0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:03 > 0:00:07- On my journey through Russia, I've - climbed the Caucasus mountains...
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- ..and wandered through - the Ural forests.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- I've sailed on the White Sea and - roamed the shoreline of Lake Baikal.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- I've reached Ussuriland.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- I'm looking forward - to experiencing...
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- ..some of Russia's - Far Eastern delights.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26- 888
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- 888
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- 888
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- The Far East
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- In the Far East, - Siberia's chilling winds...
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- ..meet Japan's warm mists - to create an exotic landscape.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- Here, everything appears - out of the ordinary.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- The winters are harsh - and even the strongest creatures...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- ..battle to survive.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- To reach Russia's Far East - from Europe...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- ..you have to travel - hundreds of miles...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..before reaching - the far end of the country...
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- ..and the Pacific Ocean.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- I've flown to Vladivostok.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45- I'm going to travel west - for 100 miles to Lake Khanka.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- I'm here in September - the leaves - are starting to change colour.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06- As Costa, my driver, and I - drive through the villages...
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- ..I get a taste - of the people's way of life...
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- ..and realize - how self-sufficient they are.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- This part of Russia - is called Ussuriland.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- Here, north of the border - with China...
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- ..miles and miles of swamps - and paddy fields can be found.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Right in the middle of Ussuriland...
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- ..is the largest lake - of Russia's Far East - Lake Khanka.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- The lake covers an area - of 4,000 square metres.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- Over 350 species of birds - gather here every summer.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- Some of the birds in these wetlands - near Lake Khanka...
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- ..are familiar to us in Wales.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- Coots, wild geese, - marsh harriers and grey herons.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- When we think - of the larger wetlands in Wales...
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- ..the Newport wetlands, - Penclacwydd...
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- ..and Malltraeth on Anglesey...
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- ..they're anywhere - up to 100 acres in size.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- To give you an idea, these wetlands - would cover half of Anglesey.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- This is only a small part - of Lake Khanka.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- There are birds everywhere. It's - too good an opportunity to miss.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- I love wandering around the wetlands - to see the birds.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- Birds aren't the only creatures - on this lake.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- A very unique-looking creature - lives here.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- This is - the Chinese soft shell turtle.
0:04:55 > 0:05:02- These turtles usually live - in Asian and American lakes...
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- ..but it's found its way to Russia.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- For eight months of the year, - the lake is frozen...
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- ..and the turtle - hibernates under the ice.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- The turtle makes the most - of the summer sun...
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- ..but it has to take care - before it ventures out of the lake.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- The turtles are shy.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- They don't want to share the beach - when they're sunbathing.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- The largest turtle - chooses his territory first.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- This small turtle makes a mistake - as it ventures out of the water.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- The larger turtle is determined - to teach him a lesson.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- Finally, the large turtle is left - in peace to sunbathe on the beach.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- The lake is relatively shallow - - no more than four metres deep.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- It's renowned for the miles - of lotus flowers that grow on it.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- At the end of the summer, - as autumn grips the lake...
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- ..the green leaves - lose their colour...
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- ..whilst the seeds - have already been scattered.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- Wow! Look at these - incredible plants - the lotus.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- Right now, in the autumn, - with their broad leaves...
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- ..they look like creatures - from another planet.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31- They're at their best in the summer - when the beautiful flowers open up.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- Our wildlife camera crew - spent their summer on the lake...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- ..as it became a sea of colour.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- This is the largest collection of - lotus flowers in the whole of Asia.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- The landscape is beautiful - during the summer.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- The lake isn't always calm.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- When the wind picks up, - the waves create floods...
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- ..which destroy - the surrounding land.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- The strong winds - also force the birds to land.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- The floods create new pools - of water.
0:09:18 > 0:09:24- As the storm retreats, the soft - shell turtle explores the new pools.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- Hundreds of small fish - have been trapped in the pools.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- There's no escape. - It's heaven for the hungry turtle.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- But it has competition.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- The snakehead is also searching - for food in the shallow water.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- This fish can breathe outside water - and can slither out of the lake.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- The turtle has found enough fish - to keep it happy for a while.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- It only has a few months - before the lake freezes.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- It must eat as much as it can - as it prepares for winter.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- The snakehead also knows - winter is approaching.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- It must swim to deeper waters.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- When the storm passes, a thick - cloud of mist descends on the lake.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- During the summer, raccoon dogs - swim in the shallow pools...
