Showing posts with label BBC Human Planet Explorer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BBC Human Planet Explorer. Show all posts

Children hunt world's largest venomous spider for dinner

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Children hunt world's largest venomous spider for dinner - Human Planet: Jungles - BBC One – Listening Practice

Distinguishing dinner from danger is an essential life skill. Aaah, here looks good. Few creatures have a more sinister reputation than the one they seek.

The Goliath tarantula, the size of a dinner plate, the largest spider in the world.

It's hard to imagine a less appetising meal, but picky eaters don't last long in the jungle. Hand me the leaves. Besides, Orlando says they're delicious, and handling dangerous animals comes with the territory.

From about five years old, Piaroa children know exactly where to hunt for spiders and in a couple of hours can catch enough for a decent meal.

But they have to be careful of both the huge fangs and of the hairs they kick towards any attacker. Watch out, or the hairs will sting us! If they contact the skin or are inhaled, they cause a nasty reaction. I'm getting stung. Catch it!

Orlando's come off worst. I'm really itchy. But growing up in the jungle, he's used to a little discomfort.

Let's eat them and then go to sleep.

Tarantulas are best served toasted, like marshmallows. All the hairs must be singed off so they don't catch in the throat. And when they start squeaking, which is just air escaping from the joints, they're almost done.

Monkey Muggers - Human Planet…

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Monkey Muggers - Human Planet, Cities, Preview - BBC One – Listening Practice

The attack is led by the gang leader, an alpha male.

The macaques work as a co-ordinated team, ducking and diving.

Attacking from all angles, the smaller macaques distract Shakuntla, while the bolder males grab the loot.

Life on Jaipur's streets is tough enough. But when your enemy is protected by a deity, there's nothing you can do. These monkeys are sacred to the monkey god Hanuman.

Hanuman is our god. He is a god and they're his creatures, he tells them to go and eat! And I go home empty-handed.

Three Men vs. Fifteen Hungry Lions - Human Planet

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Three Men vs. Fifteen Hungry Lions - Human Planet – Listening Practice

They're up against 15 hungry lions, but if they act as one, they might just intimidate the lions and push them off their kill.

They make their move. Self-confidence is everything.

This is the ultimate face-off.

Suddenly, the lions back off.

Rakita has just minutes before the lions realise it's a bluff.

In a matter of seconds, he butchers the haunch of the wildebeest, and they beat a hasty retreat.

If you steal the kill and nobody is hurt, that's when you can relax and feel happy.

Ken Bradshaw's big wave hold down…

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Ken Bradshaw's big wave hold down - Human Planet: Oceans – Listening Practice

 

Ken Bradshaw is famed for taming a 26-metre wave, probably the biggest ever ridden.

 

But these unpredictable swells can claim even the most seasoned surfer.

 

Trapped in a rolling mountain of white water, Ken is tossed around like a rag doll in a washing machine.

 

Just as he surfaces, another giant breaker comes crashing in.

 

After a relentless pounding from six successive waves, Ken eventually escapes in one piece.

Facing angry bees 40 metres high…

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Facing angry bees 40 metres high and unattached for honey - Human Planet: Jungles, preview - BBC One – Listening Practice

An hour's passed and Tete's making impressive progress.

 

But 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.

 

When climbing big trees, you have to empty your heart of fear. Tete's finally made it to the crown of the tree but to go any further he'll have to leave the security of his vine.

 

If you have fear you will fall. Many friends have died doing this.

 

Tete's fully aware how dangerous honey gathering is, but the Bayaka believe it's bravery that makes the man, and sugar is so scarce in these forests that honey is the best nutrition Tete can provide for his family.

 

Tete is the best. The kids are not afraid for him. Just proud. They say, "Wow, look at Dad!"

 

40 metres up, and unattached, Tete can't put a foot wrong. And now the bees are beginning to attack.

 

He's made it to the hive, but he's got to get at the honey before being overcome by bees.

 

The smoke helps, but Tete's still being stung.

 

Finally Tete strikes gold.

 

Hey, it's great. There's loads of honey.

 

The first basket goes down to Tete's family and even thousands of angry bees can't stop the feast.

 

Honey is good, really good! My husband has a kind heart. He always brings me honey.

 

Tete takes time to savour his success. He's done enough to keep his wife sweet, treat his children and earn respect from his tribe.