1 00:00:00,115 --> 00:00:02,328 (mumbles) 2 00:00:02,328 --> 00:00:03,161 (fireworks) 3 00:00:03,161 --> 00:00:06,049 Nightlife and beautiful beaches, 4 00:00:06,049 --> 00:00:08,799 (cheerful music) 5 00:00:11,420 --> 00:00:12,803 sun times and tapas. 6 00:00:15,760 --> 00:00:17,310 But Spain is so much more 7 00:00:21,390 --> 00:00:25,740 it's a crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic 8 00:00:27,430 --> 00:00:32,430 between Europe and Africa resulting in diverse landscapes, 9 00:00:34,820 --> 00:00:38,413 ancient cultures and glorious wildlife. 10 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:47,020 It's a hidden Spain missed by many tourists 11 00:00:47,020 --> 00:00:49,553 who fail to venture outside the resorts. 12 00:00:52,270 --> 00:00:53,783 Worlds within worlds, 13 00:00:54,710 --> 00:00:58,850 the medieval towns, to farming communities, desert, 14 00:01:00,850 --> 00:01:05,850 mountains and forests with some of the most dramatic 15 00:01:06,780 --> 00:01:09,337 and diverse wildlife of the continent. 16 00:01:23,481 --> 00:01:26,472 (piano music) 17 00:01:26,472 --> 00:01:29,222 (birds chirping) 18 00:01:39,990 --> 00:01:41,650 The seas of Northern Spain 19 00:01:41,650 --> 00:01:43,583 are some of the richest in the world 20 00:01:54,470 --> 00:01:57,343 with an impressive diversity of marine mammals. 21 00:02:03,100 --> 00:02:04,900 There one of the few places on earth 22 00:02:08,897 --> 00:02:12,133 where elusive beaked whales can be observed. 23 00:02:26,530 --> 00:02:29,400 Several species inhabit the canyons 24 00:02:29,400 --> 00:02:31,693 like this shy Sowerby's beaked whale, 25 00:02:35,300 --> 00:02:37,280 they spend little time at the surface 26 00:02:38,740 --> 00:02:41,713 and mostly foraging for squid in the ocean depths. 27 00:02:43,560 --> 00:02:47,060 Diving for well over an hour and a descending sometimes 28 00:02:47,060 --> 00:02:49,073 thousands of meters into the abyss. 29 00:02:55,100 --> 00:02:57,730 The whales are here because beneath the surface, 30 00:02:57,730 --> 00:02:59,193 lie massive trenches, 31 00:03:00,770 --> 00:03:03,073 some twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. 32 00:03:04,509 --> 00:03:07,259 (dramatic music) 33 00:03:09,740 --> 00:03:13,850 They create upwellings bringing nutrients to the surface 34 00:03:16,500 --> 00:03:20,390 as well as stirring the seas, earning this region, 35 00:03:20,390 --> 00:03:23,863 the Bay of Biscay, the reputation of the wrecker of ships. 36 00:03:34,830 --> 00:03:36,440 The trenches of the continuation 37 00:03:36,440 --> 00:03:41,070 of Spain's Cantabrian Mountains that stretch 300 kilometers 38 00:03:41,070 --> 00:03:42,870 along the country's northern border. 39 00:03:46,569 --> 00:03:49,219 (birds clucking) 40 00:03:49,219 --> 00:03:50,830 (heavy ocean water throbs) 41 00:03:50,830 --> 00:03:54,233 The force of the sea makes itself well felt along the coast. 42 00:03:56,680 --> 00:03:59,373 In winter, fierce storms rage. 43 00:04:01,610 --> 00:04:03,833 And in summer fog forms, 44 00:04:07,790 --> 00:04:10,920 the resulting rainfall gives them mountains of Cantabria, 45 00:04:10,920 --> 00:04:12,513 their own unique personality. 46 00:04:36,660 --> 00:04:39,630 The lush pasture, ideal for small herders 47 00:04:42,340 --> 00:04:45,580 for generations they have grazed their livestock, 48 00:04:45,580 --> 00:04:47,666 moving them up and down the hills. 49 00:04:47,666 --> 00:04:51,083 (tractor engine roaring) 50 00:04:52,360 --> 00:04:54,627 Today there's little money in farming. 51 00:04:54,627 --> 00:04:57,660 And young people are moving to the cities to work, 52 00:04:57,660 --> 00:04:58,900 leaving the villages locked 53 00:04:58,900 --> 00:05:01,553 in a romantic cloak of forgotten times. 54 00:05:18,186 --> 00:05:19,019 (guitar music) 55 00:05:19,019 --> 00:05:21,483 It's not just people making a living in the hills. 56 00:05:23,177 --> 00:05:24,890 (birds chirping) 57 00:05:24,890 --> 00:05:28,993 Because of the rugged terrain, nature has been undisturbed. 58 00:05:31,417 --> 00:05:34,000 (birds cawing) 59 00:05:46,900 --> 00:05:49,933 The mountains are home to a stunning array of wildlife, 60 00:05:52,690 --> 00:05:56,813 including wolves, chamois, 61 00:05:59,882 --> 00:06:01,853 and a rare subspecies of brown bear, 62 00:06:10,660 --> 00:06:15,150 isolated into populations in the Cantabrian Mountains. 63 00:06:15,150 --> 00:06:17,570 The bears live in little islands of wilderness 64 00:06:17,570 --> 00:06:19,160 among towns and farm land. 65 00:06:26,660 --> 00:06:29,563 Less than 300 of these rare bears remain. 66 00:06:35,330 --> 00:06:37,500 Every cub is protected 67 00:06:37,500 --> 00:06:40,451 a precious natural treasure of the Spain. 