1 00:00:06,807 --> 00:00:08,774 Bear: Deserts. 2 00:00:09,176 --> 00:00:13,078 Scorched, desolate, hostile. 3 00:00:15,216 --> 00:00:17,933 But, alive. 4 00:00:25,109 --> 00:00:27,643 One million hungry bats 5 00:00:27,745 --> 00:00:32,948 Forced to leave the safety of their cave before nightfall. 6 00:00:41,709 --> 00:00:44,009 The sun is so powerful here, 7 00:00:44,111 --> 00:00:47,279 There's barely anything to eat. 8 00:00:47,715 --> 00:00:52,601 The bats can only catch enough insects by leaving early. 9 00:00:54,472 --> 00:00:58,974 But, in daylight, they're dangerously exposed. 10 00:01:03,214 --> 00:01:06,181 Hawks wait for them. 11 00:01:43,204 --> 00:01:47,172 In the desert, timing is everything. 12 00:01:49,877 --> 00:01:53,645 Get it wrong and you pay the price. 13 00:02:01,572 --> 00:02:05,407 The sun governs the rhythm of desert life. 14 00:02:06,610 --> 00:02:09,144 And the animals that make their home here 15 00:02:09,246 --> 00:02:12,447 Are at the mercy of its power. 16 00:02:15,102 --> 00:02:21,039 (theme music plays). 17 00:02:27,114 --> 00:02:32,034 Above me is a nuclear reactor almost a million miles across. 18 00:02:34,905 --> 00:02:38,841 Every second, the sun spits out more energy than humans 19 00:02:38,943 --> 00:02:41,944 Have used in all our history. 20 00:02:43,614 --> 00:02:48,433 And nowhere is its power more potent than in the desert. 21 00:02:56,277 --> 00:03:00,012 Amazingly, there are animals that spend their lives 22 00:03:00,181 --> 00:03:03,015 In this scorching heat. 23 00:03:06,604 --> 00:03:11,473 But now the hottest places on earth are getting even hotter. 24 00:03:14,178 --> 00:03:17,312 And even the most resilient creatures are facing a fight 25 00:03:17,414 --> 00:03:20,115 Like never before. 26 00:03:39,003 --> 00:03:42,838 The sun's rule begins. 27 00:03:43,607 --> 00:03:48,176 From now on, survival gets tougher by the hour. 28 00:04:01,442 --> 00:04:04,610 Nubian ibex make their home in the highest, 29 00:04:04,712 --> 00:04:07,879 Steepest corners of the desert. 30 00:04:08,816 --> 00:04:12,234 A daunting place to raise two kids. 31 00:04:14,438 --> 00:04:18,707 (bleating). 32 00:04:30,537 --> 00:04:34,640 But, their greatest challenge comes from the sun. 33 00:04:37,911 --> 00:04:39,978 In the last few decades, 34 00:04:40,080 --> 00:04:43,649 Heatwaves have become more severe. 35 00:04:44,568 --> 00:04:49,871 They need water, but it lies 1000 feet below. 36 00:04:56,013 --> 00:05:00,932 (bleating). 37 00:05:12,980 --> 00:05:15,747 (bleating). 38 00:05:23,140 --> 00:05:27,909 It's a perilous journey for kids only a few days old. 39 00:05:33,217 --> 00:05:37,469 But, their soft soled hooves grip like climbing shoes. 40 00:05:39,373 --> 00:05:43,408 And, they appear utterly immune to vertigo. 41 00:05:57,241 --> 00:06:02,611 (bleating). 42 00:06:09,703 --> 00:06:14,172 Little grows on these steep, sun baked slopes. 43 00:06:17,444 --> 00:06:21,947 All that's underfoot is crumbling rock. 44 00:06:39,850 --> 00:06:46,037 ♪ ♪ 45 00:06:55,349 --> 00:06:59,568 (bleating). 46 00:07:00,737 --> 00:07:03,171 Driven downward by the sun, 47 00:07:03,273 --> 00:07:06,608 The family's journey is almost over. 48 00:07:08,745 --> 00:07:11,513 But now, they no longer enjoy the protection 49 00:07:11,615 --> 00:07:14,499 Of the high cliffs. 50 00:07:27,614 --> 00:07:30,449 (bleating). 51 00:07:32,302 --> 00:07:35,103 An arabian wolf. 52 00:07:35,439 --> 00:07:39,040 He outweighs an ibex kid ten to one. 53 00:07:45,916 --> 00:07:50,836 In this desert, he's the ibex's most feared predator. 