Ep 5. Grasslands

As the fifth episode of the season, Biomes of the World in Action explores the vast expanses of the world's grasslands. From the North American prairies to the Australian savannas, this episode takes a deep dive into the unique characteristics of these regions and the wildlife that call them home.

The episode starts in the African Serengeti, where the vast plains are home to some of the world's most iconic animals. From towering giraffes to majestic lions, viewers are taken on a journey through this vibrant ecosystem. The crew even captures rare footage of a cheetah in action as it attempts to hunt down its prey.

Moving on to the North American grasslands, the episode delves into the life of the bison. These massive creatures once roamed the Great Plains by the millions, but today they are a conservation success story, having been brought back from the brink of extinction. Captured on camera are the bison's unique grazing habits and the importance of these animals in maintaining the grassland ecosystem.

Heading over to the grasslands of Eurasia, the show provides a glimpse of the Mongolian steppe, an area that's been called the "lungs of the planet" due to its high-capacity for carbon sequestration. The steppe is home to a variety of species, including the argali sheep, one of the largest species of wild sheep in the world. Argali sheep inhabit some of the most inhospitable environments on earth, and the show highlights the adaptability of these incredible creatures.

Finally, the episode showcases the unique grasslands of Australia. Here, the crew captures footage of kangaroos bounding across the plains and wild dingoes hunting their prey. The Australian landscape is also home to some of the world's most deadly snakes and spiders, including the infamous Sydney funnel-web spider. The team provides an in-depth look into the behavior of these dangerous creatures and the importance of understanding them for conservation efforts.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning aerial and ground-level footage, showcasing the vastness and beauty of the world's grasslands. But the show also exposes the threats to these fragile ecosystems, such as habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanization. Ultimately, the message of this episode is one of conservation and the need to protect these delicate ecosystems for generations to come.