Arabian Inferno

The Arabian landscape is a virtually waterless desert where rain scarcely falls and animals endure blistering temperatures. But for 3 months every year, a remote region on the south west coast undergoes an astonishing transformation into a lush, verdant oasis.

It sometimes feels like mammals rule the world; there are well over 5,000 species, colonising every corner of the globe. But in Arabia theres a different story this is a land where reptiles rule.

The Arabian Desert is one of the most challenging places on earth, but the animals here are resilient and specialised. Even for the hardiest inhabitants, deaths never far away. Creatures must seize every opportunity to find food, shelter and water. Adaptability is the key dune survival.

Wadis are small waterholes in the desert and are vital resources for the creatures that live there. However, danger lurks as predators join the party.

The Arabian Peninsula is the worlds transit hub for 3 billion birds on migration to and from Europe, Africa and Asia. This episode tells the stories of the majestic raptors and magnificent waders how they fly, hunt and survive in this region of extremes both in the wild desert and close to the urban jungle.