68 00:06:40,451 --> 00:06:43,370 (cricket chirping) 69 00:06:43,370 --> 00:06:45,700 They've become a tourist attraction, 70 00:06:45,700 --> 00:06:48,520 boosting the economy and increasing the desire 71 00:06:48,520 --> 00:06:51,593 to protect nature among the people who share these hills. 72 00:06:54,580 --> 00:06:56,090 And in doing so, 73 00:06:56,090 --> 00:06:59,003 they are protecting many other fantastic species. 74 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:05,913 Among them bird life in abundance. 75 00:07:07,246 --> 00:07:09,996 (birds chirping) 76 00:07:12,830 --> 00:07:16,053 Spain boasts more than 600 species of birds. 77 00:07:19,060 --> 00:07:23,323 The blue throat is a secretive, but dazzling flycatcher. 78 00:07:25,310 --> 00:07:28,303 It's beautiful song, a war cry. 79 00:07:29,263 --> 00:07:31,930 (birds singing) 80 00:07:33,930 --> 00:07:36,513 A territorial warning to others in the region. 81 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:47,390 The higher you climb into the mountains, 82 00:07:47,390 --> 00:07:51,180 which tower 2600 meters into the air, 83 00:07:51,180 --> 00:07:54,150 the more hostile and colorless the landscape seems 84 00:07:57,370 --> 00:07:58,900 were it not for the birds 85 00:08:01,470 --> 00:08:05,080 yellow-billed Alpine chough live in social flocks 86 00:08:08,140 --> 00:08:10,850 but it's one of the most solitary and secretive birds 87 00:08:10,850 --> 00:08:13,043 that's also the most spectacular. 88 00:08:16,600 --> 00:08:17,883 The wall creeper. 89 00:08:21,600 --> 00:08:23,833 Social interactions are unusual. 90 00:08:27,820 --> 00:08:30,880 But this is a mother trying to encourage her chick 91 00:08:30,880 --> 00:08:32,033 to fly the nest. 92 00:08:33,385 --> 00:08:36,135 (dramatic music) 93 00:08:45,730 --> 00:08:48,200 He's been hanging around demanding handouts 94 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:52,630 but she's playing hard to get 95 00:08:57,150 --> 00:08:58,850 and leading him further from home. 96 00:09:23,910 --> 00:09:25,710 Perhaps he'll finally take the hint. 97 00:09:30,910 --> 00:09:33,530 Wall creepers make a living seeking out 98 00:09:33,530 --> 00:09:36,133 and surprising insects from between the rocks. 99 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:46,370 They find plenty but it's on the flower Meadow 100 00:09:46,370 --> 00:09:49,613 of lower Alpine slopes where insects are bound. 101 00:09:53,660 --> 00:09:57,893 Around 150 species of butterfly are drawn to the blooms. 102 00:10:01,450 --> 00:10:04,703 Including the impressive mountain Apollo. 103 00:10:13,060 --> 00:10:16,510 Unusually, this abundance of life is in part, 104 00:10:16,510 --> 00:10:18,110 thanks to a human presence 105 00:10:20,980 --> 00:10:23,703 the meadows or mowed to create cattle feed. 106 00:10:26,220 --> 00:10:29,413 The regular trim stops trees and bushes from taking hold. 107 00:10:32,250 --> 00:10:35,493 Maintaining a grassland of flowers and butterflies. 108 00:10:42,970 --> 00:10:45,040 The lush green is thanks to the heavy rainfall 109 00:10:45,040 --> 00:10:45,923 from the coast. 110 00:10:50,443 --> 00:10:53,389 (birds singing) 111 00:10:53,389 --> 00:10:55,130 (river flowing) 112 00:10:55,130 --> 00:10:57,350 Because of this flow of water, 113 00:10:57,350 --> 00:11:00,040 the mountains are scored by streams 114 00:11:00,040 --> 00:11:03,443 that can even support a unique high altitude amphibian. 115 00:11:05,310 --> 00:11:07,103 They are asterion fire salamander, 116 00:11:08,503 --> 00:11:11,253 (cheerful music) 117 00:11:13,610 --> 00:11:15,993 it's a subspecies of fire salamander. 118 00:11:17,980 --> 00:11:21,953 Similar to its cousin in appearance and passion for worms 119 00:11:28,090 --> 00:11:30,913 yet distinct because of its beautiful yellow skin. 120 00:12:03,211 --> 00:12:04,910 But the abundance of water here 121 00:12:04,910 --> 00:12:06,813 does not reflect most of Spain. 122 00:12:11,220 --> 00:12:14,413 The mountain range to the north creates a rain shadow. 123 00:12:19,200 --> 00:12:21,243 It sucks in the moisture from the sea. 124 00:12:24,820 --> 00:12:28,013 Most walls on high country are north facing slopes. 125 00:12:31,636 --> 00:12:34,053 (soft music) 126 00:12:39,570 --> 00:12:41,100 And as a result, 127 00:12:41,100 --> 00:12:44,623 most of the vast landmass to the south is more arid. 128 00:12:46,410 --> 00:12:50,413 A warm, dry mediterranean climate but still high up. 129 00:13:09,580 --> 00:13:13,413 Most of Spain is an enormous platter, the meseta. 130 00:13:25,810 --> 00:13:28,373 These are the oldest rocks in the country. 131 00:13:30,950 --> 00:13:32,730 As the highest points, 132 00:13:32,730 --> 00:13:34,970 patches of snow can linger a year round 133 00:13:42,996 --> 00:13:47,996 they are home to a genetically distinct group of chamois. 