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- ..but something else - has attracted this one to the lake.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- The turtles' hatching period - has started.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Raccoon dogs can smell - young turtles in the sand.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- Having found a nest, - the raccoon dog feasts on an egg.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- The floods - have destroyed many nests.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- When a baby turtle is born, - it heads straight for the water.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- The nest is located - far from the lake to avoid floods.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- It's a long journey - to reach the water safely.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Adult turtles - don't look after their young.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Larger turtles will eat them - at every opportunity.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- This little turtle flees quickly.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- The current helps its escape.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- It doesn't stay - in the shallow water for long.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41- It heads for deep water where it - can hide under the lotus leaves.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- The leaves provide camouflage - to fool any nearby predators.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- The little turtle - can enjoy the sunshine for now.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- The turtle's favourite food - is algae.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- There's plenty of it - under the water.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- The turtle - has good eyesight and smell.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- It can also breathe underwater.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- This allows it to find dead fish.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- On the other hand, snakeheads - love to eat live creatures.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- As the little turtle concentrates - on catching the fish...
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- ..it doesn't notice the nearby - threat and becomes an easy lunch.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- While I roam the water's edge - and the nearby land...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..I experience - the changeable weather.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- As the wind strengthens, - large waves form on the water.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- During the autumnal storms, you - won't find any insects on the lake.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- The wind is too strong for them.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- For a few days in the summer, - when the weather is perfect...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..when it's fine - and entirely calm...
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- ..millions of mayflies - appear at the same time...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- ..and create a mist - on the water's surface.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- Our wildlife camera crew spent - the summer months filming the lake.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- They managed to film one of Lake - Khanka's most incredible sights.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- As the sun sets, thousands - of insects rise above the water...
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- ..and create the illusion of - a snowstorm in the middle of summer.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Being surrounded by insects - isn't a nice experience...
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- ..but it's an incredible sight.
0:16:12 > 0:16:12- .
0:16:22 > 0:16:22- 888
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- 888- - 888
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- I'm moving ahead on my journey - through Russia's Far East.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- I'm approaching Ussuriland - near the Amur river.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- Travelling here in the autumn and - seeing all the colours around me...
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- ..it's hard to believe that winters - here are as harsh as Siberia's.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- The beautiful colours hide - a fierce and graceful creature...
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- ..which roams the forest.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- This is the Amur tiger.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- Animals must withstand freezing - temperatures to survive here.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- The Amur tiger, which is only found - in this part of Russia...
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- ..succeeds in doing so.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Our wildlife camera crew - filmed these tigers...
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- ..after spending a whole year - in Russia's Far East.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- This is the only tiger in the world - that survives so far north.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- Its size and strength ensures - that it's king of the forest.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- There are only 450 in the world...
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- ..with 300 of them in Ussuriland.
0:17:45 > 0:17:51- Weighing 200kgs, this young tiger - is heavier than a small horse.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Young tigers stay with their mother - until she mates.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- When the mother is ready to mate, - the young tigers stay away.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- The male tigers roam for miles...
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- ..and see many female tigers - on their journey.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- Even though the female tigers - expect a visit...
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- ..the timing of the male tigers - isn't always perfect.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- The female leaves - signs and smells...
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- ..to notify the male - that she is ready to mate.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- Even in the snow, - the male tiger can sense...
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- ..that the female - is ready to mate...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- ..by opening its mouth - and tasting the air.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- This female tiger - isn't ready to mate yet.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- The male will have to be patient.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- By now, I've reached - Ussuriysk Nature Reserve...
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- ..two hours from Vladivostok.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- Here, my tour leader, Mikhail, - and I meet Mikhail Maximov...
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- ..one of - the nature reserve's wardens.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Mikhail tells us that - this nature reserve is special...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- ..because 90% of the forests - contain Korean coniferous trees.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- They're a crucial part - of the wild boar's diet...
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- ..which is the Amur tiger's - primary source of food.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- This is the perfect habitat - for the tiger.