54 00:08:00,347 --> 00:08:03,365 By keeping her family up slope, 55 00:08:06,637 --> 00:08:09,504 She has a slender advantage. 56 00:08:12,276 --> 00:08:15,510 But falling rocks won't stop him. 57 00:08:48,428 --> 00:08:51,279 (bleating). 58 00:09:00,073 --> 00:09:02,908 (bleating). 59 00:09:03,010 --> 00:09:06,044 The kids have unbeatable agility, 60 00:09:11,868 --> 00:09:14,502 But lack experience. 61 00:09:27,901 --> 00:09:31,169 (bleating). 62 00:09:53,443 --> 00:09:57,245 There's nothing the mother can do. 63 00:10:14,715 --> 00:10:18,166 Now, she will focus all her energy on protecting 64 00:10:18,268 --> 00:10:21,670 And providing for her remaining kid. 65 00:10:24,308 --> 00:10:28,176 Deep in the canyon, sheltered from the sun, 66 00:10:29,880 --> 00:10:32,547 It's a different world. 67 00:10:36,837 --> 00:10:40,872 This is what they've risked everything for. 68 00:10:45,979 --> 00:10:49,581 The desert's most precious resource. 69 00:10:53,070 --> 00:10:55,537 A lifeline. 70 00:10:56,239 --> 00:10:59,207 But a costly one. 71 00:11:05,982 --> 00:11:11,603 As the sun climbs higher its power intensifies, 72 00:11:12,973 --> 00:11:16,975 Tightening its grip on desert life. 73 00:11:19,813 --> 00:11:22,447 In some places, it seems miraculous 74 00:11:22,549 --> 00:11:26,034 That anything can survive. 75 00:11:29,005 --> 00:11:32,290 The temperature here is rising three times faster 76 00:11:32,376 --> 00:11:35,310 Than the global average. 77 00:11:42,636 --> 00:11:47,839 This mining town was abandoned over 60 years ago. 78 00:11:57,467 --> 00:12:01,169 Some believe these buildings are haunted. 79 00:12:10,046 --> 00:12:13,148 But whatever's stalking this ghost town 80 00:12:16,369 --> 00:12:18,970 Is very much alive. 81 00:12:29,316 --> 00:12:32,267 Bear: In africa's namib desert... 82 00:12:33,804 --> 00:12:37,472 A brown hyena has set up home in a ghost town. 83 00:12:52,205 --> 00:12:54,806 Her pups are hungry. 84 00:12:58,578 --> 00:13:01,579 And, finding food in this desolate landscape 85 00:13:01,681 --> 00:13:04,999 Seems impossible. 86 00:13:09,773 --> 00:13:13,942 Yet, less than a mile away, the desert meets one of the 87 00:13:14,044 --> 00:13:18,046 Richest seas in the world. 88 00:13:34,614 --> 00:13:37,799 The atlantic brings life to the namib. 89 00:13:38,702 --> 00:13:42,103 Thousands of cape fur seals. 90 00:13:43,874 --> 00:13:47,342 Pups could be an easy target. 91 00:13:50,614 --> 00:13:54,365 15 pound balls of blubber, 92 00:13:54,467 --> 00:13:57,702 Totally unsuited to desert life. 93 00:14:03,677 --> 00:14:07,579 Black backed jackals are also on the hunt. 94 00:14:09,950 --> 00:14:15,737 (seal calls). 95 00:14:19,943 --> 00:14:23,444 But, the pups have formidable bodyguards. 96 00:14:24,614 --> 00:14:29,067 (growling). 97 00:14:30,937 --> 00:14:32,770 In a colony this size, 98 00:14:32,873 --> 00:14:36,241 There are plenty of other opportunities. 99 00:14:38,845 --> 00:14:44,899 (growling). 100 00:14:52,576 --> 00:14:56,210 A placenta from a recent birth. 101 00:14:58,949 --> 00:15:01,466 With three pups of her own to feed, 102 00:15:01,568 --> 00:15:05,003 The hyena needs a bigger meal. 103 00:15:07,307 --> 00:15:10,875 (seal calls). 104 00:15:10,977 --> 00:15:16,114 As the land heats up, bodyguards retreat to the sea. 105 00:15:41,908 --> 00:15:43,875 Armed with sharp teeth, 106 00:15:43,977 --> 00:15:47,278 Even a lone pup can put up a brave fight. 