The first of a new six-part series of zoological exploration. Across the Cactus Desert
The expedition camps for a month in an extraordinary desert where the world's highest temperature was recorded.
Morning, noon and night the animals respond differently to the problems of high temperatures and scanty water. In the early morning black-tailed hares are active. As the sun gets higher, curious lizards appear like the regal horned toad. At noon, there are few creatures to see beside the soaring turkey vulture and grazing pronghorn antelopes. At night, the desert comes alive: elf owls pursuing beetles, rattlesnakes after kangaroo rats, poor-wills catching moths, scorpions and tarantulas waiting for unwary insects.
Film editor ANDREW NAYLOR Photography DOUGLAS FISHER
Producer JEFFERY BOSWALL. BBC Bristol