0:00:04 > 0:00:08Only one creature has carved a life for itself
0:00:08 > 0:00:10in every habitat on Earth.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15That creature is us.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19All over the world we still use
0:00:19 > 0:00:23our ingenuity to survive in the wild places,
0:00:23 > 0:00:28far from the city lights, face to face with raw nature.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33This is the Human Planet.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49The jungle is nature
0:00:49 > 0:00:54at its most vigorous, complex and mysterious.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59It may appear bountiful,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03but for humans, this is a surprisingly hostile environment.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21Though, through history, great civilisations have arisen here,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24none have stood the test of time.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36The jungle refuses to be tamed
0:01:36 > 0:01:40and it punishes those who don't live by its laws.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Yet even today, there are some who guard the secrets
0:01:49 > 0:01:51of surviving in this wild world.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54These are the remarkable stories
0:01:54 > 0:01:58of the people who call the rainforest home.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31Tropical rainforests cover just 2% of the planet's surface,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36but they're home to half of all species on Earth.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43The problem is, much of this life is in the tree-tops,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46a world way out of our reach.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00Exploiting the canopy's riches from the forest floor is so challenging,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03getting enough protein is a daily struggle.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19The Matis of Brazil are highly skilled hunters
0:03:19 > 0:03:24but for the past week there's been barely enough meat to go round.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Benin is hungry and he's determined
0:03:30 > 0:03:33today's hunt will be more successful.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46Administering tree-frog toxin into his bloodstream purges his body,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49preparing it for action.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09The Matis also drop a noxious plant juice into their eyes
0:04:09 > 0:04:14to sharpen their senses and focus their minds on the hunt.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Benin and the others summon the power of the animal spirits.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Hunting canopy animals from the ground
0:04:44 > 0:04:47requires formidable fire power,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53a four-metre long blowpipe,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57precision-made to a design honed over thousands of years.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Spotting animals in the dense vegetation is so hard,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23the Matis rely on hearing to locate prey
0:05:31 > 0:05:35and use mimicry to lure them into range.
0:05:36 > 0:05:42They can imitate all ten species of monkey found in these forests.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50HE IMITATES MONKEY CALL
0:05:54 > 0:05:56MONKEY CRIES OUT
0:05:56 > 0:05:59A howler monkey responds.
0:06:03 > 0:06:0730 metres up, monkeys are feeding in a fig tree.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Scoring the darts with piranha teeth
0:06:19 > 0:06:23ensures the poisoned tip breaks off in the victim's body.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Unlike guns, blowpipes are near silent
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and can be fired without spooking the monkeys.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42Benin makes the first hit, and now the monkeys scatter.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Once shot, the monkeys must be tracked
0:06:49 > 0:06:52as the curare-vine poison takes effect.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00This monkey's already weak, but it's hiding, and must be flushed out.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05They shoot again.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13It's stuck in a vine now, and there is no choice but to go and get it.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30One down, but it's just the beginning.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41As one of the swiftest hunters,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44it's Benin's job to pick off any escaping monkeys.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52He shoots another, but misses.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Benin fires again, this time on target.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17The monkey finally stops
0:08:20 > 0:08:23and Benin takes aim one last time.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Eight monkeys. It's been a good day.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40But all too often they return empty-handed.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Hunting in the canopy is so difficult,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57people must find most of their food closer to the ground.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04But scratching a living on the forest floor is hardly any easier.
