0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- 888
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- I've come to the Andes - in Central Chile.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- The capital Santiago - is a few miles behind me.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- I'm looking for a unique bird.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- The Andes Condor is - the world's largest bird of prey.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- The condor is the national symbol - of four South American countries...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- ..including Chile.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- Today, the condor is rare everywhere - except in Chile and Argentina.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- There are no condors in Venezuela.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- There are only about 100 left - in Colombia and in Ecuador.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- There are no figures available - for Peru and Bolivia.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- In Chile, not far from Santiago...
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- ..there's a project to nurture - and set the birds free in the wild.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- This will ensure - the future of this superb bird.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- The project also aims to release - other predators to the wild.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- This unique project - is led by Eduardo Pavez.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- Yes, it's a Chilean eagle.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- This is a male eagle, - which is smaller than the female.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- How many are here?
0:01:47 > 0:01:47- How many are here?- - There are 50 in this centre.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- There are 50 in this centre.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- Can we go in?
0:01:53 > 0:01:53- Can we go in?- - Follow me.
0:01:53 > 0:01:54- Follow me.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- In most countries, - the eagle is the biggest bird.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- But that's not the case in Chile.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- I'd like you to see the biggest - bird of prey in the world...
0:02:20 > 0:02:22- ..The Andes Condor.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- We're going to see the condors now!
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- Good grief!
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- How much does it weigh?
0:02:39 > 0:02:39- How much does it weigh?- - Twelve kilos.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- Twelve kilos.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- It weighs an incredible 12 kilos.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- This male was a tourist attraction - outside a Santiago restaurant...
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- ..until Eduardo provided - a sanctuary for it.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- He wants to play, - but he's too dangerous for that!
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- He's exceptionally strong.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- I admire the fact Eduardo - started from scratch.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- As a young lad, - he looked after injured predators.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- There wasn't enough room - in his house.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- The sole aim of this centre - is to care for these birds.
0:03:23 > 0:03:29- Today, he's the world's - leading authority on condors.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- People phone from all over - the world to ask his advice.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- He's doing fantastic work here.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- Condors are the main reason - for the centre's existence.
0:03:45 > 0:03:51- People donate money - for research into the condor.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57- His first love - is returning birds to the wild.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- This one will never go back.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- That's terribly sad.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- Why the black covers?
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- There is a breeding pair inside.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- They want to be left in peace...
0:04:17 > 0:04:23- ..to give the egg - an opportunity to hatch.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- Is this a condor egg?
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- It was recently laid here.
0:04:30 > 0:04:38- A week ago, we realised - the chick had died after 50 days.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- It's enormous.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53- A condor egg.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57- Can we go inside?
0:04:57 > 0:04:58- Can we go inside?- - Yes.
0:04:58 > 0:04:58- Yes.
0:04:59 > 0:05:06- It was impossible a week ago because - the hatching period hadn't ended.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- The male condor on the right - is bigger than the female.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- It has a comb, throat - and different coloured eyes.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- The female has red eyes, - and is slightly smaller.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- They can't release these birds - because they're kept for breeding.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- If they're successful, - the chicks will be released.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- The daring and ambitious process - will take a couple of years.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- To Eduardo, the most important - aspect of the process...
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- ..is studying the condors - in the wild as often as possible...
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- ..especially close - to their elusive nests.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- This is where the soon-to-be - released birds are kept.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- Of the five, one is an adult female, - and there are four chicks.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- They'll be released back to the wild - not far from Santiago.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- They never go inside except - to chase after the birds.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41- They frighten the birds - to make them scared of humans.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- In the wild, - man shoots condors.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- That's the only time - their keepers go inside.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- That's why a black blanket - covers the side.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- To date, Eduardo's centre - has been remarkably successful.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- Two years ago, they released birds - that were bred in captivity...
0:07:08 > 0:07:09- ..for the first time.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- The eight birds - were fitted with a satellite tag...