107 00:15:47,580 --> 00:15:52,634 (squeaky growling). 108 00:15:56,740 --> 00:16:00,875 (squeaky growling). 109 00:16:01,544 --> 00:16:06,147 It's easier to wait until the sun takes its toll. 110 00:16:13,907 --> 00:16:17,308 Disoriented by the punishing heat, 111 00:16:17,410 --> 00:16:21,245 This pup strays into the desert. 112 00:16:32,308 --> 00:16:38,146 (squeaking, crying). 113 00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:45,303 (squeaking, crying). 114 00:17:00,303 --> 00:17:04,605 She timed her hunt to perfection. 115 00:17:15,602 --> 00:17:20,138 Now it's time to relax during the heat of the day. 116 00:17:24,811 --> 00:17:28,379 Even now, with temperatures still rising, 117 00:17:28,481 --> 00:17:31,699 Not all animals can afford to rest. 118 00:17:42,245 --> 00:17:46,380 These meerkat pups are just five weeks old. 119 00:17:50,103 --> 00:17:53,938 They still have a lot to learn about desert survival. 120 00:17:56,709 --> 00:17:59,043 It's a dry season. 121 00:17:59,145 --> 00:18:02,680 Rain is six months away. 122 00:18:05,935 --> 00:18:10,638 And the closest river hasn't flowed in seven years. 123 00:18:18,715 --> 00:18:21,966 Finding food is the toughest challenge. 124 00:18:22,702 --> 00:18:26,704 Most of it's hiding under sun-baked soil. 125 00:18:28,875 --> 00:18:34,278 With adults on guard duty scanning for danger. 126 00:18:36,216 --> 00:18:39,367 Ready to sound the alarm. 127 00:18:39,702 --> 00:18:42,970 It's safe for the pups' lessons to begin. 128 00:18:50,046 --> 00:18:52,547 First, digging. 129 00:18:55,702 --> 00:18:58,703 Harder than it looks. 130 00:19:00,039 --> 00:19:04,509 An adult can dig its own body weight every few seconds. 131 00:19:06,079 --> 00:19:09,914 But, for a pup, it's easier to beg. 132 00:19:10,783 --> 00:19:16,204 (barking). 133 00:19:17,607 --> 00:19:22,710 (chattering). 134 00:19:25,181 --> 00:19:29,333 Why not let the adults do the hard work? 135 00:19:34,707 --> 00:19:38,109 But, not all handouts make for a simple meal. 136 00:19:40,013 --> 00:19:42,180 A scorpion. 137 00:19:42,282 --> 00:19:45,933 The adult has already disabled its stinger, 138 00:19:46,035 --> 00:19:49,604 But its pincers are still fully functional. 139 00:19:56,179 --> 00:19:58,913 Learning how to deal with dangerous animals 140 00:19:59,015 --> 00:20:02,033 Is a vital desert skill. 141 00:20:06,856 --> 00:20:10,508 All too soon, it's time for a break. 142 00:20:12,111 --> 00:20:15,913 They need to find shade in the searing sun. 143 00:20:22,438 --> 00:20:25,940 But, lessons aren't over yet. 144 00:20:33,116 --> 00:20:37,235 (hissing). 145 00:20:44,410 --> 00:20:47,345 Bear: In africa's kalahari desert, 146 00:20:48,081 --> 00:20:52,566 A young meerkat is face to face with a cape cobra. 147 00:20:56,572 --> 00:21:00,574 One on one, he's in big trouble. 148 00:21:02,812 --> 00:21:05,279 But when his family hear the call, 149 00:21:05,381 --> 00:21:09,300 (squealing). 150 00:21:09,402 --> 00:21:12,069 They race to the rescue. 151 00:21:14,807 --> 00:21:18,242 (hissing). 152 00:21:20,647 --> 00:21:24,548 This will be one of the most important lessons of all. 153 00:21:24,867 --> 00:21:28,469 How to handle a venomous cobra. 154 00:21:28,571 --> 00:21:32,306 (hissing, chattering). 155 00:21:33,643 --> 00:21:36,877 If they can't see the snake off their territory, 156 00:21:36,980 --> 00:21:40,581 The entire family remains at risk. 157 00:21:49,275 --> 00:21:55,546 (hissing, chattering). 