0:09:06 > 0:09:13The complex nature of this mysterious world is so hard to master,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15the lessons have to start early.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Orlando's from the Piaroa tribe of Venezuela.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29He's like any other kid,
0:09:29 > 0:09:33only life in the jungle has already forced him to fend for himself.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47But this childhood adventure
0:09:47 > 0:09:50takes them deep into the jungle underworld.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01As only 2% of sunlight reaches the forest floor,
0:10:01 > 0:10:06surprisingly few plants grow and this means few animals.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14There's less protein here than in the desert
0:10:14 > 0:10:18and much that is here is poisonous.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30Distinguishing dinner from danger is an essential life skill.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43Few creatures have a more sinister reputation than the one they seek.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07The goliath tarantula, the size of a dinner plate,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11the largest spider in the world.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20It's hard to imagine a less appetising meal,
0:11:20 > 0:11:24but picky eaters don't last long in the jungle.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Besides, Orlando says they're delicious,
0:11:32 > 0:11:36and handling dangerous animals comes with the territory.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45From about five years old,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Piaroa children know exactly where to hunt for spiders
0:11:49 > 0:11:53and in a couple of hours can catch enough for a decent meal.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07But they have to be careful of both the huge fangs
0:12:07 > 0:12:11and of the hairs they kick towards any attacker.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21If they contact the skin or are inhaled, they cause a nasty reaction.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Orlando's come off worst.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37But growing up in the jungle, he's used to a little discomfort.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49Tarantulas are best served toasted, like marshmallows.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55All the hairs must be singed off so they don't catch in the throat.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58And when they start squeaking,
0:12:58 > 0:13:03which is just air escaping from the joints, they're almost done.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Tarantulas taste a bit like crab
0:13:17 > 0:13:21and, with a little seasoning, they go down a treat.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Orlando's and his friends' survival
0:13:33 > 0:13:37depends upon embracing every opportunity in the forest.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54Jungle people rely so heavily on their surroundings,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57they become a natural part of the forest
0:13:57 > 0:14:01and form extraordinary bonds with nature.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16Very few people live more intimately with animals than the Awa Guaja
0:14:16 > 0:14:18of the eastern Amazon.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25Nurturing a wide range of creatures from the forest,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29the Awa are obsessive pet keepers.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40And there are some animals they cherish above any others.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Like the Matis, hunting monkeys is vital to the Awa's survival,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50providing nearly half their protein.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56But this relationship provides far more than food.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04Emwi not only eats monkeys, she loves them.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34Almost all Awa families keep a number of monkey pets.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39There are eight different species in the village.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44The Awa show extraordinary tenderness for the little monkeys,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47believing they're more human than animal.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57Emwi is a devoted mother, both to her children and her monkeys.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15For Emwi and the other Awa,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18breastfeeding monkeys is simply a natural way
0:16:18 > 0:16:20to help an orphan in need.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34Caring so intimately for an animal they regularly kill
0:16:34 > 0:16:37may appear contradictory,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40but the Awa believe for everything they take from the forest,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43they have to give back.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56When our lives are so deeply entwined with animals and plants,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00they inevitably become a great source of inspiration.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06Perhaps the most spectacular case of culture imitating nature
0:17:06 > 0:17:09is found amongst the people of Papua New Guinea.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Deep in the forest,
0:17:24 > 0:17:30a male superb bird of paradise struts his stuff for a rather drab female
0:17:30 > 0:17:34but she isn't the only one watching.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Geling is a bird of paradise hunter,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and it's the highly prized feathers he's after.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21These coveted plumes are passed down through generations
0:18:21 > 0:18:25but occasionally damaged ones need replacing.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Birds of paradise are so hard to hunt, however,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33that Geling's enlisted help.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43Peke is after the long tail feathers of the Princess Astrapia,
0:18:43 > 0:18:47and he's using fruit to lure them in.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Tomorrow is a big day for Geling.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19His clan will be performing at a Sing Sing,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22where his reputation and the honour of his village
0:19:22 > 0:19:26will be judged on the quality of his feather collection.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Sing Sing events are all about competing
0:19:36 > 0:19:38to see who's the best-dressed,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42and Geling knows not a plume can be out of place.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56In both birds and humans,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00it's the most eye-catching who gets the most attention,
0:20:00 > 0:20:05though Geling might be overstating his conquests.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28CHANTING
0:20:31 > 0:20:34The Mount Hagen Sing Sing
0:20:34 > 0:20:38is the world's largest jungle-themed fancy-dress party.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Attended by hundreds of tribes,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48it's one of New Guinea's biggest national events.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59Amidst the mayhem, Geling's putting the finishing touches to his outfit.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09In New Guinea, male vanity is something to flaunt.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Though each clan has its own style,
0:21:21 > 0:21:26almost all wear bird of paradise feathers as their crowning glory.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35In their looks, and even their courtship dances,
0:21:35 > 0:21:40the parallels between man and animal are unmistakable.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48They're birds of a feather.
