of the largest and most dangerous reptiles in the world, but also one of the oldest surviving creatures on the planet.

The episode opens with breathtaking shots of the Nile River and the landscapes that surround it. The show sets the tone for what is to come, as the narrator talks about the Nile crocodile being a survivor against the elements and unforgiving conditions in its natural habitat. Just when the viewer thinks they know everything about the animal, the episode takes a deep dive into understanding the crocodile's every element.

Through interviews with leading researchers and naturalists, the show attempts to deconstruct the animal's physiology and behavior - from the strength and size of their jaw, the shape of their teeth, to the way they breathe and hunt. The viewer is also taken through a journey around several locations where the Nile crocodile is found, to reveal some of its fascinating adaptations to life both in and out of water. This includes the reptile's exceptional swim ability and their movement on land.

The episode dives deep into the complex relationship between the wild animal and the humans around it. In the show, viewers learn how the crocodile has been revered and feared for centuries and how it has featured significantly in many cultural traditional myths. Experts in the program surmise that there are over 100 crocodile attacks on humans every year in Africa, which only emphasizes how dangerous a predator this reptile can be. The show sheds light on how communities around the world are coming up with innovative ways to coexist with the animal and even embrace it as an integral part of their ecosystem.

Throughout The Ultimate Crocodile, the show also sets out to debunk some of the long-held myths and assumptions about these remarkable creatures. One of the primary themes of the show is exploring how myths and stories about the crocodile have been a way of understanding the creature throughout human history. The show does an excellent job of separating fact from fiction about the animal facts such as the reptile's size, diet, and even the notion that crocodiles enjoy eating human flesh are dispelled.

One crucial aspect of the show is the emphasis on the need to protect and conserve the Nile crocodile and other animal species in the wild. The episode is laced with clear examples of how human activity, including habitat destruction and climate change, has directly impacted the reptile habitat and the ecosystem around it.

The Ultimate Crocodile is not just an absorbing episode on one of the most deadly creatures in the animal kingdom; it is also an insightful, informative, and poignant exploration of the complex interplay of the wild, human, and animal world. The episode is a testament to the transformative power of National Geographic's commitment to capturing and sharing stories to inspire a better understanding of the world around us.