1 00:00:04,238 --> 00:00:08,141 On the western coast of South Africa lies a harsh 2 00:00:08,141 --> 00:00:11,478 and unforgiving world. 3 00:00:11,478 --> 00:00:13,413 Minimal rainfall 4 00:00:13,413 --> 00:00:17,618 makes this land a challenging place for creatures to inhabit. 5 00:00:21,121 --> 00:00:24,725 For ten months of the year, it's a desert. 6 00:00:28,095 --> 00:00:31,398 But each year for a short spurt of time, 7 00:00:31,398 --> 00:00:35,502 the rains give birth to a plethora of plant species. 8 00:00:38,472 --> 00:00:40,540 And the land bursts open 9 00:00:40,540 --> 00:00:43,343 to reveal a bounty of life. 10 00:00:46,079 --> 00:00:48,815 Transforming from desert 11 00:00:48,815 --> 00:00:51,285 to floral oasis. 12 00:00:55,155 --> 00:00:58,525 This is Namaqualand. 13 00:01:00,494 --> 00:01:10,570 ♪♪ 14 00:01:10,570 --> 00:01:15,542 ♪♪ 15 00:01:34,528 --> 00:01:36,596 Lying in the corner of the Karoo, 16 00:01:36,596 --> 00:01:41,301 Namaqualand is one of southern Africa's botanical treasures. 17 00:01:45,472 --> 00:01:48,709 At just under 170,000 square miles, 18 00:01:48,709 --> 00:01:53,180 it's even bigger than the state of California. 19 00:01:54,781 --> 00:01:59,319 Every year, Namaqualand leads two lives. 20 00:02:02,022 --> 00:02:03,690 For the majority of the year, 21 00:02:03,690 --> 00:02:07,060 the semi-desert offers very little sustenance. 22 00:02:09,730 --> 00:02:11,732 Everything that lives here 23 00:02:11,732 --> 00:02:14,735 is forced to match its needs to the meager nature 24 00:02:14,735 --> 00:02:18,338 of its environment. 25 00:02:18,338 --> 00:02:21,341 Adopting fascinating methods of survival 26 00:02:21,341 --> 00:02:24,745 in order to live in this hostile land. 27 00:02:28,148 --> 00:02:31,551 It is a harsh and barren realm. 28 00:02:36,223 --> 00:02:40,227 Life is a struggle for every species. 29 00:02:42,596 --> 00:02:46,533 But this is only one side of Namaqualand. 30 00:02:48,535 --> 00:02:52,406 The winter rains awaken an entirely new version 31 00:02:52,406 --> 00:02:54,341 of this land. 32 00:02:57,778 --> 00:03:00,680 A land of abundance. 33 00:03:06,053 --> 00:03:11,024 For two months, the region bursts with life. 34 00:03:13,693 --> 00:03:17,130 And the species that struggled through the dry summer 35 00:03:17,130 --> 00:03:18,632 are rewarded. 36 00:03:29,743 --> 00:03:32,112 It becomes a haven, 37 00:03:32,112 --> 00:03:36,283 providing generously for all creatures. 38 00:03:44,458 --> 00:03:49,463 But just as quickly as it transforms to an oasis, 39 00:03:49,463 --> 00:03:52,099 it reverts back to a desert. 40 00:03:57,471 --> 00:04:00,140 And the struggle to survive continues 41 00:04:00,140 --> 00:04:02,375 for another ten months. 42 00:04:11,751 --> 00:04:16,556 This is the double-sided life of Namaqualand. 43 00:04:34,774 --> 00:04:45,051 ♪ 44 00:04:45,051 --> 00:05:01,401 ♪ 45 00:05:01,401 --> 00:05:03,470 It's summer 46 00:05:03,470 --> 00:05:07,073 and Namaqualand is bone dry. 47 00:05:11,278 --> 00:05:16,283 Temperatures regularly creep over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 48 00:05:18,785 --> 00:05:21,454 The land is scorched, 49 00:05:24,391 --> 00:05:27,794 And blisteringly hot winds stir up dust clouds, 50 00:05:27,794 --> 00:05:31,331 making it difficult for anything to grow. 51 00:05:41,708 --> 00:05:44,044 But one particular creature 52 00:05:44,044 --> 00:05:48,415 relishes in the abundant sand Namaqualand has on offer. 53 00:05:57,357 --> 00:06:00,260 King of the underground - 54 00:06:00,260 --> 00:06:03,096 or in this case, queen. 55 00:06:09,502 --> 00:06:12,472 Spending most of the time buried in the sand, 56 00:06:12,472 --> 00:06:16,109 Mole snakes are well adapted to survive the dryness 57 00:06:16,109 --> 00:06:17,744 of Namaqualand. 58 00:06:20,213 --> 00:06:23,316 This particular female is a mother. 59 00:06:36,563 --> 00:06:38,765 In comparison to most Mole snakes, 60 00:06:38,765 --> 00:06:42,135 she has a relatively small family. 61 00:06:47,274 --> 00:06:51,678 Females can have up to 95 offspring. 