158 00:21:55,648 --> 00:22:02,169 (hissing, chattering). 159 00:22:09,679 --> 00:22:12,046 The pups now know, 160 00:22:12,148 --> 00:22:16,600 Their secret to living in this inhospitable desert, 161 00:22:18,604 --> 00:22:20,571 Teamwork. 162 00:22:26,412 --> 00:22:29,680 Midday is approaching. 163 00:22:33,169 --> 00:22:37,138 School's over and it's time to take shelter. 164 00:22:42,378 --> 00:22:47,648 For the next few hours, the sun's full power is unleashed. 165 00:22:52,205 --> 00:22:56,307 Very few animals can survive out in the open. 166 00:23:04,767 --> 00:23:08,235 This is the world's oldest desert. 167 00:23:09,439 --> 00:23:14,041 It's existed for at least 55 million years. 168 00:23:14,343 --> 00:23:18,446 And now the temperature is rising even higher. 169 00:23:20,616 --> 00:23:24,435 An extra degree or two a century may not sound much. 170 00:23:25,938 --> 00:23:30,174 But where creatures are already pushed to the limit 171 00:23:32,612 --> 00:23:35,246 It could be fatal. 172 00:23:41,671 --> 00:23:46,407 At midday, the sand is hot enough to melt your shoes. 173 00:23:52,748 --> 00:23:54,999 The shovel snouted lizard 174 00:23:55,101 --> 00:23:59,570 Avoids burning its feet by dancing. 175 00:24:03,509 --> 00:24:09,947 ♪ ♪ 176 00:24:28,401 --> 00:24:31,735 The buck spoor spider can survive higher temperatures 177 00:24:31,838 --> 00:24:34,672 Than any other spider. 178 00:24:36,476 --> 00:24:39,443 Up to 120 fahrenheit. 179 00:24:44,484 --> 00:24:47,902 But it's gonna get hotter than that. 180 00:24:48,738 --> 00:24:52,406 She must work fast, weaving a blanket of sand 181 00:24:52,508 --> 00:24:55,476 To cover the entrance to her burrow, 182 00:24:57,513 --> 00:25:00,748 Where she escapes the heat. 183 00:25:08,908 --> 00:25:14,044 Now, the sand hits 160 degrees. 184 00:25:23,206 --> 00:25:28,209 Yet, for hotrod ants, it's the start of the working day. 185 00:25:30,913 --> 00:25:35,533 Alone on the dunes, they scavenge the sun's victims. 186 00:25:41,207 --> 00:25:45,042 Long legs are a lifesaver. 187 00:25:45,578 --> 00:25:50,147 Just a fifth of an inch up is 12 degrees cooler. 188 00:25:51,817 --> 00:25:54,468 And, the hotrods live up to their name, 189 00:25:54,570 --> 00:25:58,472 Running so fast they create a cooling breeze. 190 00:26:05,214 --> 00:26:09,767 When it gets too much, they climb off the sand entirely. 191 00:26:13,039 --> 00:26:16,040 By pushing the limits of thermal survival, 192 00:26:16,142 --> 00:26:20,477 The ants can be active when their predators are in hiding. 193 00:26:24,150 --> 00:26:27,534 But, even they must get back to the nest soon. 194 00:26:31,607 --> 00:26:35,042 Before they boil to death. 195 00:26:53,212 --> 00:26:57,147 The ants' struggles won't go unnoticed. 196 00:26:58,150 --> 00:27:02,102 Vibrations travel down silk threads, 197 00:27:02,204 --> 00:27:05,639 To an underground lair. 198 00:27:15,968 --> 00:27:22,373 ♪ ♪ 199 00:27:34,837 --> 00:27:40,641 Sometimes, the spoor spider lets the sun do its killing. 200 00:27:53,205 --> 00:27:57,775 It will emerge later to eat its precooked meal. 201 00:28:03,282 --> 00:28:05,899 Across the world's deserts, 202 00:28:06,001 --> 00:28:09,737 Temperature peak in the early afternoon. 203 00:28:14,276 --> 00:28:16,810 With barely a trace of life, 204 00:28:16,912 --> 00:28:20,547 These landscapes look like the surface of mars. 205 00:28:24,270 --> 00:28:29,273 From space, the full beauty of desert geology is revealed. 