Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00Only one creature has carved a life for itself in every habitat on Earth.
00:13That creature is us.
00:18All over the world, we still use our ingenuity to survive in the wild places, far from the
00:25city lights, face to face with raw nature.
00:31This is the human planet.
00:48The jungle is nature at its most vigorous, complex, and mysterious.
00:58It may appear bountiful, but for humans, this is a surprisingly hostile environment.
01:17Though through history, great civilizations have arisen here, none have stood the test
01:24of time.
01:34The jungle refuses to be tamed, and it punishes those who don't live by its laws.
01:46Yet even today, there are some who guard the secrets of surviving in this wild world.
02:16Tropical rainforests cover just 2% of the planet's surface, but they're home to half
02:35of all species on Earth.
02:40The problem is, much of this life is in the treetops, a world way out of our reach.
02:56Exploiting the canopy's riches from the forest floor is so challenging, getting enough protein
03:02is a daily struggle.
03:17The Matis of Brazil are highly skilled hunters, but for the past week, there's been barely
03:23enough meat to go around.
03:30Benin is hungry, and he's determined today's hunt will be more successful.
03:42Administering tree frog toxin into his bloodstream purges his body, preparing it for action.
03:55The Matis also drop a noxious plant juice into their eyes to sharpen their senses, and
04:13focus their minds on the hunt.
04:30Benin and the others summon the power of the animal spirits.
04:43Saving canopy animals from the ground requires formidable firepower.
04:49A four-meter-long blowpipe, precision-made to a design honed over thousands of years.
05:04Spotting animals in the dense vegetation is so hard, the Matis rely on hearing to locate
05:23prey, and use mimicry to lure them into range.
05:38They can imitate all ten species of monkey found in these forests.
05:58A howler monkey responds.
06:05Three meters up, monkeys are feeding in a fig tree.
06:18Scoring the darts with piranha teeth ensures the poisoned tip breaks off in the victim's
06:23body.
06:29Unlike guns, blowpipes are near silent, and can be fired without spooking the monkeys.
06:40Benin makes the first hit, and now the monkeys scatter.
06:47Once shot, the monkeys must be tracked as the curare vine poison takes effect.
06:56This monkey's already weak, but it's hiding and must be flushed out.
07:04They shoot again, but it's stuck in a vine now and there's no choice but to go and get
07:13it.
07:27One down, but it's just the beginning.
07:40As one of the swiftest hunters, it's Benin's job to pick off any escaping monkeys.
07:49He shoots another, but misses.
08:04Benin fires again, this time on target.
08:16The monkey finally stops, and Benin takes aim one last time.
08:35Eight monkeys.
08:36It's been a good day, but all too often they return empty-handed.
08:52Hunting in the canopy is so difficult.
08:55People must find most of their food closer to the ground.
09:01And scratching a living on the forest floor is hardly any easier.
09:08The complex nature of this mysterious world is so hard to master, the lessons have to
09:15start early.
09:24Orlando's from the Piroa tribe of Venezuela.
09:29But like any other kid, only life in the jungle has already forced him to fend for
09:34himself.
09:46This childhood adventure takes them deep into the jungle underworld.
09:59As only 2% of sunlight reaches the forest floor, surprisingly few plants grow, and this
10:05means few animals.
10:12There's less protein here than in the desert, and much that is here is poisonous.
10:26Distinguishing dinner from danger is an essential life skill.
10:40Few creatures have a more sinister reputation than the one they seek.
11:04The goliath tarantula, the size of a dinner plate.
11:09The largest spider in the world.
11:18It's hard to imagine a less appetizing meal, but picky eaters don't last long in the jungle.
11:28Besides, Orlando says they're delicious, and handling dangerous animals comes with the
11:36territory.
11:44From about 5 years old, Piroa children know exactly where to hunt the spiders, and in
11:51a couple of hours can catch enough for a decent meal.
12:04But they have to be careful of both the huge fangs, and of the hairs they kick towards
12:10any attacker.
12:17If they contact the skin, or are inhaled, they cause a nasty reaction.
