PLANET EARTH Great Plains

There are thirty of them, and they're specialist elephant hunters. This elephant will feed the whole pride for at least a week. Elephants know these drinking holes are dangerous, but they have no choice. The dramas that play out here are a savage reminder of how important water is for all life on these plains.



As the dry season finally draws to a close, Africa's baked savannas undergo a radical change. Rain sweeps across the continent and grass, the great survivor, rises again and the herds return. For months they've been scattered over huge areas, clinging to existence around tiny water holes. Now, the good times are back. A few African savannas are very special.



Here, rain water from far and wide flows across the flat plains. Grass is submerged but still it grows. Flooded, burnt, baked and frozen grass can withstand it all. After six months of drought, grass replaces dust over great areas. Fresh new shoots draw animals from great distances. Many undertake epic migrations to catch the boom time. Some resourceful animals live here all the year round.



Baboons are permanent residents but they have to change their behavior if they are to gather what they need on the newly flooded plains. There's plenty to eat but getting to it can be a little uncomfortable. New water poses problems for the youngsters but they know where to find a dry seat. A juicy snail is ample recompense for sodden paws. Having survived the dry barren times animals can now reap the rewards.



On this seasonal planet, the great plains are lands of feast and famine. At their peak they support the greatest gatherings of wildlife found anywhere on Earth.