The Nature of Australia

THE NATURE OF AUSTRALIA From its coastal fringes of coral reefs, mangroves and rainforests to its its vast inland expanse of bush and desert, the Australian landscape supports an amazing richness and diversity of wildlife. This fascinating video tells the story of a unique and fragile world, a story of challenge and survival against major climatic forces. It traces the evolution of some of Australia's rare species and, correspondingly, the evolution of the island continent itself. PART ONE: In a land where mammals lay eggs, some hop rather than run and species need fire to survive, this video looks at some of the astonishing creatures that comprise its marine heritage, and at those land animals unique to a continent that could have been 'separately created'. PART TWO: Baked by the sun and scorched by the winds, Australia's arid lands occasionally receive a welcome drenching which fills ancient river courses with life and transforms the landscape into a tapestry of vivid colour. The second video looks at the myriads of birds, flying foxes, enormous crocodiles and other extraordinary species in the Northern territory, as well as the impact of European settlers upon the landscape. Will the lessons of the past usher in a more enlightened approach to the nature of Australia? An Australian Broadcasting Corp (Natural History Unit) production in association with the BBC, WNET-13 and The Australian Heritage Commission.