62 00:06:54,047 --> 00:06:55,682 For these juveniles, 63 00:06:55,682 --> 00:07:00,086 this arid time of year is their opportunity for growth. 64 00:07:05,292 --> 00:07:10,497 From the moment they were born, they have been independent. 65 00:07:12,165 --> 00:07:15,335 Slowly but surely, one by one, 66 00:07:15,335 --> 00:07:20,040 they peel off and venture out on their own. 67 00:07:23,610 --> 00:07:26,313 Their patterned markings will fade over time, 68 00:07:26,313 --> 00:07:30,083 and soon they will be the same shade as their mother. 69 00:07:34,254 --> 00:07:37,023 These youngsters will eat small lizards, 70 00:07:37,023 --> 00:07:40,627 until they are large enough to start hunting mammals. 71 00:07:44,064 --> 00:07:48,368 Their mother has no further duties. 72 00:07:48,368 --> 00:07:51,738 She must now focus on fending for herself. 73 00:07:59,212 --> 00:08:01,381 Mole snakes bury themselves in sand 74 00:08:01,381 --> 00:08:04,517 to stay sheltered from the relentless heat. 75 00:08:06,753 --> 00:08:12,459 Her angular snout and small head allow her to burrow deep. 76 00:08:15,595 --> 00:08:17,497 But when she wants to move, 77 00:08:17,497 --> 00:08:21,468 she needs the sun to heat up her cold-blooded body. 78 00:08:35,081 --> 00:08:38,385 Before she begins her search for an unsuspecting Mole-rat, 79 00:08:38,385 --> 00:08:41,388 she tests the chemical particles in the air 80 00:08:41,388 --> 00:08:44,457 by flicking her forked tongue - 81 00:08:48,328 --> 00:08:53,133 Helping her to decide which way she must go to find her prey, 82 00:08:55,702 --> 00:08:59,672 but also to avoid potential danger. 83 00:09:02,542 --> 00:09:05,211 The Mole snake is non-venomous 84 00:09:05,211 --> 00:09:09,649 and doesn't have many defense strategies if danger approaches. 85 00:09:18,191 --> 00:09:21,561 She must live cautiously. 86 00:09:39,179 --> 00:09:42,449 She continues her search. 87 00:10:06,072 --> 00:10:09,542 Emerging from his intricate network of underground burrows, 88 00:10:09,542 --> 00:10:13,646 a Mole-rat starts his search for a new home. 89 00:10:20,153 --> 00:10:23,089 He likes to lead a solitary life. 90 00:10:25,625 --> 00:10:28,761 But others have started moving in to his neighborhood 91 00:10:28,761 --> 00:10:33,533 so he's decided it's time to construct a new home elsewhere. 92 00:10:40,306 --> 00:10:43,443 Everything about his body is designed to sustain 93 00:10:43,443 --> 00:10:45,778 a subterranean existence. 94 00:10:48,715 --> 00:10:50,450 His protruding teeth 95 00:10:50,450 --> 00:10:54,254 allow him to carve his way deep into the earth. 96 00:10:57,190 --> 00:11:01,628 His pliant skin allows him to squeeze through narrow burrows. 97 00:11:07,033 --> 00:11:08,635 And his prominent claws 98 00:11:08,635 --> 00:11:12,639 help him move the excavated earth out of his way. 99 00:11:15,808 --> 00:11:21,381 His day to day diet consists of grass, roots and geophytes; 100 00:11:21,381 --> 00:11:24,817 plants that survive the summer by lying in bulb form 101 00:11:24,817 --> 00:11:28,154 beneath the soil. 102 00:11:28,154 --> 00:11:33,459 But they are defenseless against these poor sighted bandits. 103 00:11:46,673 --> 00:11:48,508 After much searching 104 00:11:48,508 --> 00:11:51,578 the Mole-rat has found a suitable spot to set up camp 105 00:11:51,578 --> 00:11:54,681 and he wastes no time getting to work. 106 00:12:07,393 --> 00:12:13,232 He's an expert digger and well suited to this world of sand. 107 00:12:19,539 --> 00:12:23,276 Considering their small sizes of 12 inches, 108 00:12:23,276 --> 00:12:26,245 their underground homes are very large. 109 00:12:36,589 --> 00:12:40,660 Some build burrows up to 1000 feet long. 110 00:12:42,161 --> 00:12:43,730 His burrow complete, 111 00:12:43,730 --> 00:12:47,400 the Mole-rat retreats back to safety underground. 112 00:12:49,369 --> 00:12:51,504 Good thing too. 113 00:12:54,641 --> 00:12:58,778 For over the dunes the Mole snake is still on the hunt, 114 00:13:02,582 --> 00:13:06,486 But the burrowers are not the only rats on the menu. 115 00:13:09,622 --> 00:13:13,526 Brant's whistling rat is found only in the south western region 116 00:13:13,526 --> 00:13:15,261 of southern Africa 117 00:13:16,596 --> 00:13:19,332 Where it has adapted its diet and routine 118 00:13:19,332 --> 00:13:22,301 to suit the aridity of Namaqualand. 