Tribes, Predators and Me

Tribes, Predators and Me is a captivating and educational documentary series that aired on BBC 2 in 2016. The intriguing anthropological adventure show focuses on tribal communities around the world, their fascinating customs, and their unique relationships with dangerous predators that lurk in their respective landscapes. Specifically, the series strains towards fostering in the audience a better understanding of how these tribal communities have adapted to thrive in environments harboring menacing predators that would otherwise be considered a threat to modern society. They have learned to coexist with these animals and go about their day-to-day activities without conflict.

Gordon Buchanan, the well-known Scottish wildlife film-maker, is at the helm as the presenter and guide, unearthing this electrifying mix of human survival and nature's untamed force. Throughout the series, Buchanan is not just an observer but also an active participant in the tribal communities, gaining comprehensive firsthand knowledge and experience to authentically portray the tribe's way of life and their delicate relationship with the surrounding realm of predators.

Every episode in the tri-series whisks viewers on a dynamic expedition to various remote corners of the world, from the savannas of Ethiopia to the wilderness spaces of Mongolia and the jungles of the Amazon rainforest. Each destination opens a different chapter of the richly diverse tribal culture, revealing the ancient wisdom that has helped the tribal communities to dwell in harmony with the daunting predators.

In Ethopia, viewers are introduced to the ancient wisdom of the Dorze people, who have shared their habitat, the Ethiopian highlands, with aggressive predators like hyenas. Far from the conveniences of modern life, the Dorze have learned to live harmoniously with these dangerous animals, using only their deep-rooted knowledge passed on for generations.

In the second episode, Buchanan takes the viewers into the cold desert valleys of Mongolia where he discovers the admirable hunting skills of the Kazakh people. The Kazakh have learned over centuries how to survive in these harsh conditions and use golden eagles as partners for their hunt in an almost cinematic interaction between man and bird of prey.

Finally, Buchanan ventures into the deep, mysterious expanses of the Amazon, where he embeds himself with the Waorani tribe. This tribal community shares their territory with one of the deadliest predators in the world: the Amazonian jaguar. Intriguingly, they have learned to decipher the language of the jungle to remain safe and undetected by the roving jaguars.

Throughout the series, the viewer gets a vivid illustration of how nature and humans are deeply entwined. Buchanan is a skillful storyteller whose passion for wildlife and respect for diverse cultures resonate throughout the series. He effortlessly bridges the gap between the viewer and the tribal way of life, throwing light on the age-old wisdom that has been passed down through generations in these communities. He successfully underscores the importance of preserving these precious pieces of human heritage and the delicate balance between human societies and the natural world.

Tribes, Predators and Me is as much an exploration of the primal relationship between humans and their surrounding ecosystems as it is an enlightening journey into human resilience, adaptability, and co-existence. Stunning visuals, educative narrative, and Buchanan's immersive experience all contribute to creating a memorable viewing experience that leaves the audience with a fresh perspective on nature's intricate balance and the significance of honoring and preserving natural and cultural heritages.

In conclusion, Tribes, Predators and Me is a compelling and insightful series that tells the stories of rare tribal communities who have learned to live in harmony with dangerous predators. Whether you're passionate about anthropology, wildlife, or cultural diversity, the show offers a host of unique perspectives that are bound to provoke thought, raise awareness, and deliver a meaningful entertainment experience. The program invites viewers to witness a reality far removed from their own, highlighting the tribulations and triumphs of life in the wild in a stark and honest portrayal. It's a powerful reminder of the universal human ability to adapt, survive, and thrive against all odds.