134 00:13:48,370 --> 00:13:50,670 Because they favor mountains, 135 00:13:50,670 --> 00:13:53,060 many populations have grown in isolation 136 00:13:53,060 --> 00:13:57,010 on different ranges, resulting in 10 subspecies 137 00:13:58,790 --> 00:14:03,370 of all the varieties the Cantabrian chamois are the smallest 138 00:14:04,690 --> 00:14:07,183 slightly smaller than a Great Dane. 139 00:14:08,570 --> 00:14:13,570 But what they lack in size they make up for in other talents 140 00:14:14,840 --> 00:14:16,750 considered goat antelope 141 00:14:16,750 --> 00:14:19,520 because they represent the ancestral animal 142 00:14:19,520 --> 00:14:21,143 that gave rise to both. 143 00:14:22,050 --> 00:14:24,100 They are nimble like antelope 144 00:14:24,100 --> 00:14:26,233 and with the climbing skills of goats. 145 00:14:28,493 --> 00:14:29,800 (soft music) 146 00:14:29,800 --> 00:14:32,080 To avoid predators like wolves, 147 00:14:32,080 --> 00:14:34,143 they sleep high on the craggy slopes. 148 00:14:40,690 --> 00:14:44,783 But during the day, descend to alpine meadows to feed. 149 00:14:52,040 --> 00:14:54,490 Everyone's heard of chamois leathers, 150 00:14:54,490 --> 00:14:58,010 the soft cloth used to clean cars and windows 151 00:14:59,450 --> 00:15:02,710 traditionally they were made from chamois skin, 152 00:15:02,710 --> 00:15:05,783 which is unusually soft and elastic when tanned. 153 00:15:07,940 --> 00:15:09,480 The commodity almost drove 154 00:15:09,480 --> 00:15:11,443 the beautiful animals to extinction. 155 00:15:15,440 --> 00:15:17,410 Today their numbers are higher, 156 00:15:17,410 --> 00:15:19,403 and hunting is carefully controlled. 157 00:15:28,500 --> 00:15:32,250 Chamois are a vital part of the food chain here 158 00:15:32,250 --> 00:15:36,233 and favored prey to the region's wolves, bears and eagles. 159 00:15:37,700 --> 00:15:39,420 Their carcasses also feed 160 00:15:39,420 --> 00:15:41,983 some of Spain's most dramatic birds. 161 00:15:49,980 --> 00:15:53,160 Because so much of Spain is mountainous 162 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:56,110 it has more vultures and more species 163 00:15:56,110 --> 00:15:58,113 than anywhere else in Europe. 164 00:16:03,110 --> 00:16:07,210 The black mercenaries vulture is the biggest, 165 00:16:07,210 --> 00:16:10,253 a dark beauty with a three meter wingspan. 166 00:16:14,840 --> 00:16:17,303 The Egyptian vulture is the smallest. 167 00:16:20,380 --> 00:16:23,610 It's been observed using rocks to crack eggs, 168 00:16:23,610 --> 00:16:26,353 making it one of the few birds to use tools. 169 00:16:33,410 --> 00:16:37,330 It's also the only one of Spain's vultures to migrate 170 00:16:37,330 --> 00:16:40,633 traveling 7000 kilometers to Africa for the winter. 171 00:16:44,890 --> 00:16:48,123 Each species has their own feeding preferences. 172 00:16:51,190 --> 00:16:55,093 And no leash is more specific than magnificent lammergeier. 173 00:16:56,930 --> 00:16:59,010 Also known as bearded vultures 174 00:16:59,010 --> 00:17:00,910 because of their magnificent gloomage. 175 00:17:04,050 --> 00:17:07,670 They drop in for the last helping of any meal, the bones 176 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:16,140 and have such powerful stomach acid, 177 00:17:16,140 --> 00:17:19,683 they can digest the bone and the tasty marrow within. 178 00:17:24,630 --> 00:17:27,360 The commonest giant in the skies of Spain 179 00:17:27,360 --> 00:17:30,048 is the magnificent griffon vulture. 180 00:17:30,048 --> 00:17:32,798 (dramatic music) 181 00:17:41,360 --> 00:17:44,090 The fierce sun warms low lying areas 182 00:17:44,090 --> 00:17:46,400 and the heat is pushed up against the rocks, 183 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:50,293 creating thermals, warm currents of rising air, 184 00:17:54,500 --> 00:17:56,800 the vultures can go with the flow, 185 00:17:56,800 --> 00:18:01,260 soaring to 600 meters or more traveling many kilometers 186 00:18:01,260 --> 00:18:02,963 without ever needing to flap. 187 00:18:06,560 --> 00:18:10,543 They have incredible eyesight, scowering the planes below. 188 00:18:13,350 --> 00:18:15,823 Black kites have already found treasure. 189 00:18:17,610 --> 00:18:22,140 A cow, it's quite a feast 190 00:18:23,620 --> 00:18:26,047 but trouble is brewing overhead 191 00:18:26,047 --> 00:18:28,880 (birds shrieking) 192 00:18:48,680 --> 00:18:51,580 with their long practically bored necks, 193 00:18:51,580 --> 00:18:54,533 griffon vulture can reach deep inside the carcass. 194 00:18:59,780 --> 00:19:01,233 Vultures have a bad rep. 195 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:04,580 Many people find them disgusting, 196 00:19:04,580 --> 00:19:06,183 but then vitally important. 