0:21:48 > 0:21:54Both use these precious plumes to display fitness and beauty.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Taking centre stage, it's Geling's turn to show off.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19This deep connection with birds of paradise began 40,000 years ago
0:22:20 > 0:22:23and it shows few signs of fading.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Geling's getting on a bit,
0:22:28 > 0:22:33and his female admirers aren't quite as plentiful as they used to be,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38but he's not going to let that ruffle his feathers.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47The diverse nature of the rainforest influences the people who live here
0:22:47 > 0:22:49in endless ways
0:22:49 > 0:22:54and it often leads to breathtaking results.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01For the Bayaka tribe of Africa's Congo basin,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04it's the sounds of the jungle that most inspire them.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20RHYTHMIC BEAT
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Whether using a river as a drum kit,
0:23:39 > 0:23:44or incorporating animal calls into their work songs,
0:23:48 > 0:23:53the Bayaka consider music to be their greatest gift from the forest.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58SINGING
0:24:04 > 0:24:10But there's something else found here the Bayaka prize just as highly.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14So highly they're prepared to risk their lives for it.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Tete and Mongonje are on the hunt,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24but it's not meat they're after.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Honey is liquid gold to the Bayaka,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50and they go to extraordinary lengths to gather it.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Using a special vine,
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Tete makes a harness to help him
0:24:56 > 0:24:59get to grips with this 40-metre tree.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11Climbing like this requires skill, strength and stamina,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14especially in the tropical heat.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21While Tete climbs, Mongonje prepares a bundle of smoking leaves
0:25:21 > 0:25:24to help pacify the bees.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36An hour's passed and Tete's making impressive progress.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01But he's still got a way to go.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14News that honey's been found has spread quickly,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17and Tete's wife and kids come to watch.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Tete's finally made it to the crown of the tree
0:26:32 > 0:26:36but to go any further he'll have to leave the security of his vine.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03Tete's fully aware how dangerous honey gathering is,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07but the Bayaka believe it's bravery that makes the man,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and sugar is so scarce in these forests
0:27:10 > 0:27:15that honey is the best nutrition Tete can provide for his family.
0:27:51 > 0:27:5740 metres up, and unattached, Tete can't put a foot wrong.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02And now the bees are beginning to attack.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10He's made it to the hive,
0:28:10 > 0:28:15but he's got to get at the honey before being overcome by bees.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26The smoke helps, but Tete's still being stung.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Finally, Tete strikes gold.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57The first basket goes down to Tete's family
0:28:59 > 0:29:05and even thousands of angry bees can't stop the feast.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32Tete takes time to savour his success.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36He's done enough to keep his wife sweet, treat his children
0:29:36 > 0:29:38and earn respect from his tribe.
0:29:54 > 0:30:01For forest people, simple things can hold extraordinary value,
0:30:01 > 0:30:06but it's the trees themselves that are most in demand around the world.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Logging is one of the greatest threats
0:30:19 > 0:30:22facing the world's rainforests.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Yet there are a few places
0:30:24 > 0:30:28where its effects are far less destructive.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35The jungles bordering India and Burma are harvested
0:30:35 > 0:30:38using one of the most forest-friendly methods of all.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42And it involves harnessing the raw power
0:30:42 > 0:30:45of the mightiest creature in the jungle.