0:19:33 > 0:19:39- Mikhail has seen around 15 tigers - during his career, from a distance.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- On one occasion, - a young tiger attacked him.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- Tigers are usually shy creatures - that avoid confrontation.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- This young tiger was startled - and attacked Mikhail...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..taking a swipe at his back - before fleeing.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- The experience - will stay with Mikhail forever.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- I'm venturing into the forest...
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- ..but I'm unlikely to see a tiger - on the lowlands...
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- ..since it's too close to the road.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- I have seen evidence - of another creature, though.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- Russia is renowned for its bears, - especially the brown bear.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- Another bear lives in this area - - the Asian black bear.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- In this clearing behind me, - one hibernates every winter.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33- This species is as happy - in the trees as it is on the ground.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- The weather is very changeable - in this part of Russia.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- The taiga is very similar - to a rainforest.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- The rain doesn't bother - the Asian black bear.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- Unlike the brown bear, it eats - leaves and vegetables all year.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21- They must be able to climb skilfully - and escape from tigers.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- There's plenty of food - throughout the year.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- The tastiest leaves - are on the trees.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- The bears know where to search.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- This female black bear loves - eating leaves from the oak tree.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- Nearby, the younger bears climb. - They are only a few weeks old.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- Despite being young, they've learnt - the skill of climbing already.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- Just like little monkeys, - they can reach the very top.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- They know the highest branches - are the safest.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- As they play, the mother - keeps an eagle eye on them.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- These young bears have looked after - themselves over the summer.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- Just like the Ussuri badger, - they start preparing for winter.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- The bears have been filling - their bellies since early summer.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- They're now much heavier - three - times heavier in a matter of weeks.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- The play-fighting shows these - are young, inexperienced bears.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- The badger - has nothing to worry about.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36- The bears are too busy - making the most of the autumn sun.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10- Before long, the bears will prepare - nests of leaves and branches...
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- ..to keep them warm in winter.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- Once the snow arrives, they'll - hide in their holes in the forest.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- Tree trunks like this can be found - along the forest floor everywhere.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- They're an important habitat - for a wide variety of creatures.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- One of them is a snake - that is only found in this area.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- Unbeknown to this chipmunk...
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- ..it has strayed into the territory - of Russia's ratsnake.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- The chipmunk - is searching for food...
0:24:52 > 0:24:57- ..and often stores a pantry - of nuts and berries in the trees.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- Another chipmunk - has joined in the treasure hunt.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- In their hurry - to fill their bellies...
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- ..they don't sense - the nearby threat.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- This two-metre long ratsnake...
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- ..preys on birds, - mice and chipmunks.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Will it find its lunch today?
0:25:44 > 0:25:50- The chipmunks are fortunate that - this snake has no interest in them.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- It slithers to the riverbank - to find its prey.
0:25:55 > 0:25:55- .
0:26:06 > 0:26:06- 888
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- 888- - 888
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- I'm moving ahead on my journey - through Russia's Far East.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23- I'm on my way - to Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- The Amur river flows through - this part of Russia's Far East.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- It's one of Russia's longest rivers.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- It winds its way from Lake Baikal - all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56- Here, miles and miles of woodlands - provide the perfect habitat...
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- ..for a wide variety of wildlife.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09- During the autumn, - the woodlands are a sight to behold.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- The trees create - a sea of different colours.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Having reached - Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve...
0:27:32 > 0:27:37- ..I'm roaming along the stream - which flows through the woodland.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44- Wherever you see dozens of fish - together in a stream like this...
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- ..you'll find creatures - that take advantage of the feast.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- Grey herons and otters - are the main predators.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- In this area, a special kind of owl - preys on the fish.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05- This Blakiston's fish-owl chick - is two months old.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- It's waiting patiently to be fed...
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- ..12 metres above the river.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- OWL CALLS
0:28:17 > 0:28:22- Its parent's calls from nearby - alert it that food is on its way.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- It knows it will be fed tonight.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- Its parents - are fishing close to the nest.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44- It's an interesting, - as well as an educational, sight...
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- ..for the chick.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- Fortunately, there's a variety - of fish in the river.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- It can enjoy one fish for now.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- In one night, - this chick will eat up to ten fish.
0:29:15 > 0:29:20- Both parents will have to fish all - night to satisfy the young chick.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- The moonlight is just like sunlight.
