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00:00Our most vital waters flow like arteries over the land.
00:15Cleansing. Nurturing. Delivering life.
00:24These waterways have the ability to overcome mountains. Carve canyons. And connect vastly different worlds.
00:41But they are not immune to the influence of others. They are the pulse to which everything flows.
00:51Our precious rivers.
00:56Take a dive into our planet's mesmerizing world of water.
01:01From the monumental open ocean to the rugged coasts that serve as the dividing line between two worlds.
01:08From the changing rivers that carve through continents.
01:15To mysterious lakes and swamps.
01:20Immerse yourself in the magic that unfolds.
01:24As we reveal.
01:25The secrets.
01:26The secrets.
01:28The secrets.
01:29The secrets.
01:30The secrets.
01:32And serve as the dividing line between two worlds.
01:34From the changing rivers.
01:36To mysterious lakes and swamps.
01:41Immerse yourself in the magic that unfolds.
01:49As we reveal the secrets of our enchanted waters.
02:06In Russia's Far East lies Kamchatka Peninsula.
02:15This is a magical place born of fire.
02:24With 300 volcanoes, 29 of which still regularly erupt,
02:30it is one of the most geologically active zones on the planet.
02:37And at the heart of it, lie Kamchatka's rivers.
02:43Coursing over lava fields, bringing fresh life to the area as they flow.
02:50Pooling into ancient caldera.
02:53Before eventually flowing into the Sea of Akhotsk.
02:57How does a place under the constant threat of complete destruction produce such a unique and pountiful habitat?
03:10Perhaps, there's something in the water.
03:24Kamchatka's rivers are a lifeline to a population of wild Pacific salmon.
03:29Every year, a supersized cohort of these salmon enter the river from the sea.
03:38And head inland on a once-in-a-lifetime mission to reproduce.
03:43They have traveled over 600 miles from the open ocean for this privilege.
03:54Their journey now takes them up river towards their spawning grounds.
03:58Their vibrant red color indicates that they're nearing the end of their story.
04:06They have not eaten since their journey began, and their bodies are slowly degrading.
04:14As they near their destination, they have yet to face their biggest challenge.
04:20Standing in their way are more than 20,000 hungry bears.
04:31The largest population of brown bears on the planet.
04:37And the biggest in size outside of North America.
04:41This mother bear has three cubs to feed.
04:54They're reaching a pivotal stage in their season.
04:58Time to fatten up.
05:00Ready for hibernation.
05:01With the impending arrival of masses of spawning salmon, she couldn't have picked a better river.
05:17Now, she just has to find a good fishing position.
05:24A chance for her little ones to watch and learn.
05:31But, why learn when you can play tag?
05:43With so much fun to be had, best leave the fishing to mum.
05:52This isn't an ideal place to catch salmon.
05:55There's too much open space, allowing the fish to evade capture.
06:04The top spots go to the most experienced adult males.
06:09And she daren't risk the safety of her cubs by venturing too close.
06:14Even here, in this less than perfect location, the river won't let her down.
06:27These waters flow under the shadow of the tinderbox mountains.
06:46Where eruptions happen up to eight times a year.
06:48These volcanoes can both destroy and create life.
06:58Starting with the moment ash hits the water.
07:09Volcanic ash initiates a wave of destruction, smothering everything in its path.
07:15At first, all appears lost.
07:19But every ash cloud has a silver lining.
07:25The river's flow dissipates the ash, carrying it far and wide.
07:31In some areas, the ash causes algal blooms to proliferate in the water.
07:35Triggering an explosion of zooplankton that feeds off it.
07:48Which, in turn, becomes a bounty of food for young salmon.
07:53Ensuring as many as possible grow and make it out to sea.
08:01To return, often in record numbers.
08:07Now, as those fish make the journey back up the river to where they were born,
08:12the bears have one of the world's biggest populations of Pacific salmon within their grasp.
08:25This mum doesn't need the best fishing spot.
08:29There's more than enough to go around.
