Episode
Natural World: The Elephant, The Emperor and Butterfly Tree
Overview
A startling look at the two most destructive animals in South Africa and how their habits are a story of life, death and cooperation. The elephant, the Emperor Moth and the Mopane tree form the backbone of life on the African plains. This delicate ecological triangle determines the livelihood of all the other creatures in its system. The Mopane tree is under attack from rampaging elephants, but even more damaging is the Mopane worm, the caterpillar of the beautiful Emperor Moth. They gather in hoards and strip the trees of their leaves in minutes. But the worms are food for a host of animals - even humans - and the trees are home to a number of unpleasant creatures. What holds the delicate balance in check?
Details
- Series
- Natural World
- Season
- Season 21
- Episode
- Episode 14
- Air date
- 2003-03-02
Episode context
The Elephant, The Emperor and Butterfly Tree is Episode 14 in Season 21 of Natural World. It aired on 2003-03-02.
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