206 00:28:32,778 --> 00:28:38,215 In africa, the eye of the sahara is 30 miles wide. 207 00:28:41,337 --> 00:28:45,906 A collapsed dome of rock millions of years old. 208 00:28:48,778 --> 00:28:52,646 Landscapes like this will become more common if deserts 209 00:28:52,748 --> 00:28:56,767 Continue to expand in our warming world. 210 00:29:05,177 --> 00:29:09,046 Right now, the closest we have to a desert continent 211 00:29:09,148 --> 00:29:11,799 Is australia. 212 00:29:11,901 --> 00:29:15,836 The driest of all inhabited land masses. 213 00:29:24,180 --> 00:29:26,914 A brutal drought has hit an area the size of 214 00:29:27,016 --> 00:29:31,001 California and montana combined. 215 00:29:33,839 --> 00:29:38,942 In places, under an inch of rain has fallen in a year. 216 00:29:41,514 --> 00:29:45,399 Right now, survival is all that matters. 217 00:29:51,674 --> 00:29:54,074 Unlike smaller animals, 218 00:29:54,176 --> 00:29:58,312 Red kangaroos can't burrow to escape the heat. 219 00:29:59,915 --> 00:30:02,900 Instead, they have evolved to be some of the toughest 220 00:30:03,002 --> 00:30:06,336 Of all desert creatures. 221 00:30:11,076 --> 00:30:16,346 But at 115 degrees, even they begin to struggle. 222 00:30:18,834 --> 00:30:23,136 This mother and her joey are dangerously overheating. 223 00:30:26,308 --> 00:30:29,776 They must find shelter and fast. 224 00:30:42,808 --> 00:30:45,576 Bear: In australia, a kangaroo and her joey 225 00:30:45,678 --> 00:30:49,279 Are dangerously overheating. 226 00:30:49,982 --> 00:30:53,834 They have one chance to escape. 227 00:31:09,101 --> 00:31:15,372 ♪ ♪ 228 00:31:19,378 --> 00:31:23,380 Shade cuts the sun's energy by 80%. 229 00:31:29,305 --> 00:31:32,706 But latecomers are not welcome. 230 00:31:37,212 --> 00:31:39,479 In the full force of the sun, 231 00:31:39,598 --> 00:31:43,684 This mother must draw on all her survival skills. 232 00:31:46,538 --> 00:31:50,307 Digging offers a little relief. 233 00:31:52,077 --> 00:31:54,378 Just five inches underground, 234 00:31:54,480 --> 00:31:58,482 The soil can be 50 degrees cooler. 235 00:32:01,537 --> 00:32:06,273 As a last resort, she uses precious water reserves. 236 00:32:08,811 --> 00:32:12,045 Evaporating saliva cools the blood in capillaries 237 00:32:12,147 --> 00:32:15,399 Beneath her skin. 238 00:32:17,269 --> 00:32:20,671 But the heat keeps rising. 239 00:32:22,541 --> 00:32:25,042 Australia receives more solar energy 240 00:32:25,144 --> 00:32:28,312 Than any other landmass. 241 00:32:47,149 --> 00:32:50,767 They barely have the strength to move. 242 00:32:54,640 --> 00:32:58,442 And, with almost nothing left to eat 243 00:33:00,379 --> 00:33:04,147 They're all slowly starving. 244 00:33:15,110 --> 00:33:20,447 In the most severe droughts, 80% of red kangaroos can die. 245 00:33:38,283 --> 00:33:43,637 Their bodies quickly mummify in the dry, desert air. 246 00:33:48,410 --> 00:33:51,945 Yet, a few of the very toughest kangaroos 247 00:33:52,047 --> 00:33:55,866 Somehow manage to survive. 248 00:33:59,271 --> 00:34:02,806 When the rains finally come, their offspring will 249 00:34:02,925 --> 00:34:06,343 Repopulate the outback. 250 00:34:11,617 --> 00:34:16,036 Not all deserts are so desperately bleak. 251 00:34:28,767 --> 00:34:35,005 Saguaro cacti can tower over 60 feet and weigh two tons. 252 00:34:38,777 --> 00:34:43,413 Just one of over 2,000 plant species that grow here. 253 00:34:47,336 --> 00:34:51,538 In this green, spiky desert. 254 00:34:55,611 --> 00:34:59,279 A young harris hawk has a problem. 