08:31The fish who make it past the bears go on to spawn, fulfilling their destinies.
08:48They have nothing left to give, other than their remains,
08:55which continue to add to the richness of the rivers that are the mainstay of this region.
09:01For this bear family, the future looks rosy.
09:06With full bellies all round, mum and her young family have time to relax.
09:19She owes her success to a coalition between a river and its volatile landscape.
09:28Guided by geology, these rivers disperse volcanic nutrients to the very ends of their reach.
09:37Turning the land into a fertile paradise.
09:41And transforming the animal populations that live here into some of the most plentiful on the planet.
09:57A river's ability to flow and distribute is its greatest asset.
10:01Because it delivers something that's as precious to life as the air we breathe.
10:15Of all the water on Earth, just 3% of it is fresh water.
10:20Only a tiny, precious amount of it is drinkable.
10:32That valuable drop is as vital to us as the blood that courses through our bodies.
10:38Rivers are the veins and arteries of our planet.
10:47And much like how blood shuttles oxygen, food and waste around, rivers do the same.
10:55Starting at the source, as water seeps through the grains and fissures of rocks, it collects minerals.
11:11Before distributing them downstream.
11:18Aquatic plants and the Earth's atmosphere ensure the river is sufficiently oxygenated.
11:24Helping to bring life to its farthest reaches.
11:27Nutrients, and waste, are also picked up and deposited.
11:37Feeding and cleansing the land, and itself, as it flows.
11:42The action of these headwaters, rivers, and tributaries create havens.
11:57Where life congregates from far and wide.
12:00But at some point, every river must come to an end.
12:09Some empty out into floodplains.
12:16Others into the ocean.
12:19Carried within their flow is a vital cargo.
12:23So, whether it's an elephant bathing in nutrient-rich mud.
12:29Or a scallop using minerals to form its own protective shell out in the ocean.
12:37Those elements were collected in the mountains.
12:40Thousands of miles away.
12:43And delivered to them by rivers.
12:49From the rapids that flow over mountain rock.
12:53To the river mouths that feed the ocean.
12:58That tiny quota.
13:00That is our planet's accessible fresh water.
13:03Goes a long way.
13:20Even for ocean dwellers.
13:21The lure of fresh water can be too strong to ignore.
13:30So, one creature satisfies that desire with an annual winter getaway.
13:34It's winter along the Florida coast near Miami.
13:48And this female manatee is searching for paradise.
13:52Manatees.
13:53Manatees belong to a group of animals called Cyrenians.
14:06Named after the sirens of Greek mythology.
14:08Legend has it.
14:09These nymph-like women lured homesick mariners to their deaths.
14:10With their captivating song.
14:11Some believe that these hallucinating sailors mistook manatees for sirens.
14:16Perhaps the reality doesn't quite match the alluring mirage.
14:18But these creatures are no less beguiling in their own right.
14:19And in the past, the men of the sea have been destroyed.
14:20song.
14:28Some believe that these hallucinating sailors mistook manatees for sirens.
14:37Perhaps the reality doesn't quite match the alluring mirage, but these creatures are no
14:43less beguiling in their own right.
14:50Now this would-be mermaid needs to find warmth.
14:58Despite this stretch of ocean being the warmest anywhere off mainland US, it's still too cool
15:05for her at this time of year.
15:09If she stays in the ocean, she won't make it through the winter.
15:26She may look like she has plenty of blubber, but her curves are deceptive.
15:33Her shape and size keep her buoyant as she eats.
15:39But there's little excess fat to keep her insulated.
15:45So she heads inland to take refuge in the region's rivers.
15:54Almost more than 200 miles of watery networks sits Silver Springs.
16:09Even in the depths of winter, it's a balmy 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
16:16Wind comes off it, as if rising from a hot tub.
16:24It's the manatee equivalent of a spa retreat.
16:30And it'll keep her alive during the cold winter months.
16:37More than 25 freshwater springs feed the Silver River, discharging around 500 million gallons
16:45of geothermally warmed water every day into the manatee bathtub.