197 00:19:07,870 --> 00:19:12,870 Vultures are the ultimate recyclers, cleaning up carcasses 198 00:19:12,970 --> 00:19:15,783 that could otherwise rot and spread disease. 199 00:19:27,590 --> 00:19:29,620 Spain is the second highest 200 00:19:29,620 --> 00:19:32,013 and most mountainous country in Europe, 201 00:19:33,240 --> 00:19:35,930 sculpted by several dramatic mountain ranges 202 00:19:35,930 --> 00:19:37,323 and huge plateaus, 203 00:19:43,030 --> 00:19:46,113 on the slopes below, rocks give way to trees. 204 00:19:50,608 --> 00:19:54,120 Around 36% of Spain is forested, 205 00:19:54,120 --> 00:19:56,323 though that forest comes in many forms. 206 00:19:59,930 --> 00:20:02,620 A huge chunk of Central Western Spain 207 00:20:02,620 --> 00:20:04,503 is known as the Extremadura. 208 00:20:05,490 --> 00:20:07,860 It's the size of Switzerland, 209 00:20:07,860 --> 00:20:09,953 but with a much smaller population. 210 00:20:17,770 --> 00:20:19,483 It's Spain's wild west, 211 00:20:23,950 --> 00:20:26,343 where cowboys still ride to work. 212 00:20:28,700 --> 00:20:31,320 Bathed in a Mediterranean climate, 213 00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:33,490 the region's mild in winter 214 00:20:33,490 --> 00:20:36,415 and very hot and dry during the summer. 215 00:20:36,415 --> 00:20:37,930 (birds singing) 216 00:20:37,930 --> 00:20:40,347 (soft music) 217 00:20:42,600 --> 00:20:44,963 The heat brings abundant plant growth. 218 00:20:47,040 --> 00:20:49,343 Different flowers decorate each season. 219 00:20:53,160 --> 00:20:56,363 Spain boasts more than 8000 plant species, 220 00:20:57,200 --> 00:21:00,033 20% of which are found nowhere else on Earth. 221 00:21:04,140 --> 00:21:08,163 The flowers grow around grows with olive trees and home oak. 222 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:14,410 The home oaks deliver bountiful acorns that plump up pigs 223 00:21:17,420 --> 00:21:20,740 the well fed porkers have made Extremadura 224 00:21:20,740 --> 00:21:22,073 famous for its ham. 225 00:21:26,550 --> 00:21:28,970 But there's another oak tree here 226 00:21:28,970 --> 00:21:31,103 whose produce ends up all over the world. 227 00:21:34,680 --> 00:21:38,403 Every year men arrive and attack it with axes and knives. 228 00:21:44,130 --> 00:21:48,070 They are stripping it's bark known to most of us as cork 229 00:21:52,660 --> 00:21:55,100 men who've been doing this for centuries 230 00:21:55,100 --> 00:21:57,740 and know the exact amount to remove 231 00:21:57,740 --> 00:21:59,393 without killing the tree. 232 00:22:06,350 --> 00:22:10,333 Cork oaks have the unique ability to regenerate their bark. 233 00:22:15,193 --> 00:22:16,720 If the men get it right, 234 00:22:16,720 --> 00:22:19,620 they'll be able to return to this tree in nine years 235 00:22:19,620 --> 00:22:20,883 and harvest is again. 236 00:22:51,310 --> 00:22:54,190 The industry for bottle corks and smoked ham 237 00:22:54,190 --> 00:22:56,290 preserve the semi managed forest 238 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:03,100 because they kept open, they have a higher plant diversity 239 00:23:03,100 --> 00:23:07,860 than any other forest, with more than 135 species 240 00:23:07,860 --> 00:23:09,283 per square kilometer. 241 00:23:13,630 --> 00:23:16,983 The gnarly old trees make good homes for many animals. 242 00:23:22,860 --> 00:23:25,200 Stokes use the tree tops platforms 243 00:23:25,200 --> 00:23:27,083 to build a giant sky rises. 244 00:23:36,920 --> 00:23:40,433 Returning to the same nest every year, they pile them high. 245 00:23:44,700 --> 00:23:47,193 The structure is sometimes weigh more than a ton. 246 00:23:49,804 --> 00:23:52,060 (bills clapping) 247 00:23:52,060 --> 00:23:54,460 They throw their heads back and bill clap 248 00:23:54,460 --> 00:23:56,910 to express their devotion to each other 249 00:23:56,910 --> 00:23:58,410 before committing to a family. 250 00:24:15,839 --> 00:24:18,211 Pupose nest in tree cavities below. 251 00:24:18,211 --> 00:24:20,794 (bird hooting) 252 00:24:22,320 --> 00:24:25,720 Though they related to kingfishers and woodpeckers, 253 00:24:25,720 --> 00:24:27,823 they have a look that is all that round. 254 00:24:29,800 --> 00:24:32,910 With fast growing chicks, these parents have to work 255 00:24:32,910 --> 00:24:35,523 around the clock to silence the hungry mouths. 256 00:24:38,758 --> 00:24:40,900 They use their long beaks to probe the ground 257 00:24:40,900 --> 00:24:45,773 for small animals, fruits, seeds and most of all insects. 