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- ..so they could be traced.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22- The satellite sent a signal back - to a central computer.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- They've discovered - that six are still alive.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- That's a success story.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- One was shot, another was poisoned.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- This is where the journey begins.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- An injured bird will be - brought to the hospital.
0:07:46 > 0:07:52- We're on our way to meet specialist - doctors who first treat them.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- This veterinary surgery is part - of Chile National Zoo in Santiago.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- This young bird - came here a week ago.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- They feared - he'd lose his swollen eye.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- The bird has received - a daily treatment of ointment.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- He's recovered very quickly.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- They think he can return - to the wild in a month.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- The bird has come all the way - from South Chile.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- The Zoo hospital and the centre's - reputation...
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- ..have spread throughout - the country.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- People bring - the birds all the way here.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- When he's recovered, - he'll go back to where he was found.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- That's the area he knows best.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- His brownish colour - proves he's young.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- When he's about 7-8, - he'll be black and white.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- They're placing - a special chip inside his throat.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- It's only tiny - like this one.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- It's like a chip - you'd put in a dog.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- If he ever returns here, - they'll know who he is.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- The chip number will show up.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- They can identify the bird - - which is excellent.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- These blokes know - what they're doing.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Look how big his feet are.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- They're like the feet - of a large hen.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- They don't grab anything - - they're just used for walking.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- They're perfectly adapted - for walking on rocks.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- They're white because - they put dirt on them.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- Sometimes, they need to lose heat.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- This doesn't happen - when the climate is cold.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- The best way to achieve this - is by whitening the feet...
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- ..or leaving them black.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- They control their body heat - through the feet.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- It's amazing. It's impossible - to put a ring on these birds.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- Back home, rings are placed - on crows and eagles.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- This is impossible with condors - - they lose heat through the feet.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- There's a continuous conflict - between condors and people.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- Lead shots have been found in every - condor that arrives at the surgery.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49- That's amazing.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- South Chile is a rare location - in South America...
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- ..for finding - a thriving population of condors.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- We've travelled 1,000 miles - south of Santiago...
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- ..over the borders, mountains - and glaciers of Patagonia.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- This is Torres del Paine - National Park.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- The granite towers found here are - amongst the planet's most beautiful.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- This is the habitat - of the condor, puma and guanaco.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- That's why Eduardo and I - have come so far.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- We want to learn more - about the condor.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- If we're lucky - - we might catch sight of the puma.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- 888
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- The plains at the foot of the towers - are full of wildlife.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- The buffed-necked ibis.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- The cinnamon teal.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- The yellowbill coot.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- And the black-necked swan.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- Zorro is the Spanish name for a fox.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- This is a caracara.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- In addition to studying condors...
0:13:01 > 0:13:07- ..we would study the relationship - between condor, guanaco and puma.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- We weren't going to get - much sleep over the next fortnight.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- Guanacos are one of the most - important animals in the park.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- They form a natural, - triangular food chain.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- The puma is in one corner - whilst the guanaco is in another.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- The puma feeds on the guanaco.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- The condor is also a part - of the triangle.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- The condor feeds off the skeleton - that the puma leaves behind.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55- The food chain was found the length - and breadth of Chile long ago.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- But outside the park, - the guanaco numbers have dwindled.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- Sheep, cows and horses - have been introduced.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- The old, natural order - has disappeared.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- This is the only place in the Andes - where the old, natural order...
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- ..the triangle of dependency, - still exists.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- As I walk around, - I see two different groups.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- There are groups of young males.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- There are also family groups, - like this one here.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36- We can see about 40 females, - and only one male.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- In spring, the males - become very territorial.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- They sit high up, - surveying the scene.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- They're prepared to fight with - any male guanaco that comes near.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- The ultimate prize is that - he can mate with the females.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- This is an exceedingly rare animal.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- The 8-legged guanaco.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- The guanaco is undoubtedly the most - prominent animal in the park.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- The animal - and its excrement - - are everywhere.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25- This is a guanaco toilet.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- It's a territorial mound.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- The group use this location - as their toilet.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- This defines the boundaries - of their territory.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- It warns the other animals - to stay away.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- It's very effective - - because trust me - it stinks!
