The Pulse of the Planet

Equipped with the latest transmitter technology and a passion for adventure, he dives into the world of animals: How is climate change affecting the behavior and habitat of animals? What role do they play in the spread of disease or as a key species in our food chain? How can we use the animal behavior to predict natural disasters? We accompany Wikelski and his research colleagues around the world as they develop and use their ever shrinking, increasingly powerful transmitter systems. With the help of these mini computers they manage to analyze not only the group behavior of animals in real time but also track their individual decisions. While doing this they can also monitor either the animals’ immune or cardiovascular systems. Through the latest technological advances, we get new, unusual insights into the world of animals. After all, many animals still present great mysteries: How do kites cross the ocean without thermal currents? Why is the social behavior of monkeys so crucial to their survival? How can tiny butterflies cross mountains which are over 3000 meters high and travel a distance of over 2500 kilometers?

Broadcast date:Teil 1: 07.02.2014 um 21:40 Uhr; Teil 2: 14.02.2014 um 21:40 Uhr auf arte
Length:52'
Written and directed by:Sonja Hachenberger
Production:Ulrike Römhild
Line producer:Anke Meyer
Producer:Luise Wagner
Executive producer:Hartmut Klenke
Filming location:Deutschland, Italien, Kenia, Portugal