119 00:13:25,271 --> 00:13:27,206 During the long summer months 120 00:13:27,206 --> 00:13:29,342 resources are scarce, 121 00:13:29,342 --> 00:13:32,445 so groups of rats have evolved to cooperate 122 00:13:32,445 --> 00:13:34,580 to ensure their survival. 123 00:13:38,317 --> 00:13:39,786 These rats work together 124 00:13:39,786 --> 00:13:42,789 to build a complex system of burrows. 125 00:13:47,093 --> 00:13:48,361 Each structure 126 00:13:48,361 --> 00:13:50,430 can have up to twenty entrances, 127 00:13:50,430 --> 00:13:53,666 allowing the members of the colony to make a quick escape 128 00:13:53,666 --> 00:13:55,568 if danger is near. 129 00:13:58,638 --> 00:14:03,376 Unlike most rodents, Brant's whistling rats are diurnal. 130 00:14:04,610 --> 00:14:07,046 They need the security of sunlight 131 00:14:07,046 --> 00:14:10,283 in order to avoid their nocturnal predators. 132 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:17,423 Their only warning system is a distinct whistle, 133 00:14:17,423 --> 00:14:20,460 which they emit when feeling threatened. 134 00:14:25,698 --> 00:14:31,237 As soon as other members of the colony hear this warning alert, 135 00:14:31,237 --> 00:14:34,407 they dash into their nearby tunnels. 136 00:14:41,247 --> 00:14:43,082 During the dry season, 137 00:14:43,082 --> 00:14:46,552 these gregarious creatures reside mostly below ground 138 00:14:46,552 --> 00:14:49,522 in order to avoid the stifling heat. 139 00:14:51,591 --> 00:14:56,162 But they do need to forage above ground occasionally. 140 00:15:03,669 --> 00:15:05,605 Exclusively herbivorous, 141 00:15:05,605 --> 00:15:09,142 they eat mostly succulents and bulbs in summer 142 00:15:09,142 --> 00:15:12,612 and whatever other plant material they can forage. 143 00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:16,382 All the plants here 144 00:15:16,382 --> 00:15:21,487 have also adapted to endure Namaqualand's harsh conditions. 145 00:15:21,487 --> 00:15:26,359 Shrubs grow long roots in order to access underground moisture. 146 00:15:29,529 --> 00:15:33,666 Succulents store water in their leaves and stems. 147 00:15:35,501 --> 00:15:37,603 But despite their adaptations 148 00:15:37,603 --> 00:15:41,440 they're defenseless against the rat's appetite. 149 00:15:45,144 --> 00:15:46,579 It's May. 150 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:49,715 Winter is approaching. 151 00:15:51,484 --> 00:15:54,253 The falling temperatures will allow the whistling rats 152 00:15:54,253 --> 00:15:57,089 to spend more time above ground. 153 00:15:58,391 --> 00:16:00,159 And in a few months, 154 00:16:00,159 --> 00:16:03,729 floral treats will feature in their diet. 155 00:16:07,233 --> 00:16:11,170 But before any animal can begin the springtime gorge, 156 00:16:11,170 --> 00:16:14,307 the rains need to arrive. 157 00:16:17,577 --> 00:16:22,415 The dry, barren lands wait patiently. 158 00:16:34,493 --> 00:16:37,530 At last they come. 159 00:17:23,442 --> 00:17:26,612 The majority of Namaqualand's annual rainfall 160 00:17:26,612 --> 00:17:29,515 occurs during June and July. 161 00:17:40,426 --> 00:17:43,162 Moisture surges through the landscape, 162 00:17:43,162 --> 00:17:47,099 allowing the desert to breath once again. 163 00:17:55,508 --> 00:17:57,576 Following the winter rains, 164 00:17:57,576 --> 00:18:01,681 the land transforms dramatically. 165 00:18:04,684 --> 00:18:06,986 In the North of Namaqualand, 166 00:18:06,986 --> 00:18:11,090 this sudden influx of water is immediately visible. 167 00:18:16,662 --> 00:18:18,698 The Nieuwoudtville waterfall 168 00:18:18,698 --> 00:18:22,168 flows rapidly after the winter rains. 