12:30Orlando has come off worse, but growing up in the jungle, he's used to a little discomfort.
12:46Tarantulas are best served toasted like marshmallows.
12:52All the hairs must be singed off so they don't catch in the throat, and when they start squeaking,
13:00which is just air escaping from the joints, they're almost done.
13:16Tarantulas taste a bit like crab, and with a little seasoning, they go down a treat.
13:28Orlando's and his friends' survival depends upon embracing every opportunity in the forest.
13:51Jungle people rely so heavily on their surroundings, they become a natural part of the forest.
13:57And form extraordinary bonds with nature.
14:13Very few people live more intimately with animals than the Awagwaja of the eastern Amazon.
14:23Nurturing a wide range of creatures from the forest, the Awagwaja are obsessive pet keepers.
14:37And there are some animals they cherish above any others.
14:44Like the Matisse, hunting monkeys is vital to the Awagwaja's survival,
14:49providing nearly half their protein.
14:53But this relationship provides far more than food.
15:00Emui not only eats monkeys, she loves them.
15:31Almost all Awagwaja families keep a number of monkey pets.
15:36There are eight different species in the village.
15:41The Awagwaja show extraordinary tenderness for the little monkeys, believing they're more human than animal.
15:52Emui is a devoted mother, both to her children and her monkeys.
16:13For Emui and the other Awa, breastfeeding monkeys is simply a natural way to help an orphan in need.
16:23Caring so intimately for an animal they regularly kill may appear contradictory.
16:38But the Awa believe for everything they take from the forest, they have to give back.
16:53When our lives are so deeply entwined with animals and plants, they inevitably become a great source of inspiration.
17:03Perhaps the most spectacular case of culture imitating nature is found amongst the people of Papua New Guinea.
17:23Deep in the forest, a male superb bird of paradise struts his stuff for a rather drab female.
17:31But she isn't the only one watching.
17:42Geling is a bird of paradise hunter, and it's the highly prized feathers he's after.
17:53The feathered bird is a rare bird of the Papua New Guinea.
17:57These coveted plumes are passed down through generations, but occasionally damaged ones need replacing.
18:27Birds of paradise are so hard to hunt, however, that Geling's enlisted help.
18:37Peke is after the long tail feathers of the princess astrapia, and he's using fruit to lure them in.
18:57Tomorrow is a big day for Geling.
19:01His clan will be performing at a sing-sing, where his reputation and the honour of his village will be judged on the quality of his feather collection.
19:12Sing-sing events are all about competing to see who's the best dressed.
19:16And Geling knows not a plume, but a pair of feathers.
19:24Geling is a man of his word.
19:26He's a man of his word.
19:28He's a man of his word.
19:30He's a man of his word.
19:32He's a man of his word.
19:34He's a man of his word.
19:36He's a man of his word.
19:39And Geling knows not a plume can be out of place.
19:55In both birds and humans, it's the most eye-catching who gets the most attention.
20:01Though Geling might be overstating his conquests.
20:09I am not overestimating this bird.
20:27The Mount Hagan Sing-Sing is the world's largest jungle-scene fancy dresser.
20:37fancy dress party. Attended by hundreds of tribes, it's one of New Guinea's
20:47biggest national events.
20:55Amidst the mayhem, Gelling's putting the finishing touches to his outfit.
21:01In New Guinea, male vanity is something to flaunt.
21:18Though each clan has its own style, almost all wear bird-of-paradise feathers
21:25as their crowning glory. In their looks and even their courtship dances, the
21:38parallels between man and animal are unmistakable. They're birds of a feather.
21:49Both use these precious plumes to display fitness and beauty. Taking center
21:59stage, it's Gelling's turn to show off.
22:03This deep connection with birds-of-paradise began 40,000 years ago,
22:20and it shows few signs of fading. Gelling's getting on a bit, and his female admirers
22:31aren't quite as plentiful as they used to be. But he's not going to let that
22:37ruffle his feathers. The diverse nature of the rainforest influences the people
22:48who live here in endless ways, and it often leads to breathtaking results.
22:56For the Bayaka tribe of Africa's Congo Basin, it's the sounds of the jungle that
23:04most inspire them.
