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0:00:03 > 0:00:05- Russia has already shown me...
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- ..that it has stunning landscapes - and scintillating wildlife.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- I've climbed the Caucasus...
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- ..and the Urals.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- I've reached the heart of Russia.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- This is one of the coldest areas - in the world - Siberia.
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0:00:43 > 0:00:47- You can't deny that Russia is one - of the world's wildest places.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- The endless forests, - cascading mountain streams...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- ..and the world's deepest lake...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- ..ensure that Siberia - won't disappoint me.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- Bears live on the banks of the lake.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- The mountains provide a habitat for - some of the world's largest sheep.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- I've travelled thousands of miles...
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- ..but I've only reached the halfway - point of my journey across Russia.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- Siberia borders the Ural mountains, - near the Europe-Asia border.
0:01:26 > 0:01:32- It's huge, - 13 million square kilometres.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- It covers over 10% - of the world's land mass.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- However, very few people live here.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- Down in the south, - near the border with Mongolia...
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- ..stretching for 300 miles, is one - of the world's most famous lakes.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- This is one of the wonders - of the natural world.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- Siberia's jewel.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- I've reached Lake Baikal - - the world's deepest lake.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- In parts, it's almost a mile deep.
0:02:11 > 0:02:17- It's amazing to think that 20% of - the world's unfrozen fresh water...
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- ..can be found in this lake.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- It's autumn.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- In winter, this place - looks completely different.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- During the harsh winter weather...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..our camera crew - filmed the wildlife...
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- ..which survives Siberia's - extreme weather conditions.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- Between December and May, - most of Lake Baikal is frozen...
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- ..apart from the area - where the Angara flows through it.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- It heats the lake to a temperature - of four degrees Celsius.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- The water attracts goldeneye ducks.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- They stay in groups, - close to the ice...
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- ..and dive underwater - in search of food.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- These are the coniferous forests - of northern Siberia.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- This is a very characteristic - landscape in this part of Russia.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- Taiga is the name given - to this kind of landscape.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- This is one of the world's - largest forests.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- These trees have to withstand - freezing winters to survive here.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46- The Siberian forests hide a secret.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- This is the deer moose.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- Its sharp front teeth - are similar to a vampire's.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- The deer moose - has a price on its head.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- It has a musky scent - which is used to produce perfume.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- The deer moose graze on tree bark.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10- It's difficult to digest but easy - to find, even in the thick snow.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- Nearby, ravens have discovered - a frozen feast.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- This deer moose isn't worried - about the ravens.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- The feast's owner has returned.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- The wolves don't hibernate.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- They have to hunt for food - throughout the year...
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- ..even during - the cold, harsh winter.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- They hunt in packs but disagree - on how to share their feast.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- The ravens will have to wait - their turn.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- They wait for an opportunity - to steal some leftovers.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Yakutia - Siberia's coldest region.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- Here, temperatures plummet - to minus 70 degrees Celsius.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- This is one of the world's - coldest places.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- It's March and Yakutian mares - are about to give birth.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- To survive the winter, - they move slowly to conserve energy.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- These brave horses have no stables.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- For many years, - they've been raised in the open air.
0:06:41 > 0:06:47- To find last year's grass, they - have to dig through the thick snow.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- Food is scarce. It provides little - nourishment for pregnant mares.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- They might not all survive - the winter.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- In a village near Lake Baikal...
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- ..the locals also try - to survive the winter.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Trees are one of Siberia's - natural resources.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- They are exported around the world.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- The locals makes the most of - the frozen lake to play ice hockey.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33- Like the rest of Siberia...
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- ..people from different - backgrounds live here.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- Lake Baikal's most famous animal - is the Nerpa, or Baikal seal.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- It's native to this area.
0:07:59 > 0:08:06- It's the only seal in the world - that can be found in fresh water.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- The collection of remote - rocky beaches and small islands...
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- ..and even the thick layer of ice - which covers the lake in winter...
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- ..is the perfect habitat - for the Nerpa.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- As winter draws to a close, - the ice starts to melt.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- This is the habitat - of the Baikal seal.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Some weeks ago, this little seal - was born on the ice.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Since its shelter in the ice - disappeared...
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- ..it's had to wait for its mother - near one of the pools.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- The mother only returns - to her young once or twice a day.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- The Baikal seal - is unique to this lake.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- If this young pup survives - its first Siberian winter...