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- We've come higher up the valley.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- A puma carried a young guanaco here.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- Look at the hole in his skull.
0:16:32 > 0:16:38- The puma's large meat teeth - went for the kill here.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- With the next bite, - he shattered the head.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- That's how powerful he is.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- He kills by jumping - on an animal's back.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- Usually, he grabs - the backbone or the back.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- He hopes to break the backbone.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- The animal falls and dies.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- It's easier for the puma to handle.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- In the park, he feeds off guanacos.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- But outside the park, - he feeds off sheep, lambs and foals.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- He isn't fond of hunting calves.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Calves have thick, muscular necks.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- The puma can't get a hold of him, - and kill him.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- But he's fond of lambs, and foals.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- That can cause serious problems.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- Outside the park, - he's hunted all the time.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- Gauchos hunt him with dogs.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- The puma defends himself - by climbing a tree.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- But there, he's an easy target.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- But thank goodness, in the park, - they're totally safe.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- There are clues everywhere - - but where's the puma?
0:18:21 > 0:18:27- There's a cluster of trees here. - Eduardo has found a puma's bed.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Perhaps he's been chewing - a bone or two.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- He could still be here somewhere.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- We're not sure, so we're - keeping quiet. Let's have a look.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- It's obviously an old bed.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- The bones could be up to a year old.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- But he's used this spot regularly.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- There's very little growth here. - Pity they're not more fresh.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- Maybe we'll find something else - in the trees.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- We're out during the day...
0:19:09 > 0:19:15- ..because we've been advised - that the best way to find a puma...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- ..is to come across - a freshly killed guanaco.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- They'll feed off it for 4-5 days.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- If we can find one, and sit tight - first thing in the morning...
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- ..and last thing at night, maybe - we'll catch a glimpse of one.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- We'll walk around, and look.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- But such a find gives one hope - that they are around.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- You have to be on your guard - - this could be dangerous.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Although pumas - don't normally attack humans...
0:20:03 > 0:20:09- ..a fisherman was killed - and eaten here three years ago.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Because we're cornering them, - we could be attacked.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- They almost never attack - but - there's always that possibility...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..especially if young ones are here. - That's why we're being careful.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- They're unlike other big cats. - Eduardo has seen something.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- The lion and tiger will attack - - these won't.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- I'm following Eduardo's footsteps.
0:20:44 > 0:20:51- If I entered from the other side, - a puma might feel cornered.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- That's when they're dangerous. - I'll follow Eduardo.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- A young guanaco's foot.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- It was just tiny.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- He was obviously small enough - for the puma to carry back.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Usually, the adults are too big. - They have to be left where they are.
0:21:30 > 0:21:36- They'll feed for 3-4 days, and leave - him to the condors and caracaras.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- This one was small enough - to bring back here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- It was an important place for him.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Eduardo has just told me - to be very careful.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- There's a powerful - scent of pumas in the area.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07- I'm not sure whether there's - a live puma within 10 yards of us.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- I doubt it - - unless he has young ones.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- I'll have to be incredibly careful - - and concentrate.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- We'd better leave - and not go any further.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- No puma - just Eduardo! - Thanks, Eduardo!
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- He frightened me!
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- This is a black-chinned siskin's - nest.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- This bird comes to gardens - for monkey nuts.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- He lives solely in South America.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- The pretty nest with its three eggs - is perched on the branch.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- I've liked searching for nests - since I was a little boy.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- We're seeing miracles of nature - all around us. It's brilliant.
0:23:32 > 0:23:38- Eduardo reckons the puma muck - is very fresh.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- I like this bloke.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- He's a world authority on condors - as well as the puma.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- He knows about the wildlife - in the park.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- But most importantly, - he speaks Spanish slowly.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Even I can understand him - - thank goodness.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- This is an indication - of the puma's power and danger.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- This wasn't a small guanaco.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- He carried it here, - and opened him up.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- He's ripped the guanaco to shreds, - tearing off his head.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- He's made a mess of it.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- The head is broken in half.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- It's amazing. Good heavens!
