Nature Season 6 Episode 20 Cowboys, Caimans and Capybaras

Set in the remote wilderness of Brazil's Pantanal, Nature's sixth season episode 20, Cowboys, Caimans and Capybaras, is a stunningly filmed exploration of the lives that have thrived in one of the most unforgettable places on Earth. With almost 128,000 square kilometers of terrain, Pantanal is not only the world's largest wetland but also one of the planet's richest ecosystems. This episode takes audiences deep into this natural wonder to reveal the secrets of Pantanal's thriving lifeforms.

The episode begins with a breathtaking aerial view of the meandering river of the region, from where we witness a group of cowboys making their way through the marshy landscapes on horseback. Pantanal's isolated ranches are home to over 10 million cattle, and these cowboys (who are called 'Pantaneiros') are responsible for herding them over long distances through the countryside. But they're not the only ones thriving in these wetlands. Nearby, other animals are busy grooming, hunting, and socializing.

The Pantanal is also a haven for the world's largest rodent called the Capybara, which can weigh up to 160 pounds and are known to be incredibly sociable animals. The cameras follow a family of Capybaras scouring the surroundings for food or wallowing in a nearby waterhole. As these fascinating creatures go about their day, they're constantly on the lookout for danger.

A particular danger in the Pantanal is the presence of Caimans, members of the alligator family, that can be found lurking on the banks of the river or in flooded fields. But the capybaras aren't the only prey in Pantanal. Beneath the swirling mass of cattle, anacondas lie in wait, ready to strike. But for the local people, these slithering predators offer an opportunity to make extra income. The anacondas are caught and sold to snake zoos throughout the world.

During the episode, viewers are also introduced to a Pantanal property owner whose cattle ranch peacefully coexists with the wildlife. His network of channels, which serve as an irrigation system, is home to an incredible diversity of birds, reptiles, and mammals. One resident is the Jabiru Stork, South America's largest bird with a wingspan of up to nine feet! Meanwhile, his land is home to an endangered species of anteater and also serves as a breeding ground for the endangered Hyacinth Macaw.

Away from land, the Pantanal's vast waterways are also teeming with life. We see a giant otter family cruising along the river Scavenging for food. These otters spend their days searching for fish, frogs, and even the occasional Caiman, and are known to work together to defend their territories from encroachers.

Towards the end of the episode, viewers are taken inside a Brazilian ranch to meet a cowboy family who have lived in the Pantanal for generations. Their life revolves around cattle herding, which has been a way of life in the region ever since the Portuguese arrived from Europe in the 16th century. They share their experiences with the crew and offer an insight into how they manage to exist in harmony with nature.

Overall, Cowboys, Caimans, and Capybaras is a fascinating insight into one of the most remarkable environments on the planet, home to an extraordinary array of creatures. The images of this vast and pristine wilderness will linger in the viewer's memory long after the episode ends.