169 00:18:36,315 --> 00:18:40,219 A black spitting cobra basks in the sun. 170 00:18:43,723 --> 00:18:45,558 The flush of new life 171 00:18:45,558 --> 00:18:49,562 will provide it with many more opportunities to feed. 172 00:18:51,630 --> 00:18:55,301 The waterfall serves as a refuge for the animals of the region 173 00:18:55,301 --> 00:18:59,038 for the next two months; 174 00:18:59,038 --> 00:19:03,042 A welcome break from the ten months of drought. 175 00:19:15,454 --> 00:19:17,223 The low winter temperatures 176 00:19:17,223 --> 00:19:21,227 allow the plant life to soak up the available moisture. 177 00:19:31,704 --> 00:19:33,672 After a ten month slumber, 178 00:19:33,672 --> 00:19:39,378 Namaqualand restarts its annual routine of rapid growth. 179 00:19:39,378 --> 00:19:42,348 Bringing the land to life. 180 00:19:46,652 --> 00:19:50,456 The flowers burst into bloom across the desert, 181 00:19:50,456 --> 00:19:54,527 blanketing the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors. 182 00:20:11,210 --> 00:20:15,681 The region turns into a utopia, 183 00:20:15,681 --> 00:20:17,550 with weird and wonderful flowers 184 00:20:17,550 --> 00:20:20,319 speckled across the desert floor. 185 00:20:37,536 --> 00:20:40,506 These plants utilize this time of moisture 186 00:20:40,506 --> 00:20:43,309 to germinate and spread their seeds. 187 00:20:47,780 --> 00:20:50,549 Once the earth has soaked up all the rain, 188 00:20:50,549 --> 00:20:55,287 some of this flora will die in a matter of weeks. 189 00:20:57,123 --> 00:21:00,392 These seeds then lie dormant in the soil, 190 00:21:00,392 --> 00:21:04,096 waiting for the ensuing winter rains. 191 00:21:07,700 --> 00:21:10,369 And the cycle recommences. 192 00:21:14,540 --> 00:21:17,610 Some even lie dormant for years, 193 00:21:17,610 --> 00:21:22,181 waiting for the right amount of rain to coax them to life. 194 00:21:30,623 --> 00:21:35,461 It takes resilience and patience to survive here. 195 00:21:42,601 --> 00:21:44,637 The plants' coping strategies 196 00:21:44,637 --> 00:21:46,672 are not the only intriguing aspect 197 00:21:46,672 --> 00:21:49,308 of Namaqualand's floral life. 198 00:21:59,652 --> 00:22:03,355 The sheer number of species in this expanse 199 00:22:03,355 --> 00:22:06,692 proves how unique this land really is. 200 00:22:12,131 --> 00:22:16,035 An astounding 3,800 species of plants 201 00:22:16,035 --> 00:22:19,505 cover this area in spring. 202 00:22:23,609 --> 00:22:25,811 Almost 30% of these 203 00:22:25,811 --> 00:22:29,381 are found nowhere else on earth. 204 00:22:36,822 --> 00:22:39,191 Namaqualand truly is 205 00:22:39,191 --> 00:22:42,661 an incredible haven of biodiversity. 206 00:22:45,798 --> 00:22:49,401 Although the winter rainfall triggers life in Namaqualand, 207 00:22:49,401 --> 00:22:54,773 the flowers also depend on other helpers to secure their futures. 208 00:22:56,709 --> 00:23:00,179 Whether it be the beaks of sunbirds 209 00:23:02,114 --> 00:23:04,516 The tongues of flies 210 00:23:06,719 --> 00:23:09,688 Or the body hairs of beetles 211 00:23:12,191 --> 00:23:15,127 Every pollinator plays a crucial role 212 00:23:15,127 --> 00:23:18,597 in the maintenance of Namaqualand's garden. 213 00:23:23,402 --> 00:23:26,105 If the rain is the compost, 214 00:23:26,105 --> 00:23:29,775 the pollinators are the gardeners. 215 00:23:32,411 --> 00:23:34,780 There are far more species of flowers 216 00:23:34,780 --> 00:23:38,484 than there are pollinators, 217 00:23:38,484 --> 00:23:43,455 So every plant competes to attract the insects and birds, 218 00:23:43,455 --> 00:23:47,693 adopting brilliant colors and flashy patterns. 219 00:23:50,729 --> 00:23:53,565 It's a race against time for these flowers, 220 00:23:53,565 --> 00:23:56,602 and only the attractive win. 221 00:24:09,181 --> 00:24:13,552 Monkey beetles use visual cues as a pollination guide. 222 00:24:24,229 --> 00:24:25,764 They use these flowers 223 00:24:25,764 --> 00:24:29,034 not only as a food source, 224 00:24:29,034 --> 00:24:32,137 but also as a mating site. 225 00:24:35,474 --> 00:24:40,446 And some flowers have evolved to take full advantage of this. 226 00:24:42,381 --> 00:24:47,086 Various black marks, otherwise known as "beetle marks", 227 00:24:47,086 --> 00:24:50,055 can be seen on some species of flowers. 