Survival in the world's largest taiga forest
Learn about the ecological relationships between wolves (Canis lupus), musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), and ravens (Corax) in the Siberian taiga.
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Transcript
A vast and endless sea of coniferous trees, circling the globe all the way from Alaska to Siberia - the Taiga forest. It’s the largest forest in the world. The winters here are long and cold, and only the toughest can survive.
A deer with vampire teeth - the musk deer. It survives the harsh Siberian winters by feeding on lichens. They may be hard to digest, but can be found even in the deepest snow. The shy creature is persecuted for its musk glands which are valued in making perfumes and traditional medicines.
Another survival specialist - the raven. These birds are amongst the most adaptable of creatures. They will feed on almost anything they can find, including the remains of a carcass. But the rightful owners of the cadaver have returned.
The wolves remain on the move all winter and they survive by hunting in packs. There is a strong feeding hierarchy within the pack, but occasionally disputes still arise.
Displaced from the dining table, the ravens take the opportunity to have a snow bath. It may look like just a bit of fun, but it helps to keep the feathers in top condition so the birds are well-insulated against the cold.
A deer with vampire teeth - the musk deer. It survives the harsh Siberian winters by feeding on lichens. They may be hard to digest, but can be found even in the deepest snow. The shy creature is persecuted for its musk glands which are valued in making perfumes and traditional medicines.
Another survival specialist - the raven. These birds are amongst the most adaptable of creatures. They will feed on almost anything they can find, including the remains of a carcass. But the rightful owners of the cadaver have returned.
The wolves remain on the move all winter and they survive by hunting in packs. There is a strong feeding hierarchy within the pack, but occasionally disputes still arise.
Displaced from the dining table, the ravens take the opportunity to have a snow bath. It may look like just a bit of fun, but it helps to keep the feathers in top condition so the birds are well-insulated against the cold.