255 00:35:00,149 --> 00:35:02,766 (cawing). 256 00:35:03,235 --> 00:35:07,204 There are lots of places for his prey to hide. 257 00:35:07,639 --> 00:35:09,272 (cawing). 258 00:35:15,347 --> 00:35:17,814 (cawing). 259 00:35:18,867 --> 00:35:23,336 It forces harris hawks to hunt like no other bird. 260 00:35:28,443 --> 00:35:31,411 In a pack. 261 00:35:41,573 --> 00:35:45,408 And, now the sun's dropping. 262 00:35:46,178 --> 00:35:49,513 It's cool enough to launch an attack. 263 00:35:54,970 --> 00:35:57,170 As the youngest family member, 264 00:35:57,272 --> 00:36:01,308 His job is to flush the rabbit into the open. 265 00:36:09,768 --> 00:36:13,069 Above, his mother coordinates the hunt. 266 00:36:14,907 --> 00:36:18,675 The rest of the family take their positions, 267 00:36:18,777 --> 00:36:22,078 Ready for the chase. 268 00:36:35,244 --> 00:36:40,213 A dive signals that the hunt is on. 269 00:36:46,038 --> 00:36:48,471 The three chasers enter the game. 270 00:36:48,574 --> 00:36:52,809 (screaming). 271 00:37:04,640 --> 00:37:08,742 After a miss, another chaser takes over. 272 00:37:28,480 --> 00:37:32,365 Finally, it's the youngster's turn. 273 00:37:38,473 --> 00:37:40,674 (screaming). 274 00:37:45,781 --> 00:37:48,381 Beating his wings four times a second, 275 00:37:48,483 --> 00:37:52,435 He accelerates to over 30 miles an hour. 276 00:38:02,881 --> 00:38:06,466 (cawing). 277 00:38:12,107 --> 00:38:14,341 By working as a team, 278 00:38:14,443 --> 00:38:17,944 The hawks more than double their chances of success. 279 00:38:20,749 --> 00:38:22,999 A smart hunting strategy 280 00:38:23,101 --> 00:38:26,336 In a desert with so many places to hide. 281 00:38:34,179 --> 00:38:36,946 The sonoran is the most diverse desert 282 00:38:37,049 --> 00:38:40,166 In the united states. 283 00:38:42,270 --> 00:38:46,006 But, the monsoonal storms that bring it life 284 00:38:49,344 --> 00:38:52,479 Also spawn monsters. 285 00:39:07,212 --> 00:39:10,814 Bear: On summer afternoons in the western united states, 286 00:39:11,383 --> 00:39:14,501 The sun whips up winds that suck moist air 287 00:39:14,603 --> 00:39:17,670 Into the desert. 288 00:39:24,946 --> 00:39:28,715 Storms bring life to the land. 289 00:39:31,503 --> 00:39:35,472 (thunder, lightning). 290 00:39:37,109 --> 00:39:41,144 But, sometimes the winds generate a monster. 291 00:39:45,517 --> 00:39:48,968 Moving at 50 miles an hour. 292 00:39:50,272 --> 00:39:53,773 A dust storm can engulf and even suffocate 293 00:39:53,875 --> 00:39:56,943 The animals in its path. 294 00:40:03,602 --> 00:40:09,339 An unstoppable manifestation of the sun's destructive power. 295 00:40:21,269 --> 00:40:26,306 By late afternoon, deserts finally become less hostile. 296 00:40:28,376 --> 00:40:32,445 Conditions are calmer and cooler. 297 00:40:36,334 --> 00:40:40,136 The perfect time for a hunter. 298 00:40:46,011 --> 00:40:48,044 It may be the end of the day, 299 00:40:48,146 --> 00:40:52,382 But this caracal is just getting started. 300 00:41:02,911 --> 00:41:07,413 The prey she's after are all coming home for the night. 301 00:41:12,270 --> 00:41:17,340 Hundreds of sociable weaver birds return to roost in their 302 00:41:17,442 --> 00:41:19,943 Enormous communal nest. 303 00:41:21,613 --> 00:41:25,999 (chirping). 304 00:41:28,937 --> 00:41:32,705 (chirping). 305 00:41:36,011 --> 00:41:39,279 (chirping). 