228 00:24:51,623 --> 00:24:54,660 These markings are both ingenious, 229 00:24:54,660 --> 00:24:56,662 and deceptive. 230 00:25:00,165 --> 00:25:03,702 The beetles gravitate towards these distinctive plants, 231 00:25:03,702 --> 00:25:07,373 tricked by the promise of a potential mate. 232 00:25:08,707 --> 00:25:11,176 After rolling around in the pollen, 233 00:25:11,176 --> 00:25:13,412 and discovering no such mate, 234 00:25:13,412 --> 00:25:16,448 the beetles have fulfilled their function. 235 00:25:19,251 --> 00:25:21,487 Their numerous wiry body hairs 236 00:25:21,487 --> 00:25:26,358 distribute the pollen as they flutter from flower to flower. 237 00:25:34,733 --> 00:25:38,737 In this way the flowers have evolved a cunning method 238 00:25:38,737 --> 00:25:41,140 to ensure their future. 239 00:25:47,746 --> 00:25:50,716 While monkey beetles are able to pollinate 240 00:25:50,716 --> 00:25:53,485 any flower of their choosing, 241 00:25:53,485 --> 00:25:56,789 other insects are more specific. 242 00:26:00,492 --> 00:26:03,095 The Namaqualand tangle-veined fly 243 00:26:03,095 --> 00:26:05,230 is only able to pollinate plants 244 00:26:05,230 --> 00:26:08,500 that can host his larger than average tongue. 245 00:26:24,783 --> 00:26:27,119 Although this non retractable 246 00:26:27,119 --> 00:26:31,323 2 inch long appendage may seem like an inconvenience, 247 00:26:31,323 --> 00:26:35,727 it benefits him substantially. 248 00:26:35,727 --> 00:26:42,367 He is the sole pollinator of the long tubed, Meidestert flower. 249 00:26:43,769 --> 00:26:47,539 The flower and the fly have coevolved, 250 00:26:47,539 --> 00:26:49,641 forming a close mutualism. 251 00:26:51,643 --> 00:26:55,113 The fly is guaranteed sweet, sugary nectar 252 00:26:55,113 --> 00:26:56,748 at the base of the bloom, 253 00:26:56,748 --> 00:26:59,985 which only he has access to 254 00:26:59,985 --> 00:27:03,055 while the flower has an exclusive pollinator 255 00:27:03,055 --> 00:27:06,024 and doesn't have to compete with others. 256 00:27:10,028 --> 00:27:15,367 These flies and flowers are found only in South Africa. 257 00:27:19,638 --> 00:27:23,542 Although they have private access to the Meidestert flower, 258 00:27:23,542 --> 00:27:29,014 the craft of pollinating them may take some time to perfect. 259 00:27:29,014 --> 00:27:31,450 Having a tongue bigger than one's body 260 00:27:31,450 --> 00:27:34,586 can prove difficult to maneuver. 261 00:27:37,389 --> 00:27:40,058 While Namaqualand's plants and pollinators 262 00:27:40,058 --> 00:27:41,693 have evolved hand in hand 263 00:27:41,693 --> 00:27:43,629 there is one relationship 264 00:27:43,629 --> 00:27:49,535 that has a much greater effect on the landscape than any other. 265 00:27:49,535 --> 00:27:53,171 The Gorteria diffusa is a species of flower, 266 00:27:53,171 --> 00:27:56,608 commonly called the Beetle daisy. 267 00:27:57,442 --> 00:27:59,478 This particular species 268 00:27:59,478 --> 00:28:02,114 stands out from other Namaqualand flowers 269 00:28:02,114 --> 00:28:04,383 for one specific reason. 270 00:28:07,252 --> 00:28:12,291 Over time, it has morphed into 15 different versions 271 00:28:12,291 --> 00:28:14,393 of the same orange flower. 272 00:28:17,629 --> 00:28:22,768 But every single version attracts the same creature. 273 00:28:22,768 --> 00:28:25,237 The Megapalpus fly. 274 00:28:28,173 --> 00:28:31,343 When plants adapt into different variations, 275 00:28:31,343 --> 00:28:35,347 it's usually in an attempt to attract various pollinators, 276 00:28:35,347 --> 00:28:39,251 increasing their chance of being pollinated. 277 00:28:41,653 --> 00:28:45,724 The Gorteria's extraordinary adaptation is therefore unique 278 00:28:45,724 --> 00:28:48,594 because it's not caused by an attempt to attract 279 00:28:48,594 --> 00:28:50,629 different pollinators. 