0:30:53 > 0:30:59This is Ramprasad - five-and-a-half tonnes of bull Asian elephant.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04And this is Sumir, his mahout.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Before nightfall, they have to drag a two-tonne log
0:31:10 > 0:31:12three kilometres out of the forest.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Ramprasad is the mightiest elephant in the camp,
0:31:18 > 0:31:23but it's still a mammoth test of brute strength and communication.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31Sumir steers Ramprasad with over 100 different commands.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42He can be operated in Hindi, Assamese
0:31:42 > 0:31:46and he even understands a little English.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52And Sumir's pretty fluent in elephant too.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Unbelievably strong and surprisingly nimble,
0:32:09 > 0:32:13elephants are far superior to logging machines in this tangled terrain.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21Most importantly, the forest doesn't have to be completely cleared
0:32:21 > 0:32:24just to access a few selected trees.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49There's no need for expensive spare parts,
0:32:49 > 0:32:54and elephants run on 100% green fuel.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02But, unlike a machine, Ramprasad has a mind of his own
0:33:02 > 0:33:06and must be treated with respect.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21It's essential to break elephants in before they're put to work,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24but they're still wild at heart,
0:33:24 > 0:33:28and keeping control of such raw might is a fine balancing act
0:33:28 > 0:33:30of command and compassion.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49Sumir and Ramprasad make it to the collection site in good time
0:33:49 > 0:33:51and help load the trucks.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Transporting logs to the sawmill
0:33:58 > 0:34:01is the only mechanised part of the entire process.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10But they're not out of the woods yet.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23Once again, under jungle conditions, elephants out-perform engines.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36Job done, time for a well-earned wash.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46The jungles of East India and Burma
0:34:46 > 0:34:49form the largest area of rainforest left in Asia
0:34:49 > 0:34:52and provide sanctuary for the last healthy population
0:34:52 > 0:34:54of Asian elephants.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Ramprasad and these other elephants have lost their freedom,
0:35:04 > 0:35:08but this way of logging helps secure the future of their species
0:35:08 > 0:35:10and their home.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16It's through partnerships with nature
0:35:16 > 0:35:21that people manage to live within the jungle without destroying it.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27But in most areas of tropical rainforest,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30the picture is not so harmonious.
0:35:40 > 0:35:46In just 50 years, half the planet's tropical forest has been cleared.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54As many as 100 rainforest species go extinct every day,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59often before they've even been discovered.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08And it's not just animals and plants.
0:36:08 > 0:36:14We're also losing human cultures that we know almost nothing about.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21Even in the 21st century,
0:36:21 > 0:36:26there are still people who exist in isolation from the rest of humanity,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29and virtually all live in jungles.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38These vast, unexplored forests are the only places left on Earth
0:36:38 > 0:36:42where entire communities can live undetected.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48Brazil is thought to be home to around 70 isolated tribes,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51around two-thirds of the world total.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Jose Carlos Meirelles works for FUNAI,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00a government agency that protects Brazil's indigenous people.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Today, he's hoping to encounter one of these uncontacted tribes.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14He needs to get to them before others do.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Logging and mining are encroaching on these forests
0:37:36 > 0:37:39and there are some who want to deny
0:37:39 > 0:37:42that uncontacted tribes live here at all.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Meirelles needs evidence.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07The fight to protect these people
0:38:07 > 0:38:11depends upon proving and publicising their existence.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34This is the very first aerial footage of an uncontacted community.
0:38:51 > 0:38:56Very little is known about their way of life or even their language,
0:38:56 > 0:39:00and Meirelles would rather it stays that way.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07He's dedicated 40 years to protecting
0:39:07 > 0:39:10isolated tribes from the outside world,
0:39:10 > 0:39:14but this isn't as simple as just leaving them alone.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Using a stabilised zoom lens,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41it was possible to film from a kilometre away,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44minimising disturbance.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Meirelles believes the more people are aware these tribes are here,
0:39:48 > 0:39:52the more effective the fight to preserve their way of life.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35Humans have survived here by becoming part of the forest,
0:40:35 > 0:40:37but it's this specialisation
0:40:37 > 0:40:42that leaves them so vulnerable in these changing times.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56These people are the guardians of a wealth of knowledge and skill
0:40:56 > 0:41:01that enable humans to forge a life within the natural world.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09And there are very few whose existence remains
0:41:09 > 0:41:12as intimately connected with the rainforest
0:41:12 > 0:41:14as the remote tribes of West Papua.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29The Korowai are so adapted to life in the jungle,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31they've taken to the trees.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36SHOUTING
0:41:36 > 0:41:39This clan is building a new house...
0:41:43 > 0:41:46SHOUTING
0:41:46 > 0:41:49...but it will be no ordinary one.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54All materials must be sourced on site,
0:41:54 > 0:42:00and much of the cutting is still done using Stone-Age tools.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It's an ambitious project.