306 00:41:40,048 --> 00:41:44,100 Muscular legs propel her into the air. 307 00:41:47,772 --> 00:41:52,041 And, with claws splayed like grappling hooks 308 00:41:53,278 --> 00:41:57,547 She'll try to catch any bird within reach. 309 00:41:59,267 --> 00:42:04,737 (chirping). 310 00:42:07,175 --> 00:42:11,744 She can leap 11 feet vertically. 311 00:42:21,006 --> 00:42:23,907 (chirping). 312 00:42:24,009 --> 00:42:28,578 This could be her last chance before sunset. 313 00:42:37,606 --> 00:42:40,473 (chirping). 314 00:42:45,347 --> 00:42:49,465 Deserts seldom give up their scarce resources. 315 00:42:54,472 --> 00:42:58,641 But, the caracal will continue hunting through the night. 316 00:43:01,613 --> 00:43:05,048 She's just one of many species that use the ultimate 317 00:43:05,150 --> 00:43:09,135 Survival strategy against the sun. 318 00:43:11,473 --> 00:43:16,409 Timing their lives to avoid it almost entirely. 319 00:43:27,205 --> 00:43:29,272 It's only at night that 320 00:43:29,374 --> 00:43:33,176 The true magic of deserts is revealed. 321 00:43:35,246 --> 00:43:39,215 These fennec foxes have been holed up for the day, 322 00:43:39,701 --> 00:43:42,568 Waiting for darkness. 323 00:43:47,509 --> 00:43:51,744 Just to catch a glimpse of them is extremely rare. 324 00:43:57,068 --> 00:44:00,970 Let alone to see two pups. 325 00:44:09,481 --> 00:44:13,833 They've emerged into a world bustling with creatures, 326 00:44:13,935 --> 00:44:18,738 Adapted to a nocturnal life in our planet's largest dessert. 327 00:44:22,210 --> 00:44:26,746 Dense fur insulates the fennecs against the cold. 328 00:44:27,615 --> 00:44:31,601 A reflective retina enhances night vision. 329 00:44:32,137 --> 00:44:37,240 And, enormous ears pinpoint the slightest sound. 330 00:44:37,976 --> 00:44:40,143 (owl hoots). 331 00:44:43,314 --> 00:44:47,367 The fact that such a diversity of animals can thrive here in 332 00:44:47,469 --> 00:44:51,270 A landscape that at first seems uninhabitable, 333 00:44:51,373 --> 00:44:53,940 Is remarkable. 334 00:45:06,037 --> 00:45:09,105 Yet, for all nocturnal desert animals, 335 00:45:09,207 --> 00:45:12,642 Life is a race against time. 336 00:45:13,511 --> 00:45:17,847 Soon enough, the sun will rise again. 337 00:45:36,017 --> 00:45:40,169 With each new day, life here gets more challenging. 338 00:45:40,672 --> 00:45:43,172 As global temperatures rise ever higher, 339 00:45:43,274 --> 00:45:46,042 Our deserts are expanding by almost 340 00:45:46,144 --> 00:45:50,279 50,000 square miles every year. 341 00:45:52,550 --> 00:45:56,502 So, perhaps the ingenious and battle hardened creatures of 342 00:45:56,604 --> 00:46:00,840 The desert might just inherit the earth. 343 00:46:06,915 --> 00:46:11,134 In australia, desert life shows its remarkable ability 344 00:46:11,236 --> 00:46:14,103 To bounce back. 345 00:46:26,935 --> 00:46:30,069 Creatures like the red kangaroo have evolved over 346 00:46:30,171 --> 00:46:34,440 Countless generations to cope with the power of the sun. 347 00:46:37,212 --> 00:46:42,348 They thrive in a landscape with barely any food or water. 348 00:46:44,102 --> 00:46:47,570 And are able to raise a new generation in conditions 349 00:46:47,672 --> 00:46:50,373 That would kill us. 350 00:46:57,282 --> 00:47:02,001 We don't know exactly what our warming world will bring. 351 00:47:05,273 --> 00:47:09,208 But, whatever happens, you can bet that desert animals will 352 00:47:09,310 --> 00:47:13,112 Never give up without a fight. 353 00:47:18,670 --> 00:47:19,902 Captioned by cotter captioning services.