23:25Whether using a river as a drum kit, or incorporating animal calls into their
23:43work songs, the Bayaka consider music to be their greatest gift from the forest.
23:55But there's something else found here that the Bayaka prize just as highly. So
24:11highly, they're prepared to risk their lives for it.
24:17Tete and Mongonje are on the hunt, but it's not meat they're after.
24:25Honey is liquid gold to the Bayaka, and they go to extraordinary lengths to gather it.
24:50Using a special vine, Tete makes a harness to help him get to grips with this 40-meter tree.
24:59Climbing like this requires skill, strength, and stamina, especially in the tropical heat.
25:14While Tete climbs, Mongonje prepares a bundle of smoking leaves to help pacify the bees.
25:23An hour has passed, and Tete is making impressive progress.
25:53But he's still got a way to go. News that honey's been found has spread quickly, and Tete's wife and kids come to watch.
26:17Tete has finally made it to the crown of the tree, but to go any further, he'll have to leave the security of his vine.
26:41Tete is fully aware how dangerous honey gathering is, but the Bayaka believe it's bravery that makes the man.
27:07And sugar is so scarce in these forests that honey is the best nutrition Tete can provide for his family.
27:3740 meters up and unattached, Tete can't put a foot wrong. And now the bees are beginning to attack.
28:02He's made it to the hive, but he's got to get at the honey before being overcome by bees.
28:22The smoke helps, but Tete's still being stung.
28:37Finally, Tete strikes gold.
28:55The first basket goes down to Tete's family. And even thousands of angry bees can't stop the feast.
29:25Tete takes time to savor his success. He's done enough to keep his wife sweet, treat his children, and earn respect from his tribe.
29:56For forest people, simple things can hold extraordinary value. But it's the trees themselves that are most in demand all around the world.
30:07Logging is one of the greatest threats facing the world's rainforests. Yet there are a few places where its effects are far less destructive.
30:30The jungles bordering India and Burma are harvested using one of the most forest-friendly methods of all.
30:39And it involves harnessing the raw power of the mightiest creature in the jungle.
30:46This is Ramprasad, five and a half tons of bull-aching elephant. And this is Sumir, his mahout.
31:04Before nightfall, they have to drag a two-ton log three kilometers out of the forest.
31:15Ramprasad is the mightiest elephant in the camp, but it's still a mammoth test of brute strength and communication.
31:26Sumir steers Ramprasad with over a hundred different commands.
31:39He can be operated in Hindi, Assamese, and he even understands a little English.
31:48And Sumir is pretty fluent in elephant too.
31:53This is a very tough job.
31:57Elephants are very strong and surprisingly nimble. Elephants are far superior to logging machines in this tangled terrain.
32:16And most importantly, the forest doesn't have to be completely clear just to access a few selected trees.
32:47There's no need for expensive spare parts, and elephants run on 100% green fuel.
32:59But unlike a machine, Ramprasad has a mind of his own and must be treated with respect.
33:17It's essential to break elephants in before they're put to work, but they're still wild at heart.
33:24And keeping control of such raw might is a fine balancing act of command and compassion.
33:46Sumir and Ramprasad make it to the collection site in good time and help load the trucks.
33:56Transporting logs to the sawmill is the only mechanized part of the entire process.
34:08But they're not out of the woods yet.
34:17Once again, under jungle conditions, elephants outperform engines.
34:31Job done. Time for a well-earned wash.
34:36The jungles of East India and Burma form the largest area of rainforests left in Asia
34:42and provide sanctuary for the last healthy population of Asian elephants.
34:53Ramprasad and these other elephants have lost their freedom, but this will not be the last.
35:00Ramprasad and these other elephants have lost their freedom,
35:04but this way of logging helps secure the future of their species and their home.
35:14It's through partnerships with nature that people manage to live within the jungle without destroying it.
35:22But in most areas of tropical rainforest, the picture is not so harmonious.
35:38In just 50 years, half the planet's tropical forest has been cleared.
35:44As many as a hundred rainforest species go extinct every day,
35:51often before they've even been discovered.