0:29:29 > 0:29:35- It lights the valley - and wakes the chick's senses.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- Fish aren't the only prey - for the owl.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Toads are also part of its diet.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- Down at the water's edge, another - creature uses the moonlight to hunt.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- The raccoon dog loves roaming - the Ussuri woodlands...
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- ..and hunts toads skilfully.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- The muddy water or the owl's calls - doesn't bother it.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15- It has an amazing ability - to sense tadpoles from a distance.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- Some weeks later, the chick is - almost the same size as its parents.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- The tree trunk which has fallen - across the river is a safe haven.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- It's an ideal vantage point to keep - an eye on any fish that swim by.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- The water is deep and the current - is fast after heavy rain last night.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- It has to wait patiently - before starting to hunt.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- Further up, - in the nature reserve's woodlands...
0:31:57 > 0:32:02- ..I'm in the territory of a rare - creature which is only found here.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- Kedrovaya Pad's - most famous resident...
0:32:07 > 0:32:12- ..is the Amur leopard, - one of the world's rarest animals.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- Only 40 remain.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- It's been over-hunted - and it's lost its habitat.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- Here, at the nature reserve, - the combination of upland forests...
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- ..and rocky terrain is ideal for it.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- Even the animals - that live in the trees...
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- ..come out to witness - the leopard's rare visit.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- It's a nocturnal creature.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- Despite its ferocity, it's a shy - animal which only comes out to hunt.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- This leopard killed a deer - some nights ago.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- It's hidden it under a tree trunk.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- It will return to its prey - many times until it's eaten it all.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26- The flying squirrels can rely on - the vast pantry the trees provide.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- They shimmy up and down - the tree trunk at pace.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- After feeding, the leopard - disappears into the night...
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- ..as quickly as it arrived.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- I want to discover more - about the leopard...
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- ..one of Russia's - valuable treasures.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05- Mikhail and I are joined - by Irina, the reserve's warden.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- The reserve was formed - over 90 years ago.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Irina says the reserve is crucial - to the future of the leopard.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- She knows that at least - three female leopards live here...
0:34:19 > 0:34:24- ..along with one male leopard - which enjoys roaming the woodlands.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26- It's the king of Kedrovaya Pad.
0:34:26 > 0:34:32- She is both sad and excited - about the fact that very few remain.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- We may be the last generation - to see them.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- The numbers have stayed the same - over the past few years.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- President Putin has signed - a document to support a plan...
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- ..to safeguard the leopard's future.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- I sincerely hope the plan works.
0:35:01 > 0:35:01- .
0:35:12 > 0:35:12- 888
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- 888- - 888
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- After a long journey, I reach - Vityaz Bay near the Sea of Japan.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- It's part of the Pacific Ocean.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- This is a small seaside town.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Since the coastline - is so close to Korea...
0:35:35 > 0:35:40- ..everything looks so different - to the other areas I've visited.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- Well, here I am, after travelling - over high mountains...
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- ..and wide-open plains, - and through giant forests.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- I've crossed the world's - largest country...
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- ..and reached the Pacific Ocean.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- This coastline is as rich - in wildlife as the mainland.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- Our wildlife camera crew were here - at the start of the year...
0:36:25 > 0:36:30- ..when snow adorned the rocks and - the water was two degrees Celsius.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- The temperature doesn't bother - the Harlequin ducks.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39- They're waiting for high tide - when plankton will be washed ashore.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44- Some hours earlier, the largha seals - were relaxing on the rocks.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48- Now, they have to flee - to the colder waters.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07- In a few weeks' time, the water's - temperature will be increased...
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- ..by the Tsushima current.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- It will affect wildlife on the land - as well as in the depths.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43- The Sea of Japan's coastline - offers a wide variety of seaweed.
0:37:45 > 0:37:51- Eager to feed on the seaweed, the - ducks dive bravely into the depths.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03- The seaweed and common eelgrass grow - in the sheltered areas of the bay.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- They provide food and shelter - for many different creatures.
0:38:07 > 0:38:13- Sea snails, shrimps and fish enjoy - living in these underwater forests.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- These ducks eat the seaweed - on the water's surface...
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- ..before diving to search for more.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- They will soon leave the water - for a few weeks...