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- ..it could live to be 50 years old.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- With its tough skin - and thick layer of fat...
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- ..it doesn't feel the cold.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- It dives from one hole - to the next effortlessly...
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- ..swimming through - the enchanting tunnels of ice.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- On the other hand, I'm charmed - by one of the nearby villages.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- The landscape - is very different in September...
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- ..before the onset - of the winter snow.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- This little village - is awash with autumnal colours.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- The simplicity of life here - reminds me of a bygone age.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- Even in the autumn, - I feel I'm in a remote outpost.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- I'm eager to discover - how the locals cope with this.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- I'm on my way to meet a man...
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- ..who's farmed this land - his entire life.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Nenov and his family - have kept horses on the farm...
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- ..and offered trekking tours - to visitors for many years.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- I asked him if it was difficult - to farm here in winter.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- He laughed.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- He told me - that he's used to the cold.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33- Living here isn't as difficult - as visitors perceive it to be.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- In winter, more snow - falls here than on the mountains.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- One of the first things he does - when it snows is feed the animals...
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- ..and send them up to the mountains - to shelter.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- He doesn't sell his horses - in the mart.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- People here exchange their stock - for oil, petrol and hay...
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- ..with their neighbours.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- I love hearing - about this simple way of life.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- Nenov claims that farming here - is easier than he expected...
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- ..but looking at all the machinery - that needs to be fixed...
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- ..I admire his enthusiasm.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31- Back on the road...
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- ..I'm looking forward - to seeing more Siberian wonders.
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0:12:54 > 0:12:58- Travelling in Siberia is easier - in autumn than it is in winter.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- The Verkhoyansk mountains - are north of Lake Baikal.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Some summits - reach a height of 2,000 metres.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- This is one of Siberia's - remotest areas...
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- ..with no way - of travelling across it.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- In the Siberian mountains, one group - of people rely on the snow...
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- ..to fulfil their work.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- Our camera crew spent March with - the shepherds and their reindeer.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- Here, they use the strongest - reindeer to pull the sleds.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- The Yakutian people have lived here - for thousand of years.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- Living conditions - are relatively simple.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- There's no running water. They - have to wait for the ice to melt.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- The harnesses are made from - natural materials - reindeer skin.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- The wooden pieces of the sled - are fixed together...
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- ..using leather from reindeer skin.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- Without it, the sled would break.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Today, the shepherds are hoping to - find the rest of their reindeer...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- ..on the frozen taiga.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- In a few days' time, the shepherds - will move to their summer homes.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- It's only possible - to travel in Yakutia...
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- ..before the snow and ice melt.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- Before long, the land will be - covered in pools of water.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- The shepherds will be cut off from - the rest of the world until winter.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- This wolf is searching for food.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- It keeps its nose to the ground - in the hope of finding some food.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- During the winter, - mice hide under the layers of snow.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- A mouse is a tasty meal for a wolf.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- This isn't a mouse. It's keeping - an eagle eye on the wolf.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- This is a sable.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- For centuries, the sable's coat - was used to adorn regal robes.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- It was hunted for years, even - in the remotest parts of Siberia.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- Today, wolves are its biggest enemy.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- After long hours, the shepherds have - collected their herd of reindeer.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44- Keeping an eye on over - 1,000 reindeer is a huge challenge.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- The relationship between - the shepherds and the reindeer...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- ..stretches back for centuries.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- For the people - who live in Siberia...
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- ..reindeer provide many necessities, - such as meat and leather.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- The shepherds also ride - the reindeer.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- The oldest shepherd - feeds the reindeer salt.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- It makes him a very popular person.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- It's not an easy task.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- He has to push his way - through a sharp forest of antlers.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13- Nearby, the ice is starting to melt - and floats down the Lena River.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- The river flows for - over 2,700 miles across Siberia...
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- ..from Lake Baikal - to the Arctic Ocean.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- On the banks of the river, - there's a sea of wild flowers.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- Similar to daffodils in Wales...
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- ..the pasque flower - blooms soon after winter's end.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- The Yakutian horses have survived - the winter, along with their foals.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50- They grow stronger every day - and enjoy the warm sunshine.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- The mares graze daily to provide - themselves with enough energy...
