The Hunt Season 1 Episode 7 Living with Predators (Conservation)
- December 13, 2015
In episode 7 of The Hunt, entitled "Living with Predators (Conservation)," viewers will learn about the delicate balance between humans and predators in different parts of the world. The episode focuses on conservation efforts that aim to protect both human communities and the predators that live among them.
The episode begins with a look at the human-predator conflict in India, where leopards frequently prey on livestock and occasionally attack people. To reduce the number of leopard attacks, conservationists have worked to protect the leopards' habitat, educate people about safe behavior around leopards, and develop non-lethal methods of deterring leopards from attacking livestock. The episode shows how one village in India has successfully coexisted with leopards for many years by implementing some of these measures.
Next, the episode moves to the African savannah, where lions and hyenas are often killed by farmers protecting their livestock. The episode shows how conservationists are working with local farmers to implement new measures that reduce livestock losses while also protecting predators. For example, some farmers use guard dogs that deter predators from approaching their livestock, while others have started using new methods of fencing that minimize the risk of predation. The episode also highlights the importance of educating people about why predators are important to ecosystem health.
The episode then takes viewers to North America, where humans and predators often come into contact in urban areas. In particular, the episode focuses on coyotes, which have adapted well to living in cities but are often seen as a nuisance by people. The episode shows how scientists are studying coyote behavior in order to better understand how to coexist with them. For example, some cities have implemented programs that encourage people to secure their garbage cans and to not feed coyotes. The episode emphasizes that living with coyotes requires a shift in mindset - instead of trying to eliminate them, people need to learn to live with them.
Finally, the episode visits Australia, where conservationists are working to protect large predators such as saltwater crocodiles and great white sharks. These predators are often feared by humans, but they play important roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The episode shows how conservationists are using technology such as drones and underwater cameras to monitor shark populations and how some communities are learning to peacefully coexist with saltwater crocodiles.
Overall, "Living with Predators (Conservation)" highlights the importance of protecting predators for the health of ecosystems and for human communities. The episode shows that conservation efforts can be successful when they involve cooperation between humans and predators.