258 00:24:45,773 --> 00:24:48,190 (soft music) 259 00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:53,620 Both the mother and chicks produce a foul oil 260 00:24:53,620 --> 00:24:58,620 that coat their bodies, it's set to smell like rotting meat 261 00:24:59,760 --> 00:25:02,560 and probably acts as a pesticide, 262 00:25:02,560 --> 00:25:05,113 preventing the buildup of parasites in the nest. 263 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:10,520 Both parents will run themselves ragged for about a month 264 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:13,070 until the young are finally ready to leave the home 265 00:25:18,330 --> 00:25:20,623 pupose are colorful and hard to miss, 266 00:25:21,590 --> 00:25:24,120 but there are other creatures living in the trees 267 00:25:24,120 --> 00:25:26,403 that are masters of going unnoticed. 268 00:25:31,870 --> 00:25:34,520 In the rotten heart of an old oak tree 269 00:25:34,520 --> 00:25:36,490 a weary mother tends to her young 270 00:25:41,439 --> 00:25:44,090 Genets are rare in Europe, 271 00:25:44,090 --> 00:25:46,863 found mostly in the warmer climate at the Southwest. 272 00:25:48,260 --> 00:25:50,550 They're widespread across Africa, 273 00:25:50,550 --> 00:25:53,190 and may have been introduced here by the Romans 274 00:25:53,190 --> 00:25:56,663 as pest control because of their mouse catching skills. 275 00:25:59,190 --> 00:26:00,673 This one's a single mom. 276 00:26:03,380 --> 00:26:05,460 Genets like to be solitary, 277 00:26:05,460 --> 00:26:07,443 unless they have kids to take care of. 278 00:26:12,930 --> 00:26:15,920 Her little pair were born blind and helpless, 279 00:26:15,920 --> 00:26:18,453 but under her care, they're growing fast. 280 00:26:23,980 --> 00:26:25,670 She's still providing milk for them 281 00:26:25,670 --> 00:26:27,960 when they are four months old. 282 00:26:27,960 --> 00:26:30,543 But for the next few weeks, she'll stay busy. 283 00:26:31,910 --> 00:26:34,173 She needs to keep yourself in good shape, 284 00:26:37,360 --> 00:26:40,383 but only sneaks out to feed once the sun has set. 285 00:26:51,270 --> 00:26:54,850 Illuminated only by the Milky Way she creeps out 286 00:27:07,311 --> 00:27:09,290 with the low human population, 287 00:27:09,290 --> 00:27:12,020 there's little light pollution out here, 288 00:27:12,020 --> 00:27:16,013 giving Spain side Europe's finest spots for stargazing. 289 00:27:19,360 --> 00:27:21,413 But she has other things on her mind. 290 00:27:23,570 --> 00:27:26,440 With nocturnal habits she's rarely seen 291 00:27:27,350 --> 00:27:31,473 apart from her tony owl neighbor both are on the prowl 292 00:27:35,700 --> 00:27:37,217 the vol better beware. 293 00:27:51,730 --> 00:27:55,030 Genets and that only living relatives civets 294 00:27:55,030 --> 00:27:59,340 are considered proto cats having many cat like traits, 295 00:27:59,340 --> 00:28:02,863 long slinking bodies and semi retractable claws. 296 00:28:11,360 --> 00:28:16,040 She's an expert climber and knows that day active birds 297 00:28:16,040 --> 00:28:18,716 could be sound asleep in the branches. 298 00:28:18,716 --> 00:28:21,133 (soft music) 299 00:28:35,350 --> 00:28:37,363 The pigeon never saw what hit it. 300 00:28:39,090 --> 00:28:43,270 She'll hunt any small animals and dispatches them 301 00:28:43,270 --> 00:28:45,143 with a bite to the back of the head. 302 00:28:50,179 --> 00:28:53,910 Below her, a true cat the rarest in the world 303 00:28:56,840 --> 00:29:01,840 an Iberian lynx only found in southwestern Europe. 304 00:29:02,410 --> 00:29:03,810 Hunting and habitat loss 305 00:29:03,810 --> 00:29:06,693 pushed his population down to less than 100. 306 00:29:08,760 --> 00:29:12,953 Careful protection has helped a slow recovery to about 400. 307 00:29:17,670 --> 00:29:20,600 He's mostly preys on rabbits and rodents 308 00:29:20,600 --> 00:29:22,670 but can even tackle small deer. 309 00:29:26,260 --> 00:29:29,190 The genet decides to stay out of its way 310 00:29:29,190 --> 00:29:31,160 and returns to her nest, 311 00:29:31,160 --> 00:29:33,077 ready to sit out the heat of the day. 312 00:29:37,526 --> 00:29:40,276 (dramatic music) 313 00:29:54,460 --> 00:29:59,400 The mercury rises quickly in Spain, especially to the south 314 00:29:59,400 --> 00:30:01,243 in the region known as Andalusia, 315 00:30:03,120 --> 00:30:05,430 home of the gore fay desert, 316 00:30:05,430 --> 00:30:08,273 one of the hottest and driest parts of Europe. 317 00:30:14,410 --> 00:30:18,713 Likened to the Grand Canyon, this is a land of sun lovers, 318 00:30:25,270 --> 00:30:26,190 reptiles 319 00:30:31,870 --> 00:30:32,823 and insects rule. 320 00:30:46,791 --> 00:30:50,208 A praying mantis cleans its complex eyes, 321 00:30:58,970 --> 00:31:03,083 distracted it doesn't notice a predator on the prowl. 322 00:31:05,630 --> 00:31:08,000 The scorpions armed with pinching claws 323 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:09,363 and the venomous sting. 