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- ..to raise their foals.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- The mares are struggling. There - is little green pasture for them.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Last year's brown grass - will suffice for now.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- The Sayan mountains - stretch for 1,200 miles...
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- ..along the border - between Russia and Mongolia.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Some summits reach a height - of 3,000 metres...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- ..three times higher than Snowdon.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- In the nearby lands, - towards the south...
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- ..the snow melts early.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- This is home - to the Siberian salamander.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- It's a special amphibian - which has its own legend.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- According to the story, this lizard - can freeze without dying.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Although this is unlikely...
0:20:15 > 0:20:21- ..seeing the salamander crawling - across the ice is a wonderful sight.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Its body temperature - is controlled by its surroundings.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- It moves towards the open water.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35- These creatures mate and lay eggs - very early in the year...
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- ..in freezing water.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- The thaw has reached its full force.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- The rivers overflow - and cascade down to the lowlands.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- There, the water slows down - and flows for over 2,500 miles...
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- ..until it reaches the Arctic Ocean.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- The overflowing streams - and greenery of the landscape...
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- ..is a sign that spring - has reached Lake Baikal.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- In the spring, bears leave - the forests where they hibernated...
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- ..to search for food.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- There is very little variety - in this desolate land.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- They are forced to eat - whatever they can find.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- This bear is three years old. - It's left its shelter in the forest.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- Here, on the banks of the lake, - it's dry and sunny.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- The conditions - at the water's edge are perfect...
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- ..for herbs and other plants - which can't grow in the forest.
0:22:10 > 0:22:17- The bears enjoy eating herbs - such as aniseed, caraway and fennel.
0:22:19 > 0:22:25- It's strange to see these huge - predators eating flowers and herbs.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- After eating, - the bear wanders toward the lake.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- It must stay alert.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- A lot of hunters comes to this part - of Baikal to hunt illegally.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- It's easy for hunters - to flee across the lake by boat...
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- ..as soon as they snag their prize.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- The bear is enjoying itself - in the water.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- If this older bear - gets any closer...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- ..it'll have to surrender its place.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- This bear is too young to win - a battle against an older bear.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- It heads for the forest.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- Down by the freshwater lake, I can - see Baikal's most famous residents.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27- The seals.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- The evolution of this seal - is an interesting story.
0:23:39 > 0:23:46- Millions of years ago, many ringed - seals swam from the Arctic Ocean...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- ..through the Yenisei - and Angara rivers...
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- ..to reach Lake Baikal.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Over the years, - in the lake's water...
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- ..the seals evolved - to create a new species.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- They adapted to life - in the world's deepest lake.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- The seals enjoy nothing more - than sunbathing by the lake.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10- It's hard work - finding the best spot.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- There's a lot of competition - for the best location.
0:24:26 > 0:24:32- It is thought that Lake Baikal - was formed 20 million years ago...
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- ..as the earth split - and two tectonic plates separated.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- Lake Baikal and the Pacific Ocean - will one day combine.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- Saltwater will replace the lake's - fresh water creating a new sea.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- The slopes of Baikal, - the world's deepest lake...
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- ..reach depths of 1,600 metres - - a mile under the surface.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02- Some unique underwater wildlife - can be found in the depths.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- 70% of the underwater creatures - are native to Baikal.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- This bipedal is 10cms in length.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- It's huge compared - to the rest of its family.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- The lake has a wealth - of nourishment and oxygen.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- It allows these creatures to grow.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- This stickleback lives - close to the bottom of the lake.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- They are eaten by the larger fish - which hunt in the lake.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- The fish are a source of food - for local people.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- Locals worship the lake...
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- ..and consider it a holy place.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- It's an enchanting place.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03- I have been charmed - by the beauty of Lake Baikal.
0:26:04 > 0:26:04- .
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0:26:19 > 0:26:23- I'm halfway through - my journey across Russia.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- I've reached the centre - of the country - Siberia.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- Even in the autumn, - the landscape is spectacular.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- The forests of the Siberian taiga - stretch for thousands of miles...
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- ..but very few animals live here.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- However, there's a wide variety - of flowers and plants.
0:26:56 > 0:27:02- Here, you'll find a little creature - which challenges larger animals.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- It's significantly smaller - than bears and wolves.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- The combination of dry land - and hot summers in Siberia...
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- ..is perfect - for all kinds of insects.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20- Some are exotic, while others, - such as wood ants...
