BBC Four

BBC 4

Unnatural Histories

Deborah Maclaren

Neil Nightingale

Andrew Murray

Unnatural Histories: Episode 1: Serengeti

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Serengeti

Episode 1

Episode 1: Serengeti

BBC Four - Unnatural Histories, Serengeti

A look at how the Serengeti wilderness in Africa has been shaped over time by mankind.

A look at how the Serengeti wilderness has been shaped over time by hunters, pastoralists, ivory traders, conservationists, scientists, film-makers and even tourists.

More than anywhere, the Serengeti is synonymous with wilderness and has even come to represent Africa. But the story of the Serengeti is just as much about humans as it is about wildlife. Right from the origin of our species in Africa, humans have been profoundly shaping this unique wilderness - hunters and pastoralists with cattle and fire, ivory traders and big game hunters, conservationists, scientists, film-makers and even tourists have all played a part in shaping the Serengeti. 

Probably most powerful of all was a tiny microbe unknowingly brought to Africa by a small Italian expeditionary force - Rinderpest, a deadly virus that swept through the continent decimating cattle and wildlife alike and forever changing the face of the wild. The Serengeti is far from timeless, it is forever changing - and wherever there is change, the influence of Homo sapiens is not far behind.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Series looking at how some of the world's most iconic wild places have been shaped by man.

Series looking at three of the world's most iconic wild places and how they have been shaped over time by man.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Unnatural Histories

Episode 1: Serengeti

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Four

About BBC Four