36:01And it's not just animals and plants.
36:04We're also losing human cultures that we know almost nothing about.
36:10Even in the 21st century, there are still people who exist in isolation from the rest of humanity,
36:17and virtually all live in jungles.
36:24These vast, unexplored forests are the only places left on Earth
36:29where indigenous people can live in peace and harmony.
36:39And entire communities can live undetected.
36:44Brazil is thought to be home to around 70 isolated tribes, around two-thirds of the world total.
36:55José Carlos Moreles works for FUNAI, a government agency that protects Brazil's indigenous people.
37:02Today, he's hoping to encounter one of these uncontacted tribes.
37:10He needs to get to them before others do.
37:33Logging and mining are encroaching on these forests,
37:36and there are some who want to deny that uncontacted tribes live here at all.
38:02Moreles needs evidence.
38:04The fight to protect these people depends upon proving and publicizing their existence.
38:26This is the very first aerial footage of an uncontacted community.
38:34This is the very first aerial footage of an uncontacted community.
38:52Very little is known about their way of life, or even their language.
38:58And Moreles would rather it stays that way.
39:05He's dedicated 40 years to protecting isolated tribes from the outside world,
39:10but this isn't as simple as just leaving them alone.
39:35Using a stabilized zoom lens, it was possible to film from a kilometer away, minimizing disturbance.
39:44Moreles believes the more people are aware these tribes are here,
39:48the more effective the fight to preserve their way of life.
40:05I always think of them as a living reminder that it's possible to live in a different way.
40:18They are the last free people on this planet.
40:23Humans have survived here by becoming part of the forest,
40:28but it's this specialization that leaves them so vulnerable in these changing times.
40:52These people are the guardians of a wealth of knowledge and skill
40:57that enable humans to forge a life within the natural world.
41:06And there are very few whose existence remains as intimately connected with the rainforest
41:12as the remote tribes of West Papua.
41:23The Kuluwai are so adapted to life in the jungle, they've taken to the trees.
41:34This clan is building a new house.
41:44But it will be no ordinary one.
41:52All materials must be sourced on sight,
41:55and much of the cutting is still done using Stone Age tools.
42:04It's an ambitious project.
42:07The plan is to build a new home in a tree 35 meters up.
42:17Just as well they've chosen an ironwood.
42:21The strongest tree in the forest.
42:27The first step is to build a ladder to its crown.
42:41These are the only tribes in the world who live in tree houses.
42:45And they do so for a number of reasons.
42:52It's an escape from the floods and the biting insects on the forest floor.
42:58It offers protection from enemy attack,
43:01but most of all, it's a display of their jungle prowess.
43:07For the Kuluwai, the higher the house, the greater the prestige.
43:16The Kuluwai's skills may be exceptional,
43:19but builders are the same the world over.
43:34As one of the clan's strongest climbers,
43:37the Kuluwai have a unique way of doing things.
43:41As one of the clan's strongest climbers,
43:44Wayo is the foreman overseeing the most dangerous jobs.
44:01Thinning the branches keeps the house from shaking apart in the wind.
44:11A fall would mean certain death.
44:16But teetering in treetops is second nature to the Kuluwai.
44:41As the house goes up, more trees come down.
44:53But they have to fall in the right direction.
45:06Activity on the building site is intense.
45:10The rainy season is fast approaching and the roof still needs to go on.
45:21Everyone's pulling their weight to complete on schedule.
45:25The roof is tiled with sago palm leaves,
45:28and rows of tree bark make the floor and walls.
45:38The roof is tiled with sago palm leaves,
45:41and rows of tree bark make the floor and walls.
45:45In two weeks, with 42 workers,
45:48countless felled trees, 30 bundles of palm leaves,
45:5216 rows of bark, and 5 kilometers of twine,
45:56the new home is complete.
46:00The Kuluwai have a unique way of doing things.
46:03As one of the clan's strongest climbers,
46:06Wayo is the foreman overseeing the most dangerous jobs.
46:14The roof is complete.
46:19It's time to move in.
46:37As always, modesty dictates a strict entrance policy.