0:42:06 > 0:42:13The plan is to build their new home in a tree 35 metres up.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Just as well they've chosen an ironwood,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22the strongest tree in the forest.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30The first step is to build a ladder to its crown.
0:42:40 > 0:42:45These are the only tribes in the world who live in tree houses
0:42:47 > 0:42:50and they do so for a number of reasons.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56It's an escape from the floods
0:42:56 > 0:43:00and the biting insects on the forest floor.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03It offers protection from enemy attack,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07but most of all, it's a display of their jungle prowess.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14For the Korowai, the higher the house, the greater the prestige.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28The Korowai's skills may be exceptional,
0:43:28 > 0:43:31but builders are the same the world over.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44As one of the clan's strongest climbers,
0:43:44 > 0:43:48Wayo is the foreman overseeing the most dangerous jobs.
0:44:00 > 0:44:06Thinning the branches keeps the house from shaking apart in the wind.
0:44:11 > 0:44:16A fall would mean certain death,
0:44:16 > 0:44:20but teetering in tree-tops is second nature to the Korowai.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34WHOOPING
0:44:39 > 0:44:45As the house goes up, more trees come down.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55But they have to fall in the right direction.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08Activity on the building site is intense.
0:45:09 > 0:45:14The rainy season is fast approaching and the roof still needs to go on.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24Everyone's pulling their weight to complete on schedule.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42The roof is tiled with sago-palm leaves
0:45:42 > 0:45:46and rolls of tree bark make the floor and walls.
0:46:01 > 0:46:06In two weeks, with 42 workers, countless felled trees,
0:46:06 > 0:46:1230 bundles of palm leaves, 16 rolls of bark and 5 kilometres of twine,
0:46:12 > 0:46:15the new home is complete.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20It's time to move in.
0:46:35 > 0:46:40As always, modesty dictates a strict entrance policy.
0:46:50 > 0:46:55Everything must be carried up, even family pets
0:46:55 > 0:46:59and it's a long way back down if you forget something.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10The first fire is ceremonially lit,
0:47:10 > 0:47:14an interesting way to bless a wooden tree house,
0:47:14 > 0:47:18but health and safety regulations have yet to reach these parts.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29Parents are surprisingly relaxed
0:47:29 > 0:47:32as their children explore their limits in the new home.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05Through knowledge, skill and ingenuity
0:48:05 > 0:48:09rainforest people have mastered their environment.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14They live in tune with their surroundings
0:48:14 > 0:48:18and show it a respect that's being lost elsewhere.
0:48:22 > 0:48:28Their remarkable lives remind us that we are nothing without nature.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Documenting the Papuan tree house build
0:48:54 > 0:48:58was the most challenging shoot for the Jungles team.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02They came prepared for two weeks filming in the tree-tops,
0:49:02 > 0:49:08but when things went wrong, it was the Korowai who saved the day.
0:49:17 > 0:49:23This shoot took cameraman Gavin Thurston, researcher Rachael Kinley
0:49:23 > 0:49:25and producer Tom Hugh-Jones
0:49:25 > 0:49:28to some of the least explored jungles in the world.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31We're about five days into the trip,
0:49:31 > 0:49:34we had a safe flight in, we had a very good welcome committee,
0:49:34 > 0:49:38and I believe it's about a three-day walk from here.
0:49:41 > 0:49:43No going back now.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48Though local porters help lighten the load,
0:49:48 > 0:49:52trekking through the swampy jungle proves tougher than expected.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58I thought, if he's going in, we've got to show willing, haven't we?
0:49:58 > 0:50:01I was going to come and help, but I've just fallen in.
0:50:03 > 0:50:08But with only two weeks' filming, they have to push on.
0:50:09 > 0:50:14The crew eventually arrive at Lahayu's village to a warm welcome,
0:50:14 > 0:50:16Korowai style.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25This is Ninkana, we are beginning the five minutes of handshake
0:50:25 > 0:50:27that seems to be necessary when you meet someone.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31Then it's time to talk business.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46Gavin's already spotted some local wildlife in unusual places.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48This is Nasai, if I've got his name right.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50He's got these amazing, um,
0:50:50 > 0:50:52apart from an amazing hornbill
0:50:52 > 0:50:53penis sheath,
0:50:53 > 0:50:56he's got these feathers on the side here.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00Yakob. I think that's the sulphur-crested cockatoo.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04- HE IMITATES COCKATOO - Noisy, yeah? What else?