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- ..heading for the mountains to mate.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- The landscape around the coastline - looks very exotic.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- The underwater wildlife - is just as magical.
0:39:20 > 0:39:26- This is one of the richest seas in - Russia for fish and sea creatures.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- Fish, such as the Japanese fugu...
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- ..are swept along - by the Tsushima current.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- The fugu - is a relatively small fish...
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- ..but it defends itself - with a powerful poison.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42- Further down, a starfish is using - its suckers to search for food.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49- Within a few seconds, - the starfish is feasting.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- These seashells - have no chance of surviving.
0:41:02 > 0:41:08- The starfish poisons them before - sucking the remains from the shell.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- This soft-shell crab - looks for any remains.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- Millions of them - live in the shallow waters.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- They search for the remains - of other creatures.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- The soft coral acts - as a sieve for the nutritious water.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43- These mussels are flourishing - on the bottom of the Sea of Japan.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- The Tsushima also carries - some strange-looking fish.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- These creatures lay their eggs in - water that's packed with oxygen...
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- ..but flee - before the temperature drops.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- Sika deer have been reintroduced - in Ussuriland...
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- ..after they died out - following over-hunting.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- They've adapted perfectly - to life in the forest...
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- ..but they do venture out - from time to time.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- Sometimes, - they can be seen on the beaches.
0:42:45 > 0:42:50- After spending time in the woodlands - near the Sea of Japan...
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- ..the unusual whistles - of the Sika deer is an indication...
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- ..that it's time to move on - to the coastline.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03- WHISTLING
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- Every year, the sea attracts them - in their hundreds.
0:43:17 > 0:43:22- It's a slow journey. The deer stay - vigilant along their misty path.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- The sound of the sea - draws them down to the beach.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- Here, the deer will feed - on the seaweed.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42- It's a healthy meal for them. - It provides the salt they require.
0:43:45 > 0:43:49- Sea salt also forces the deer - to lick their fur clean.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- As the deer feast on the seaweed...
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- ..they haven't realized that - there could be danger on the beach.
0:44:09 > 0:44:14- An Amur tiger also likes - to roam the coastline...
0:44:14 > 0:44:17- ..especially if - a herd of deer is nearby.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20- Some of the deer - have remained vigilant...
0:44:20 > 0:44:24- ..and warn the others - about the approaching predator.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- This tiger didn't finish - last night's feast.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- It has returned to its prey.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- The tiger usually hunts - during the night...
0:44:48 > 0:44:51- ..killing black bears, - badgers and raccoon dogs...
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- ..but it will also find deer - along the coastline...
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- ..and it's too good - an opportunity to miss.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- This tiger has eaten enough. Very - little meat remains on the carcass.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- But it doesn't want to give - the ravens an easy meal.
0:45:40 > 0:45:45- As soon as the tiger's back - is turned, the birds attack...
0:45:45 > 0:45:47- ..but the tiger isn't happy.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- Finally, the birds - are left in peace to eat.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- The tiger heads for the woodland.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34- However, the ravens - have competition - a sea eagle.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- They'll have to share their supper.
0:47:07 > 0:47:11- I reach the end of my journey - in Russia's Far East...
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- ..in wonderful Ussuriland.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25- Of all the places - I've visited in Russia...
0:47:25 > 0:47:28- ..Ussuriland has been - the biggest eye-opener.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- Not because - it's very different to Wales...
0:47:31 > 0:47:34- ..but because it's so similar.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- Large areas of land - are covered by trees.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41- It's similar to the way Wales was - 4,000 years ago...
0:47:41 > 0:47:44- ..before we started to fell trees.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48- Some of the animals that lived - in Wales still live here...
0:47:49 > 0:47:51- ..the lynx, the bear - and the wild boar.
0:47:52 > 0:47:54- And here, of course, the tiger too.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57- I'm so glad I visited - in the autumn...
0:47:57 > 0:47:59- ..when the trees are at their best.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04- The leaves have turned - gold, yellow, orange and red.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08- Now that I've reached - the Pacific Ocean...
0:48:08 > 0:48:11- ..you'd think my journey was over, - but it's not.
0:48:11 > 0:48:16- There's one more journey - - across the water to Kamchatka...
0:48:16 > 0:48:18- ..the land of volcanoes.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:49:10 > 0:49:10- .