16:55Bubbling up from deep underground, the spring is recharged by rainwater that filters through
17:01the area's porous limestone rocks.
17:07It's this intensive filtering process that gives this water its exquisite clarity.
17:17Time to relax and rejuvenate.
17:20Her thick, grey skin is encrusted with barnacles.
17:31Algae fueled by the Florida sunshine has also colonized her body.
17:39But waiting teams of fish are only too happy to help her exfoliate.
17:47The pesky barnacles that clung to her in the ocean can't survive in the freshwater, so they
17:53gradually drop off.
17:57The only thing missing here is food.
18:01But she won't need to travel far.
18:04Moving away from the springs, she heads out into the surrounding river, where the cooler
18:09water allows for freshwater plants to grow in abundance.
18:22In these rivers, inlets, and springs, our chilly manatee has found the complete package, warmth,
18:32relaxation, and a rejuvenating skin treatment.
18:37She'll stay till spring, when the ocean temperature starts to rise, and she's tempted back to the
18:43open seas to entice fishermen once again.
18:51Between source and mouth, a river will always attempt to find the path of least resistance.
19:05But sometimes, it's not the land, but a creature that disrupts a river's journey.
19:19With the onset of autumn, this beaver has an infinite list of chores to complete.
19:26Luckily, he has his family on hand to help out.
19:32His instinct drives him to stem the flow of his entire river, with the help of a set of
19:38iron-clad teeth that never stop growing.
19:48Everything they need to build a water-stopping dam is within 60 feet of their lodge.
19:56From aspen, to willow, to cottonwood.
20:01Good quality construction materials, and the ultimate tools to gnaw them down to size.
20:12Branch by branch, this carpenter turned plumber holds back the river, forging a deep pond where
20:21he and his family can create a safe haven.
20:31Despite his construction skills, no beaver dam is ever completely watertight.
20:37So his river still finds a way through, albeit at a much slower pace.
20:52Next, his pantry needs to be restocked.
20:58The more succulent wood is dragged under, its stems pushed into the riverbed to keep it
21:13fresh.
21:17While most rodent teeth contain magnesium, a beaver tooth is laced with iron, making them stronger
21:26and more resilient.
21:30And because they never stop growing, he has to gnaw to keep them in check.
21:43He is perfectly built for a life as a river disrupter.
21:50Having diminished his nearby supplies, he'll need to travel further afield.
21:56And when you're this cumbersome, it's wise to have a backup plan.
22:06So he maintains a network of watery highways that double as escape routes.
22:23All it takes is a bit of channel digging, and the water flows out of his pond.
22:31Building a new road map for wherever he needs to travel.
22:38Each one leading him to new resources, and safely back to his lodge again.
22:48By building his own safety network, this family man has not only protected his nearest and dearest,
22:55but has unwittingly revitalized the entire ecosystem.
23:03This river no longer follows the path of least resistance.
23:07Thanks to his handiwork, it seeks out new routes.
23:18The river is swelling over its banks, seeping into the soil, and giving the surrounding vegetation
23:25a chance to drink.
23:33The beaver's instinct to gnaw may seem destructive at first.
23:41But their efforts to ensure their own survival have far-reaching benefits for the world around
23:47him.
23:52Distributing the river farther...and wider...creating wetlands in its wake...and increasing the diversity
24:02of other species...drip by drip.
24:19If rivers are the lifeblood of our landscapes...providing water...shelter...and food for countless species...then the
24:31surrounding aquatic ecosystem is only as healthy as the river itself.
24:43A select cast of creatures give out subtle clues to a river's condition.
24:50They are nature's own...water monitors.
24:55Their presence...or absence...tells a story.
25:02Plenty of fish species in the water is a sign of a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
25:09But among the first and most telling are the tiny aquatic insects that inhabit rivers and streams.
25:22An abundance of bugs like dragonflies, mayflies, and caddisflies is a clear sign the river is
25:32pure...thriving...and full of life.