0:51:04 > 0:51:06Mambro. HE IMITATES PIGEON
0:51:06 > 0:51:08Pigeon?
0:51:08 > 0:51:11And the hornbill?
0:51:11 > 0:51:13Pfff...
0:51:13 > 0:51:15There we are, so that's today's nature lesson!
0:51:16 > 0:51:21The crew go to inspect the ironwood tree the Korowai have chosen.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25Well, the Korowai have found a really good tree.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28It's probably about 70 feet up to where they plan
0:51:28 > 0:51:31to build the tree house. It's looking good.
0:51:31 > 0:51:36A line is fired into a nearby tree to rig a camera position
0:51:36 > 0:51:39but the rope gets caught.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43One of these guys has just shinned right up there.
0:51:43 > 0:51:45It's unbelievable climbing.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47All I can say is, if that was anybody else up there,
0:51:47 > 0:51:50my heart would be in my throat, but he just looks so at ease.
0:51:52 > 0:51:56Problem solved, thanks to the Korowai.
0:51:56 > 0:52:01Now the ropes are up, it's Gavin's turn to impress.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03I think these guys are fascinated
0:52:03 > 0:52:08by how much paraphernalia we need to get up a tree.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12Especially when I can't do it properly.
0:52:13 > 0:52:19The Korowai begin building at an astonishing rate,
0:52:19 > 0:52:22leaving Gavin struggling to keep up.
0:52:22 > 0:52:27Just as he gets into the swing of things, rain stops play.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32It's been raining for 17 hours solid, I can't believe it.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34When it's this wet it's not safe for them to climb,
0:52:34 > 0:52:35the logs are really slippery.
0:52:35 > 0:52:37The water table has risen so much now
0:52:37 > 0:52:40we've got standing water everywhere,
0:52:40 > 0:52:42and the other detail you probably don't want to know
0:52:42 > 0:52:45is that the long drop too is completely full.
0:52:45 > 0:52:51With work at a standstill, the crew are invited for a social visit.
0:52:51 > 0:52:52'It's a childhood dream.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56'It's one of my first memories - when I was about six or seven,
0:52:56 > 0:52:58'building a tree house about four foot off the ground
0:52:58 > 0:53:00'in an apple tree in the garden
0:53:00 > 0:53:02'and here I am coming to film the world experts.'
0:53:02 > 0:53:05All Korowai houses are split into gender zones
0:53:07 > 0:53:12and, on the women's side, Rachael's attracting a lot of attention.
0:53:14 > 0:53:19They seem to be wanting to get me to dress a bit like them.
0:53:27 > 0:53:30Before long she's going native.
0:53:34 > 0:53:39A little more than expected.
0:53:39 > 0:53:44We've had two hours of bonding with these people.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48It's just been really nice to sit down and get to know the tribe
0:53:48 > 0:53:50and to share some jokes with them, let them laugh at us
0:53:50 > 0:53:53and see a bit of their life.
0:53:53 > 0:53:58When the rain stops, the Korowai get going
0:53:58 > 0:54:01but Gavin's being encumbered by all his gear.
0:54:02 > 0:54:08I wonder if anybody's ever filmed a heart attack on a rope before.
0:54:08 > 0:54:14Once at the top of the tree, Gavin's kit comes into its own.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17This is quite a clever device, called a tree pod.