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- ..are very familiar to us in Wales.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- This nest only contains female ants.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- They carry pieces of resin - back to the nest...
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- ..but also look for other things - to eat - such as this ladybird.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- She's one of 10,000 insects - the ants will feast on.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- This longhorn beetle - has landed on dangerous ground.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- The tree trunk is so smooth, - it struggles to climb.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02- The ants wait patiently.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- In a rapid attack, - the ants capture the beetle...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- ..even though it's much larger.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- They kill the beetle - by poisoning it with their acid.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- After all the effort, - the beetle is too heavy...
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- ..to be carried back to the nest.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- The effort - to kill the beetle has been wasted.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- High up in the Sayan mountains...
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- ..a particular kind of guinea pig - can be found.
0:29:12 > 0:29:18- The pika makes the most of the - summer pantry and fills its belly.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32- It grazes daily. - Its home is high up in the mountain.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37- Winter will return here sooner - than anywhere else in Siberia.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- The flowers of the Irish heather - satisfy the pika's appetite.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- There's no time to pick and choose. - It eats as much as it can.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- Further up the mountain, Siberian - alpine goats are searching for food.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- They live - further up the steep slopes.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- The young alpine goats - must stay close to the adults...
0:30:26 > 0:30:32- ..in case they become a hearty - supper for circling birds of prey.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- The kids and adults bleat - when a threat is nearby.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- These incredible climbers...
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- ..can escape - from almost all enemies...
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- ..as they scramble up - the steep slopes.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- I've reached Olkhon Island - on the banks of Lake Baikal.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- It's a small island...
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- ..with only 1,200 inhabitants.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- The economy relies heavily - on tourism and fishing.
0:31:32 > 0:31:38- It's a great example of people - benefiting from their surroundings.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- As I look across the lake...
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- ..it's incredible to think that - 20% of the world's fresh water...
0:31:54 > 0:31:56- ..is contained in Baikal.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01- All the world's rivers - would take a whole year to fill.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- Even at the end of summer...
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- ..the water temperature - is only eight degrees Celsius.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- The water is healthy. - It contains a high level of oxygen.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- Baikal is an excellent habitat for - a variety of animals and plants...
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- ..that you won't see - anywhere else in the world.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- Out on the lake, the seals continue - to compete for their place...
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- ..on the rocks or under the water.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Life is good on the warm rocks.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- Until one neighbour - starts to bicker.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55- An argument between two leads to - a dispute between the whole group.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22- Bickering is physical work - and soon, the seals tire.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33- Back on Olkhon Island, - I'm off to explore some more.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39- The landscape which stretches to - Lake Baikal is similar to Mongolia.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42- This is the type of terrain - that's called a steppe...
0:33:43 > 0:33:44- ..dry, open, desert land.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- The contrast in landscapes attracts - tourists from around the world.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- The slopes near Khoboi, - to the north of the island...
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- ..is one of the most - picturesque areas of Baikal.
0:34:15 > 0:34:20- The steppe is an ideal habitat for - one of Olkhon's main inhabitants...
0:34:21 > 0:34:22- ..hamsters.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- This quartet is five weeks old.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- They're ready to venture out - for the first time.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- They need to familiarize themselves - with the plants they can eat...
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- ..and fill their bellies - before they hibernate.
0:34:42 > 0:34:48- One keeps watch. They are often - preyed upon by birds and foxes.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- From time to time, - mountains rise from the steppes.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- The highest are in the Altai range.
0:35:20 > 0:35:26- Some are 3,000 metres - or 10,000 feet above sea level.
0:35:27 > 0:35:33- They're home to the world's wildest - and possibly most fierce sheep.
0:35:45 > 0:35:51- The rocky Altai mountains are more - desolate than the rest of Siberia.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- This might be the reason - why the shy Argali sheep live here.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15- In the autumn, the rams, ewes - and lambs gather as one flock.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- The mating season is about to begin.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- The rams can grow to the size - of a small horse.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- The ewes are currently - attracting their attention.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42- The ram tries to smell the air to - assess if the ewe is ready to mate.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- So far, - the ewe has shown little interest.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53- Competition is fierce.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57- Another ram is ready to fight - for the right to mate.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- With every ram - weighing over 250kgs...
