Ep 5. From Deserts to Grasslands

From Deserts to Grasslands is the fifth episode of the first season of the documentary series Our Planet. This episode explores the diverse landscapes of Earth, particularly those that are often overlooked or misunderstood. The episode takes viewers on a journey from the harsh, barren deserts of Africa and America to the lush and fertile grasslands of Mongolia and Canada.

The episode opens on the incredible Sahara Desert, highlighting the vast and seemingly endless sea of sand dunes. Viewers are introduced to the hardy animals that call this hostile environment home, such as the Sahara gazelle, Addax antelope and the fennec fox. The camerawork captures the beauty of the desert, but also highlights the challenges the animals face in finding food and water.

Next, the episode shifts to the seemingly lifeless Atacama Desert in South America. Here, the harsh conditions have led to the evolution of some of the most unusual and resilient creatures on the planet. The camera captures the extraordinary behavior of the Atacama's flamingos, who have learned to make a living in pools of highly alkaline water that would be fatal to most other creatures. From the Atacama, viewers are taken to the Namib desert, home to a unique variety of creatures like the Oryx antelope and the elusive sand cat.

The episode then transitions to the grasslands, the world's most extensive ecosystems. The Mongolian grasslands are given special attention, with incredible pans of the rolling hills filled with wild horses, herds of musk oxen, and the rare snow leopard. The episode observes them grazing peacefully or engaging in fights for territory.

Finally, the episode concludes with a trip to North America's prairies, home to the largest bison herd in the U.S. This segment focuses on the impact of human factors on these grasslands, particularly the eradication of thousands of bison seen as an annoyance in the past. We witness the growth of organizations fighting for the restoration of natural wildlife in the region.

Throughout the episode, the show provides insight into how these environments are connected: deserts often become grasslands over time, and the remarkable adaptations animals make in order to survive. It also reveals the fragility of these ecosystems and the enormous impact human behavior can have on them.

From Deserts to Grasslands is not just a nature documentary. It's an opportunity to reflect on how we relate to our planet, the environment we depend on and the role we have in its conservation. The episode ultimately highlights the importance of understanding and protecting the environment.