280 00:28:54,633 --> 00:28:57,803 Rather, the different versions get pollinated 281 00:28:57,803 --> 00:29:01,940 by the same species of fly in different ways. 282 00:29:03,208 --> 00:29:05,410 One particular version of the flower 283 00:29:05,410 --> 00:29:08,614 mimics the body of a fly so accurately 284 00:29:08,614 --> 00:29:11,583 that the male often ends up attempting to mate 285 00:29:11,583 --> 00:29:14,086 with the raised spot on the petals. 286 00:29:16,622 --> 00:29:19,257 He gets completely covered in pollen, 287 00:29:19,257 --> 00:29:22,527 and helps to pollinate other beetle daisies. 288 00:29:24,062 --> 00:29:26,298 Another version of the Gorteria 289 00:29:26,298 --> 00:29:29,468 has adopted a very different strategy. 290 00:29:31,703 --> 00:29:34,506 When the fly lands in this flower 291 00:29:34,506 --> 00:29:39,444 the petals close, capturing the fly inside for the night. 292 00:29:41,713 --> 00:29:44,716 But this is not an act of predation. 293 00:29:46,351 --> 00:29:48,186 The flower does this 294 00:29:48,186 --> 00:29:51,223 so that the fly will get thoroughly coated in pollen 295 00:29:51,223 --> 00:29:52,724 throughout the night. 296 00:29:55,761 --> 00:29:59,564 The petals even have dark colors on the outside, 297 00:29:59,564 --> 00:30:03,235 so that the fly will be heated up fast when the first 298 00:30:03,235 --> 00:30:04,736 morning light breaks. 299 00:30:11,143 --> 00:30:13,478 Not only does the fly have a safe, 300 00:30:13,478 --> 00:30:15,647 warm place to spend the night, 301 00:30:15,647 --> 00:30:19,518 but it also gets a breakfast of pollen upon awakening. 302 00:30:27,626 --> 00:30:30,729 These flowers make up the majority 303 00:30:30,729 --> 00:30:33,565 of Namaqualand's orange hue. 304 00:30:38,336 --> 00:30:42,474 The Megapalpus fly is their sole pollinator, 305 00:30:42,474 --> 00:30:44,843 so if this fly were to disappear, 306 00:30:44,843 --> 00:30:49,247 much of Namaqualand's orange glory would be lost. 307 00:30:54,820 --> 00:30:59,725 September is a frantic time of spring feeding and pollinating 308 00:30:59,725 --> 00:31:02,194 for the insects of Namaqualand 309 00:31:04,563 --> 00:31:09,267 and others are quick to take advantage of the abundance. 310 00:31:12,370 --> 00:31:16,208 Opportunistic cattle egrets follow herds of antelope, 311 00:31:16,208 --> 00:31:17,609 eating the bugs 312 00:31:17,609 --> 00:31:20,512 that are disturbed by the roaming animals. 313 00:31:33,291 --> 00:31:37,729 Scorpions are also on the menu. 314 00:31:37,729 --> 00:31:42,334 But their venom can be deadly. 315 00:31:42,334 --> 00:31:46,671 Fortunately, there's a way for the egrets to judge the toxicity 316 00:31:46,671 --> 00:31:49,040 of the arachnid. 317 00:31:51,643 --> 00:31:55,747 The bigger the pincers, the less venomous it is. 318 00:31:57,682 --> 00:32:01,052 So the egrets pick their meals wisely. 319 00:32:04,422 --> 00:32:06,158 Although not lethal, 320 00:32:06,158 --> 00:32:09,161 the snack can still pinch back. 321 00:32:13,598 --> 00:32:17,269 As soon as the egret finds a comfortable way to hold it, 322 00:32:17,269 --> 00:32:19,371 he swallows it whole. 323 00:32:23,308 --> 00:32:28,380 His highly acidic stomach then digests it with ease. 324 00:32:31,716 --> 00:32:35,554 Birds can't afford to hold excess weight when they eat, 325 00:32:35,554 --> 00:32:38,557 otherwise they wouldn't be able to fly. 326 00:32:42,727 --> 00:32:46,765 So they need to digest the meal as quickly as possible. 327 00:32:52,337 --> 00:32:55,407 This way they gain maximum energy 328 00:32:55,407 --> 00:32:58,176 with minimum consequences. 329 00:33:09,254 --> 00:33:13,258 It's a time of abundance for all. 330 00:33:17,162 --> 00:33:20,031 The bigger mammals take this opportunity 331 00:33:20,031 --> 00:33:21,600 to raise their young. 332 00:33:30,609 --> 00:33:33,712 And their dung helps to fertilize the flowers, 333 00:33:33,712 --> 00:33:35,714 which will foster the new growth 334 00:33:35,714 --> 00:33:39,751 that will continue through the rest of spring. 335 00:33:50,495 --> 00:33:53,598 There are areas of Namaqualand that support life 336 00:33:53,598 --> 00:33:55,367 all year round. 337 00:33:59,738 --> 00:34:04,409 The Quiver tree grows in times of want and of plenty. 338 00:34:09,281 --> 00:34:14,219 Surprisingly, the quiver tree is not in fact, a tree. 339 00:34:15,620 --> 00:34:20,392 But rather the ultimate matriarch of aloes; 340 00:34:20,392 --> 00:34:22,260 Plants that are characterized 341 00:34:22,260 --> 00:34:25,397 by their succulent, rosette-shaped leaves. 342 00:34:35,206 --> 00:34:37,709 In the past, bushmen used the plants 343 00:34:37,709 --> 00:34:40,445 to make quivers for their hunting arrows, 344 00:34:40,445 --> 00:34:42,347 hence the name. 345 00:34:46,084 --> 00:34:47,719 Like all aloes, 346 00:34:47,719 --> 00:34:51,156 the Quiver tree is well adapted to the harsh environment 347 00:34:51,156 --> 00:34:53,158 of the semi-desert. 348 00:34:55,593 --> 00:34:57,362 The fibrous stem 349 00:34:57,362 --> 00:35:00,398 soaks up the erratic rainfall during the summer, 350 00:35:02,634 --> 00:35:06,338 while a thin layer of whitish powder on the bark 351 00:35:06,338 --> 00:35:09,107 reflects the suns powerful rays. 352 00:35:10,508 --> 00:35:14,179 The succulent leaves store the soaked up moisture, 353 00:35:14,179 --> 00:35:17,449 and their elevation prevents evaporation. 354 00:35:21,252 --> 00:35:24,189 Because this plant is a flowering aloe, 355 00:35:24,189 --> 00:35:28,360 it needs to be pollinated. 356 00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:31,563 So it produces copious amounts of sweet nectar 357 00:35:31,563 --> 00:35:36,034 that few birds or insects can refuse. 358 00:35:37,802 --> 00:35:39,771 60 miles south west 359 00:35:39,771 --> 00:35:42,774 of the fields of flowers and alien forests, 360 00:35:42,774 --> 00:35:47,012 Namaqualand reveals yet another landscape. 361 00:35:51,149 --> 00:35:56,588 Stretches of white pebbles strewn across the desert floor. 362 00:36:03,128 --> 00:36:07,766 Only dwarf plants and succulents grow in the saline soils 363 00:36:07,766 --> 00:36:10,969 of these quartz fields. 364 00:36:16,074 --> 00:36:19,110 Miniature landscapes, 365 00:36:19,110 --> 00:36:22,313 dotted with miniature plants, 366 00:36:22,313 --> 00:36:27,452 which are all perfectly adapted to this habitat. 367 00:36:27,452 --> 00:36:31,523 The Bababoudjie, or in English, "baby's bottom", 368 00:36:31,523 --> 00:36:35,994 is a succulent found only in the quartz fields of Namaqualand. 369 00:36:56,381 --> 00:37:00,018 It's developed a remarkable survival strategy, 370 00:37:00,018 --> 00:37:03,688 which allows it to call this place home. 371 00:37:06,157 --> 00:37:10,261 In order to hide from hungry herbivores, it disguises itself 372 00:37:10,261 --> 00:37:13,698 as one of the grey-white rocks that surround it. 373 00:37:15,733 --> 00:37:21,573 And hiding in plain sight isn't just for plants. 374 00:37:21,573 --> 00:37:27,745 These stony plains host very specific and unusual creatures. 375 00:37:29,380 --> 00:37:32,283 Which often go unnoticed. 376 00:37:38,123 --> 00:37:42,293 Camouflaged perfectly in the white, semi-translucent fields, 377 00:37:42,293 --> 00:37:46,498 the stone grasshopper is a master of disguise. 378 00:37:53,271 --> 00:37:55,140 Everything about his body 379 00:37:55,140 --> 00:37:58,510 keeps him concealed in the quartz fields. 380 00:38:01,579 --> 00:38:05,216 Parts of him even look slightly chipped, 381 00:38:05,216 --> 00:38:09,287 mimicking the flawed shapes of the stones. 382 00:38:12,590 --> 00:38:14,726 The tiny hairs on his legs 383 00:38:14,726 --> 00:38:18,663 smooth the contours of his shadow. 384 00:38:22,333 --> 00:38:26,037 When feeling threatened, he can flatten his antennae 385 00:38:26,037 --> 00:38:29,040 to enhance his rock-like appearance. 386 00:38:32,277 --> 00:38:37,415 He is Namaqualand's ultimate impersonator. 387 00:38:46,124 --> 00:38:50,094 Combing the stone fields for unsuspecting grasshoppers, 388 00:38:50,094 --> 00:38:54,399 the Red-headed centipede uses speed and endurance 389 00:38:54,399 --> 00:38:56,334 as a predation method. 