46:45Everything must be carried up, even family pets.
46:50And it's a long way back down if you forget something.
47:03The first fire is ceremonially lit.
47:06An interesting way to bless a wooden tree house.
47:14But health and safety regulations have yet to reach these parts.
47:27Parents are surprisingly relaxed
47:30as their children explore their limits in the new home.
47:45I'm very happy.
47:47I'm very happy to be here.
47:49I'm very happy to be here.
47:52I'm very happy to be here.
47:55I'm very happy to be here.
48:02Through knowledge, skill, and ingenuity,
48:05rainforest people have mastered their environment.
48:10They live in tune with their surroundings
48:13and show it a respect that's being lost elsewhere.
48:20Their remarkable lives remind us
48:23that we are nothing without nature.
48:40PAPUAN TREEHOUSE
48:52Documenting the Papuan treehouse build
48:55was the most challenging shoot for the jungle's team.
49:00They came prepared for two weeks filming in the treetops.
49:03But when things went wrong, it was the Korowai who saved the day.
49:10I'm going to buy some ginger.
49:19This shoot took cameraman Gavin Thurston,
49:22researcher Rachel Kentley and producer Tom Hugh-Jones
49:25to some of the least explored jungles in the world.
49:30We're about five days into the trip.
49:32We had a safe flight in.
49:34We had a very good welcome committee
49:36and I believe it's about a three-day walk from here.
49:42No going back now.
49:46Though local porters helped lighten the load,
49:49trekking through the swampy jungle proves tougher than expected.
49:56I thought if he's going in, we've got to show willing, haven't we?
49:59I was going to come and help, but I've just fallen in.
50:03But with only two weeks filming, they have to push on.
50:09The crew eventually arrive at the Hayu's village
50:12to a warm welcome, Korowai style.
50:21This is Ninkana and we're beginning the five minutes of handshake
50:25that seems to be necessary when you meet someone.
50:28Then it's time to talk business.
50:32HE SPEAKS INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE
50:41Gavin's already spotted some local wildlife in unusual places.
50:46This is Nase, if I've got his name right.
50:48He's got this amazing, apart from an amazing hornbill penis sheath,
50:54he's got these feathers on the side here.
50:57HE SPEAKS INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE
50:59I think that's a self-proclaimed cockatoo.
51:02Yeah. What else?
51:07Pigeon? And the hornbill?
51:13There we are. So that's today's nature lesson.
51:17The crew go to inspect the ironwood tree the Korowai have chosen.
51:23The Korowai have found a really good tree.
51:26It's probably about 70 feet up to where they plan to build the treehouse.
51:29It's looking good.
51:31A line is fired into a nearby tree to rig a camera position.
51:37But the rope gets caught.
51:40One of these guys has just shimmed right up there.
51:43It's unbelievable with the timing.
51:45All I can say is if that was anybody else up there,
51:48my heart would be in my throat, but he just looked so at ease.
51:52Problem solved, thanks to the Korowai.
51:57Now the ropes are up, it's Gavin's turn to impress.
52:01I think these guys are fascinated by how much paraphernalia we need
52:06to get up a tree.
52:09Especially when I can't do it properly.
52:14The Korowai begin building at an astonishing rate,
52:19leaving Gavin struggling to keep up.
52:23Just as he gets into the swing of things, rain stops playing.
52:29It's been raining for 17 hours solid, I can't believe it.
52:33When it's this wet, it's not safe for them to climb,
52:35the logs are really slippery, the water table's risen so much now
52:38we've got standing water everywhere.
52:40And the other detail you probably don't want to know
52:42is that the long drop too is completely full.
52:46With work at a standstill, the crew are invited for a social visit.
52:52It's a childhood dream. It was one of my first memories
52:54when I was about six or seven, building a tree house
52:57about four foot off the ground in an apple tree in the garden.
53:00And here I am coming to film the world experts.
53:03All Korowai houses are split into gender zones.
53:08And on the women's side, Rachel's attracting a lot of attention.
53:14They seem to be wanting to get me to dress a bit like them.
53:19Before long, she's going native.