0:54:17 > 0:54:18It's got a couple of spikes
0:54:18 > 0:54:21and when you strap it to the tree you get a really good solid base.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23The camera goes on top of there.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26The tree they've chosen to put the tree house in,
0:54:26 > 0:54:30turns out it's the tallest tree for a good few hundred metres.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34And one thing we wanted to do is be able to see the tree house
0:54:34 > 0:54:38in its environment, in the canopy, and give a sense of height.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41It must be getting on for ten storeys high
0:54:41 > 0:54:43and just made out of sticks and rattan.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46It's quite an incredible bit of engineering.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49The whole time they've been building this tree house,
0:54:49 > 0:54:52there have just been really scary moments.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56Right now there's quite a large tree they're trying to fell
0:54:56 > 0:54:58but they're worried it might fall towards the tree house
0:54:58 > 0:55:01and take out the ladder. So instead of everybody getting out,
0:55:01 > 0:55:05there's three guys with long poles just pushing it out the way
0:55:05 > 0:55:07and they've got two more down here with a bit of rattan
0:55:07 > 0:55:10pulling it, in the hope that it will go away from the platform,
0:55:10 > 0:55:13but if it goes the wrong way, those three guys are going to die!
0:55:16 > 0:55:19WHOOPING
0:55:19 > 0:55:25Another tree falls. This time it's a little too close for comfort.
0:55:25 > 0:55:30Luckily, they judged that one right and it didn't come our way.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35The building's near completion,
0:55:35 > 0:55:39but Gavin still has to shoot the big reveal.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42We've set up a line from the tree the tree house is in
0:55:42 > 0:55:44across to where I was filming from the tree pod.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47We're going to put the cable dolly on and get a really nice pull back
0:55:47 > 0:55:50to reveal the tree house right up in the canopy.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53BEEPING
0:55:53 > 0:55:54Please, baby.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56It won't go anywhere.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59What has happened? BEEPING
0:55:59 > 0:56:01It's died!
0:56:02 > 0:56:05For the first time ever.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08Oh, BLEEP!
0:56:10 > 0:56:14Yet again, the Korowai come to the rescue.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18Traditional Korowai craftsmanship,
0:56:18 > 0:56:23a stick with another little bit of stick tied on the end.
0:56:23 > 0:56:24Come on, baby!
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Gavin retrieves the camera dolly in time for supper.
0:56:31 > 0:56:36Food supplies are running low so the Korowai serve up a local delicacy.
0:56:36 > 0:56:37Sago grubs.
0:56:37 > 0:56:42They're basically giant beetle grubs that live inside the sago palms.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44And they are a delicacy.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48The crunch at the end when you chew their teeth perhaps isn't the best.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50But other than that they are all right.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53You kept saying you wanted protein.
0:56:55 > 0:56:56He's gagging!
0:56:56 > 0:57:00I think they taste like caviar. It's got that pop in your mouth.
0:57:00 > 0:57:01- Do you like them? - Mmmm.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05- You can have the rest, then. - Ah! Thanks. Some more!
0:57:05 > 0:57:08The verdict on the sago grubs is, they are edible
0:57:08 > 0:57:11but they are actually pretty disgusting!
0:57:11 > 0:57:13I'm still chewing!
0:57:15 > 0:57:19It's the final day and Gavin's last chance to shoot the grand finale.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22Today, it's all come together. The sun's shining,
0:57:22 > 0:57:26the guys are being helpful and the cable dolly is behaving itself
0:57:26 > 0:57:30and hopefully, this is the end shot for the sequence and the programme.
0:57:35 > 0:57:38It's just been incredible seeing the whole process
0:57:38 > 0:57:42of how they build the house this high up in the canopy.
0:57:42 > 0:57:46They seem to have settled in very well. Most of them are asleep now.
0:57:47 > 0:57:49I'm knackered as well, actually.
0:57:51 > 0:57:52Spending time with the Korowai
0:57:52 > 0:57:56has given Gavin a different perspective on life.
0:57:56 > 0:58:01I judge my own inadequacies against their expertise and knowledge.
0:58:01 > 0:58:04You come here and you've got boots on in case of snake bites,
0:58:04 > 0:58:06you've got sun cream on because of the sun,
0:58:06 > 0:58:09you've got twin safety ropes to make sure, if one fails,
0:58:09 > 0:58:10you are caught on the other one.
0:58:10 > 0:58:14And these guys, OK, maybe they have a higher mortality rate,
0:58:14 > 0:58:16but they're much freer in their lifestyle.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19You know, they're shinning up and down these trees.
0:58:19 > 0:58:24I'd much rather live a shorter, fuller life, like they do out here.
0:58:52 > 0:58:54Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:54 > 0:58:56E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk