India's biodiverse landscapes range from vast deserts and dense forests to towering mountains, each contributing to the country's rich tapestry of life. The Himalayas, standing tall in the north, shelter rare and iconic species such as the elusive snow leopards and Himalayan brown bears. Among the dense canopies of the Western Ghats in the south, endangered lion-tailed macaques scour the trees for jackfruit. And lying in the heart of southern India, one of its largest protected woodlands harbours Indian elephants and Bengal tigers. Then finally transitioning to the west, the Thar Desert unfolds, challenging life to adapt to extreme arid conditions. Here, blackbuck antelope and Asiatic lions navigate the vast, sandy expanses in search of food. A tapestry of ecosystems, all within one country.
DirectorPaul Dennys
WriterJames Mair
Woods
Sep 23, 2024
The Indian monsoon forest is a place of retreat and extremes. From the drought of the dry season to the floods of the monsoon, all animal inhabitants are subject to the laws of nature. The Bengal tiger, Asia's largest predator, reigns supreme here. Indian elephants roam the forest following the migration routes of their ancestors. And in the jungle, the king cobra lies in wait for prey. Whether migrating, raising their young or defending themselves against predators - only the most resourceful and inventive animals survive the brutal dry season before the monsoon.
Deserts
Sep 24, 2024
The deserts of India are an extreme habitat. Predators and their prey fight for food, water and territory in the barren salt plains and burnt grasslands. The Indian leopard is perfectly adapted to these dry conditions. Striped hyenas and the Indian wolf also hunt here. The rare Asiatic lion is only found in Gir National Park. Young and old face the challenge of surviving in the desert. Under the extreme conditions, the animals have developed extraordinary adaptations to withstand the heat and lack of water.
Mountains
Sep 24, 2024
From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the mountain rainforests of the Western Ghats, India's mountains are the last refuge for some of the subcontinent's rarest species. Snow leopards, Indian rhinoceros, Indian elephants and western red panda all find their habitat here. Wandering giants, master hunters and exotic animals fight to survive in India's unforgiving and magnificent mountainous regions.