324 00:31:13,240 --> 00:31:15,083 But there's a twist in this tale. 325 00:31:16,927 --> 00:31:19,883 The praying mantis has lightning reactions. 326 00:31:21,170 --> 00:31:23,930 Its spine covered arms pinning the scorpion 327 00:31:23,930 --> 00:31:25,753 before it has the chance to strike. 328 00:31:33,870 --> 00:31:37,683 Cold blooded creatures enjoy solar radiation in the desert. 329 00:31:49,880 --> 00:31:52,280 The warm weather gives Spain the grand total 330 00:31:52,280 --> 00:31:56,683 of 45 species of reptiles, in a land of contrasts, 331 00:31:59,290 --> 00:32:01,820 the desert is framed by the snow capped peaks 332 00:32:01,820 --> 00:32:03,233 of the Sierra Nevada. 333 00:32:04,220 --> 00:32:08,257 After the Alps, it's the highest mountain range in Europe. 334 00:32:11,920 --> 00:32:14,810 It's deep ravines and gorges remain a fortress 335 00:32:14,810 --> 00:32:18,060 to one of the country's most dramatic mammals, 336 00:32:18,060 --> 00:32:19,593 the Spanish ibex. 337 00:32:28,610 --> 00:32:31,930 They used to be to other kinds of ibex in Spain, 338 00:32:31,930 --> 00:32:34,053 but hunting drove them to extinction. 339 00:32:35,120 --> 00:32:38,653 Fortunately, this last survivor thrives. 340 00:32:41,130 --> 00:32:42,640 For most of the year, 341 00:32:42,640 --> 00:32:45,320 female ibex wonder apart from the males 342 00:32:47,060 --> 00:32:49,660 protecting their young in the center of their group. 343 00:32:53,780 --> 00:32:55,460 Only once the young are old enough 344 00:32:55,460 --> 00:32:58,493 to leave their mother's side will both sexes meet. 345 00:33:01,720 --> 00:33:04,240 During rutting season, the males 346 00:33:04,240 --> 00:33:07,460 with their impressive 75 centimeter horns 347 00:33:07,460 --> 00:33:09,003 do their best to flirt. 348 00:33:13,920 --> 00:33:18,223 They strut, heads low, tails high and tongues out. 349 00:33:25,190 --> 00:33:28,717 Apparently, the females find this alluring in theory, 350 00:33:34,700 --> 00:33:36,820 it's like a game of kiss chase, 351 00:33:36,820 --> 00:33:39,003 with several males pursuing a female. 352 00:33:45,390 --> 00:33:46,923 Usually the horniest wins. 353 00:33:48,860 --> 00:33:52,453 The boys giving way to the bigger headgear of a mature male. 354 00:34:00,400 --> 00:34:03,743 Though so far, the girls don't seem too impressed. 355 00:34:12,600 --> 00:34:15,773 Andalusia is a treasured unique region of Spain. 356 00:34:19,170 --> 00:34:21,633 Still steeped in culture and tradition. 357 00:34:24,810 --> 00:34:26,673 Its famed for its cowboys, 358 00:34:28,770 --> 00:34:33,770 wild horses and bull fights. 359 00:34:37,260 --> 00:34:39,510 Herds with the impressive animals still roam. 360 00:34:43,010 --> 00:34:47,133 Every year over 100 cowboys gather for a dramatic roundup. 361 00:34:49,490 --> 00:34:51,833 2000 of free roaming animals are driven back 362 00:34:51,833 --> 00:34:53,743 through the town of El Rocio. 363 00:34:57,150 --> 00:34:59,363 They're heading for a world famous market, 364 00:35:00,610 --> 00:35:03,083 where best will be sold off for riding. 365 00:35:12,062 --> 00:35:12,895 (traditional music) 366 00:35:12,895 --> 00:35:14,990 Here tradition runs riot, 367 00:35:16,370 --> 00:35:18,140 especially over the Easter period 368 00:35:19,190 --> 00:35:21,753 when it hosts the biggest party in Spain. 369 00:35:26,790 --> 00:35:29,163 The celebrations go through to Whit Sunday. 370 00:35:30,060 --> 00:35:32,890 When this parade arrives after a five day march 371 00:35:35,420 --> 00:35:37,673 thousands of pilgrims come to greet it. 372 00:35:38,860 --> 00:35:41,293 Now the celebrations really get underway. 373 00:35:47,541 --> 00:35:48,870 It's a reminder of the strength 374 00:35:48,870 --> 00:35:51,033 of Roman Catholic tradition in Spain. 375 00:35:54,260 --> 00:35:57,250 The time of scenes of color and culture have played out here 376 00:35:57,250 --> 00:35:58,643 for 800 years. 377 00:36:02,510 --> 00:36:04,150 It's no wonder tourists flock 378 00:36:04,150 --> 00:36:06,123 to this incredible region of Spain. 379 00:36:10,720 --> 00:36:14,570 Andalusia not only reveals the nation's proud heritage 380 00:36:14,570 --> 00:36:16,173 but its natural wonders. 381 00:36:20,320 --> 00:36:22,863 It's a region with enormous diversity. 382 00:36:25,070 --> 00:36:27,420 Within a few 10s of kilometers, 383 00:36:27,420 --> 00:36:30,000 terrain can go from snow capped mountains 384 00:36:33,710 --> 00:36:35,383 to sub tropical beaches. 385 00:36:40,440 --> 00:36:41,950 And everything in between. 386 00:36:45,900 --> 00:36:48,470 The ancient cities show Moorish roots 387 00:36:48,470 --> 00:36:50,360 with historic influxes of people 388 00:36:50,360 --> 00:36:52,813 from nearby North Africa of a millennia. 