Southern China Mountains (04:37)

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Snub-nosed monkeys live at the highest altitude of any primate; they eat pine needles and bark. Their noses and fur prevent frostbite; at night, they huddle in trees for warmth.

Sahara Desert (04:12)

Nighttime temperatures can reach below freezing. Cold blooded Sandfish must revive in morning sun. A horned viper locates a lizard and approaches using an evolved technique. The prey disappears, swimming through sand to safety.

Arctic Tundra (02:29)

Svalbard is home to almost 3,000 polar bears. The world's largest land predators are insulated by ten centimeters of fat and specialized fur. An bear searches for prey and locates a seal pup; one in 50 hunts are successful.

Northern African Sands (03:22)

Tunisian Desert ants have evolved long legs for elevation over scorching surfaces; heat shock proteins prevent death while working during the day. A group quickly scavenges for food before overheating, calculating the most direct routes home.

German River (03:20)

Diving Bell Spiders live underwater, using air bubbles as a transportable breathing apparatus. They resurface once a day, collecting oxygen in leg hairs. The technique allows them to hide from predators and hunt aquatic prey.

Jigokudani (04:23)

Japanese macaques endure snowy conditions for months, foraging for roots with agile hands. They groom each other and warm in natural hot springs; an intense hierarchy controls entry into the waters.

Java Island (02:42)

Megapodes dwell in regions touting 40 active volcanoes; intense heat and lack of predators make it the perfect nesting area. The birds use hot ash to incubate their eggs, and forage through it for food.

Finland Winter (03:14)

Weasels have evolved to change color with the seasons. An individual detects a vole and stealthily attacks. It must consume 40% of its weight daily to survive.

Lake Natron (02:25)

Evaporation has increased the salinity of the Tanzanian lake, burning the skin and eyes of most animals. Flamingos arrive to feed on red algae and breed. Leathery skin helps the birds tolerate the waters and head glands filter salt while feeding.

Snow Forest (05:58)

Northern conifers have adapted to cold winters. Shallow roots grow in thin soil and retained needles photosynthesize year round. Brown bears conserve energy by reducing heart and metabolic rates, hibernating through harsh seasons.

Simien Mountains (08:47)

Gelada baboons and walia ibexes live in high altitudes, requiring adaptations to survive. Female baboons discourage interlopers. Ibex have concave hooves that suction to surfaces, allowing cliff maneuvering and foraging in trees.

Credits: Life at the Extremes - Wildest Survival (00:34)

Credits: Life at the Extremes - Wildest Survival