0:24:39 > 0:24:45- After days of searching in vain, - Eduardo caught sight of four pumas.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- SPANISH CONVERSATION
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- He's running away.
0:25:45 > 0:25:51- The other isn't far. - Stay on that one.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- At last! We've found pumas.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03- We ran at least a mile, up and down.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- My laces are undone. I have thorns - in my socks. I'm sweating buckets.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- But d'you know what? I don't care.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- This is the main reason - for us to come to Torres del Paine.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- We wanted to see the puma - as well as the condor.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Eduardo spotted four pumas - from afar.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- Unfortunately, by the time we rushed - down here - they moved further away.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- We've seen two - - there are another two somewhere.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- It must be a mother - and three fairly old cubs.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34- It was certainly worth the run.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- We're still looking. - They're hiding in undergrowth.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- We'll continue to look for them.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Excellent!
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- It's 4.00am. - We've been up since 3.30am-4.00am.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- We've been out every night 'til - after 10.00pm.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- I hope now we can have a lie-in. - Doubt it, though!
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- Thank you, Al!
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- I'm going to look for another job.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- 888
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- I've left the park. - This is Puerto Natales.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- The condors have all left the park. - There's more food for them here.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- Over the next few days, not only - will I be looking at the condors...
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- ..I'll be researching them.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- In order to achieve this, - I'll be climbing very steep cliffs.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- I'm no mountaineer - - but I know a man who is!
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Caradoc Jones is Tregaron's - most famous climber.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- We meet on terra firma this time!
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- You know this area very well.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05- I think it's one of the most - amazing corners of the world.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- It's steeped in history.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- The people are interesting, too.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16- I've always enjoyed - climbing in South America.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- I started coming here in the '80s.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- I had the opportunity - to come and work with you.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- I'll be going on a mountaineering - expedition afterwards, too.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- I'm sure you'll manage the - dangerous task I've set up for you.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37- I'd like to start by showing you - something rather special.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- I took Caradoc 100kms south - of Puerto Natales.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- Estancia Olga Theresa - is gaucho land.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- This is Patagonia's busiest colony - of condors, especially in spring.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- There you go! I said - I'd show you a sight and a half!
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- There are about 12 flying around.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- And another 40 on the rock itself.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- This is the condors' habitat.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- The Spanish name is 'butrera'.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- 'Butre' is a word for vulture.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55- 'Butrera' means, 'Vulture's Lair.'
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- If they roost here, - where are their nests?
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- A condor's territory - can be up to 100km square.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- That's the same size as Snowdon.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15- Their nests are within - the territory.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- They defend up to 1km - around the nest.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- Otherwise, - they're very sociable birds.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- They have to travel many miles - in search of food.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- If a condor is 80km from his nest - at 8.00pm...
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- ..he knows he won't make it home.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- But he knows where other condors - come to roost.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- They're very wise.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- What is their lifespan?
0:30:44 > 0:30:49- Some live over half a century.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55- But they're not mature 'til - they're seven years old.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00- The egg remains in the nest - for two months.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- The chick stays in the nest - for another six months.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- The chick stays with the adult - for another 18 months.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- They only produce one egg - once every two years.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- They must live for a long time - to produce enough chicks.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- This is a fantastic spot.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- They seem very inquisitive birds.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- When I was climbing in Peru, - they'd come to us on the cliff face.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- They'd venture much closer - than other large birds.
0:31:37 > 0:31:43- Some fly above you - and turn their heads like chickens.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- It's as if they're saying, - "What are you doing here?"
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- Caradoc looks like a spider - hanging from his web!
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- Eduardo was keen to have a closer - look at the condor's roosting spot.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- We chose another roosting place that - wasn't as busy as Olga Theresa's.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- But we only had a couple of hours - of daytime...