389 00:36:59,610 --> 00:37:02,293 Some species make the most of the old buildings. 390 00:37:04,300 --> 00:37:07,113 Sparrows here have some unusual roommates. 391 00:37:10,570 --> 00:37:12,800 Unlike most birds of prey, 392 00:37:12,800 --> 00:37:16,543 lesser kestrels are social and nest in colonies. 393 00:37:20,283 --> 00:37:22,840 This can lead to a fair amount of squabbling 394 00:37:34,020 --> 00:37:36,400 one of the smallest birds of prey in Europe, 395 00:37:36,400 --> 00:37:39,273 their nests fit nicely under old roof tiles. 396 00:37:51,430 --> 00:37:55,500 Lesser kestrel feed almost entirely on insects. 397 00:37:55,500 --> 00:37:58,870 And the use of pesticides over the last hundred years 398 00:37:58,870 --> 00:38:01,053 has massively decreased their population. 399 00:38:08,260 --> 00:38:11,203 The sparrows don't seem concerned by the tiny predators. 400 00:38:16,840 --> 00:38:20,233 Though the young kestrel objects to the trespassing. 401 00:38:26,120 --> 00:38:27,623 The intruder gets bolder. 402 00:38:33,650 --> 00:38:37,160 Little pesky insects often build up in bird's nest. 403 00:38:37,160 --> 00:38:38,583 Perhaps he spots a snack. 404 00:38:47,730 --> 00:38:49,930 But he makes way when dad arrives with food. 405 00:39:09,523 --> 00:39:11,300 (wind blowing) 406 00:39:11,300 --> 00:39:12,293 It's hot here, 407 00:39:16,820 --> 00:39:21,820 very hot, often 40 degrees or more in summer 408 00:39:25,330 --> 00:39:28,423 something much appreciated by another insect eater. 409 00:39:30,610 --> 00:39:34,000 The common chameleon hugs the Mediterranean coast 410 00:39:34,000 --> 00:39:35,903 to savor the balmy climate. 411 00:39:48,580 --> 00:39:51,260 Creeping like a leaf catching the breeze, 412 00:39:51,260 --> 00:39:54,390 rotating his big beady eyes independently 413 00:39:54,390 --> 00:39:57,433 and of course with his famous ability to change his hue. 414 00:39:58,700 --> 00:40:01,373 The chameleon is the master of stealth. 415 00:40:06,800 --> 00:40:11,800 When he spots prey, he freezes, aims and fires. 416 00:40:20,509 --> 00:40:22,590 With the fastest tongue in the west, 417 00:40:22,590 --> 00:40:26,383 he snagged the cricket in just one 20th of a millisecond. 418 00:40:29,780 --> 00:40:32,680 Then those beady eyes start scanning for a second helping. 419 00:40:36,213 --> 00:40:38,610 (dramatic haunting music) 420 00:40:38,610 --> 00:40:41,110 A movement grabs his attention, 421 00:40:41,110 --> 00:40:43,063 but not what he was hoping for. 422 00:40:45,880 --> 00:40:47,943 Chameleons are fiercely territorial. 423 00:40:52,010 --> 00:40:54,410 They occupy different heights on the plants 424 00:40:54,410 --> 00:40:57,853 based on their rank to avoid conflicts like this, 425 00:41:13,490 --> 00:41:14,800 darkened with rage 426 00:41:21,280 --> 00:41:23,323 but it seems this was all a mistake. 427 00:41:26,100 --> 00:41:29,250 The trespasser is keen to move on without causing trouble 428 00:41:37,470 --> 00:41:40,530 having escorted the unwelcome guests off, 429 00:41:40,530 --> 00:41:42,113 he can get back to breakfast. 430 00:41:57,590 --> 00:41:59,760 Surrounded by mountains, 431 00:41:59,760 --> 00:42:01,913 the low lands received a lot of water. 432 00:42:08,630 --> 00:42:11,783 The Guadalquivir rises in the mountains far inland. 433 00:42:13,200 --> 00:42:15,353 The second longest river in Spain. 434 00:42:17,040 --> 00:42:20,010 It flows for more than 650 kilometers 435 00:42:21,770 --> 00:42:26,100 until it reaches a huge delta close to the southern coast, 436 00:42:26,100 --> 00:42:28,693 forming the spectacular damiana wetland. 437 00:42:31,540 --> 00:42:34,390 One of Europe's most important habitats, 438 00:42:34,390 --> 00:42:36,573 both for resident and migrating birds. 439 00:42:44,420 --> 00:42:45,823 Summer's here are harsh, 440 00:42:48,770 --> 00:42:52,500 shrinking pools mean animals must trek for water 441 00:42:55,450 --> 00:42:58,263 and pond life can be left high and dry. 442 00:43:11,120 --> 00:43:14,653 But Spain Southern coastline touches two bodies of water. 443 00:43:15,750 --> 00:43:18,980 Its Southern peninsula stands between the Mediterranean Sea 444 00:43:18,980 --> 00:43:23,703 on the eastern side and to the southwest, the Atlantic. 445 00:43:30,560 --> 00:43:32,670 Storms from this much colder ocean 446 00:43:32,670 --> 00:43:34,563 ensure plenty of winter rainfall. 447 00:43:42,400 --> 00:43:45,853 With the water sources refreshed, life locks. 448 00:43:52,490 --> 00:43:55,993 Pools that were desiccated are soon teeming with life. 449 00:43:57,600 --> 00:44:01,170 Shrimp eggs that laid dormant in the mud quickly hatch 450 00:44:06,060 --> 00:44:09,573 and draw one of the region's most colorful inhabitants. 451 00:44:16,670 --> 00:44:18,673 Flamingos need no introduction. 452 00:44:21,260 --> 00:44:24,870 It's the carotene, the red pigment in their shrimp prey 453 00:44:24,870 --> 00:44:26,253 that colors their feathers. 454 00:44:28,950 --> 00:44:30,393 These birds like a party. 455 00:44:32,710 --> 00:44:35,470 They always live in flocks and only breed 456 00:44:35,470 --> 00:44:37,520 if they've got enough bodies around them. 457 00:44:39,600 --> 00:44:42,670 Their pinks get most vibrant for the breeding season 458 00:44:42,670 --> 00:44:45,343 when the birds dance to impress their mates. 459 00:44:46,560 --> 00:44:48,180 Something that may have inspired 460 00:44:48,180 --> 00:44:51,370 one of the most iconic Spanish arts, the flamenco 461 00:44:52,280 --> 00:44:56,054 which shares its name with the Spanish for Flamingo. 462 00:44:56,054 --> 00:44:59,221 (Spanish dance music) 463 00:45:19,525 --> 00:45:22,610 Beyond the wetlands, the Mediterranean glistens 464 00:45:22,610 --> 00:45:23,833 and inviting tuck waves. 465 00:45:34,000 --> 00:45:37,730 It's mostly warm water, but it does attract visitors 466 00:45:37,730 --> 00:45:39,223 from the colder Atlantic. 467 00:45:41,400 --> 00:45:45,210 A small population of around 40 orca or killer whales 468 00:45:45,210 --> 00:45:46,860 live in the Straits of Gibraltar, 469 00:45:48,447 --> 00:45:49,580 (whales pulse calls) 470 00:45:49,580 --> 00:45:52,110 a narrow channel of water between northern Africa 471 00:45:52,110 --> 00:45:53,323 and southern Spain. 472 00:45:56,810 --> 00:45:59,553 The water separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic. 473 00:46:01,820 --> 00:46:04,820 As the killers are here to feast on bluefin tuna 474 00:46:04,820 --> 00:46:06,343 that migrate to the Straits, 475 00:46:12,510 --> 00:46:15,200 whales often interact with fisheries 476 00:46:15,200 --> 00:46:16,753 that are after the same prey. 477 00:46:21,340 --> 00:46:24,410 With 8000 kilometers of coastline, 478 00:46:24,410 --> 00:46:27,473 Spain has the biggest fishing industry in Europe. 479 00:46:30,780 --> 00:46:34,840 It's worth over 2 billion euros to the Spanish economy, 480 00:46:34,840 --> 00:46:38,147 which equates to over a million tons of fish a year. 481 00:46:44,520 --> 00:46:47,290 With seafood being a major part of the local cuisine 482 00:46:50,560 --> 00:46:53,383 but it's not all big industrial fishing ships. 483 00:46:55,660 --> 00:46:58,170 There are many small independent fishermen 484 00:46:58,170 --> 00:47:00,440 taking a carefully controlled catch 485 00:47:00,440 --> 00:47:03,113 from a long Spain's rich Mediterranean shores. 486 00:47:04,703 --> 00:47:06,810 (soft music) 487 00:47:06,810 --> 00:47:10,530 Many areas are protected against over exploitation, 488 00:47:10,530 --> 00:47:12,423 creating a haven for marine life. 489 00:47:17,570 --> 00:47:20,570 Stripped dolphins, a small and agile species 490 00:47:20,570 --> 00:47:22,350 that's quite common in the Med 491 00:47:22,350 --> 00:47:24,080 seem to race the fishing vessels 492 00:47:31,090 --> 00:47:32,553 and beneath the surface, 493 00:47:33,571 --> 00:47:36,000 a hawkbill turtle dives under the reefs 494 00:47:40,050 --> 00:47:41,453 spooking an octopus. 495 00:47:45,760 --> 00:47:48,500 Common here octopus are extraordinary members 496 00:47:48,500 --> 00:47:51,993 of the mollusk family, related to squid and snails. 497 00:47:54,910 --> 00:47:56,870 But they are uniquely brainy 498 00:47:56,870 --> 00:47:58,823 with problem solving intelligence. 499 00:48:00,130 --> 00:48:02,310 Expertise in camouflaging on the reef 500 00:48:03,840 --> 00:48:06,483 and extracting prey from between the rocks. 501 00:48:09,200 --> 00:48:12,570 Mediterranean slipper lobsters rely on their body armor, 502 00:48:12,570 --> 00:48:16,223 as well as their terrain to protect them from predators. 503 00:48:20,670 --> 00:48:22,933 The marine life of Spain is amazing. 504 00:48:23,900 --> 00:48:28,113 There are considered to be 900 different marine habitats, 505 00:48:29,530 --> 00:48:32,283 supporting 10,000 species of animals. 506 00:48:33,640 --> 00:48:35,690 The richest marine diversity in Europe 507 00:48:46,380 --> 00:48:49,190 from cold ocean to tropical paradise 508 00:48:49,190 --> 00:48:50,523 and everything in between. 509 00:48:51,601 --> 00:48:54,351 (cheerful music) 510 00:48:57,647 --> 00:49:00,340 Spain is full of wonder. 511 00:49:00,340 --> 00:49:02,153 Even for those who don't explore. 512 00:49:04,550 --> 00:49:07,640 Spain has done more than most to preserve its wildlife 513 00:49:10,750 --> 00:49:12,240 and wild places 514 00:49:17,530 --> 00:49:19,780 with nearly 30% of the land 515 00:49:19,780 --> 00:49:22,203 and 20% of its waters protected, 516 00:49:23,920 --> 00:49:28,423 keeping hidden Spain ready to be discovered by us all.