Episode 2 | Plains

Renowned conservationist Jonah Western believes that Maasai grazing their herds of cattle is essential for a healthy functioning savannah and therefore increases populations of endangered lions. In an interview with Jonah, Sanjayan learns how man and lion can not only co-exist but thrive.

Traditional Maasai lifestyle centres around their cattle which constitute their primary source of food. They don’t kill the cattle but just bleed them to drink their blood and drink their milk. The measure of a man's wealth is in terms of cattle and children. A herd of 50 cattle is respectable, and the more children the better.

Large males of a reindeer herd are important for a healthy tundra. Using large antlers they dig up the most snow to expose the ground for other reindeer to graze. However, during the annual rut males fight and mate rather than dig for grass and lichen. This is why castrating males is still practiced.The old technique of biting is being brought back because it is less severe than modern methods.

Host Sanjayan interviews a a woman belonging to the Sami tribe. She describes how they follow the reindeer herds on their annual migration and how they know when to go. The Sami people embraces modern conveniences but still has traditional (and warm) clothes.

Explore the giant herds that roam the wild grasslands of the plains. Home to the greatest gathering of animal life on the planet, they are also increasingly our bread basket — and among the most endangered places on Earth. Dr. Sanjayan’s journey uncovers a vital new understanding about how both humans and predators can help the animals found on the plains. Premieres February 4, 2015 at 10/9c.