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- ..to ensure - we didn't disturb the birds.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- Caradoc! The cave looks so much - bigger now you're above it.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- It looks very small from here. - But it looks huge now.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- OK, yes, Iolo.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- I'm suspended in space. - I've no hope of landing on a ledge.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- I can see it all in great detail.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- Caradoc, can you give us - an idea of the cave's size?
0:33:24 > 0:33:29- The cave is about 3 metres deep.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- That deep! - How big is the whole area?
0:33:37 > 0:33:42- 35 metres, more or less.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- It's 3 metres high.
0:33:57 > 0:34:05- Are the bird droppings all over - the cave, or only at the entrance?
0:34:06 > 0:34:12- No, the droppings - are all over the floor.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22- Is the cave mouth - sheltered from the wind?
0:34:25 > 0:34:30- The cave mouth appears very open.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- Are there remains of pellets there?
0:34:42 > 0:34:49- There are some pellets here, - but I can't see anything else...
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- ..only white guano.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- How many condors - would usually stay here?
0:35:07 > 0:35:13- Perhaps there would be up to - 7 birds here at the same time.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23- The male, female and chicks have - their place in the roosting area.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- It isn't by accident.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- The best place is reserved - for the oldest male.
0:35:31 > 0:35:37- The rest move around - according to their status.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- Is this of interest to you?
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- Oh, yes. This is information - I was previously unaware of.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- It's so much better than observing - them flying in the mountains.
0:35:58 > 0:36:04- You can learn a lot through - studying their roosting place.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- There are no droppings in the nest?
0:36:10 > 0:36:15- No - there's much more muck - in the roosting place.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18- It's easily spotted from afar.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- You don't see droppings - around the nest?
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- Very little.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- And now it's time for a small beer!
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- Whilst Eduardo had the hard task - of finding a condor's nest...
0:36:41 > 0:36:46- ..Caradoc and I visited Estancia - El Solitario on shearing day.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- We asked the owner, Jose Hernandez, - and his brother Victor...
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- ..if condors and pumas - were a problem for them.
0:36:54 > 0:37:01- Condors aren't a problem. Only - dead animals attract the condor.
0:37:02 > 0:37:08- The puma's a huge problem through - the year - especially in winter.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- We can lose over 100 sheep.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18- Every year?
0:37:18 > 0:37:18- Every year?- - Yes, every year.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- Yes, every year.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- There are approximately - 2,000 sheep here...
0:37:25 > 0:37:30- ..and so you're talking about - a loss of 5% because of the puma!
0:37:30 > 0:37:35- The puma was big - - I'd say he was three years old.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- He attacked my favourite dog.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- He grabbed his head - and was going for the kill.
0:37:48 > 0:37:54- I fought back and stabbed him - with a knife. He ran away.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- Eduardo's worth his weight in gold.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- He's found a condor's nest for us.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15- You'd never know unless - you saw the bird flying in.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- They're very loving - - she's come to him.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- It's as if they're greeting - one another.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31- The beak is slowly going through - the other's feathers.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- It's a way of ensuring this pairing.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- The pair stay close to one another.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- Once they mate, - they stay together for life.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- That can be a long time - - half a century sometimes.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- They're so loving.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16- Eduardo's incredibly happy.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- It's almost unbelievable.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24- We can see a little - brownish-grey chick in the nest.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29- It's on the right of the cave. - I can't see him clearly.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- How old d'you think he is?
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- About three weeks, I'd say.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46- We daren't go any closer, - in case we frighten the parents.
0:39:46 > 0:39:52- It's cold. Such a young chick loses - heat without his parents' presence.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- This is an important revelation - for Eduardo.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02- It's hard to find a condor's nest - in the wild.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- Hardly anyone has achieved to get - images like this before...
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- ..recording the behaviour - of the parents by the nest.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13- Eduardo intends returning in - 3 months when the chick is bigger.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- He can watch, and glean more - information about breeding chicks...