25:43Having spent up to two years living as nymphs on the riverbed...these juveniles can only flourish
25:52into adults...in clean, oxygen-rich waters.
26:02If the river is healthy...thousands of mayflies will emerge from the water...ready to molt...and take to the air on their nuptial flight...for their dazzling last 24 hours of life.
26:19Their entire lives are tied to the rivers.
26:25It's where they hatch...emerge...swarm...mate...lay their own eggs...and eventually...die.
26:44And because of this, they are more obviously affected by change.
26:50Thousands of floating mayfly carcasses are a sign that this river has done its job well.
26:59But a sudden drop in numbers next year could serve as a warning that something is wrong.
27:07However, it's not always the fall of a population that carries meaning.
27:14The rise of more resilient creatures could be an ominous sign.
27:22Chironomids...a type of midge...are highly tolerant of pollution...and their numbers will rise to dominate...when a river environment has been negatively affected...by humans.
27:41Chironomids...webindicators...bioindicators are a natural alarm system that warns us when a habitat is veering off balance.
27:50They are the silent voices of the river, and their presence is a clear reminder.
28:00Protect the river, to secure the future of all life that depends on it.
28:20Aquatic bugs are at the base of a river's food chain.
28:26But small is by no means helpless.
28:29With the support of an obliging river, they can rule over their own miniature realm.
28:42As the day wanes, and shadows stretch across New Zealand's rivers, a silent predator awakens.
28:52Exquisitely camouflaged, and presiding over the rocky river's edge, sits Dolomides aquaticus,
29:01the enigmatic water spider.
29:11She's so light, she barely disturbs the river's surface.
29:17But that's not to say she doesn't make an impression.
29:22She is the queen of this riverbank, and a hunter unlike any other.
29:32While most spiders weave elaborate webs to snare their prey, this remarkable arachnid has evolved
29:40a different approach.
29:46Hunting directly on the water's surface.
29:50No silk, no nets, just raw talent, and flawless adaptation.
30:00Her legs are covered with thousands of hairs, creating a water-repellent layer that keeps
30:05her buoyant and dry.
30:11She glides seamlessly across the surface.
30:18Anchoring herself to a rock with her back legs, she takes up her position.
30:24Waiting, alert to the river's queues.
30:34With an intricate network of vibration sensors, she uses its surface like other spiders use
30:40a web.
30:43Every ripple and wave carries vital information, whether it's a leaf landing or an insect floundering.
30:57By analyzing the subtle variations in amplitude and frequency, she can pinpoint the exact location
31:04of her target.
31:10She's in control, but not everybody respects her rule.
31:20Predators lurk all around, so even a queen must have an exit strategy.
31:33This is an elegant flick of the legs, gone in an instant.
31:42Gilded in a silvery layer of air, she remains under her river's protection, safe from danger
31:48above.
31:50Gilded in a silvery layer of air.
31:52Here, she can wait out the threat for up to 30 minutes before resurfacing to reclaim her
32:00position atop the water.
32:04The water spider's rule is entwined with the flow of her river.
32:11For as long as her faithful servant continues to serve up the goods, this finely adapted invertebrate
32:19and is able to reign supreme.
32:25While a single spider can rule over a miniature queendom, a larger area requires a collaborative
32:32effort.
32:41In the Brazilian Pantanal, a family of giant otters rest on the banks of the Vermelhu river.
32:55Born together by a fierce attitude, and the strong desire to work as a team.
33:07At the head of this family are a formidable pair.
33:11A matriarch and her lifelong partner, who make it their mission to defend their territory.
33:22But they can't do it alone.
33:25As well as their three young pups, they rely on a tight-knit band of relatives, who are
33:31equally committed to the cause.
33:39Giant otters are known locally as lobos do rio, or river wolves.
33:46And like their canine namesake, they rule with loyalty, fearlessness, and above all, teamwork.
33:59Much like a wolf pack, communication is key to the smooth running of this otter family.
34:08Her mum has a repertoire of 22 distinct vocalizations, rivaling that of a chimpanzee.