53:27A little more than expected.
53:30With the skirt safely fastened,
53:33all that's left is for her to lose her trousers.
53:39We've had two hours of bonding with these people.
53:43It's just been really nice to sit down and get to know the tribe
53:47and to share some jokes with them, let them laugh at us
53:50and see a bit of their life.
53:54When the rain stops, the Korowai get going.
53:58But Gavin's been encumbered by all his gear.
54:03I wonder if anybody's ever filmed a heart attack on a rope before.
54:09Once at the top of the tree, Gavin's kit comes into its own.
54:14This here's quite a clever device. It's called a tree pod.
54:17It's got a couple of spikes on it, and when you strap it to the tree,
54:20you get a really good solid base. The camera goes on top of there.
54:24The tree they've chosen to put the treehouse in
54:27turns out it's the tallest tree for a good few hundred metres.
54:31And one of the things we wanted to do
54:33is be able to see the treehouse in its environment,
54:36you know, up in the canopy and give a sense of height.
54:39It must be getting on for ten storeys high
54:42and just made out of sticks and rattan.
54:45It's quite an incredible bit of engineering.
54:48The whole time they've been building this treehouse,
54:50there's just been really scary moments.
54:53Right now, there's quite a large tree they're trying to fell,
54:56but they're worried it might fall towards the treehouse and take out the ladder.
55:00So instead of everybody getting out of the treehouse,
55:02there's three guys with long poles just pushing it out the way,
55:05and they've got two more down here with a bit of rattan pulling it
55:08in the hope that it'll go away from the platform.
55:11I mean, if it goes the wrong way, those three guys are going to die.
55:20Another tree falls.
55:22This time, it's a little too close for comfort.
55:26Well, luckily, they judged that one right and it didn't come our way.
55:34The building's near completion,
55:36but Gavin still has to shoot the big reveal.
55:40We've set up a line from the tree that the treehouse is in
55:43across to where I was filming from the tree pod.
55:45I'm going to put the cable dolly on and get a really nice pullback
55:48to reveal the treehouse right up in the canopy.
55:54Please, baby. It won't go anywhere.
55:57What has happened?
56:00It's died for the first time ever.
56:07Oh, ****!
56:11Yet again, the Korowai come to the rescue.
56:17Traditional Korowai craftsmanship.
56:20A stick with another little bit of stick tied on the end.
56:23Come on, baby.
56:26Gavin retrieves the camera dolly in time for supper.
56:32Food supplies are running low,
56:34so the Korowai serve up a local delicacy.
56:37Sago grubs.
56:39They're basically giant beetle grubs that live inside the sago palms
56:44and they are a delicacy.
56:46The crunch at the end when you chew their teeth perhaps isn't the best.
56:49Good, isn't that? They're all right.
56:52You kept saying you wanted protein.
56:56He's gagging.
56:58Don't they taste like caviar? It's got that pop in your mouth.
57:01Do you like them?
57:03You can have the rest then.
57:07The thing about all the sago grubs is they are edible,
57:10but they're actually pretty disgusting.
57:13I'm still chewing.
57:16It's the final day and Gavin's last chance to shoot the grand finale.
57:21Today it's all come together.
57:23The sun's shining, the guys are being really helpful
57:26and the cable dolly's behaving itself
57:28and hopefully this is the end shot for the sequence and the programme.
57:33It's just been incredible seeing the whole process
57:37of how they build a house this high up in the canopy
57:40and they all seem to have settled in very well.
57:42Most of them are asleep now.
57:46I'm knackered as well.
57:50Spending time with the Korowai
57:52has given Gavin a different perspective on life.
57:55I find I judge my own inadequacies against their expertise and knowledge.
58:00You come here and you've got boots on in case a snake bites,
58:03you've got sun cream on because of the sun,
58:05you've got twin safety ropes to make sure if one fails
58:08you've caught on the other one.
58:10And these guys, OK, maybe they have a higher mortality rate
58:13but they're much freer in their lifestyle.
58:15They're shilling up and down these trees.
58:17I think I'd much rather live a shorter, fuller life like they do out here.
58:59.