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- ..back at the Santiago centre.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- It reminds me of The Falklands.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- We returned to the Torres del Paine - National Park.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- With three pairs of eyes, could we - catch sight of the puma again?
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- It was a chance - I didn't want to miss.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- 888
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- # I met a girl, a girl, a girl,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- # I met a girl on the telephone.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- # Her lovely voice I hear, I hear. #
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- Our time in the Paine - was drawing to a close.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- Before tracking - the puma one last time...
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- ..there was one final thing - I had to do.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53- The Patagonia Glacier pours into - lakes on the park's western side.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- It's the world's largest glacier - - outside of the Poles.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02- It's 500kms long. - As Caradoc guided me...
0:42:03 > 0:42:08- ..it was awful to witness the effect - of global warming in South Chile.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- This is a satellite picture - of the area.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- We're on the grey glacier, - in this small corner here.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- This stretches all the way - to the north.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- I thought this was big here.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- But looking at the map, - it's just a tiny section.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- This rock splits the glacier.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- It stretches beyond - the furthest part there.
0:42:42 > 0:42:49- It's retreated - almost a mile since 1997.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- Driving around at home, - you don't think of this.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- When you see it for yourself - - it's alarming.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- The speed of the change - frightens me.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- I expected a gradual change - over hundreds of years.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08- I can see it during my lifetime.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- It's happening so quickly. - That's what's shocking everyone.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- When did this rock - last see the light of day?
0:43:33 > 0:43:38- To see the cat, we had to keep the - same hours as the cat. Tiring work!
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- We're still looking. If something, - it's colder today than yesterday.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- It's so quiet! - The guanacos are quiet.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- The birds and animals are all quiet.
0:43:52 > 0:43:57- If there are pumas around, - they'd warn each other.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01- But there's nothing - just silence.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10- This fox is lucky - he came across a chilengo.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14- The young guanaco - was struck by a car.
0:44:20 > 0:44:24- After days of searching, - we were lucky, too.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29- This is the guanaco Eduardo - saw this morning.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32- It was killed by a puma.
0:44:33 > 0:44:38- You can see the marks left - on his mouth and head.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- It was a big one, too.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- It was hard for a puma - to bring it down.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49- It isn't fresh. The eyes have gone, - the tongue has dried.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- I'd say it was about three days old.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- It doesn't stink yet - - it's still quite fresh.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00- He's fed along the side.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- He's mainly fed around the backside.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- This is where the large muscles - are found.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10- He's taken big chunks from there.
0:45:11 > 0:45:16- The grass that's scattered around - is interesting.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19- You can see the remains here.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- The puma chucks grass - on the carcass.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28- It's an attempt to conceal it - from other pumas or condors.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- But it's easily seen!
0:45:32 > 0:45:36- It wasn't very effective. - Why do they bother doing it?
0:45:36 > 0:45:43- It's our best chance - of filming the cat close-up.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- How does it look - from the other side?
0:46:01 > 0:46:03- We've finished our hideaway.
0:46:04 > 0:46:08- There's enough room - for the camera woman and me.
0:46:08 > 0:46:12- We'll be here all night, - hoping to see a puma.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14- I'll keep my fingers crossed.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37- In torchlight - - we finally found a puma.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- The male puma was about 4 years old.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44- He approached the dead guanaco - - ignoring it completely initially.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- He then came even closer.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52- He lay down right in front - of our hideaway.
0:47:07 > 0:47:12- It's strange he didn't - associate torchlight with humans.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15- He isn't afraid of light.
0:47:15 > 0:47:19- But if he'd heard a sound, - or seen movement...
0:47:20 > 0:47:23- ..he'd have bolted like lightning.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33- This was a huge privilege.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38- Being within 30 yards of a wild puma - in its natural habitat...
0:47:38 > 0:47:41- ..and staring in amazement - at the big cat...
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- ..that's being hunted - all over the Andes.
0:47:54 > 0:47:59- The highlight of an unforgettable - fortnight in Torres del Paine.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17- S4C Subtitles by- GWEAD
0:48:17 > 0:48:18