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- ..every blow is powerful.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- Their horns will only serve - to intensify the blow.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- These two are only playing around - - a rehearsal for the main event.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- Sheep's horns - are sought by some hunters.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- Locals are also fond - of eating their meat.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- As a result, the future of these - huge sheep hangs in the balance.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- The strongest ram will win - the honour of mating with the ewe.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- The victor's status will increase.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- Further down, a herd of Altai - reindeer roam the mountainside.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- They belong to the red deer family.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- They are also ready to mate.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- The mountains - are full of excitement.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- The skirmishes between - the Argali sheep continue apace.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- A battle has commenced - between two of the largest rams.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- The older ram - will challenge the younger ram...
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- ..and drive the flock away.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- The ewes shelter - lower down the mountain.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- The oldest ram follows them.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- The youngest ram refuses to concede - and the battle recommences.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- Both rams are determined - to win the contest.
0:39:40 > 0:39:45- Finally, the oldest, - and most experienced, wins the day.
0:39:46 > 0:39:46- .
0:39:53 > 0:39:53- 888
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- 888- - 888
0:39:59 > 0:40:02- The autumn, with such - warm colours on the trees...
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- ..is arguably the best time - to visit Lake Baikal.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12- The change of landscape heralds - a new period for the animals.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- It's very enchanting here...
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- ..in the autumn when the golden - colours explode from the trees.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- These are Siberian larch behind me.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37- This change is a sign - for the creatures that live here...
0:40:37 > 0:40:41- ..that a long Siberian winter - is approaching.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- They have to prepare - for the cold months ahead of them.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56- The berries that grow in the forest - provide a feast for the chipmunk.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01- They need to eat as much as they can - as they prepare for the winter.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15- They also need birch leaves to - adorn their shelter over the winter.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- Nearby, two brown bears - have discovered a carcass.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29- It appears they have agreed - which one will eat first.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- The wolf which has been trailing the - bears is unhappy with the agreement.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- It approaches the carcass.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- It must be starving to even - contemplate challenging the bears.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- The bears win this battle - and the wolf flees.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- As I wander past - the villagers of Baikal...
0:42:57 > 0:43:01- ..it becomes evident how simple - and primitive their life is here.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- I realize that they have - to work hard to survive.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- Along with the wildlife, - these men are preparing for winter.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26- They are preparing for the long, - fruitless months ahead of them.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- Every home is self-sufficient.
0:43:49 > 0:43:55- The land near the lake provides - a good harvest of vegetables.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58- Autumn is a busy time - for the villagers.
0:43:58 > 0:44:03- It's time to collect potatoes - and cut the grass...
0:44:03 > 0:44:05- ..in the age-old fashion.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- Machinery from the Soviet era - broke down years ago.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12- There are no spare parts - to fix them.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15- They rely on their trusted horse.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53- The Siberian pine - provides shelter for many animals.
0:44:59 > 0:45:04- The chipmunk has been - collecting food since early morning.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- The pine tree - provides a tasty feast...
0:45:07 > 0:45:11- ..but an annual harvest - isn't guaranteed.
0:45:18 > 0:45:23- Having released the pine, - the chipmunk starts to harvest.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45- It must ensure - that no other creature steals...
0:45:45 > 0:45:47- ..its valuable collection.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- It's crucial for the chipmunk - to have enough reserves...
0:46:00 > 0:46:02- ..to survive the winter.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- It will mate once more - in the new year.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17- My journey through Siberia - is coming to an end.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- I've joined the seals to enjoy - the last sun of the autumn...
0:46:22 > 0:46:24- ..on the banks of Lake Baikal.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29- Taid once told me that when - a cold wind blew in from the East...
0:46:30 > 0:46:32- ..it had come - all the way from Siberia.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35- I'm sure Taid was right.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- This vast steppe - stretches for thousands of miles.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42- I'm certain that the wind - that starts blowing here...
0:46:42 > 0:46:44- ..eventually reaches our shores.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- Siberia has been an eye-opener - for me.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- I was expecting - a desolate, barren landscape...
0:46:51 > 0:46:53- ..but it's full of life.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58- Insects, plants, birds and animals - can be found here.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02- My visit brings me here - during the autumn.
0:47:02 > 0:47:08- During the winter, it's a very harsh - place, for wildlife and humans.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:47:58 > 0:47:58- .