Ep 4. Deserts

Deserts are some of the harshest environments on the planet, yet they are home to a surprising array of life. In episode 4 of Planet Earth season 2, viewers are taken on a journey through the world's most extreme deserts, from the scorching Sahara to the icy Gobi.

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the episode begins with a stunning aerial view of the Namib Desert, the oldest and driest in the world. Here, the team captures footage of a rare desert lion as it stalks a herd of gemsbok. Despite the harsh conditions, the Namib is home to a variety of creatures that have adapted to its unique ecosystem, including the world's fastest snake, the black mamba, and the elusive sand cat.

Moving on to the Sonoran Desert in North America, viewers watch as a pack of coyotes hunt for their next meal. With temperatures that can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, the Sonoran is a challenging place to live. However, the team films a range of animals that have found ways to survive, from the spiny-tailed iguana to the Gila monster, one of the world's few venomous lizards.

In the Sahara, the crew captures breathtaking footage of the desert at night, when temperatures can drop to below freezing. Despite the extreme conditions, the desert is home to a rich array of wildlife, including the fennec fox, with its oversized ears that help to regulate body temperature, and the addax, a critically endangered antelope that survives by extracting moisture from the plants it eats.

The episode also explores the unique geological features of deserts, such as the towering sand dunes of the Empty Quarter in Oman and the otherworldly rock formations of the Atacama Desert in Chile. In the Atacama, the team filmed the world's largest ground-based observatory, where scientists are able to study the stars with unparalleled precision thanks to the clear skies and lack of light pollution.

Throughout the episode, Sir David provides fascinating insights into the challenges of filming in such remote and inhospitable landscapes, including the use of sophisticated drone technology to capture aerial shots and the importance of finding filming locations that are off the beaten track and not disturbed by human activity.

Overall, episode 4 of Planet Earth season 2 is a captivating exploration of the beauty and resilience of desert ecosystems, offering a glimpse into a world that is often overlooked and misunderstood. With stunning cinematography, expert narration, and a wealth of fascinating facts, it is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and armchair travelers alike.