34:20As accomplished divers, they each live off the fish in their river.
34:27However, by rallying her family together, and issuing instructions, they can work as a team to corral
34:37fish into the shallows, making fishing child's play.
34:49Perhaps the most important command an otter can make is a call to arms.
35:02A jaguar has strayed too close to their den.
35:08With young pups hiding close by, it's a serious threat.
35:17The protective mother sounds the alarm.
35:24She needs backup.
35:29In a flash, the other adults assemble.
35:33A jaguar may be the biggest predator on the continent, but this gang is utterly fearless.
35:47In a show of strength, they close in, raising the front of their bodies out of the water
35:53to appear more intimidating.
36:00This, combined with a series of loud, threatening snorts, delivers a clear message.
36:13We will not back down.
36:19It's an impressive display.
36:23And enough to give the jaguar second thoughts about taking them on.
36:33This is the power of the pack.
36:37Enter this river at your own risk.
36:42The family's superior communication skills, and affinity with their river, give them the
36:49easy defensive edge.
36:52But how did the humble otter become such a menacing force?
36:58Otters haven't always relied on water as they do now.
37:07Three million years ago, a distant relative of the giant otter mostly hunted on land.
37:15Weighing around 440 pounds and the height of a lion, they thrived until food shortages likely
37:23forced them to adapt their hunting strategy.
37:27Over millions more years of evolution, otters gradually got smaller, and water became their salvation.
37:47And now, together, this family has evolved to rule over their domain.
37:55Still fierce, and fiercely social.
38:10Ours are the givers of life.
38:16But what happens when that lifeline just disappears?
38:29A mighty river runs through Kenya's Rift Valley.
38:36Despite being fed by the glaciers of Mount Kenya, this river has never run clear.
38:43Its name, Iwaso Njiro, means river of muddy water.
38:50Its turbid, silty riverbed has indelibly colored its character.
39:02More than just a river, the Iwaso Njiro is the perennial lifeblood of the region.
39:10Its waters sustain both animals and humans.
39:15With both traveling from afar to taste its life-giving contents.
39:23Its influence spreads far beyond its boundaries.
39:32A year-round water source allows the riverbanks to flourish.
39:43Recently, the Iwaso Njiro has started to run dry.
39:50No longer a permanent fixture, the river has fallen victim to a changing climate of delayed
39:57rains and higher seasonal temperatures.
40:06Its dwindling flow means its muddy water can no longer flush out its pollutants, or carry
40:14as much oxygen.
40:24This sudden disappearance of their stalwart has left the river patrons lost and uncertain.
40:39The more resourceful of them know, even though the riverbed is dry, secret pockets of water
40:45water lie undisturbed, stashed away deep in the ground for emergencies.
40:54The elephants may have the ideal tools for the job, but these backup stores are for all
41:00to share.
41:03Eventually, these wells run dry.
41:07And then the entire mood changes.
41:11The area empties.
41:19The knock-on effect is drastic.
41:23Trees die.
41:26Waterholes dry up.
41:28And thirsty mothers are unable to nurse their calves.
41:32At last, a rumble on the horizon signals a reprieve could be coming.
42:01Finally.
42:02Rain.
42:03Rain.
42:23The Owasso Niro trickles back to life.
42:27The Owasso Niro trickles back to life.
42:29It's compromised flow is just enough to draw everyone back in.
42:40And once again provide them with a long overdue drink.
42:46And even furnish the exhausted calves with a bath.
42:51Albeit a shallow one.
42:52In a world that's troubled by a warming climate, this once mighty river may forever be a shadow
43:05of its former self.
43:06No river can ever be taken for granted.
43:20Connections that have lasted thousands of years can be severed.
43:27And that tiny offering that is our planet's accessible fresh water further reduced.
43:33Yet, despite these challenges, rivers have shown themselves to be nothing if not adaptable.
43:48They have moved mountains.
43:49They have moved mountains.
43:50And will do so again.
43:55And will do so again.
43:57And will do so again.
43:58And will do so again.
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