In Summer, the non-stop sunlight fires an unrelenting thaw, transforming much of the polar regions into fertile land and open sea, while immense masses of melted sweet water pour into the oceans. Many species profit from the relatively benign conditions to mate, breed and raise their young. However for some, such as ice-bears, the lack of ice also causes major troubles in foraging and just moving around. Written by KGF Vissers
All Episodes - S01
EPS01
In the polar regions, from the vast 'moderate' taiga as in Canada north to the Ice seas, and in ice-only Antarctica, seasons are extreme in day length - and resulting climatic contrast, forcing many animals to migrate. So mating and breeding is very intense and demanding for many species, such as polar bears. The ice 'lives' spectacularly too, even helps steer worldwide currents and weather. The unending struggle for survival is particularly merciless. The less known ice seas are no less rich in extraordinary, well-adapted wildlife. Written by KGF Vissers
EPS02
Each spring, massive sweet water thawing rapidly transforms the polar regions and the surrounding seas, where broken-off ice floats to. This is crucial in the life cycle of many species, sometimes extremely elaborate. Many colonies (re)unite to mate, hatch and/or start raising offspring, especially in 'temperate' parts, such as South Georgia island. Written by KGF Vissers
EPS03
In Summer, the non-stop sunlight fires an unrelenting thaw, transforming much of the polar regions into fertile land and open sea, while immense masses of melted sweet water pour into the oceans. Many species profit from the relatively benign conditions to mate, breed and raise their young. However for some, such as ice-bears, the lack of ice also causes major troubles in foraging and just moving around. Written by KGF Vissers
EPS04
After non-stop summer months, the polar regions have expanded maximally, abundant food turns even the bears sociable. However the shortening of days soon starts reversing the process as frost expands the ice again. So many seasonal migrations turn too, mainly leaving for warmer regions. A stunning exception are the 'giant' emperor penguins, who arrive to mate, lay and raise their eggs in heroic defiance of the planet's harshest conditions. Written by KGF Vissers
EPS05
The polar struggle to survive is even harder in winter, missing a single rare prey can be lethal. Well-adapted anatomy is crucial, but also tricks such as isolation with snow or preys' fur. The Antarctic is nearly deserted, except for seals and emperor penguins, even the slightly milder Artic is left by most species, failing to do so is a gamble which can exterminate entire populations. Written by KGF Vissers
EPS06
The polar regions are earth's least hospitable environment, yet people live in the Arctic regions. Modern urbanized life is possibly even there thanks to technology, but some (often tribal) communities still practice traditional methods, dependent on specific fauna, such as reindeer herding, dog sleds, hunting seals and collecting bird eggs. Some of those are even used by modern patrols in mineral-rich parts, e.g. in Greenland. The even harsher Antartic, were territorial claims are frozen, remains off-limits for exploitation, except controlled eco-friendly tourism and scientific research. Written by KGF Vissers
EPS07
The effects of global warming on parts of the polar regions are already obvious, but varied, hard to study, let alone predict, and geographically diverse, albeit with global impact. Some specialized species are under grave threat, others can adapt or even extend their area. Written by KGF Vissers
EPS08
The harsh lives of polar species, like the Antarctic penguin and the Arctic polar bear, as the seasons turn and climatic change exacts a growing toll.