390 00:39:00,438 --> 00:39:03,241 Covering large areas in short periods, 391 00:39:03,241 --> 00:39:06,411 he hopes to bump into a potential meal. 392 00:39:12,984 --> 00:39:15,220 He's a vicious predator, 393 00:39:15,220 --> 00:39:18,523 and will attack any insect or animal smaller 394 00:39:18,523 --> 00:39:21,593 than his immense 8 inch body. 395 00:39:45,617 --> 00:39:48,086 Upon finding the injured hopper, 396 00:39:48,086 --> 00:39:49,654 he bites the victim 397 00:39:49,654 --> 00:39:54,292 injecting him with venom and devours him immediately. 398 00:40:06,571 --> 00:40:10,108 Unlike his camouflaged counterpart, 399 00:40:10,108 --> 00:40:14,312 the Foam grasshopper has evolved to fight back. 400 00:40:17,782 --> 00:40:19,550 He gets his defense 401 00:40:19,550 --> 00:40:23,054 from eating certain plants the land has on offer. 402 00:40:31,062 --> 00:40:33,831 Feeding mostly on poisonous milkweed, 403 00:40:33,831 --> 00:40:37,068 the foam grasshopper ingests the toxins 404 00:40:37,068 --> 00:40:39,737 and stores them in his joints. 405 00:40:46,844 --> 00:40:48,646 When threatened, 406 00:40:48,646 --> 00:40:52,216 he exudes this poison in the form of lethal foam. 407 00:41:05,229 --> 00:41:09,400 This striking insect flaunts his colors boldly. 408 00:41:12,403 --> 00:41:15,039 It's a commonly understood rule in nature, 409 00:41:15,039 --> 00:41:19,444 that the more brightly colored an insect, the more venomous. 410 00:41:22,113 --> 00:41:25,083 He forages through the flowers of Namaqualand 411 00:41:25,083 --> 00:41:27,685 without the fear of being eaten. 412 00:41:28,820 --> 00:41:30,588 And if he is, 413 00:41:30,588 --> 00:41:34,492 the foolish predator will pay the ultimate price. 414 00:41:37,695 --> 00:41:42,100 But not all defense adaptations require poison. 415 00:41:44,736 --> 00:41:47,338 More like the stone grasshopper, 416 00:41:47,338 --> 00:41:51,442 the Namaqua speckled padloper stays out of danger's way 417 00:41:51,442 --> 00:41:52,744 by hiding. 418 00:42:00,518 --> 00:42:03,121 Trudging across the Namaqua landscape 419 00:42:03,121 --> 00:42:07,125 takes an incredibly long time for this pocket-sized resident. 420 00:42:12,196 --> 00:42:15,299 Never growing bigger than 3.5 inches, 421 00:42:15,299 --> 00:42:19,203 he is the smallest tortoise on earth. 422 00:42:23,374 --> 00:42:28,713 His flattened, grey-brown shell enables him to hide perfectly, 423 00:42:28,713 --> 00:42:31,549 camouflaged in rocky crevices. 424 00:42:40,658 --> 00:42:45,129 In the hot summers, he preys on the hardy succulents. 425 00:42:58,676 --> 00:43:04,048 In spring he is rewarded with hoards of floral delicacies. 426 00:43:09,454 --> 00:43:13,024 He doesn't hold back. 427 00:43:13,024 --> 00:43:16,461 These flowers won't be here for long. 428 00:43:20,465 --> 00:43:23,067 The tortoise gorges himself on the treats 429 00:43:23,067 --> 00:43:26,404 that only appear once a year. 430 00:43:31,476 --> 00:43:33,644 Like many others in Namaqualand, 431 00:43:33,644 --> 00:43:37,482 he lives nowhere else on the planet. 432 00:43:39,717 --> 00:43:43,054 Along with his many other endemic counterparts, 433 00:43:43,054 --> 00:43:45,056 the Namaqua speckled padloper 434 00:43:45,056 --> 00:43:50,027 is adapted to thrive in this specific environment. 435 00:44:02,273 --> 00:44:06,277 Species in Namaqualand have developed over generations 436 00:44:06,277 --> 00:44:08,579 to ensure that their adaptations 437 00:44:08,579 --> 00:44:12,316 allow them to live in this biome. 438 00:44:33,371 --> 00:44:36,707 Spring here hosts one of the most magnificent 439 00:44:36,707 --> 00:44:41,546 natural transformations the world has to offer. 440 00:44:48,152 --> 00:44:50,354 From desert 441 00:44:50,354 --> 00:44:54,725 to oasis for a short spurt of time each year. 442 00:45:01,365 --> 00:45:03,601 The landscape's polarized existence 443 00:45:03,601 --> 00:45:07,271 is a testament to nature's ability to transform 444 00:45:07,271 --> 00:45:09,307 and adapt. 445 00:45:17,615 --> 00:45:19,517 To this land 446 00:45:19,517 --> 00:45:21,052 of famine, 447 00:45:21,052 --> 00:45:25,756 and feast. 448 00:45:25,756 --> 00:45:36,033 ♪ 449 00:45:36,033 --> 00:45:51,782 ♪ 450 00:45:51,782 --> 00:45:57,788 ♪♪ 451 00:45:57,788 --> 00:46:03,728 ♪♪ 452 00:46:03,728 --> 00:46:10,968 ♪♪