Ep 3. Swarms

In season 1, episode 3 of Ultimate Animal Countdown, titled "Swarms", we explore some of the most fascinating and overwhelming displays of animal swarms in the natural world. From locusts and wildebeest to starlings and sardines, swarms have the power to awe and inspire, as well as to wreak havoc and destruction.

The episode kicks off with a look at the Australian redback spider, whose females regularly form massive swarms in order to catch and devour prey. We learn about the intricate communication and mating rituals that take place within the swarm, as well as the danger that the spiders pose to humans.

Next up, we take a look at one of the most iconic examples of animal swarms: the locust. These voracious insects are capable of devastating crops and entire regions of land when they swarm, and the episode does not shy away from showing the destruction they can cause. However, we also learn about the incredible adaptability and resilience of locusts, and the crucial role they play in their ecosystems.

Moving from the skies to the savannah, we then delve into the behavior of wildebeest and their legendary migration. Each year, millions of wildebeest travel across Tanzania and Kenya in search of food and water, and the episode shows us how they coordinate their movements to avoid predators and find the best resources. We also get a glimpse of some of the other animals that rely on the wildebeest migration, such as lions and cheetahs.

Returning to the world of insects, we then explore the fascinating phenomenon of army ants. These aggressive and highly organized creatures are capable of forming swarms of up to two million individuals, which they use to hunt and gather food. The episode shows us how army ants create a living bridge out of their own bodies in order to cross gaps in the forest floor, and how they can strip entire trees of their leaves and prey.

Moving on to the underwater realm, we then turn our attention to the sardine run off the coast of South Africa. This annual event sees billions of sardines moving northwards along the coast, pursued by a variety of predators including sharks, dolphins, and birds. The episode takes us on a breathtaking underwater journey through the midst of the swarm, showing us the incredible density and diversity of life that can be found in the ocean.

Last but not least, we explore the mesmerizing behavior of starlings in flight. These birds have a remarkable ability to coordinate their movements in massive flocks, creating stunning patterns and shapes in the sky. The episode shows us how scientists are studying the mechanisms behind this behavior, and how it could inspire new technologies for drones and robotics.

Throughout the episode, we learn about the incredible diversity and complexity of animal swarms, as well as the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. Whether it's finding food and water, avoiding predators, or adapting to new environments, these creatures have evolved an impressive array of strategies for survival. Ultimately, the episode leaves us with a new appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and the power of collective action.